Powder burn rates, PF and recoil

[hdwhit]

Also, am I correct in understanding that a slower burning powder will create less perceived recoil compared to a fast burn?

Perceived recoil is just that; how an individual experiences the sensation. There are posts above that seems to suggest that some people feel fore recoil from slow burning powders and other that feel more from fast burning powders. I'm afraid you're just going to have to experiment.

Going by the Hodgdon burn rate chart (404 Not Found Rates) the three powders you mentioned (HP-38, HS-6 & Unique) occupy the 28, 42 and 31 slots, respectively, so you may not find much difference.

 

[OKFC05]

am I correct in understanding that a slower burning powder will create less perceived recoil compared to a fast burn?

No that is backwards. The additional amount of powder burned produces more recoil. This is fact, not a theory, and can be calculated.
Recoil Calculator

You are wasting your time reinventing loads that are used all the time by hundreds of competitors. Try the Brian Enos website for starters.
For example, the most popular powder used at the IDPA nationals was Titegroup. Most non-competitor shooters posting on this site use slower powders, and some even shun titegroup out of fear of making a mistake with an overload.

 

[fltbed]

On the other end of the scale, I have a .38 super 1911. 6" barrel that I run mostly 147gr TC out of over 3.3gr of bullseye. The slide movement itself seems to give more recoil then the load. It runs right at 1000fps, which IS major PF. And it does this while throwing 1" groups @ 25yds!!!!

Ahh, that's not major power factor, (bullet wt in grains X velocity \ 1000) that would only be 147 PF. In order to make major (165 PF) you would need to get that bullet moving at least 1123 f.p.s.

To the OP:
What is your 40 gun? Most of us using a 2011 style pistol are loading our 40's long (around 1.200) to enhance feeding and reduce pressures. It also changes the load data and allows you to use the faster powders safely. Yes, it is a minor improvement, but the faster powders recoil softer.

For me, I really love VV N320 but I just can't justify the cost so I use WST in all my USPSA ammo and buy it in the 8lb keg.

As for bullet weight, try loading up some ammo in each weight to the same PF. Now go out to the range and set up some stages and shoot them with the different ammo using a timer. Your scores will tell you what you and your gun like.
For me, I prefer:
9mm = 135-147 gr.
40 = 180-200 gr.
45acp = 200 gr.

Hope this helps.

Jeff

 

[Forrest r]

Without making a comment on powders, everyone has their favorite spotted puppy. I would rather put a couple things out there about bullets.

While cost is a factor, what you're buying will vastly affect your end product.meaning:

PF is a main concern ssooooooo, plated bullets are about the worst choice you can make. You might consider looking at coated bullets instead. They are around the same $$$ but the real payoff is the difference in the velocity of the bullet.

Typically you get 40fps/50fps more velocity from a coated bullet than a plated bullet when using the same load.
Same load & move velocity ='s higher pf
The other thing about coated bullets is that they are made from a harder alloy (hard alloy center) and tend to hold up better to reloading than the soft swaged plated bullets.

Anyway more velocity from the same bullet weight/load combo/recoil.

Just something to think about.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
For your 45 acp.
I use 5 gr of Bullseye.
WW2 spec load for 45acp and 230gr fmj.[830 + - 20]
200gr will give orginal JMB [ 200gr at 900]
180gr will be a light target load[I use in revolver]

 

[rwsmith]

I have no info but try this with 9mm..

Somebody suggested this combo to me, I tried it and was really impressed with the light recoil. 147 grain 9mm bullet with as light a charge of Acc #7 as can meet your power factor. This worked like a champ for me and I wonder if it would translate to the .40 and .45?

 

[fredj338]

Somebody suggested this combo to me, I tried it and was really impressed with the light recoil. 147 grain 9mm bullet with as light a charge of Acc #7 as can meet your power factor. This worked like a champ for me and I wonder if it would translate to the .40 and .45?

AA#7 is pretty slow, so not sure a "light" charge would burn really well, but maybe with 147. I still find faster powders with heavier bullets to give the softest recoil impulse. Many that shoot competitively agree.