Shield- Accurate bullet weight?

[Houser52]

I know the Shield is not marketed as a target pistol but we all want to be as accurate as we can be with the gun that we use.

For you guys that have shot your Shield with various bullet weights, which one was the most accurate for you, 115, 124 or 147 grain bullet?

I'm more interested in plinking bullet weights and not defense ammunition.

Thanks

 

[Houser52]

Crickets.....

I should have ask what color of shorts to wear while open carrying in Walmart. Then I would have pages of responses.

 

[H Richard]

I would like the same information. I recently obtained a shield, and find it handles very well, good trigger, nice weight, fits my hand great. But, after 250-300 rounds and 3 different brands and bullet weights as well as my handloads it doesn't shoot much better than about 4 1/2 - 5" at about 12 yards. Yesterday I shot side by side comparisons with my RIA compact 1911, which shot about a 1 1/2 - 2" group with either my handloads (cast bullet 124 gr.) or a couple of other 124 gr. factory loads.

Is the Shield possibly one of those guns that just can't be expected to group any better? Is there any hope for it?

 

[Oldgoat03]

Houser52

To be honest I have found my Shields (9 and 40) acceptably accurate with all bullet weights. I have shot factory ammo with good results but I reload nearly all my practice ammo. I find that at my SD practice distances (inside 20') the Shields are remarkably accurate with everything I feed them. In 9mm I tend to shoot mostly 124gr.

Not sure if this really helps with your question but it is my experience.
OG03

 

[dtm_oskar]

I see the major issue with accuracy in these guys to be the heavy trigger, has anyone shot one out of a machine rest?

I've heard with the shorter barrel the heavier bullet will reach a higher velocity, which makes sense but velocity=/=accuracy.

 

[Houser52]

Thanks for your responses.
Like you I also have been loading all of my practice rounds. I've mainly used Bayou 124gr. coated lead (Very nice bullets) and they have been fairly accurate out to 15 yards, 3"-4". The only powders I've tried have been the new CFE and W231 but I have a couple more in the cabinet that I want to try. I also have some 147 gr. Montana Gold jacketed bullets that I'd like to try but I was saving them just in case I decide to get back into IDPA one day.

I keep thinking there's that one magic bullet/powder combination that will give me acceptable groups out to 20-25 yards, not that the Shield is made for that but I'd like to be able to do it if I want to.

 

[H Richard]

I would be very happy with 3-4" groups. The trigger in mine is smooth and not very heavy, I haven't measured it but est. 5-6 lbs. I have trouble even keeping it inside 5-6".

 

[traderdell]

We have two both with factory loads of 115, various makers. Accuracy for me is 6" or so, my wife's is 2-3". I think the triggers are pretty much identical but don't have a trigger gauge. I guess it's the shorter:-/

 

[Houser52]

Thanks guys.

I just measured the pull on mine with the RCBS Premium Trigger Pull Scale and it is breaking at 7#. Checked it 3 times, all the same.

 

[badge]

I've seen them shoot every weight well,....... the sub sonic 147's surprised me the most.

 

[Houser52]

I've seen them shoot every weight well,....... the sub sonic 147's surprised me the most.

You might be on to something with those 147 gr bullets.

I didn't get home from work until late but loaded a few 147gr Montana Gold just to test before dark.

First, I loaded a couple with 3.3 grs of W231. Shooting at 25 yards, 1st shot at the half size steel popper was dead center. Second shot was just a little low but it did not lock the slide back.

I then loaded 2 more at 3.5grs of W231. Both shots were well centered and the slide locked back on the last shot.

It was getting dark so I had to quit. I know 2 rounds is not a very good test but it was a good place to start. That will give me something to play with this weekend when I have more time during daylight. I'll be able to chrono them and shoot from the bench too.

 

[H Richard]

That gives me an idea, I have a box of 147 gr cast I've never loaded. 3.5 gr 231 seems very logical for a not too hot a load.

 

[TDC]

I cast and reload for many calibers.

For my 9mm Shield I was surprised to find a .358 cal Lee 105gr SWC sized down to .356 was easily the most accurate bullet of all the weights I've tried. It's the only bullet that consistently provides very tight groups with a variety of powder types and charges.

It's the same story in my XDs 9mm... and it seems many other hand-loaders are experiencing the same accuracy result.

If you have the option some of you may want to try a lighter lead bullet, especially for plinking use....

Just sayin'

 

[ken158]

My shield shoots anything but the heavier the better. It's not a target gun but I can hit the range gongs out to 75 yards easy enough but my APEX kit helps....

 

[Houser52]

I experimented with the 147gr MG again today using Titegroup powder. The best accuracy was with 3.2 grains and 1.140" OAL. It averaged 805 fps, ES 31 and SD 11 out of the Shield. It was accurate and I was able to hit a 1/2 size steel popper at 60 yards 3 out of 5 times.

Ken- my trigger measures 7# with my scale. I'd like to have an Apex trigger but since it's my carry gun I want to keep it stock just in case I ever have to use it in a defensive situation, maybe less legal troubles.