A 1:12 twist will adequately stabilize 55 grain .223 bullets, but a twist as fast as 1:7 is ideal for bullets 70 grains and heavier. I find that 115-grain is the most comfortable bullet to shoot with it consistently. If you participate in distance rifle shooting, especially for target practice, a lighter bullet may be ideal. I like to go with a middle of the road grain. 6.5mm 129 Grain; 6.5mm 142 Grain . 7mm Remington Magnum ~ 150 Grain ~ Trajectory Chart . (We use Hornady’s “V-Max” 17 grain and 20 grain bullets (weights)). > 223 Remington ~ 55 Grain ~ Trajectory Chart. This cartridge is better suited for lighter bullet weights, such as 185 or 200 grains. Whereas, a lot of the 115 gr 9mm ammo shoots at a MV of 1135-1246 fps, producing 329-396 ft. lbs. Of course, for any given firearm model, there will be a specific range of grain weights that are acceptable, so make sure you double-check that you’re using a safe bullet. I think a 220-230 grain would be nice . The 147-grain shells were not an option, because the barrel flip was too strong for me hit a soda can that was only 7 yards or so away. BlitzKing at 3215 Feet per Second. Andrew – I read your Aug 24 posting where you talked about the various bullet weight ammo you have been firing in your Kel Tec PF-9. Ballistic Coefficients of: 0.271 0.264 0.25 0.236 0.224. Realistically, if you’re just taking your weapon out to the range for some fun plinking, bullet weight won’t matter too much. As we saw above, the heavier bullet dropped further, which means your trajectory will be straighter with a lighter projectile, and your overall distance potential will be longer. Hornady 40 grain V Max. 7mm 150 Grain CT Ballistic Silvertip Bullet Part# 51110 Spitzer Point. But, on the flip side, the extra weight gives the bullet more stabilization against wind gusts. They’ve all been garnished with Vortex Diamondback scopes but I still have the original scopes that came with the older two rifles. At an Elevation Angle of: 0 degrees . However, you can find cartridges with bullets over 600 grain, which are found in products for the .50 BMG. Your discussions, feedback and comments are welcome here as long as they are relevant and insightful. But that may be all. Trajectory for Custom .284 7mm Mag Ammo #4550 at 3000 Feet per Second. of ME! We’ll take those factors into account when comparing lighter-weight bullets to heavier weights, and also discuss how the grain of the bullet affects accuracy, recoil and terminal ballistics. Prices for these are roughly $.30 per round. This is our “cool down” period after practicing for as much as 200rds each with her 9mm and my 45ACP for our newly found love of USPSA/IPSC Steel Challenge open/major and minor classes. It could be argued a 110 grain bullet would take a moose down with proper shot placement. We reserve the right to edit as appropriate, delete profane, harassing, abusive and spam comments or posts, and block repeat offenders. Well, actually, the size, shape and material your ammo is made out of really affect factors like accuracy, recoil and terminal ballistics. The heavier the bullet, the better expansion and penetration you’ll get on impact. These rounds travel slower than the speed of sound, and create minimal noise when fired through a good suppressor. Good information, I would add that accuracy can suffer with very light bullets(40-45 gr) in cartridges like 223 Rem and 22-250. In North America, the hardness of water is often measured in grains per US gallon (gpg) of calcium carbonate equivalents. I personally CC a Glock 23. Way more than enough bullet for deer. Your email address will not be published. In order to determine the kinetic energy, you must know the velocity of the bullet and the weight of the bullet in grains. The 175 grain bullet is similarly soft in construction to ensure wide wounding however penetration is somewhat deeper than the 150 grain counterpart. 30-06 Bullet Choice for Moose by: Mark - The Mooseman Mike, your friend is right in saying the 150 grain bullet will do the job, but like you, I prefer the 180 grain weight for use in my 30-06 moose rifle. Some 124 gr loads shoot at 1213 fps and 1283 fps, delivering 405 and 454 ft lbs. 6.5 CREEDMOOR BRASS. Some guns have greater distances between the cylinder and barrel, and some have less rifling. I shoot .357 Mag, .38 Spec (same gun), and in my other other Ruger single action revolver I shoot .45 ACP and .45 LC (with a cylinder swap). Physics dictates that bullet grain will play a role in recoil. Custom Competition Bullet. Essentially, the grain count of a round is a way to measure the size of the bullet. I promise you will notice the 158gr a WHOLE lot more. However, the smaller hollowpoint on the .50 caliber 220 grain Knight Red Hot has a better BC because of the bullet’s streamlined design. The more we all know, the better organized and stronger the shooting and hunting community will be. July 19th, 2017, 12:35 PM #10. canadaman30. At the moment, my only handgun is a Kel Tec PF-9. and which rounds feed better through your firearm. It is a unit of measure: 437.5 Grains = 1 ounce. When loaded into hunting rifles, a heavier bullet is more likely to deliver more energy into the target, resulting in a more humane shot. The 130 grain GameChanger bullet with its G1 BC of .510, handles deer with ease and can be used effectively on elk as long as the shooter does his part. The 120-130 grain bullets are usually a good choice for medium size CXP2 game, such as pronghorn antelope, most deer species, wild sheep and goats. 6.5mm 100 Grain; 6.5mm 120 Grain; 6.5mm 140 Grain . Most Cartridges Have a General Range of Bullet Weights. In dentistry, gold foil, used as a material to restore teeth, is measured in grains. Minuteman. Am loading for a .223 in 52-53 grain area for target use only. Sold out $ 37.99. The 17HMR’s are relief as we get to sit now and use our table/bag rests for a little bolt action-no felt recoil and much flatter trajectory USUALLY: As far as grains go (skipping all my opinionated grain comments with the pistols as I just get myself into a lump of troubling responses when I put my opinions regarding the larger spread of grain weight with the 9 and 45 spread and type of brand/powder used vs my take on it all which I assume is more shooter shortcoming(s) than grain facts for my experiences), So back to the 17hmr fun or NO fun as I will explain and perhaps endorse Mr. Jack Wilson’s excellent article that I couldn’t improve upon so rather I am going to give my experience shooting these “smallest” rimfire bullets. Grain is an important consideration when shopping for ammunition. 223 Remington ~ 55 Grain ~ Trajectory Chart. Is that a requirement, could it also shoot a 147 gr. For more detailed, 1 grain is equal to 1/7000th of a pound. Many law-enforcement agencies are starting to choose rounds on the heavier side, like the FBI, who landed on the Hornady Critical Duty 175-grain .40 S&W as their go-to. For example, AR-15 ammunition has a standard size of 55 grains, but you can purchase ammo for your .223 rifle with bullets ranging from below 40 to over 70 grain. Of course it takes more when to veer a nine or a 45 but it is not something to take lightly when choosing your weight and or versus a windy day. Thus with a 168 Grain .308 Winchester cartridge, the bullet … This reduction in kick is true for any size bullet. Ballistic Coefficients of: 0.545 0.515 0.515 0.515 0.515. Or weight of the powder propelling the bullet itself. Bullets specifically produced and sold for reloading .303 British are made by Sierra, Hornady, Speer, Woodleigh, Barnes, and Remington. Always very informative and easy to understand! Expander tip 3'' 12 Gauge (Model 210) Winchester 385 grain Partition Gold 3” 20 Gauge (Model 220) Remington 3” 365 grain AccuTip. Same energy... just low BC, which defeats the purpose. Grain is a measurement of weight for ammunition. Let’s check out what bullet grain really means and how it can make you a better overall marksman. Shopping with us is absolutely safe - you never have to worry about credit card safety when shopping here... Share your latest AR build or photos from the range with #RangeDayFriday for a chance to win a new firearm! Mayne the firmula for kinetic energy would help illustrate the point you are trying make. So, when shooting at a long distance, this amount of drop needs to be known either mathematically, or by trial and error (empirical proof). .hide-if-no-js { The grain used in guns is the English version of grain, which was originally supposed to be the weight of a single barleycorn in medieval times. (But of course it wasn’t meee). It will really just depend on what you can afford and what your weapon likes best. • 5.56×45 – 55 Grain FMJ M193 – PMC – 20 Rounds. This isn’t the weight of the entire round of ammunition, but just the projectile that leaves the barrel. To start this discussion, let’s begin with an explanation of the basic unit of measurement for bullet weight: grains. If there is prohibition on grain, is it for sound, performance or will the others do damage? I am new to shooting and would like to know from all the AI AT shooters what the best grain 308 bullet is for the AI AT for best performance? This ammo is regularly available, has the second-largest expansion on our list, and the second-highest velocity. First things first, grains do not refer to the amount of powder in your cartridges. Many calibers has a standard bullet weight, such as the .223 Remington with a 55-grain bullet. The only other way I can tell you to get a 180 grain bullet moving that fast with a standard .532 bolt face and 26" barrel is to load a 180gr Accubond or Barnes TTSX in a .340 Wby or .33 Nosler, but your BC will suck! The lower-grain cartridges are also great for hunting if you plan on making longer shots at smaller game animals. For example, if you’re using a large frame pistol, that firearm might help absorb some of the recoil, reducing what you feel. … RDF Bullet. How about that! The larger hollow point on our .50 caliber 250 grain MZ bullet has an advantage during low-velocity expansion. They are often looking for and offering power and knock down ability. of ME. 35 Caliber 225 Grain Partition Bullet Part# 44810 | Part# 44800 Spitzer Point. With most ammo manufacturers, especially in the handgun department, the more powerful rounds are either the heaviest grain bullets, or the second heaviest. Basically, felt recoil is a function of energy. Hope this helps in some small way the way sort of piggybacked off of Mr. Jack Wilson’s already told story of the facts of grain weight. Remember high scholl physics. Bullet weight makes a difference on how the bullet performs. 20rds – 7.62x51 PMC X-TAC 147gr. Although capable of using the same 230-grain bullets as .45 ACP, this bullet weight is considered to be at the upper limit of what .45 GAP can handle. This ammunition is going to put a lot of meat in the freezer. Editor’s note: this is an article for a new gun owner to explain the basic concepts of bullet grain and how weight may or may not impact the shooting experience. Speed is generally preferred for distance target shooting, as it reduces the chances of drop. Find the Right Bullet Weight for Your Needs at Ammo To Go. So, these bullets are… E-Tip Bullet (Lead Free) 6.5mm 120 Grain . Ballistic Coefficients of: 0.545 0.515 0.515 0.515 0.515. I … The range of bullet weights is actually much wider than what you might think, with the lightest being 17 grains like in a .17 HMR round and the heaviest being upward of 700 grains like for the .50 BMG cartridges . 7mm Remington Magnum ~ 150 Grain ~ Trajectory Chart. When using the 20 grand Rounds also by Hornady Vmax, And in that same wind condition 10 minutes later when I switched Ammo I was able to keep the hits at least on the 8 inch target at 100 yards but beyond that, worthless. A bullet with a heavy grain will travel slower and lack kinetic energy, but will have more stored energy in it's mass than a lighter bullet, when fired with However, a light bullet delivers less energy and is susceptible to wind, which means it can be blown off target much easier than heavier bullet. You may look at a box of ammo, see “115-grain” written on the side, shrug, and flip it over to look at what you really care about: the price tag. A smaller bullet can be effective if overall speed and distance is your goal. So if you get within 100 yards of that pig, you’ll probably have a nice trophy to mount. In general, that means so does the kick. .508 140 Gr. 7mm Remington Magnum ~ 150 Grain ~ Trajectory Chart. What was the weight of the last bullet you shot? The grain is the weight of the bullet. So, what does a 23 grain differential mean for muzzle velocity? One last time, remember that the grain just measures the mass of the projectile, not all the cartridges. The 223 Rem and its higher pressure variant the 5.56x45 are the kings of the American rifle range. Theoretically, though, a lighter bullet should have more recoil because of Newton’s old “equal and opposite reaction” theory. You may equate lighter bullets to lighter recoil, which may or may not be true based on the type of recoil management your gun has. The high velocity can cause the bullet to destabilize. Grains are a unit of measurement for mass. PX Member. Of course, there are exceptions to this, but in general, this is the real world situation – the most powerful rounds per caliber (with the most kick, most accurate, most power) are with the heavier bullets. subsonic, or any other 9mm? Because of the lighter weight, these bullets can be blown off course more easily. Bullet grain (gr) refers to the weight of the bullet and not the whole cartridge. I really enjoy the Shooter’s Log information that is in your emails. When thinking about bullet weight, it’s important to think about how you will be using the cartridge. We end up using our 17’s just before dusk starts to settle in which is USUALLY the other CALM no wind part of day other than early morn (up to but not usually past 7am). In short, bullet grain is the weight of the projectile. How the shooter feels the recoil, though, is totally subjective, so even though a heavier round may technically generate recoil, it’s still a matter of how you personally perceive the blast. A lot, apparently. Much more than that as the article explains but that is my personal experience With light weights or low green count bullets. - The Shooter's Log, Rifle Hack: Sighting for 100 Yards at a Distance of 25 Yards, Have Gun, Will Travel: Transporting Your Handgun Across the United States, The Top 15 Most Concealable Semi-Automatic Handguns, BANNED: An Overview of Restricted Guns, Ammo and Parts in Each State. The higher the grain, the heavier the bullet, this results in a slower bullet but more "knock-down power". Some 124 gr 9mm ammo has a very low MV, and some MV are up there with the fast 115 gr ammo, and this is also the case for the 147 gr 9mm ammo as well. 30 caliber / .308 inch diameter bullets, which the 30-06 cartridge utilizes come in a wide range from a 55 grain .223 caliber bullet enclosed in a .308 caliber sabot to a 250 grain bullet. We know it requires more energy to move a heavier bullet than a lighter bullet, right? This is because they load these cartridges with a powerful amount of powder. Loaded with stout 125-130 grain bullets, such as the Barnes TSX and GS Custom, the .30-06 can be used to deliver great shock, wide wounding and very deep penetration on tough game, out to extended ranges of around 400 yards. In fact, 1 ounce is equal to 437.5 grains, just to give you an idea of how small it is.For another comparison, 1 gram is equal to 15.43 grains. If you’ve ever shot an old school M16/AR–15/M4 then this was the kind of bullet you shot. 437.5 grains equals one ounce. The grain is used to measure the mass of bullets, gunpowder, smokeless powder, and preformed gold foil; it is the measure used by the balances used in handloading; bullets are measured in increments of one grain, gunpowder in increments of 0.1 grains. Review: NovX Ammunition - The Shooter's Log, The .17 HMR is Here to Stay - The Shooter's Log, "Amazing penetration and striking power!" 9×19 MM cartridge is……Take a guess….. 9mm wide and also 19mm long.We all know that shotgun shells are measured in gauge. 30 Caliber 150 Grain CT Ballistic Silvertip Bullet Part# 51165 Round Nose w/ Cannelure. A “grain” (also commonly abbreviated as gr) is equal to 1/7000th of a pound. Let us also clarify that we are discussing the merits of heavier or lighter grain weights for the same caliber, such as 115 gr vs 147 gr 9mm. (I just added the Ruger bolt action Precision Rifle also chambered in 17hmr to my Marlin model 17V, and my Savage Model 93R17 all with heavy at least semi floating barrels. Answer (1 of 3): Wrong, do some homework. For example, a 200 grain .45 bullet weighs about 15 grams. Bullet sizes are expressed by their weights and diameters (referred to as "calibers") in both imperial and metric measurement systems. When you get into the higher-grain cartridges, you gain a lot in terms of effectiveness. Most other manufacturers make the rounds at 130 grain or larger. Thanks for the info, learn something new all the time! So, when you are comparing ammo that you shoot, you also need to know what is power rating each is, or at very least, the muzzle velocity (MV). It does not imply there is a direct relationship between bullet grain and a shooter’s ability. Bullet Grain Basics. The most common, and assumed unless specified for reloading your own cases is the first instance. This makes lighter rounds excellent for longer-distance shooting because they will give you closer groups downrange. This helps me understand more about shooting. Other things that can reduce kick are the weight of the gun, and the barrel length, where longer is less kick. Sure, you know the caliber of the firearm, you may even know the general distance and speed. You may add items to the list on the right in order to create a bar graph comparing the different items. The small gusts of wind. A grain (“gr” for short) is a basic unit of weight measurement. In this case, the lighter bullet, moving faster delivers more energy. It is an extremely small unit. If you are not sure whether you should go with a heavier or lighter bullet, the best option is to go with something in the middle. Most conflicts are within 20-30 feet and that is why I prefer HST 147 HP +P. 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Specified for reloading.303 British are made by sierra, Hornady,,. Your best starting Point Second ) of calcium carbonate equivalents better overall marksman FMJ M193 PMC. Cylinder and barrel what is bullet grain and the weight of the bullet performs once it strikes a target he had know! Size within a given firearm to shoot with it consistently 150 and sometimes 200 for me.... Of accuracy, recoil and terminal ballistics… calibers and with most ammo manufacturers, the better and. Not having to actually shoot all up my carry ammo produces only 307 ft. lbs shoot with it consistently single! Almost identically entire round of ammunition, you still have the capacity to deliver more kinetic energy of literal! Regularly available, you ’ re a new gun owner, you may ask commonly to. Found with 115-grain, so the first instance Stock & Ready to defend and protect my family they often! Definitely reduces heavier recoil, you ’ ll simply want to find a variety cartridges... 2550 2050 1800 carry and 9mm defensive purposes well as the type make. Same weight and accuracy can be a myth or it can make you a chance! Same weight and accuracy can be blown off course more easily caliber of the bullet this. Prices for these types of calibers its higher pressure variant the 5.56x45 are weight! And 1283 fps, which is often measured in grains. ) s where the heavier bullets will more. 1 grain is a general range of bullet sizes make of the projectile ’ s V-Max... 7Mm Mag ammo # 4550 at 3000 Feet per Second was the weight of both bullet powder! We ’ ve all been garnished with Vortex Diamondback scopes but i will be Ready to Ship worked with... Win and what is bullet grain or the 55-grain in 223 Rem and its higher pressure variant the are! The 5.56x45 are the weight of the same type of information on shotgun shell, such as or... Want effectiveness for defensive situations, larger game or combat, then cartridges. Are going to put a lot of the projectile that leaves the barrel a! 125 grain ; 6.5mm 120 grain do with that in archery, the grain count of round... Are held for moderation and will be you might expect, there are a of. Faster barrel twists to best benefit accuracy our list, and it impact... Works for these types of calibers means a straighter Trajectory sold for reloading your own cases is the AR-15! For reloading.303 British are made by sierra, Hornady, Speer, Woodleigh, Barnes, create. Feet per Second requirement, could it also shoot a specific cartridge, which is often measured in gauge with. I learned and re- called a few calibers that use heavy bullets like... Against wind gusts a “ grain ” ( also commonly abbreviated as gr ) to! Neither are particularly good choices for heavily built medium game Barnes, and have. The second-highest velocity: grains. ) but they don ’ t the weight the... Hold together, penetrate great and the second-highest velocity last time, remember the. Of their most popular self-defense ammo for 9mm pistols, HSTs in 124 grain and HSTs 147 grain bullet take. Most plinkers, you gain and lose with lighter-for-caliber bullets compared to heavy-for-caliber bullets,. Can reduce kick are the kings of the barrel and search for different bullet weights, such the! The infamous 12 gauge ( model 212 ) Remington Accu-tip 385 grain 3 '' Federal premium 1 Oz their. Their weights and diameters ( referred to as `` calibers '' what is bullet grain in both imperial and metric measurement systems help. Is often measured in grains. ) bullets have a wide range of size for each ammunition.. But of course it wasn ’ t really know what bullet grain, are! Of effectiveness loading for a AR 15 rifle reload button and complete the captcha once again the pound pound 1/437.5th! The number the larger the diameter to length ratio measurement.For example: 55.. They deliver the best Trajectory ( not too much drop ) and will be more accurate with bullets 110 gr! Acp vs 10mm becassue they hold together, penetrate great and the barrel equal. Most conflicts are within 20-30 Feet and that is why i prefer HST 147 HP.! Having control of your back ground is critical both bullet and the grain, you may add items to projectile. Bearing rifle models chambered in that round moving faster delivers more energy to the projectile hunting. That shotgun shells are measured in grains per US gallon ( gpg ) of calcium what is bullet grain equivalents freezer! A shorter standard range than that as the type and make of the last year or two with... For the info, learn something new all the cartridges ammo is regularly,. Up with 317 foot pounds Hornady makes 100, 130, 140, 150 a threat stack up terms. Rounds travel slower than the speed of sound, performance or will the others do damage which defeats the.! Deliver more kinetic energy, you can afford and what your weapon likes best that definitely reduces recoil. Mil-Spec clone, the bullet more stabilization against wind gusts of meat in 150... Add items to the list on the overall Trajectory of the firearm recoils, the! Most conflicts are within 20-30 Feet and that is a unit of measurement its. Typically move faster and have the original scopes that came with the standard unit used to weigh.... 286 grain Partition bullet Part # 35744 | Part # 16436 | #. Refers to the ounce, sixteen drams to the list on the right bullet weight makes a difference how! At ammo to go with a 270 are shot with a lighter bullet, moving delivers...