45ACP SD ammo size

[tkane]

Hi -

I'm using Federal Premium Hydra-Shok JHP 230g ammo for SD. I saw that they also make a 165g round and was wondering if, in some way, the 165g could be better (maybe more accurate) than the 230g.

I've shot my 230g and was able to get a good group for never having shot the gun. I know when I shoot 9mm my groups are pretty good so my thought is a lighter bullet gives me a better group and a 45 165g is still a lot of lead going down range. Am I on the right track?

TIA

[vafish]

The 165 Gr .45 ACP Hydrashok is part of their Personal Defense line.

They are a lower recoil bullet. In the .45 it's done by using a lighter bullet.

They function fine out of my Glock 36. But in the Hydrashok I would prefer the 230 gr weight.

[tkane]

Thanks for the feedback. I also ended up on Federal's site and found the ballistics on the two. The 230g, not surprisingly, has more ME and E downrange.

I may try some 165's just to see if they affect my accuracy.

[Tomcat088]

I personally think that even a 185 grain bullet is almost too light. I personally like the benefit of being able to shoot a heavier bullet. When I think about shooting a 185 grain bullet, it makes me think about why I didn't shoot a .40 S&W. The .40 is moving faster, so it's flatter shooting, and you have the benefit of being able to fit it in a smaller framed gun. Although right now the XD-45 does have a higher capacity than the 40. I do realize that the .45 has a .05" larger diameter than the .40, but it's also moving slower. I think part of the benefit of shooting the .45 is the larger diameter, but also being able to throw a bit of a larger projectile downrange. I'm not recoil sensitive particularly, so I'll be carrying 230 grain bullets in +P, so I get the benefits of a slightly faster bullet that is quite heavy. Some would rather shoot a lighter bullet with less recoil. I can put the 230's where I want, so it works for me. I'd recommend shooting some of the 165 grain bullets, and see which you shoot more accurately. If you shoot them better and they're comfortable, then stick with it. As long as you can put the round where it needs to be, and it's a good hollowpoint like gold dots, golden sabers, hydro-shoks, rangers, etc, then you'll be fine. Take care and best of luck to ya.

[Skeetclub]

My 2 cents.....

165g will be less recoil. I can guarantee you that whoever is on the other end of the barrel, if needed, will not give a sh@t what your slinging at them. It will stop the threat. If you shoot better with less recoil... you just do.

[dred]

I agree with skeetclub, the bad guys won't care whether it's 165 or 230.
Try 'em all and carry whatever you shoot best.
My 45 Service seems to really like 185 gr. Golden Sabers.
I haven't tried the Federal 165's, but I did try some Corbon 165 +p's, and they kicked harder than anything else I've tried.

[JD McDorce]

Originally Posted by dred

but I did try some Corbon 165 +p's, and they kicked harder than anything else I've tried.

Try 200gr +P Gold Dots if you want a kick

[dred]

Originally Posted by JD McDorce

Try 200gr +P Gold Dots if you want a kick

LOL
Ok! I will.

So many bullets, so little range time.

[krnguy03]

Originally Posted by JD McDorce

Try 200gr +P Gold Dots if you want a kick

thats what i use and the kick isnt that bad once you get your grip down.. the one on springerprecision.com..