What are the pro's and con's to different bullet pressures??

[stealthmode]

Just curious...
I was wondering what are the pros and cons when using different pressure loads or grains in the XD45? I.E. 230g, 200g, 185g, +p's, +p+'s and so on...
By the way this mostly pertains to JHP's..
Thanks guys..

[spamlovr]

Pros- Depends on what you want for terminal results. In an HP round, it mean anything from complete expansion to bullet fragmentation, and higher risk of over penetration.

Cons- More recoil, harder to get back on target, possibly dangerous pressures that could cause a catastrophic failure of the case (you didn't mention if factory loads or home brewed ammo), higher cost, more wear and tear on gun components, etc.

There is no SAAMI spec for +p+ ammo pressures in .45ACP, so I would avoid these unless you have a specific need, and are willing to accept the risks involved with using non-spec ammo.

[stealthmode]

Originally Posted by spamlovr

Pros- Depends on what you want for terminal results. In an HP round, it mean anything from complete expansion to bullet fragmentation, and higher risk of over penetration.

Cons- More recoil, harder to get back on target, possibly dangerous pressures that could cause a catastrophic failure of the case (you didn't mention if factory loads or home brewed ammo), higher cost, more wear and tear on gun components, etc.

There is no SAAMI spec for +p+ ammo pressures in .45ACP, so I would avoid these unless you have a specific need, and are willing to accept the risks involved with using non-spec ammo.

Thanks for the feedback.
I was talking about factory loads only.
Basically just wanted to know how different pressures act in the XD45 for defensive purposes. You know characteristics of each grain...
And why people choose each grain or pressure rather than the other..
Just want to be more educated on the matter.

[BDZ71]

Personally I carry 230Gr Standard pressure no +p

I feel 230g is big enough to get the job done. without +p I feel like theres enough to get the job done with less chance to over penetrate.
Plus there will be less kick = quicker follow up.

some people choose a smaller grain and higher pressure. Feel like the less grain = less kick= quicker follow up.. added +p = better penetration.

I dont know. I do know im comfortable with 230g standard pressure. I personally dont feel the need for +p ammo. .

[Joeywhat]

I don't use +P ammo. I am of the opinion that +P is meaningless in most factory loads, and is more hype then anything. I don't think the slight increase in velocity is going to give me a real world advantage.

[rgeliske]

Bullet weight and powder load have a great effect on recoil, bullet ballistic performance, accuracy. Most people buy different weight bullets in an effort to reduce perceived recoil and some think lighter bullets are more accurate. There is some truth to that if loaded correctly but the powder load and type must be correct as well. +P rounds are usually the result of having to load a lot of powder behind a very light bullet to get reasonable impact force. Personally I don't believe +P rounds are necessary except in smaller calibers. Given a choice of store bought 45ACP I would rather shoot 200gr. than 230gr. simply because my gun seems to shoot the 200 better.

[kanemochi]

Many of us XD45 owners obviously buy into the bigger and slower is better than smaller and faster school, and that is why we chose 45's over 9MM in the first place.

So, it doesn't make much sense to me to use a lighter, faster bullet like the 185 to make the .45 perform more like a 9MM.

So, I don't carry anything smaller than a 230 Gr JHP.

The difference between the standard pressure and the +P in my chosen carry round (Federal LE HST) comes down to what I'm using it for.

For the nightstand, where my anticipated use is for a home intruder who is only a few yards away, I use the standard pressure...less risk of over-penetration.

If I'm carrying in public, I prefer the +P's.

In a shootout in an outdoor area, you want to take your shots from behind cover, and you could end up shooting at longer distances than just 5-7 yards.
The +P offers a slightly flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit your target from 30-50 yards without having to aim as high.

[stealthmode]

Bump...
I just thought I'd throw this one out there again for all to see once more...
Thanks for all the previous feedbacks on this one...

[sldghmr]

In a +P load at shorter distances the bullet will shoot lower then point of aim, due to the fact it will exit the barrel faster then the sights were adjusted for. if you have ypur gin sighted at factory adjustment.

[invssgt]

Just load it with any decent 230 JHP, which it will feed with absolute reliability, and don't run yourself nuts worrying about minutiae of the various weights.

If your 230 JHP opens, that's great.

If it doesn't open it still acts like .45 hardball, which has been stomping people's asses on seven continents for three years short of a century.

Pretty solid results, in either case.