Question about loading USPSA ammo for minimal recoil/muzzle flip...

I just started shooting USPSA this last summer. I used my XD9. I now have a G22 and want to use it next year for Limited.

I know that you can used a lower lb. recoil spring combined with lower power loads, but I want to understand how it works.

While still making the power factor, is the idea to use the heaviest bullet possible or the lightest possible to achieve the least amount of recoil/muzzleflip?

I have a discount on components. I already have brass, powder and primers, just need to order bullets.

Thanks all...

Well generally what you want to do is not really lower the power too much, there are minimum power requirements for the classes. The best way to get the recoil/flip under control is to use a heavier bullet. I prefer a 180gr or 200gr bullet in 40S&W or a 147-158gr in a 9mm.

Thanks. I should have added that to my post. I want to still make the major power factor obviously.

Heavy bullets, lightest powder possible to make PF, light recoil spring. But that is with a 45. A 40 should do the same, but it may be harder due to the pressure differences.

Now, that makes a relatively slow pushing load. Some people like more snap because the slow push makes them think they are waiting around for the slide to cycle. I am not so fast and the slower push is easier for me to get back on target. 230 gr in a 45, with about 3.8 gr of Clays. Some have issues with major PF using Clays in a 40, so do some research.

Lee

ETA: Added my bullet weight and powder

Thanks for that. I'll be using Ramshot Sillouette powder, so I'll have to either do some research, or load up 5-10 and run them through the chronny to make sure I make PF.

uspsa/ipsc power factor is a momentum factor

It's easier to make "major" power factor with a heavier bullet.

Using a fast burning powder and heavy bullet and you'll notice the gun seems to shoot softer.

I use 185gr in 40 and 230gr in 45ACP.

titegroup is very popular in 40
Clays is very popluar in 45


Try WST too.

The advice about heavy bullets is good - I run a 180gr bullet over TiteGroup and like it. HOWEVER, you will get a lot more return for your investment by working on the gun - the Glock's light weight frame makes for a handful to control compared with heavier guns. In Limited you can add weight (Seattle Slug) and can fully load the magazine to make things more controllable. If you have not yet bought the G22, consider going to the longer barreled versions (G24 or G35) as you will get the PF with less powder and will benefit from a longer sight radius. Also look at other guns; I presume an STI is out of your budget, but look at the CZ/Tanfoglio as a cocked-and-locked option.

I have owned a G22 pretty much since they came out. I love them, but I rarely shoot mine in IPSC competition because it is just not competitive.

Do not want to hi-jack... but any good loads to try in 9mm? I have some 147gr black moly lead bullets and have tried tite group, hotshot and solo 1000 so far. The hotshot and solo need about 3.2gr to make PF. The tite group at 3.0 is easily 45 FPS over...

Common misconception... the point is not necessarily to reduce recoil or "muzzle flip". Rather, the point is to find the best recoil impulse for YOU. That is, you need to find out what type of recoil impulse you are best able to control to get you back on target the fastest. Perhaps it is that with least muzzle flip that suits you. Perhaps not. The best way to find out is to load up a bunch of different rounds and go try them out. Not just to work up loads, but enough so that you can get a feel for each powder/bullet combination. Find what works for YOU.

(Case in point - I have found that I can track the sights on my Limited gun better with an even lighter recoil spring than I currently run. That means that there is more "battering" and a sharper impulse to deal with, but I can get back on target fast. My current problem is that dropping it that low ends up battering the hell out of me towards the end of a match. Hopefully I will have cured that problem come next season.)

Thanks all. I think I'll get about 50-100 of some 155, 180s and 200s and load up to make major and then shoot with different recoil spring weights and see what I like best.

Unless you are in Open Class with a full racegun set up you can't get 9mm to make Major Power Factor.

I love 147gr 9mm, I use a Zero JHP over 3gr of Bullseye and a Federal SPP. They have been super reliable and accurate.

He could be shooting production.

147 is the production load
125/124 is the open load

That was my assumption and the load I stated is the best I have seen for it.

Yes I am shooting the 9mm in Production. There is still a Power factor to hit.

I have some 147 Moly coated lead over 3.2 of Bullseye. Need to get them chronoed, but since the wind chill is about -15*F here right now I don't see that getting done soon...=(

I learned a hard lesson with some .40 that I thought was major. OAL is important for getting to power factor. I am having to go back and reseat about 1800 rounds.

Load them to above the minimum for power factor, 165 being the lowest for major, keep them around 172 thereabouts. Not all chronos are equal, nor are the conditions they are used. You are looking for 920 FPS for major.

Keep in mind major ammo is still lighter than factory, too.

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