question about bullet weightS

[prophet42]

I am a security officer carrying a para -ord LDA14-45
I use hydro-shock 230 grain as my carry ammo.
several people have recommended going to a lighter weight bullet.
i learned old school, in the army so have always used 230 grain.
im curious about your oppinions on this issue.
also anyone use cor-bon 200 grain+p as i have concidered this to up my velocity while retaining a decent bullet weight

[1buba]

P42,

I can appreciate learning "old school"... however, old school technology isn't always the best. Ammo has come a long way since the hydra-shock bullets. Since your Para is a dbl stack and an external carry piece, I'm GUESSING it is a commander length or longer barrel. If so, I'd suggest Winchester Ranger T (RA45T) - or the improved version of this stuff that should be hitting the shelves real soon. Out of a longer barrel there is not a lot of disagreement about this being some of the best ammo out there. Out of a 3" barrel, there is some unfounded questioning of the load. Again, the new "improved" version coming out shortly ups the velocity enough to negate any negative arguments in re: to 3" barrel performance.

[BonoVox]

Originally Posted by 1buba

P42,

I can appreciate learning "old school"... however, old school technology isn't always the best. Ammo has come a long way since the hydra-shock bullets. Since your Para is a dbl stack and an external carry piece, I'm GUESSING it is a commander length or longer barrel. If so, I'd suggest Winchester Ranger T (RA45T) - or the improved version of this stuff that should be hitting the shelves real soon. Out of a longer barrel there is not a lot of disagreement about this being some of the best ammo out there. Out of a 3" barrel, there is some unfounded questioning of the load. Again, the new "improved" version coming out shortly ups the velocity enough to negate any negative arguments in re: to 3" barrel performance.

Good call, RA45T being the 230gr load. For the 3 inch barrels 230gr+P, I believe model number RA45TP.

[Spicy McHaggis]

I use the RA45TP in my 3". I wouldn't go with anything smaller for a .45; however, I would probably switch out those Hydra-Shocks for the RA45T if I were you. Hydra-Shocks are still good, but the RA45Ts are better.

[prophet42]

ill check out the winchester ammo, thanks
yes im using a 5" barrel and it is primarily a duty weapon.
i can conceal it with a good jacket, but that dont work so hot in the desert during summer!!!!
i got to get out of LA county, even mt boss who is an ex Ohio sheriff could not get a CCW here!

[X-ffdo]

My $.02.
In a pistol barrel, unlike a rifle barrel where you could have wide variances in barrel length, you simply might not develop the speed/momentum differential between different kinds of commercial loads to make a real impact, by going with the heavier bullet you'll have a harder hitting bullet.....ready for incoming!
In simpler terms, if you cannot really develop speed, because of powder charge/barrel length, like in a handgun, go with the heavier weight bullet. This is provided that due to bullet design there is no advantage from one bullet to another. If there is an advantage to an improved bullet design, then go with the one that has better performance, as proven by investigation from actual shootings....empirical data. That is where the Ranger "T" is coming from.....

[CCWInstructor]

Stick with the 230 grain. 1st choice is Winchester "T", current generation or the new one coming. The new has no real experience in flesh yet. 2nd choice in Federal HST (very hard to find in the non-LE world). No third choice.

[1buba]

CCWI,

No nod to the Speer stuff???

[CCWInstructor]

We need doctors reports or corner reports for speer. No agency issues it around it.