Texas SOT

Need help with Recoil and Ballistics

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  • Sz20DF

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    Oct 14, 2013
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    In the forth quarter of life, I've decided to take up shooting/collecting as a hobby and sport. My wife, who is only nearing the forth quarter of life, has decided to also enjoy this activity. I'm looking for suggestions on what over the counter bullets I should buy that exhibit soft recoil and ballistics. Not interested in brands; even though it would be helpful, but what _ _ _ gr bullets do I need? Only interested in shooting at the range and self-defense. My current and future shooting instruments are all Ruger revolvers. (1) DA SP101 3" 357M/38Spl, (2) DA GP100 5" 357M/38Spl, (3) SA SBH 5.5" 44Rem, (4)SA BH Convt. 6.5" 357M/9mm and (5) Vaquero 5.5" 45colt. Thanks.
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    Vaquero

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    The 101 should be the harshest recoil due to being lighter in weight.
    The sbh and bh will tame quite a bit of recoil themselves.
    Avoid magnum rounds for range time.
    I like 125gr 38spl for plinking.

    No real experience with .44 cal.
     

    Moonpie

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    Gunz are icky.
    Are asking about "bullets" as in projectiles or "bullets" as in loaded ammunition?

    Google up "Cowboy Action Ammo" for loaded ammunition.
    Cowboy Action Shooting ammo is generally loaded moderate to mild.
    WARNING: It is NOT cheaper than standard loaded major brand ammo.
    Companies like Ten-X will reload your returned brass and it is considerably less expensive than buying all new.

    As a general rule the lighter weight of the actual bullet, the lighter the recoil if the load is the same.

    The classic target load for 38 Special is a 148grain wadcutter bullet over 3-4grains Bullseye powder. Very accurate and soft recoil loading.
    I haven't looked but you might try searching for that.
    Full power .357 will be a beast. Don't use that if you want low recoil.
     
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    Younggun

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    As mentioned, heavier gun=less felt recoil.

    .38 special in a heavy .357 pistol is pretty tame. A set of hogue grips could make it even feel even softer.

    Also consider how much weight you can hold at arms length for an extended period. Heavier guns are harder to hold steady when your arms start getting tired.
     

    Younggun

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    Ok, read again and see you already have the guns and they are mostly .38/357.


    If you want light recoil buy .38 ammo. Probably won't be able to tell any different in bullet weight

    If you have the time, learn to roll your own and fine time them to what you want.
     

    Vaquero

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    Ok, read again and see you already have the guns and they are mostly .38/357.


    If you want light recoil buy .38 ammo. Probably won't be able to tell any different in bullet weight

    If you have the time, learn to roll your own and fine time them to what you want.

    True on the bullet weight not being noticeably different. Powder charge determines energy and recoil.
     
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