JHP vs TMJ 9mm - huge difference in accuracy!

[TJspeller]

Just got back from the range.

I had bought some JHP 9mm ammo recently, and tried it today. I was stunned at the difference - at 10 yards I can usually put most of the shots within a 2 inch circle, using 124g TMJ reloads (Wolf). With the JHP (also 124 gr by Wolf) I was literally all over the 8.5 x 11 page, and often missed it, usually high by 3-5 inches.

I tried this with several mags, back and forth between the two types of ammo, and it was totally consistent.

I've looked it up on the internet and there is nothing to suggest that these two bullets should perform so differently. Some people even say that hollow points might be preferable!

What can explain this?
(the gun was a 92FS).

 

[Ganderite]

I don't have much experience with factory ammo. But when i get a new pistol I load a range of loads with a given bullet, in 0.3 gr increments. I might do this with 2 powders. Usually test 2 bullets.

It is most common to find that one load is much, much better than others.

I think you got lucky and one load was the sweet one for your gun, and the other happened to be one of the worst.

If you don't load, buy more of the same lot #.

 

[mmattockx]

What can explain this?

It is simple, your gun simply preferred one load over the other. It is not uncommon for one load to shoot tight groups and another patterns, stock up on the one that works in your gun.


Mark

 

[Boomer]

Wolf has developed a decent reputation for reliability and accuracy so I don't think you have an ammo problem, just a pistol with a definite preference.

 

[TJspeller]

Fair enough... but what's the logical explanation, ballistics wise. I've had differences between bullets before, but this was an order of magnitude more than I've ever seen before.

Also, anyone in Toronto want to meet me at Target Sports some day and buy this stuff off me at 20% off of what I paid for it? (I have 19 boxes of 50 rnds, and I'll sell it at 13$ for 50).

 

[shredder]

It's likely the barrel-making process that makes your 92FS like one particular load.

Many times a rifle will like a particular load and shoot that one much better than anything else, as well.

 

[Hitzy]

My guess is that the TMJ which are just cast lead bullets with a copper plating are a bit tight or a couple thou oversized for your bore. 9mm lead is usually .356-357 then add the plating. Jacketed are usually .355-.356. Just my thoughts on it.