Need a Very Light Recoil Load

JB

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
111   0   0
Location
Ontario
im looking at buy my wife a handgun im looking for somthing that she could use if she wanted to compete in IPSC/IDPA or PPC or some others that she could use the gun in. The only bad thing is her wrist and shoulder have had some trouble with that why im looking for somthing i could load very light and work for her. Its taken my 25 years to get here so i dont want to scar her off
 
If you go too light with an autoloader yer gun might not function.. You could swap out springs, but....
With a revolver... as long as there's enough umph to get that bullet outta the barrel... you're good to go.
Some ipsc rule worshippers might ##### about your weak loads, but... given your situation perhaps they'll let it go
 
i know what you mean about the ipsc rule worshippers :rolleyes: . i have asked around about this and none of them seem to have any answer about shooter with this handicap. PPC is about the best it only has to brake the backboard to be good so you can load light there. But id like to the doors open for shooter that have any type of problem
 
I was just thinking of recommending a .38 special revolver. I use 2.4 gr of WST under a 148 gr HBWC. It's a real powder puff load, but very accurate out of my S&W 686. It would make a good PPC load. But considering she has wrist and shoulder problems, you may want to go with a lighter service revolver (model 19 or 39?). You may have to tweak the load a little to get the best accuracy.
 
Try a 1911 in 9mm. There are lots of load data that could be used that would make power factor and be easy to shoot. Like 147gr bullets with tight Group seems to be popular and quite mild. Also with the 1911 springs are easy to get if a lighter one is needed.
 
With a 125 PF, you'd need to run the HBWC over 800 fps. Not a great idea.

Personally, I'd get her a CZ and run 147's as slow as the guns functioning would allow, 850fps+-
 
For PPC as said above it only has to break the backboard.

for IPSC she could go open & minor. the guns can be ported so the recoil could be practically eliminated (but guns are heavier because of the optics & comp)

for IDPA don't know the power factor rukles perhaps someone could chip in.

Then theres' cowboy action where loads are low powered- there is a max on FPS i believe
 
I have less recoil out of my .40 than my buddy's 9 mm when I load my own and he uses factory. If you want to shoot IPSC you'll have more options to make minor with a .40 than the 9mm. You can also shoot production at that point if you get her something like a Glock 22.

I personally use 4.1 grains of W231 and a 180 grain CMJ bullet. It cycles the action on my Glock 22 just fine and has what I consider to be minimal recoil. I know of others who use 2.9 grains of Titegroup and a 200 grain bullet, again with a Glock 22 and minimal recoil.

Personally I prefer the option of the heavier bullets in a .40 or .45 in comparison to a 9mm. Lots of options on how you load at that point with the ability to easily make minor.
 
JB said:
i know what you mean about the ipsc rule worshippers :rolleyes: . i have asked around about this and none of them seem to have any answer about shooter with this handicap. PPC is about the best it only has to brake the backboard to be good so you can load light there. But id like to the doors open for shooter that have any type of problem

You'd want to look at a heavy bullet and fast powder. That combination makes the softest precieved recoil.

In 9mm, I load 3.2 gr of Vit 320 over a 147gr Jacketed bullet...it's very soft. If you were to use a lead bullet you could probably even drop it down a bit more and still make Minor Power Factor (my load makes 129)

There nothing that says you can't shoot a match with a PF under 125 (the floor for Minor), just so long as the wife is having alot of fun...because she would not be shooting for Score until you worked her up to a load of 125 or higher...

First things first...I'd recommend leting your wife try some IPSC style club matches (ie, not sanctioned by IPSC, you follow the club rules) to see if she's really interested. If she is, you can start working her on Miner PF Loads to get her ready for a Black Badge Course...
 
Last edited:
JohnC said:
for IPSC she could go open & minor. the guns can be ported so the recoil could be practically eliminated (but guns are heavier because of the optics & comp)

The Open guns really don't eliminate recoil, they redirect energy...they will have less muzzle flip but can push straight back it your hand a bit more than uncomped guns...The recoil is also intense (very fast) as opposed to a 1911 in .45. If someone had a wrist problem...Open guns could be an issue.

As far as other choices...a heavier 1911 would be harder on her shoulders but a Glock (lighter) might be harder on her wrists (light & snappy)

JB...what equipment choices do you have handy for her to try?
 
In IPSC, do you automatically have your ammo checked at every match?

You'd think that a woman that was just startign out would be near the bottom of the score sheet, so noone would really care if she is using proper ammo?
 
Gatehouse said:
In IPSC, do you automatically have your ammo checked at every match?

You'd think that a woman that was just startign out would be near the bottom of the score sheet, so noone would really care if she is using proper ammo?

It's manditory at Level 3's and recommended (but rare) at Level 2's
 
Back
Top Bottom