Ruger PCC 9mm Velocity

[climbingrocks]

Lucky Gunner has a great video about just this topic:

 

[Canuck44]

There is actual data on this out there. The most optimal barrel length for 9mm minor is 12.5-14.5", then add a compensator.
These barrel lengths maximize your pressures and use of the compensator. Wish I could find someone who would turn my 16.1" fx9 barrel into a 12.5"... but alas there are no 12.5-14.5" options for an FX9 with a 1/2x28 thread, in fact there are none in any configuration.
If only a Canadian barrel maker would make some up for competition shooters. Could be a nice little niche.

You are spot on with the ideal barrel length. That said, your video evidence posted on another thread indicate a flat shooting barrel. It won't shoot any flatter than flat. The gains in velocity between 10", 12", 14" or 16" are relatively small when compared to say the potential Extreme Spread within a 10 shot group. Felt recoil is very subjective and I know for a fact the IDPA/IPSC cardboard target does not scream louder when shot with a bullet travellings 1100fps vs 1164'fps.
You might be better off buying an expensive pair of track shoes over a 2" shorter barrel for your IPSC competitions.
Take Care
Bob
Ps the above charts in the previous post show gains in velocity between the 12" barrel to a 16" barrel. The optimun or max. pressure is one thing. The max. Velocity is quite another. The two are not the same.

 

[Canuck44]

It is only redneck science, sir, but water jug vs water jug. The effect on target has always been better in my ‘tests’.
I often have a carbine with me when walking trails and explored what ammo would be the carry choice.

I think you would agree, your conclusions are based upon very subjective observations that likely would very from test to test. Works I guess if you are hunting or fear being attacked by milk jugs.
Take Care
Bob

 

[maifire]

Water jugs are certainly one of the most unassuming of menaces out there. Ones that, without training, may be one’s demise.
I certainly concede that while 4L of water is equally wet; plastic jugs may have variances.

Is it possible that the gain achieved, despite its loss in the extra length above optimal, remains better for performance than the 4-5” barrel?
Let us say that 14” is optimal. That is near 50% better velocity potential and consequent bullet performance from the 18.5” vs the 4.5”.

 

[Canuck44]

Water jugs are certainly one of the most unassuming of menaces out there. Ones that, without training, may be one’s demise.
I certainly concede that 4L of water is equally wet; plastic jugs may have variances.

Is it possible that the gain achieved, despite its loss in the extra length above optimal, remains better for performance than the 4-5” barrel?
Let us say that 14” is optimal. That is near 50% better velocity potential and consequent bullet performance from the 18.5” vs the 4.5”.

No argument there. The carbine length turns the 9mm into or at a level of a 357mag out of a Revolver. A bit heavy for rabbits or squirrels that some carry their carbine for. I prefer a .22lr for small game and a shotgun with slugs for larger concerns. Anyway all for fun and interest.

Take Care

Bob