115 vs 124 vs 147 gr. ammo

[Recluse]

Seems to me, especially with such a short barrel, there would be higher velocity, and less recoil with a 115 grain projectile than the heavier 124 and 147 gr. bullets.

Question to those that have tried different weight ammo:  

-Is there a noticable difference?

-What do you prefer?

[ap1169]

I use the Winchester Silver tips in 115 grain.  My Rohrbaugh loves to eat um up.

[yankee2500]

There is a definite bullet weight to recoil factor, but it is far more noticeable in the large calibers were there is a greater bullet weight difference, like a hundred or more grains. When I had my custom 44 and shot bullets weighing from 180gr. to 300gr., you could notice a definite difference.
  With the Rohrbaugh I notice only a slight difference from 115gr. to 147gr.
As far as a preference I now carry 147gr. but don't feel the 115gr. or 124gr. are any less effective.

John

[kjtrains]

I prefer Winchester 115 gr. Silvertips.  Haven't tried anything else due to the fact these haven't had a flaw.  

[Recluse]

Thanks for the responses.  I bought just a few 115 Gold Dots from the local dealer, but the prices are a bit high.  There were 250 round boxes of 124 at a show at the local fairgrounds last weekend for a much better price, but I was hoping to find more 115.

Should be getting a call from the local dealer that I can pick up the R9.

[tracker]

Gold Dots is probably the ammo of choice on the R9 given the availability and dependability. Unavailable ammo is of little use if you don't have any and can't find it.

[Recluse]

Yes, I was looking specifically for Gols Dots, based on comments here on the forum.

I'm not in too much of a hurry to stock up, as the R9 is not yet in my possession.

[kjtrains]

For anyone interested in Winchester 115 gr. Silvertips, GunsAmerica still has an individual selling them, boxes of 50 for $29.95 a box, old stock.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/977002065/Non-Guns/Ammunition/Winchester_9MM_115Gr_Silvertips_50_Rd_Boxes.htm

[tracker]

I saw some of those recently at a gun show and passed on it. If they are starting production again in April as reported here I think I would just wait.

[kjtrains]

You might want some now.  It will be May until they hit stores.        

[Richard S]

Seems to me, especially with such a short barrel, there would be higher velocity, and less recoil with a 115 grain projectile than the heavier 124 and 147 gr. bullets.

Question to those that have tried different weight ammo:  

-Is there a noticable difference?

-What do you prefer?

With the caveat that felt recoil is highly subjective, I seem to  notice a greater recoil with 147-grain bullets in my R9 than with the lighter loads.

Subscribing as I do to the "bigger rock" school of thought, I used to load my R9 with 147-grain loads. However, in an attempt to simply my life, I've transitioned down to 124-grain since my HK P7 was designed for the 115/124-grain NATO rounds and can have the timing of its gas-delayed blowback locking system thrown off during recoil from the heavier load.

As for brand, everyone will develop his or her own preference. I personally am an admirer of the Remington Golden Sabers, Speer Gold Dots, and Winchester Silvertips (all expanding hollow points) for defensive use and Winchester "White Box" FJM for range work.

[kjtrains]

Gun Broker still has 10 boxes of new stock Winchester Silvertips 115. gr. for $409 free shipping.  This is not bad at $40.90 a box; just have to buy the 10 boxes of 50 each to get that price and free shipping.  

When Cabela's gets them back in stock, they will be $39.99 for a box of 50 plus shipping.  True, you only have to buy one box.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=159040007

This auction runs for 3 days and gets relisted.

[birdman]

  Recluse, if you are still looking for ammo ammotogo.com has 115 gr Gold Dots in stock. They are the LE version, but they are same cartridge as the civilian version. The only difference I can see is that they are in 50 rd boxes, and about half the price. These are $24.95 per 50 and 239.95 per 250 rds. Hope this helps.   Gene

[Nuke56]

Hi. I am new to the forum and to Rohrbaugh's guns.  Just received my R9s Stealth this week from Tom. (Thanks for the great service Tom).  On my first outing with the gun I put 25 rounds of Winchester 115 gr Silvertips through it with absolutely no problems.  Recoil was no where near what I had expected.

[kjtrains]

Nuke.  Welcome to the Forum.  Congratulations on getting the R9s Stealth.  Great range report.  Excellent ammo, those Winchester 115 gr. Silvertips.