Federal "Low Recoil"

[jimacp]

Anyone tried the Federal "Low Recoil" 135 gr. Hydra Shok in their R9?  Any comments on this ammunition?

[tracker]

What is the downside to low recoil? Is it lower
stopping power?

[R9SCarry]

I have never tried anything decribed as ''low recoil'' - neither I suspect will I.

Working on simple ''Newton'' principles I cannot (as yet anways) see how a reduction in recoil does not reduce the useful ft lbs.  Action/reaction etc - I can only see a ''low recoil'' round as a ''whimp'' round!!

I am readily open to explanation and proof of different.!

[jimacp]

I don't know whether this is wimp round or not...just saw it advertised and was wondering what the deal is.

[R9SCarry]

Not trying to ''knock it'' Jim!  I too would like to know what the deal is.

[jimacp]

Advertised at 1050 fps and 331 fp energy.  I currently use 124 gr. gold dot.  I need to go look at advertised ballistics for it and compare. Will report back.

[jimacp]

Advertised ballistics for 124 gr gold dot out of Glock 17 are 1166 fps and 374 fp energy.  Gold Dot has apparently better ballistics...wonder if the "low recoil" of the Federal makes it worth looking into. I will buy some and report at next range session. Will mix Gold Dot with Federal and see if there is apparent difference in recoil.

[R9SCarry]

Interesting to get the comparison Jim.

My GD tests thru R9's 2.9" barrel gave (from memory) about just under 1,000 fps and 287 ft lbs.... 115's and 124's very alike in energy.

[jarcher]

There is a lot more to how effective a round is than it's velocity.   It's also important to know how well a round penetrates, expands and retains weight.  Sometimes a round tha penetrates barriers is desired, sometimes not.

HydraShok is a very old design.  In its day it was state of the art, but today there are vastly superior rounds, like Speer Gold Dot and Federal's Tactical line.  Also, the Winchester RA9T is among the very best available.

The issue with HydraShok is that the bullet is not bonded to the jacket, which hinders expansion and does not prevent fragmentation.  

That said, I have no idea what the "low recoil" aspect does, but I prefer to go with rounds that perform well in lab testing (as opposed to "street testing").

[R9SCarry]

Exactly!  

Go look at the ''deflowered'' Gold Dots on my FAQ site - admittedly - no denim filling the hollow but - they sure as heck do expand well!  And pretty consistently too.

[jimacp]

Thanks for info guys...just what I was looking for. Will continue to use GD and pass on the Hydra shok.

[Michigunner]

The idea of reduced recoil is very appealing.

My shooting hand has suffered various attacks over the years, including damage from weight lifting, 30 years of computer typing, and general wear and tear.

The first time out with the R9S, I felt the Gold Dot 124 gr. rounds gave off an enormous kick.

If anyone else has found a "reduced recoil" solution, please tell about it.  I would gladly tolerate a reduction in foot-pounds, in order to increase shooting comfort.

I have heard that 147 gr. shooting may be a little milder.

Bill

[R9SCarry]

Bill,

In truth I am not sure that there is an ideal answer.  The diff' between 115, 124, and 147 is unlikely IMO to be all that significant.

If tho one was to go to a true subsonic load, I am not even sure if the gun would fully cycle - which would not be good!!!  I'm guessing of course and would have to do some handloads to prove that.

Bottom line I think is - keep practice sessions short and then - if ''push ever comes to shove'' - do the business and put up with the recoil.

I have not as yet found any ''reduced recoil'' ammo to evaluate.

[Michigunner]

Bottom line I think is - keep practice sessions short and then - if ''push ever comes to shove'' - do the business and put up with the recoil.
=======================================

Well said, Chris.  Excellent advice, once again.

I'm mainly mad because mismatch has been able to shoot more than me.  

Looks like it's time to start working out, build a stronger grip,  and generally avoid being a girley man.

By the way, your sequence of pictures showing magazine insertion was terrific.  You're a heck of a guy.

Thanks for taking the time to show them again.

Bill

[R9SCarry]

Bill, thx, you are too kind.

I shall now use my special ''blush'' smiley!