Federal "Low Recoil"

[sslater]

Check out Federal's website.  They have a compare feature.  

http://www.federalcartridge.com/default.asp?pg=27

Sorry for the physics lecture, but here's why the "Low Recoil" loads kick less:  
Federal is using lighter, faster projectiles in those "Low Recoil" loads.  They have lowered the bullet weight one or two 'notches' while kicking the velocity up just enough to obtain almost identical muzzle kinetic energy compared to the standard load.
The trick is that the lighter weight projectile has lower momentum by about 8 %.  Projectile momentum (and powder charge mass) is what causes the gun to react in your hand.  Remember, Newton's laws of motion pertain to conservation of MOMENTUM, not energy.  (The difference is (mass x velocity) vs. (1/2 mass x velocity x velocity.)  It's a good thing your gun recoils proportional to the momentum of the round and not the muzzle energy.  Not many men would be able to hang onto a gun that comes back at you with 320 ft-lbs of energy!!

 I'm a retired mechanical engineer and have been studying up on ballistics - exterior, & terminal - for the last few years.  I got tired of reading all the B.S. in the gun mags about "energy dump", temporary stretch cavities, frangible bullets, expanding bullets, etc.  The physics & medical aspects are really complex.  The best references are Duncan MacPherson's (a real rocket scientist!) "Bullet Penetration - Modeling the Dynamics & the Incapacitation Resulting from Wound Trauma", and the writings of Dr. Martin Fackler - a former U.S. Army trauma surgeon.

Steve S.
 
 
 

 

[R9SCarry]

Thx Steve - I too am an old (semi) retired engineer but have spent minimal time on ballistics - plus am ever more rusty on some stuff these days!

A moment's thought of course bears out your mention re much lighter projectile - slightly similar to a 12G 7/8 load vs. a std 1 1/8".  As long as energy put into ''the system'' maintains reliable gun function then I can see a slight reduction in perceived recoil - for the momentum reason you mention.

[Richard S]

Steve & Chris:

As a non-engineer History Major and Second Amendment lawyer type, I thank you for a very informative exchange.  (When it comes to physics and chemistry, I need all the help I can get.   )  

[Michigunner]

Well, I broke down and ordered a shooting glove today.  Will report back later and describe if it helps with recoil.

http://store.smith-wesson.com/store/item/ia5q/Shooting_Gloves/Smith_Wesson_Right_Hand_Shooting_Glove.html

[sslater]

Michigunner,
Thanks for the link to the S&W site.  I don't have any shooting gloves.  A new gun is a great excuse to buy one.

The other day at my first range session with my R9S, it was pretty hot & humid.  I noticed the R9S was pretty slippery in my sweaty hands.  (The other two guns I brought with me had checkering on the frontstrap and rubber grips).
Are other Forum members having the same issue?
I kinda wish the front and back strap areas were "stippled".

The next time I go by the local bike shop, I think I'll buy some skateboard tape.  Don't want the pup getting away from me.

[Michigunner]

sslater,

I wasn't bothered too much by the heat and slippery feeling.

It was mostly the big jolt that got me.  It was no surprise, because that much power in a small place is bound to be noticeable.

I figured the glove might be worth trying.  Otherwise, I may practice with the left hand.

Bill

[theirishguard]

The front being stippled is a good idea. However, the stippled back strap could wear out pockets and clothing. Just a thought. Tom

[R9SCarry]

Other option - tho not yet done it on R9 - is bit like I have on my BHP - skateboard grip tape.  

Carefully cut strips for front and back of grip frame will make huge difference.  I doubt very much the adhesive would permanently mar the anodizing and the grip advantage is considerable if hands wet.