Lighter or Heavier Bullets for CM9?

[Path4]

I am currently running 115 gr. Hornady Critical Defense in my CM9. I thought I had read that lighter bullets perform better from a ballistic standpoint in short barreled firearms, and maaaybe feed more reliably but really not sure about that. But I have seen different things from very reputable posters lately, and when searching today I was seeing some people on different forums say lighter loads are better, some heavier loads :confused:. I only found one magazine article discussing this issue and it didn't seem to have a definite answer. Anyone know of any articles discussing this/chronograph results with a short barrel? Looking for hard evidence.

P.S. Sorry if I'm beating a dead horse. Did a quick search on the forum and couldn't find any hard evidence.

[siginu]

In reloading for shorter barreled 308 and 454 casull I've stumbed upon some "general truths".

Heavier bullets typically suffer less reduction in velocity due to shorter barrels, particularly when using a moderate powder.

There comes a point though where the load is simply too heavy for caliber, I'm still a bit new to 9mm to know exactly where that point is (have not reloaded 9mm yet). I personally am going to start out giving the 124 and 135 grain loadings some attention.

[godan]

Most people with direct experience know that bullet placement is more important than terminal performance. Practice is the key. Reliability should not be much of an issue with your Kahr. Also, the bullet does not know how long your barrel is. I suggest buying a few trusted types of 115 grain +P rounds - CorBon JHP and DPX, Underwood JHP, Speer Gold Dot, Federal 9BPLE, etc. - and finding the one that produces the tightest rested groups nearest to your point of aim at the distance you envision using the weapon. That will be your carry load. Then buy hundreds of the cheapest (non-Russian) 9's you can find and practice a great deal. What is good enough? Set up a cardboard dinner plate twenty-five feet down range. In three seconds, acquire your pistol from wherever it is and put a round into the plate. I think the ability to do that consistently is a good benchmark for a basic level of gun handling and marksmanship.

[JFootin]

Consider a choice in the middle. The 124 gr is the "standard" 9mm round. The CM9 will shoot any good quality rounds, light or heavy. But I think Kahr must have used 124 gr rounds when designing the gun because, when I am using Speer Gold Dot 124 gr+p rounds, I can hear and feel a more slick and positive action as the gun is cycling them. It seems to LOVE those rounds!

[PYROhafe]

Consider a choice in the middle. The 124 gr is the "standard" 9mm round. The CM9 will shoot any good quality rounds, light or heavy. But I think Kahr must have used 124 gr rounds when designing the gun because, when I am using Speer Gold Dot 124 gr+p rounds, I can hear and feel a more slick and positive action as the gun is cycling them. It seems to LOVE those rounds!

Think I actually disagree with jfootin for once.... my cm9 seems to really eat up the 147 grain rounds :D

[JFootin]

Think I actually disagree with jfootin for once.... my cm9 seems to really eat up the 147 grain rounds :D

Well, like I said "The CM9 will shoot any good quality rounds, light or heavy." But I'm not prejudiced. I just bought some standard pressure 147 gr Federal HST to try out.

[muggsy]

Use the 124 grain in summer and the 147 gr. in winter for better penetration on heavy clothing.

[Rio Vista Slim]

As a direct result of the initial Gen 4 Glock issues, I made a point of buying only 124 and 147 grain ammunition. I have had no function-related problems with either bullet weight on my Glock or my Kahr CM9.

[Path4]

Thank you!!!

[fitpro]

I carry Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135 gr standard pressure in my two Kahrs. Shot placement always trumps muzzle velocity.

[Path4]

I carry Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135 gr standard pressure in my two Kahrs. Shot placement always trumps muzzle velocity.

Very true. Ive realized lately that I'm not as accurate as I want to be when rapid firing, as all the other ranges ive been to only allow 1 shot per second but have recently gone to Gander Mountain where you can rapid fire. I think I'm kinda recoil sensitive, I've only been shooting regularly for 3yrs, so Im considering looking for the lightest recoiling load. I havent tried rapid fire with Critical Defense there yet because they've been out of stock of it every time, and my local gunstore was also out of stock the other day, arg