[slidelock1]

While searching for a very low recoil load for steel, I tried some 147 gr. H.P.'s using 4.6 gr. of HP 38 and was very pleased with the low recoil and good accuracy of these compared with other loads I have experimented with. Although I have not chronographed these loads yet, I am guessing they are going about 1,000 fps. It seems in conducting my research into low recoiling loads for the 38 super 115 - 125 gr. bullets are recommended almost exclusively. However, I have not been able to cobble-up a load using these recommended bullet weights that isn't "snappy" and that shoots as softly as I would like. So, tell me, what am I giving up by using the heavier bullet? What am I missing?

[jkrispies]

#1, If a heavier bullet feels better for you, then you're going to step up to the line with a better attitude than otherwise, and that goes a long way, even if it's purely mental.

#2, Be wary that a slower bullet will give you slower feedback off the steel. Consider this scenario: you're shooting Outer Limits and opt to shoot it in the order of close plate, far plate, step to the 2nd box, etc. You fire at the first plate and know it's a hit, hear the ding as you're swinging to the far plate, fire and know it's a hit, so you take off out of the box and step... step... still waiting on that ding...... crap, and now you have to reverse.

Your feedback is the bullet flight time, plus the sound wave flight time returning to you; hence, a faster bullet will give you faster feedback.

Most folks won't notice it--especially with a .38 Super--but I shoot CDP and can tell you that feedback is noticeable when you're down around or below 800fps. On a stage like Smoke and Hope, the time difference is irrelevant, but with Outer Limits and Speed Option, you've got some long shots. We're talking about a tiny difference, but it might be worth consideration before you settle on a load.

[VegasOPM]

If they work in your gun, go for it. They don't stabilize in mine- I tried. I agree about a slower bullet on Outer Limits and speed option. If you wait for the impact, you are costing yourself a few hundredths more by using the slower rounds.