Handgun grain weight question

[nybuckboy]

When shooting target at 15 - 20ft I use both a .38 and a .380.

1) With the .38, how much difference do you think it makes with a 125gr or 158gr or 129+P. Is there much recoil difference?

Reason I ask is I have 129+P self defense but use 158gr standard for target. Perhaps I should use a 125gr standard for target.

2) Same with .380. I have Hornady 90gr+P for carry but target shoot 90gr.

I hate to shoot up the +P rounds as they more expensive but want to do what is best. Maybe at the close ranges it really doesn't matter. Any thoughts on this?

[Pygmy]

At 20 feet you are not going to see much difference in point of impact.

I'd use the cheapest, mildest loads for practice at close ranges and save the hotter stuff for carry use.

[nybuckboy]

At 20 feet you are not going to see much difference in point of impact.

I'd use the cheapest, mildest loads for practice at close ranges and save the hotter stuff for carry use.

This is what I have been doing and what I have thought but thought it was a valid question worth asking. Thanks Pygmy.

[Early]

The 20% difference in bullet weight should not affect accuracy at that distance, but it might affect recoil, particularly if the gun is a lightweight. I concur with Pygmy's advice. For your carry loads, bullet design is more important than mere bullet weight. There are many "defense" loads available today with bullet weights that are in the 125 gr. range. One that I liked back when I had a .38 was Winchester's Silvertip 110 gr. self defense load. If you can find some of this at a gun show...even a partial box...buy it!

[ants]

I don't think you would see a difference at 15-20 ft. I practice with the cheap stuff & carry the expensive stuff. I would strongly recommend running several rounds of carry ammo. through your guns, before you carry it, to make sure they function properly through the weapons. Some guns just don't like certain ammo.