Low Recoil Ammo? How to tell?

[pfgrone]

If I am looking at a ballistics table for a particular caliber (pistol or revolver), what data would indicate that a particular cartridge might have a lower recoil than others of the same caliber? That is with all other factors being equal - such as same gun, same shooter, etc.
Is there a formula considering bullet weight, muzzle velocity, muzzle energy??
Thanks, Paul G

[Middle Age Russ]

As I understand it, recoil is related to momentum (mass times velocity). The momentum provided to the projectile when the gun is fired will have an equal and opposite effect on the gun -- this is the recoil. Thus, ammunition loaded with smaller (weight) projectiles or loaded to lower velocities should result in lower recoil all else being equal.

Keep in mind that the weight of the firearm plays a role. A heavier firearm will not recoil as much as a lighter one (again, all else being equal).

[A-R]

Russ nails it. Only thing I'll add is the same bullet & powder loading will recoil the same regardless of firearm weight. The difference in what you feel firing same round in a heavier or lighter gun is commonly called "felt recoil". The actual recoil impulse from the identical ammo is the same, but with less weight/mass to absorb this recoil before it hits your palm a lighter gun will "feel" like it's recoiling harsher than a heavier gun.

Barrel length and items like compensated or ported barrels can also significantly impact this "felt recoil".

[A-R]

When looking at numbers on paper, multiply the bullet weight (in grains) x the stated muzzle velocity (in fps - feet per second) to get what in IDPA competition shooting is called the "power factor" .... the higher the power factor, the more recoil the round should produce. For instance, in IDPA competition the minimum "power factor" for stock service pistol category is 125,000. You can reach this in 9mm with a 115-grain bullet traveling 1087 feet per second OR with a 147-grain bullet traveling 850 fps. But most IDPA shooters will tell you that a properly hand-loaded 147-grain 9mm meeting 125,000 PF will produce less felt recoil and less muzzle flip than a 115-grain bullet meeting same PF. So with that in mind, I'd say that all things being equal (gun & PF) the heavier bullet moving slower should "feel" like less recoil.

This is why a 230-grain .45 ACP doing 800 fps feels like less recoil and is "easier to shoot" from a full-size steel-frame 1911 than a 180-grain .40 S&W doing 1000 fps from a polymer-frame Glock. The .45 is moving more lead and is a "bigger" cartridge. But it's not moving nearly as fast. Thus there isn't as much pressure from the BANG to be released back toward your palm.

Not sure if above make sense. But point is it's not quite as black and white as grain weight x velocity - it's a "feel" thing. Might be best to ask knowledgeable shooters what loads "feel" like lighter recoil.

[texanron]

Good information fellas!
I had never given this subject much thought at all. This is another example of the interesting information one can pick up just reading through the posts on this website.

[MoJo]

Here ya go! A handy dandy recoil calculator!

[mgood]

Power factor, as mentioned, is a good and simple forumula. Another one you can look at is muzzle energy. Most manufacturers publish that. If not, you can figure it yourself. I don't remember the formula off the top of my head but it's easy to find. Google is your friend.
All of these numbers are sort of a guide, but perceived recoil is a bit subjective. You might have a light fast bullet and a heavy slow bullet that produce similar numbers, but one might feel better to you personally. Generally, light-fast makes more of a "snappy" recoil. Heavy-slow makes more of a "push."
To some people, myself included, the heavy push is easier to control. Snappy recoil is hard for me to get back on target quickly for follow-up shots. After every shot, I have to find the front sight, find the target, and then start getting them lined up again, a slow process. Most .45 ACP ammo has a higher power factor and more muzzle energy than most .40 S&W ammo. But I handle the .45 at least as well as the .40 because with the .45 it's like the recoil is in slow motion. I can watch the front sight lift off the target and I'm already starting to push it back down to realign it with the target before the recoil pulse is over. I hear that really good shooters are the other way around. They like the snappier loads because it's over with quicker and they're going to be back on target as soon as it's done regardless. So, YMMV.

Here ya go! A handy dandy recoil calculator!

That looks cool. I'm going to have to spend some time playing with it.

[A-R]

Generally, light-fast makes more of a "snappy" recoil. Heavy-slow makes more of a "push."
To some people, myself included, the heavy push is easier to control. Snappy recoil is hard for me to get back on target quickly for follow-up shots. After every shot, I have to find the front sight, find the target, and then start getting them lined up again, a slow process. Most .45 ACP ammo has a higher power factor and more muzzle energy than most .40 S&W ammo. But I handle the .45 at least as well as the .40 because with the .45 it's like the recoil is in slow motion. I can watch the front sight lift off the target and I'm already starting to push it back down to realign it with the target before the recoil pulse is over. I hear that really good shooters are the other way around. They like the snappier loads because it's over with quicker and they're going to be back on target as soon as it's done regardless. So, YMMV.

Great description

[doc540]

I don't know the math, but I do know Buffalo Bore .38 ammo ain't "low recoil".

[AdioSS]

you could look at the box & if it says "Low Recoil" on it somewhere, then chances are good that it could be Low Recoil Ammo :)