DG 147 grain bullets on a Shadow 2

[rg422]

I just wanted to share a recent load work up I completed on my Shadow 2 that’s modified for USPSA Carry Optics division. I’ve had great success with Bear Creek 147gr, but they’ve been on back order for a while (order placed in early January has not shipped), so I looked elsewhere.

I started shooting Carry Optics in October and have a major USPSA match coming up in a few weeks and in need of ammo. Da mn  Good (DG) Bullets were the only ones I saw shipping within a week of ordering.

Bullets are DG 147 grain - 0.356”
Vihtavori N320 3.2 gr on all
Mixed brass
CCI 500 SP
COAL tested were 1.09” through 1.12” (My barrel max COAL is 1.14”)

Bullet weights and diameter were very consistent, which I was expecting given the name.

Targets were at 15 yards. Frankly, I was impressed with how accurate these loads all were. Even more impressive are the SDs were all well below 10. With a power factor of 130-132 they will work perfectly fine for my needs.

Just thought I would share my results.

- Richard

[Fuzzy Sights]

Looks really good.  Did you work up this load or just get lucky the first time out?

JW

[Wobbly]

Nice !

Thanks for posting.

[rg422]

Looks really good.  Did you work up this load or just get lucky the first time out?

JW

With the primer shortage, it was just luck. I didn’t want to waste too much primer. My load that worked  well with the Bear Creek 147s with this gun was 3.2grain of N320 at 1.09”. So I wanted to see if this exact same load would work with the DG bullets.

[MynameisEarl]

Great post! Never tried those bullets but looks like I need to give them a try

[Old Rocket]

Shooting the Vortex edge monthly series at Barnaveld I was in the same squad as the owner. Great guy and a lot of local shooters use them.
I have personally tried the 125gr 9mm and the 180 40s with great results and they cater to the competition shooters.
Vortex has a great facility

[matto]

Thanks for posting.  Does anyone have experience with their 124 RN vs 125 cone? I'm wondering if the 125 cone is better for CZs given the short throat?

[Old Rocket]

Thanks for posting.  Does anyone have experience with their 124 RN vs 125 cone? I'm wondering if the 125 cone is better for CZs given the short throat?

The 124gr round nose has to be loaded short, a good friend shoots carry optics with a P10. He showed me and don't remember actual oal. It was definitely 1.10 or shorter.
He says they shoot great.
All my hand guns are reamed to mag length,  and the 125gr conical shoot lights out just like the bbi's.

[matto]

The 124gr round nose has to be loaded short, a good friend shoots carry optics with a P10. He showed me and don't remember actual oal. It was definitely 1.10 or shorter.
He says they shoot great.
All my hand guns are reamed to mag length,  and the 125gr conical shoot lights out just like the bbi's.

Thanks.

It seems the conical might be the way to go then?  Gives more options on OAL?

[IDescribe]

The SDs don't shock me.  I noticed a long time ago that the darker and duller the bullet, the lower the SDs.  The worst were the plated ones that were as shiny as a polished penny.  The best were the darker duller coated bullets.  Those bullets look to me like they would contribute to low SD.

And nice shooting.