Virginia7

The Sigs are excellent pistols, but the 45ACP can take a little getting used to for a
beginner. Recoil ref. 230gr. hardball vs. 185gr., I think you'll find the 185gr. to be a
little lighter on recoil, but not a whole lot. All things being about equal, and the gun is in
this case, the lighter bullet weight will recoil less. However, in this case we have different velocities to consider too. The 185gr., though lighter, has a higher velocity,
and it was my experience that I didn't feel too much difference in my Colts.
You might want to try and locate some target wadcutter ammo for 45ACP. That will
cut the recoil down for practice work.
BTW, good move on getting the 22 to practice with too. Also, as noted above, save that
brass. Even if you don't handload yourself, you may be able to get a few bucks for the
brass.

Note: Found a load you might want to try. It's made by Federal, load no.: GM45B.
It's a 185gr. FMJ-SWC Match. Velocity @ 780fps.
You should find this a little easier than using the 230gr. hardball. Good luck, and keep
practicing.

rost495

Note that viginia7 said 185 wadcutter first and when found it is actually 185 Semi wadcutter. I'm not picking nits but you can't find and actual wadcutter that I'm aware of because few guns would feed a wadcutter in a semi auto.

If you could find actual lead reloads of the same 185 SWC there will be even less impulse to feel.

Virginia7 - no offense intended.

Jeff

Popere

No offense taken. I came here to hopefully learn something. I really do appreciate all of replies every little bit helps. Thanks guys.

whiskeysnoot

If you are shooting 'cheap' 230 gr. rounds, then it is most likely hardball and relatively light load for a .45. The difference in recoil between this and a lighter bullet I feel are negligible. It sounds like you are on the right track as it is, though. You are not going to find a .45 ACP load that will shoot like a .22 and you current load is a good practice round.

You said you are improving with each trip. I say stick with what you've got and build on it with sound practice. You are doing the right thing by using a .22 to practice control. Another tip is to use dry fire practice when at home using slow deliberate trigger pulls. And at the range, when you start to flinch or you are about to crush the frame with too tight a grip, take a break and pick up the .22. Continuing to shoot with a flinch will just compound the problem. Relax, take a breath, and start over. You'll get there.

rost495

FWIW I've never fired a hardball round thats light. Hardball by pistol shooting definition is 230 FMJ at around 830-850 fps and it smacks you around pretty good.