Ammunition selection for the Roland Special, my experiences and a request for suggestions.
(I've posted this on other forums, but nobody seems interested in pistol ballistics, I'm hoping someone here will have useful input)
So far I've been pretty impressed by the "Roland Special" concept. I'd already been carrying an RMR'ed G19 for six years or so, and was already sold on the utility of the RMR, both for extending the useful range of the pistol, as well shifting the focus from the sights to the target/threat.
The compensator was new for me, and I started to wonder if there was more optimal ammo than the 147HST I've been using. It's fine stuff, but the 147 drops pretty good at extended ranges.
I wanted to try some fast, light ammo because I figured high gas volume and low projectile weight would maximize the comp's effectiveness, as well as extending MPBR (while avoiding high POI at intermediate ranges).
So, bought a case of Federal 9BPLE and put a few downrange for an initial proof-of-concept.
(I know, it's pretty old school, suggestions for replacement ammunition would be appreciated.)
pistol specs:
G19 Gen4
Silencerco barrel (4.5")
TBRCi microcomp
Trijicon RM02
SSVI Tyr trigger shoe
"-" connector
Stock RSA & internals
Anyway, I ran ten rounds over the chronograph for a baseline.
# FPS FT-LBS PF
10 1330 451.77 152.95
9 1350 465.46 155.25
8 1355 468.91 155.82
7 1351 466.15 155.37
6 1351 466.15 155.37
5 1327 449.73 152.60
4 1334 454.49 153.41
3 1331 452.45 153.07
2 1341 459.27 154.21
1 1337 456.54 153.76
Average: 1340.7 FPS
SD: 10.3 FPS
Min: 1327 FPS
Max: 1355 FPS
Spread: 28 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.2
True MV: 1350 FPS
So, after pushing that data through a ballistics calculator, it looks like a 50 yard zero would yield a decent MPBR without significantly high POI at intermediate ranges.
So, about 4 inches less drop at a 100 compared to the 147HST, and flatter trajectory overall (no surprise there).
So, 50 yards on the 1/2 size silhouette.
The near zero is ~somewhere~ around 10 yards. It's kinda hard to tell, and my software only spits out 25y increments.
With the comp, the +P+ felt like weak 115 range ammo, if that, so I tend to think the theory is sound.
Ejection is adequate with the OEM RSA, though I might try a 15# aftermarket unit.
So, on to the 100 yard line, 1/2 size silhouette.
(Full disclosure:
this was not entirely offhand, my elbows were resting on my pack. This is not about me and if I can shoot or not, it's about seeing if the ammo and platform perform.)
Given that there is a pretty wide spread regarding POI, I can't say with any certainty that the ballistics tables 5.5" low data can be confirmed. But they all hit the 1/2 size silhouette, so I'm calling it good.
The ten hits were fired sequentially, interrupted only by an optic adjustment after the first three, coming up 3 clicks/MOA. This adjustment brought my 50 yard zero up 1.5", which is now centered, and made no practical/observable difference to the 10-ish yard zero.
According to the Ballistics Calculator, velocity at impact would be 1,033fps with 273 fpe. I do not know if/how the projectile will perform at that velocity.
Perhaps a SME might know a) if the federal hi-shok projectile will perform at 1,033 or b) what premium ammunition (if any) might perform better while providing similar ballistics.
I don't think shooting an RMR'ed pistol at 100y is a "stunt", or a "trick shot". It is well within the practical capabilities of both you, and the platform, and I'd personally like to see training and attitudes take into account the viability of 0-100 yards as a practical range for the modern pistol.
I'm sure a more talented shooter than myself could shoot at speed on a full size silhouette and expect a pretty good hit rate.
Thanks to all those involved in the development of the "Roland Special" concept.