"Grain" Explanation

M1911A1 · February 22nd, 2009, 09:09 PM

I keep seeing posts similar to:
"What do y'all think is the best grain hollow point for SD in .380?"

I suggest that a "sticky" needs to be posted somewhere, and maybe in more than one place, to explain the word "grain" as it relates to both bullets and powder charges. Proper usage of the term should also be explained.

If you don't want to do it, I'd be happy to. Just tell me where you'd like it (them) posted, and how to make it (them) "sticky."

Bumper · February 22nd, 2009, 10:30 PM

While that information would fit best in the Defensive Ammunition & Ballistics forum, I'm not sure that it rises to the level of a sticky. We try to keep the stickies to a minimum and release them as we add others....

Ram Rod · February 23rd, 2009, 01:11 AM

1 grain = 0.064 798 91 gram
1 gram = 0.035 273 961 95 ounce
1 grain = 0.002 285 714 285 7 ounce

A 147gr 9mm bullet weighs .336 ounce. A 115gr 9mm bullet weighs
0.262 857 142 86 ounce.
"What do y'all think is the best grain weight hollow point for SD in .380?"

Blackeagle · February 23rd, 2009, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ram Rod

1 grain = 0.064 798 91 gram
1 gram = 0.035 273 961 95 ounce
1 grain = 0.002 285 714 285 7 ounce

Given that grains are so tiny, I think it's easier to think of these if you flip the comparison around.

1 gram = 15.4323584 grains
1 ounce = 437.5 grains

Google calculator can convert to/from grains.

M1911A1 · February 23rd, 2009, 01:55 AM

OK, but the issue is usage, more than definition.
The quote was: "What do y'all think is the best grain hollow point for SD in .380?"
The question should have been: ""What do y'all think is the best weight hollow point for SD in .380?" (Or "grain-weight," maybe.)
Just because the box of cartridges calls out the bullet as, for instance, "95 grains," the untutored person's question uses the word "grain" where the word "weight" should be. That person needs to be shown that "grain" is a form of weight measure, and not a stand-alone determinate.
That's what I want to make into a sticky, or learning tool, or something.

Cupcake · February 23rd, 2009, 08:50 AM

those numbers are hard... there are 7000 grains in 1 pound. Thats the only one I remember, the rest can be figured as needed.

bbqgrill · February 23rd, 2009, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M1911A1

OK, but the issue is usage, more than definition.
The quote was: "What do y'all think is the best grain hollow point for SD in .380?"
The question should have been: ""What do y'all think is the best weight hollow point for SD in .380?" (Or "grain-weight," maybe.)
Just because the box of cartridges calls out the bullet as, for instance, "95 grains," the untutored person's question uses the word "grain" where the word "weight" should be. That person needs to be shown that "grain" is a form of weight measure, and not a stand-alone determinate.
That's what I want to make into a sticky, or learning tool, or something.

I have seen the posts you described and did not really think to much about the ackward use of the term grain. Now, I get what you are saying; sort of like some people think "grain" is some all powerful mysterious factor in evaluating bullet effectiveness.

kazzaerexys · February 23rd, 2009, 11:47 AM

You mean it has nothing to do with drinking moonshine while shooting and/or reloading????

Wow, I was really confused!

ICTsnub · February 23rd, 2009, 01:40 PM

It's a given, grains in relation to ammo can only mean weight. Look at shotgun shells, ounces and drams.

I'd never ask my butcher for "two pounds weight" ribeye steak.

David in FL · February 23rd, 2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cupcake

those numbers are hard... there are 7000 grains in 1 pound. Thats the only one I remember, the rest can be figured as needed.

LOL......that's the only one I remember too!

My trusty calculator takes care of the rest.

February 22nd, 2009, 09:09 PM	#1
M1911A1 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northwest Washington State Posts: 51	"Grain" Explanation I keep seeing posts similar to: "What do y'all think is the best grain hollow point for SD in .380?" I suggest that a "sticky" needs to be posted somewhere, and maybe in more than one place, to explain the word "grain" as it relates to both bullets and powder charges. Proper usage of the term should also be explained. If you don't want to do it, I'd be happy to. Just tell me where you'd like it (them) posted, and how to make it (them) "sticky." __________________ Steve Retired Leathersmith and Practical Shooter "Qui desiderat pacem, præparet bellum."

February 22nd, 2009, 10:30 PM	#2
Bumper Administrator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 17,335	While that information would fit best in the Defensive Ammunition & Ballistics forum, I'm not sure that it rises to the level of a sticky. We try to keep the stickies to a minimum and release them as we add others.... __________________ Bumper Administrator DefensiveCarry.com Forum Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde; Beware the anger of a patient man.

February 23rd, 2009, 01:11 AM	#3
Ram Rod VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: crawford county, arkansas Posts: 8,807	1 grain = 0.064 798 91 gram 1 gram = 0.035 273 961 95 ounce 1 grain = 0.002 285 714 285 7 ounce A 147gr 9mm bullet weighs .336 ounce. A 115gr 9mm bullet weighs 0.262 857 142 86 ounce. "What do y'all think is the best grain weight hollow point for SD in .380?" __________________ RamRod-----sans remords live, eat, breathe, sleep Glock

February 23rd, 2009, 01:55 AM	#5
M1911A1 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northwest Washington State Posts: 51	OK, but the issue is usage, more than definition. The quote was: "What do y'all think is the best grain hollow point for SD in .380?" The question should have been: ""What do y'all think is the best weight hollow point for SD in .380?" (Or "grain-weight," maybe.) Just because the box of cartridges calls out the bullet as, for instance, "95 grains," the untutored person's question uses the word "grain" where the word "weight" should be. That person needs to be shown that "grain" is a form of weight measure, and not a stand-alone determinate. That's what I want to make into a sticky, or learning tool, or something. __________________ Steve Retired Leathersmith and Practical Shooter "Qui desiderat pacem, præparet bellum."

February 23rd, 2009, 08:50 AM	#6
Cupcake VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,996	those numbers are hard... there are 7000 grains in 1 pound. Thats the only one I remember, the rest can be figured as needed. __________________ Sixto for President!

February 23rd, 2009, 11:47 AM	#8
kazzaerexys Distinguished Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,426	You mean it has nothing to do with drinking moonshine while shooting and/or reloading???? Wow, I was really confused! __________________ “What is a moderate interpretation of [the Constitution]? Halfway between what it says and [...] what you want it to say?” —Justice Antonin Scalia SIG: P220R SS Elite SAO, P220R SAO, P220R Carry SRT, P226, P239 (.40S&W), P2022 (.40S&W); GSR 5", P6.

February 23rd, 2009, 01:40 PM	#9
ICTsnub Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 615	It's a given, grains in relation to ammo can only mean weight. Look at shotgun shells, ounces and drams. I'd never ask my butcher for "two pounds weight" ribeye steak. __________________ I'm not a lawyer or a LEO, just a pantload with a computer.

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