My first H&K P30L 40 S&W

batward1 · 09-03-2012, 21:44

I picked up a new H&K P30L and a Glock 23 Gen 4 (both are 40's) this past Friday. Sunday afternoon I took both pistols to the range for the initial firing. I was shooting Winchester 180 gr FMJ target loads picked up from a local store. I was shooting at 25 yards. I would shoot 12 rounds through each gun. Look at the targets and rest. Mind you, I'm a rifle and musket shooter. The 23 would hit the target a heck of a lot more than the P30. Actually, I hardly hit the target with the P30. The 23 would place a min of 9 hits out of 12 shots on the target with a total of 12 out of 12 one time. It seemed that the 23 worked better right out of the box.
So my question(s) is/are, is the 180 gr loads okay or is 165gr loads they way to go? Is there a break in routine for the P30? I'm just a little confused on the initial performance of each firearm verses the price difference of the two. I'm looking for some help, guidance, direction. I really love the look and feel of the P30. I'm glad I purchased it. I will eventually get the P30 to shoot great. Thanks for any info!

barth · 09-03-2012, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by batward1

I picked up a new H&K P30L and a Glock 23 Gen 4 (both are 40's) this past Friday. Sunday afternoon I took both pistols to the range for the initial firing. I was shooting Winchester 180 gr FMJ target loads picked up from a local store. I was shooting at 25 yards. I would shoot 12 rounds through each gun. Look at the targets and rest. Mind you, I'm a rifle and musket shooter. The 23 would hit the target a heck of a lot more than the P30. Actually, I hardly hit the target with the P30. The 23 would place a min of 9 hits out of 12 shots on the target with a total of 12 out of 12 one time. It seemed that the 23 worked better right out of the box.
So my question(s) is/are, is the 180 gr loads okay or is 165gr loads they way to go? Is there a break in routine for the P30? I'm just a little confused on the initial performance of each firearm verses the price difference of the two. I'm looking for some help, guidance, direction. I really love the look and feel of the P30. I'm glad I purchased it. I will eventually get the P30 to shoot great. Thanks for any info!

is the 180 gr loads okay or is 165gr loads they way to go?
For target shooting 180/165/155 is fine.
For Self Defense I prefer 155/165 gr.

Is there a break in routine for the P30?
If by break in you mean reliability? No there isn't.
It's like a Glock and is reliable right out of the box.
The gun will get a little smoother with a few rounds through her.
Lube and shoot like any new gun.

I'm just a little confused on the initial performance of each firearm verses the price difference of the two.
My P30 40 LEM is near match accurate.
You didn't mention what Variant you have?
Whichever it is you can get optional springs to enhance the
trigger that would likely improve your accuracy.
Check HKparts for parts and HKPro forum for instructions.

My P30 is LEM V2.
I converted to a LEM V1 with a crisp, clean 4.4 lbs trigger.
It's very much like a Glock with a Ghost 3.5 connector now.
Adding some quality NS you like may help your shooting too.

Good luck.

NEOH212 · 09-04-2012, 01:07

Congratulations on your new HK and welcome to the finest handguns that a working persons money can buy!

For defensive purposes, I'd stay with the 155 or 165 grain ammo.

cowboy1964 · 09-04-2012, 05:57

I'm sure it's the trigger, you just need to get used to it. As long as it's running right so far, that's the important thing.

How would you compare recoil between the P30L and the G23?

batward1 · 09-04-2012, 08:26

Thanks for the responses:

barth, you asked:
" You didn't mention what Variant you have?"
This the model P30LS that I have:

M734001L-A5…P30LS .40 S&W, Long Slide (V3) DA/SA, with safety and ambidextrous decocking button, with two 13 round magazines

batward1 · 09-04-2012, 08:33

Thanks for the responses:

cowboy1864, you asked:
"How would you compare recoil between the P30L and the G23?"

The P30L had less recoil "effect" because it fits my hand better. I haven't changed the grips yet (the P30L came with different grip adjustments/attachments). The G23 is comfortable in my hand, but the P30L was very comfortable. I like a bigger/larger grip, so the P30L has that for me.

barth · 09-04-2012, 16:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEOH212

Congratulations on your new HK and welcome to the finest handguns that a working persons money can buy!

For defensive purposes, I'd stay with the 155 or 165 grain ammo.

My HK P30 40 is loaded with Winchester Ranger T-Series 165 Gr.
I'm thinking Deanna would approve - LOL!

deeHKman · 09-05-2012, 15:10

Congrat's i would leave the glock at home and move the target closer..this way you can focus on the HK...and welcome to the finest gun's made HK's!!!

batward1 · 09-05-2012, 15:13

Thanks deeHKman;
I just bought 100 rounds of Winchester 165gr FMJ laods. Will go to the range soon, VERY soon!

batward1 · 09-05-2012, 15:16

Thanks NEO212, I carry the P30 around the house each night. I sure love the grips. They are comfortable.
I picked up some 165 gr 40's today, will take them to the range soon.

bac1023 · 09-06-2012, 10:52

Congrats!

deeHKman · 09-06-2012, 14:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by batward1

Thanks deeHKman;
I just bought 100 rounds of Winchester 165gr FMJ laods. Will go to the range soon, VERY soon!

Your welcome!! I thought the gun felt great out of the box. But once i got the panel's and backstrap to fit mt xl hand's i shoot the gun better. Feel's custom made for me now. Well worth the time and effort...HK hiring Karl Nill about the grips has sure paid off for HK!!!

carloglock19 · 10-01-2012, 18:09

Congrats.

cowboy1964 · 10-02-2012, 12:10

Two comments on aspects of bullet weight selection (and this applies to all calibers, not just .40) that people often overlook:

1) How well do you shoot it?

2) Does your practice ammo replicate the feel and POI of your carry ammo?

Those two factors far outweigh any alleged difference in a particular weight's performance.