Loads too light? Glock 17

[Onagoth]

So, I have finally gotten out to shoot my reloads.

I loaded 124 gr AIM copper plated bullets with 3.8gr of W231, seated on batch to 1.15 and one batch to 1.13.

None of either group had trouble chambering, but not a single bullet out of each lot (loaded 100 of each combination) extracted. Every single round either stovepiped, or didn't even leave the chamber.

I shot approximately 125 rounds of factory ammo before this with not a single FTE so I am fairly confident its not because I am limp wristing.

Do you guys think this load is a little too light?? I found 3-4 sources all suggesting different start loads, I went with the most conservative approach and loaded these just above the start loads for lead.

I didn't notice any pressure problems on any primers, but there was a ton of leading, half way down the casings, in the action and down the barrel.

 

[patman18]

ur loadeds seem a little light
im using the aim bullets as well with 4.3gr of w231.

 

[Onagoth]

I think so....I did get some load recipes from another CGN member, I forget who now. But his loads with that bullet & powder required around 4.3 grans to make minimum power factor for IDPA (just over 1000 ft/sec)

 

[Cerdan]

I don't understand how you could get leading shooting plated bullets.

 

[stormbringer]

Sounds like it could be "limp wristing".

Glocks are very susceptible to this phenomena.

With borderline ammo it is far more apt to occur.

 

[daBear]

If overcrimped, it will break the surface of the plating and the plating will peel away nicely. I know AIM had a problem with their earlier run, according to other CGN'rs but have addressed the problem. In any case, yur load is too light.
dB

 

[Onagoth]

Sounds like it could be "limp wristing".

Glocks are very susceptible to this phenomena.

With borderline ammo it is far more apt to occur.

Didn't think this was the case since I went through 125 rounds of factory ammo with no problem. It also occurred with full mags as well.

If overcrimped, it will break the surface of the plating and the plating will peel away nicely. I know AIM had a problem with their earlier run, according to other CGN'rs but have addressed the problem. In any case, yur load is too light.
dB

I don't think I overcrimped them, my next batch I will be sure its only a modest crimp. I did however, get the first batches of bullets to which this problem was reported.

 

[Cerdan]

I still can't imagine a "ton of leading" happening because of a few loose platings. That would have to be some seriously overcrimped 9s.

 

[Katana]

So, I have finally gotten out to shoot my reloads.

I loaded 124 gr AIM copper plated bullets with 3.8gr of W231, seated on batch to 1.15 and one batch to 1.13.

None of either group had trouble chambering, but not a single bullet out of each lot (loaded 100 of each combination) extracted. Every single round either stovepiped, or didn't even leave the chamber.

Looking at the manual, the minimum load for 9mm 124 lead of W231 is 4.0 up to 4.7. I'm using 4.3 out of my Sig 226 and every one cycled perfectly.

 

[Onagoth]

I think I used the wrong term there, I am not sure if it was powder residue, unburnt powder or leading, but it was all over my casings, inside the gun and down the barrel.

On the upside, my 50/50 corncob/walnut with brasso mix tumbled the brass to a sparkly nice finish.

 

[Onagoth]

Looking at the manual, the minimum load for 9mm 124 lead of W231 is 4.0 up to 4.7. I'm using 4.3 out of my Sig 226 and every one cycled perfectly.

I got conflicting information the more sources I consulted. The Winchester load data says for 124 gr lead RN, start at 3.3 gr and go up to 4.0 gr (your starting load)

So, 3.8 was kinda a gut feel start point for me based on all the sources I checked. But it seems obvious it wasn't enough. At first, I was a little concerned at starting a load above a published maximum....

 

[Cerdan]

I think I used the wrong term there, I am not sure if it was powder residue, unburnt powder or leading, but it was all over my casings, inside the gun and down the barrel.

Yeah, I figured it was more likely powder residue.

The Winchester load data says for 124 gr lead RN, start at 3.3 gr and go up to 4.0 gr (your starting load)

Loads for lead are always lower.

At first, I was a little concerned at starting a load above a published maximum....

You'll get over that pretty quick.

 

[tiriaq]

The load is likely too light. 3.8 is less than any recommended load I have using 231. May be getting fouling on the case because pressure is too low.

 

[Onagoth]

Ok, I guess as a general question about 9mm reloading,

what is an appropriate increment to work up loads with? It seems my loads are pretty underpowered and I might be able to jump 0.4 or 0.5 grains with no concerns, what do you guys recommend?

 

[Cerdan]

Generally speaking, the lower the powder charge, the lower the increments since they represent a larger part of the whole. I wouldn't hesitate to jump to 4.3 in your case though.

 

[saskgunowner101]

Sounds like low pressure loads is the problem. I've gotten gross blackened cases when loading down ammo. Use some guesstimation and find a mid point between lead and jacketed.

 

[Onagoth]

Generally speaking, the lower the powder charge, the lower the increments since they represent a larger part of the whole. I wouldn't hesitate to jump to 4.3 in your case though.

Sounds ok, one of the sources I looked at for recipes was Hodgdon's site, it stated for lead 125 gr, the min was 3.9 and max of 4.4

Given that these bullets are actually around 122 gr and not quite lead, I think 4.2/4.3 grains should be safe.

Might load up a few dozen at 4.1 first though.

What do you guys think about the seating depth, I had no troubles feeding the ones at 1.135, but this seems a little long compared to others, maybe I should shorten it down to 1.10 or 1.11???

 

[rhs]

I run my handloads with Frontier plated bullets about 50fps slower than what factory American Eagle shoots out of my Glock 34 with no problems. Factory 124g chronys at 1180fps, and my handloads run around 1125-1130. If you want to download much below factory specs, you'll likely have to swap out your factory guide rod for something that lets you use a lighter spring. You may also end up having to go to a taller front sight. All of which is great if you are only shooting your handloads, but if you switch back to factory (say, because you left your ammo at home heading to a match and had to borrow some factory loads from somebody ), you'll beat up your gun if you don't replace the factory recoil spring, and end up shooting low. I run my loads at 1.140 which is what I measured the 124g AE factory load, as well as the Blazer 115g factory load. If it cycles OK in your gun, then I wouldn't go deeper. You'll only increase pressure and lengthen the amount your bullet has to jump into the rifling, neither of which is particularly desirable. YMMV

 

[saskgunowner101]

I've run plated bullets through my .40 using jacketed bullet data...I just stayed away from max loads. I know it's a different caliber, but the concept might work.

As for c.o.l., I usually run them as long as I can no matter which pistol as long as they feed well. I tell myself this buys me some safety factor or lowers pressure. This can be limited by your magazine though. I've never saw a point to bringing ammo to a minimum length.

 

[Katana]

W231 is a very dirty powder, I find, so the residue is probably from that. My 226 barrel looks that same way after using it. I'm going to try Tightgroup soon to see if that makes a difference.

Added: My load info is from the Speer load manual