Max powder levels will not function all my semi's

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I'm running Hodgdon Universal in 9mm reloads with 147gr Frontier bullets (copper plated). My manual lists 3.0-3.5gr for this load. I've worked up to 3.4 & now 3.5 and a couple of my semi's still will not cycle properly.

Beretta M9A1 converted to DA only functions with both 3.4 & 3.5gr, feels nice with 3.5gr.
HK P7 functions with both 3.4 & 3.5 but feels extremely snappy.
Glock 17 does not cycle all the way with either load.
Beretta 92FS, older Italian model, does not cycle with 3.4gr, will pickup next round with 3.5gr but slide will not lock back.

I think it may be the recoil spring in the Beretta 92FS, the recoil spring in the M9A1 is even stronger but I guess the DA only functioning helps. The Glock puzzles me.

Thoughts?
 
Ive noticed that on a rifle, I was working up to max and at highter pressures it did not cycle properly so I backed off accordingly. Gas guns are a little more finicky I guess that's why I no longer own any.
 
My glock has no trouble with W231, the spring doesn't seem overly strong as even minimum loads with this powder were enough to lock it back.
 
Pathfinder said:
Ive noticed that on a rifle, I was working up to max and at highter pressures it did not cycle properly so I backed off accordingly. Gas guns are a little more finicky I guess that's why I no longer own any.
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Indeed , hot loads, handloads without full length sizing, or small base dies etc, cycle time gets messed up , like black box factory winchester, not for use in remmy semi's I think...
 
chrony the loads if possible to verify the speed.

1 out of 4 guns you mention the word snappy. You do not want to get to snappy. I would i though the Glock would feel it first.

Would you ever switch powders? or how about lighter bullets.

Can you run a mag or two of factory loaded ammo through each gun to make sure they run flawlessly..... Just to eliminate a few variables.
 
I was just looking at some of the data.

at 3.4 grns you should be pushing that bullet at ~850 fps.

thats pretty slow. a 125 gr bullet with 4.3 grns will fun you ~1090 almost %20 more speed.

If I ran my 120 grn bullets at 850 my sig would be on the verge of a stall. Seriouly. I would not get positive feeding all the time.

Maybe re-look at your bullet choices so you can find one that would work in all the guns.

Have you had a chance to try some AIM bullets yet? PM and I will send you a few to try out. there really good.



I only run 120-124 grn bullets, but maybe re-look at your choice.
 
redbirddog said:
chrony the loads if possible to verify the speed.

1 out of 4 guns you mention the word snappy. You do not want to get to snappy. I would i though the Glock would feel it first.

Would you ever switch powders? or how about lighter bullets.

Can you run a mag or two of factory loaded ammo through each gun to make sure they run flawlessly..... Just to eliminate a few variables.
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+1

Universal is a good powder for 9mm, but it's a tad slow. That tends to mean the pressure needed for proper cycling come near the top end of the safe range.

I'd be tempted to chrony and see what speed the different guns are actually launching the bullets at. As electroplated bullets tend to produce velocities between lead and jacketed, it's entirely possible that your book load is a tad conservative.

For what it's worth, I'm loading 4.5grs with the 125gr Frontiers, and they produce 1100fps from my GP6..
 
In some semi's, the use of the faster powders at their max loads can prevent the action from cycling properly. When pressure peaks are high and early, it can cause the cartridge to grip the chamber walls and prevent backwards movement at a crucial time.

Try a bit less of that powder, or use a powder a bit slower and see.
 
redbirddog said:
Would you ever switch powders? or how about lighter bullets.
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I'd rather not, I prefer 147gr in 9mm and have about 12lbs of Universal, plus it works in all my other handgun calibers fine.

redbirddog said:
Can you run a mag or two of factory loaded ammo through each gun to make sure they run flawlessly..... Just to eliminate a few variables.
Click to expand...

First thing I do when I get a new gun. They all work fine with 147gr factory.
 
M_A_T_T said:
I'd rather not, I prefer 147gr in 9mm and have about 12lbs of Universal, plus it works in all my other handgun calibers fine.






First thing I do when I get a new gun. They all work fine with 147gr factory.
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Factory 147 works fine in all your guns....and you use universal in all your other handgun calibers. You should not have an issue with your reloaded 9's but you do.

I think the loads are a bit slow. And I think the 147 grn is a bad choice for 9mm. ( my opinion and I may get razzed about it ) do you have any other bullets in 147 grn? maybe the frontier are a bit sloppy compaired to say Remmington FMJ's.

with almost 4 grns of powder and a bullet that big in a small case, there's not much room to move.

I hope you can get a solution that fits all your 9's.

offer still stands...if you want some 124 grs Aim's I will send you some to try out.
 
redbirddog said:
Factory 147 works fine in all your guns....and you use universal in all your other handgun calibers. You should not have an issue with your reloaded 9's but you do.

I think the loads are a bit slow. And I think the 147 grn is a bad choice for 9mm. ( my opinion and I may get razzed about it ) do you have any other bullets in 147 grn? maybe the frontier are a bit sloppy compaired to say Remmington FMJ's.

with almost 4 grns of powder and a bullet that big in a small case, there's not much room to move.

I hope you can get a solution that fits all your 9's.

offer still stands...if you want some 124 grs Aim's I will send you some to try out.
Click to expand...

OK, concider yourself razzed.:D

The 147 gr Frontiers are excellent. I only hope the AIM version when finally released are as good.

In 9mm to make minor with a slight cushion, the faster burning powders seem to be the smart choice, but Universal should be workable. Only down side is because it's slower burning, you need more of it.
 
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