9mm Luger Load Data Differences?

[Cactus]

Hi all,

I have my first 20 reloads ready to test on the weekend. Chatting with the guys at the indoor range after work (I brought my reloads in for expert inspection) which my rounds passed.

One point that came up was the powder charge and there was a bit of concern about it...

I used 6 grains of HS6 for a 115 gr FMJ with a COL of 1.145

My Lee and Hodgdon data stated the min was 6.7 and the max was 7 with a COL of 1.125 so I reduced the min by aprox 10% and increased the COL because I wanted a minor load for my Glock 17 with factory barrel to start. Some of the fellas thought this was a bad idea and one fellow went and got his Lyman book which said min 5.7 and max 7 grains for 115 gr FMJs.

I was a little superised at the spread in the Lyman book compared to the data I have.

Now I know not all books will have the same info, I am wondering if the Lymen gives you the actual low and high loads where the others say to reduce the load by 10% to start?

I guess I'm happy that my rounds passed inspection and are within the Lymans load range but the conversation had this new 9mm reloader a little concerned.

Cactus

 

[RT]

Yes, slightly different loads form different manufactures! Id say that so long as the load youve put together falls within the perameters of one of the books then you will be OK. The real test is when you fire them if it will cycle your pistol and if it is accurate. You will very likly find that some load adjustment is necessary to tailor it to your pistol. Generally you want to start your loads at the min. end of the powder and work up from there...do like youve done and load up a few at diferent powder charges without exceding the max and find what works best. As for the OAL, never load shorter than the min. some pistols will like the ammo abit longer, some wont cycle it if its to long.

Hope this helps!


Good luck.

 

[t-star]

not to mention the fact some use the actual gun, some use a pressure gun, some use the crusher method and some use piezo- electric sensors- and some "lift" the data from others- ie the powder manufacturers- most ammo and powder companies will tell you their "recipes " for their factory loads- it's all about convience for the reloader- the book just puts everything together

 

[Colin]

Lee's data is very conservative.

 

[Hookturn]

With your Lee and Hodgdon data did you use the data for 9mm pistol or 9mm rifle.
I made that mistake when I started reloading. I started at the low end of the rifle scale by mistake. They were still under max pistol load but they were hot.

 

[slushee]

um, a little bit off topic guys, but i'm just about ready to start loading 9mm luger too.

could you look in your lee modern reloading guide and get me the recipie for using 124 grain jacketed bullet with V-N350 powder please?

also will need the trim to length if ya got it

thanks!!!

 

[RT]

um, a little bit off topic guys, but i'm just about ready to start loading 9mm luger too.

could you look in your lee modern reloading guide and get me the recipie for using 124 grain jacketed bullet with V-N350 powder please?

also will need the trim to length if ya got it

thanks!!!

Why not go to the VV site...I use their data for their powder!

However, Lee does have data for VV powders...just not online.

 

[Cactus]

Well, I was using the 9mm luger pistol data from my books and have pulled the barrel from my Glock to check the headspace.

Since the conversation at the gunshop last night I had some goncern with my cheapie electronic scale that I used for shotshells. It is good for +- 1 grain, way to big a difference for 9mm pistol so I bought a bullet puller tonight and a manual scale. It made me feel alot better about my loads after I pulled the bullets, remeasured the charge and redid them a little warmer

Since the guys thought my load was too light last night, I used 6.5 grains of HS6 at a COL of 1.146. Well within the load guidelines for all the manuals I have.

I can't wait to hit the range and try them out.

Cactus