I can add a little data for those interested, I just worked up a load for my colt compitition 2 weeks ago using tight group and 124s and chronographed as I went. I was using BDX fmjs seated to 1.130 which in my experience have performed nearly identical to Campros.3.6grn=975fps, best grouping but s.o.l. For power factor,3.8grn=1021fps,still good group but on the razors edge for pf,4.0grn=1076fps about a 4inch group at 15 yards also my current load for my shadow.4.2grn=1098fps with the most inconsistent group. Previous to this I worked up a load with my shadow without a chrony and found the accuracy improved with velocity with the best being 4.3grns with both campros and BDX, when finally did chrono it was screaming out at 1132fps so I backed it off to 4.0grns. I would have thought the longer barrel in the 1911 would have the higher velocity.
124 9mm with Titegroup
- Thread starter Above49TH
- Start date
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- Kawartha Lakes
My first attempt at reloading
When I got my press they had Titegroup on sale also I am starting with that.
See some of the post here say it being a narrow range powder ,not the best for beginners.
But looking for a min. starting load for 124g Campro I find,
Hodgon 3.6 - 4.1gr
Campro 4.1 - 4.4
Lee 4.1 - 4.4
I loaded up 10 at 3.8 and I got to the range and it was snowed in and now it is -40.
Where should I be starting 3.6 or 4.1 for my pistol.
How did you make out with your load?
I just tested my 124 gr Campro HP with 3.5 gr Tightgroup and it cycled and worked great in both a CZ 75 SP01 and Jericho. Going to up to 3.6 gr Tightgroup and use this or the 3.5 for practice for now. Very light recoil!
OkayShooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
I should have wizzed a 4grn 124grn x metal bullet past the chrony last night when It was setup. I didn't bring any extra rounds with me. Maybe next Friday Ill haul my chrony indoors.
I kept a couple to test. Just gotta wait for a warmer non snowy day.
My guess about 1070 FPS
- Location
- Kawartha Lakes
No...just started loading for Pistol and went with a Hornady L&L Progressive press. Took awhile to get the time to set it up as was nervous about the progressive press but now find it accurate and easy. Could have stayed doing it on single stage as well though. The CZ is fun! Might pick up another if I get a good deal.
OkayShooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
Dillon's powder measure also flares so I use a three die set (size & decap, seat, crimp) with a power check. I like to seat and crimp separately. I use Dillon dies and have never found the need for Lee's FCD. My failure rate using a Shockbottle Hundo is less than 1%. Of that 1% all will pass in every handgun other than my CZ.
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- Kawartha Lakes
I am using a 3 die set at present but if I come into any issues I will get a FCD. I am using a Hornady L&L AP and I could drop the powder cop die or add the powder through expander. Not sure I need the powder cop die though as looking straight down into case as it comes out of powder measure....also still new so measuring on digital scale ever 5 to 10 rounds. Either way I can add a FCD but am getting a good crimp and load using a Hornady 3 die set for now.
Chuckbuster
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Guns are funny things...In my experience, I have found the opposite to be true; 3.5gr won't cycle reliably in any of my guns.
The FCD doesn't put a "better" crimp on the round, essentially it swages the entire round to help it pass when gauged. You gauge all your rounds right? Regardless, as stated previously I've never felt the need for it since only less than 1% of my rounds fail gauging. Also, make sure you don't over crimp your rounds, generally you'll want to be somewhere between .376 (heavy) - .379 (light). In 9mm you're not really crimping, you're debelling.
Quick story about gauging...
Last week at the range a fellow member locked the slide on his S&W M&P. I asked if he had gauged all his rounds and he responded in the negative. After we used the shooting station's frame work to help eject the round I took his M&P apart and plunked the failed round into his barrel. Sure as $hit wasn't half the round above flush, HALF!!!
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- Location
- Kawartha Lakes
OkayShooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
Got to the range today. Not sure if my chrony was working 100% and was -5. I used the light kit to be sure. But the avg for the 124gn campro HPs was 941 and the 124grn xmetal hitek was 990. Using 4.0 grns of W231. My guess is that the lead is softer so uses less powder to push it down the barrel, than the copper jacket.
3.7grns of W231 is when my K100 was like I might be able to eject. Any less and probably wouldn't
I knew you would see a fairly significant velocity difference between the FMJ like CamPro and the coated Xmetal.
My 147's are travelling almost as fast as your 124's, lol. You probably don't care about making power factor, and that's fine, but if you do you'll need to get that velocity up around 1050 ft/s.
I am learning from reading this thread. I got a Dillon XL 650 at Xmas and I am asking myself the same questions.
I too have a Shawdow 2, Cam Pro 124gr RN, Titegroup powder. I am planning to go with 4.0gr. with the OAL of 1.25”. I am now going to the setup process of the the dies.
Question: does anyone using the Dillon 9mm resizing die? If yes, after resizing, the case looks like a Coke bottle shape?
After reading some forums, that seems normal with Dillon resizing die!
I too have a Shawdow 2, Cam Pro 124gr RN, Titegroup powder. I am planning to go with 4.0gr. with the OAL of 1.25”. I am now going to the setup process of the the dies.
Question: does anyone using the Dillon 9mm resizing die? If yes, after resizing, the case looks like a Coke bottle shape?
After reading some forums, that seems normal with Dillon resizing die!
Do a plunk test. I doubt most handguns will like 1.250''. SAAMI OAL is 1.169'', so I believe 1.250'' will bite the rifling in most guns. Shadows have notoriously small chambers, mine's max OAL is 1.120 (for both S1 and S2), so I make my rounds at 1.090''. Also using campro 124grn RN.
Not sure about the coke bottle. Sounds weird to me.
