9mm Luger Reloading Powder Choice

4n2t0 said:
It depends on your goal.

Generally speaking, slow(er) powders like HS6 in 9mm are used to obtain higher velocities. The issue with using slow(er) powders is that they are very dirt when loaded lightly. Since most try to avoid heavy recoil in 9mm you'll find that heavy 147gr bullets are generally pair with fast powders so that you get cleaner/more efficient ignition with reduced felt recoil.

The HP-39/231 you have will sever you well. If I recall correctly my 231 load was 3.7gr(ish) under a 147gr CamPro yielded around 130(ish) PF.
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Hmmmm...ok, thanks. I think I'll start a little lower than that though. Hodgdon max load is only 3.4 grains.
 
heliace said:
Hmmmm...ok, thanks. I think I'll start a little lower than that though. Hodgdon max load is only 3.4 grains.
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You'll probably need to go slightly over to make 130PF, if that's even a desired goal. HP-38/231 is commonly loaded above max BUT always follow the published data and work your load up safely.
 
4n2t0 said:
You'll probably need to go slightly over to make 130PF, if that's even a desired goal. HP-38/231 is commonly loaded above max BUT always follow the published data and work your load up.
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As we have seen in this thread the data for that powder is really all over the place. I think anyone looking to load in volume with that powder would be well served using a chronograph during load development.
 
heliace said:
Just looking at the Hodgdon site, HS6 seems the best for 147 grn.? Highest velocities with the lowest pressures. 700X seems to be the most economical. I'll probably try HP38 first, because that is what I have the most of.
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HS6 is slow and gassy, it works great in Open Major pistols equipped with muzzle brakes. In a regular 9 mm, it has funny recoil impulse: a long and strong push, I didn’t like it because it slows down splits. For the same reason, it is not the best in PCC designs that rely on a heavy bolt with no locking lugs (PC9)

heliace said:
My only goals is that it is accurate, nice to shoot(not too dirty and cycles well) and safe.
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Vihtavuori N320 fits these requirements - you didn’t say “the cheapest possible “ :)
 
To me, 9mm uses so little powder and for the amount I shoot, price of powder is not my worry. I do have limited types of powder on hand, however. HP 38, HS6 and 700x. I do have bullseye and power pistol, but, they are sealed and I have zero experience loading with them. I am presently loading 147 gr bullets with 3.2 grains of HP38 and will see how they work.
 
Sounds like a plan. Also take a look at the Reloading section at Brian Enos forums - tons of expertise there
 
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