IMR 800X for 9mm

IM_Lugger

IM_Lugger

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I got some 800X powder to use for 10mm but sold the gun before I ever got to try the powder...So now I'm going to use it for 9mm (and maybe .40, .45). Anyways on Hodgdon site it says to use 3.5-4gr with 147gr bullet, but in my LEE load chart they list 4.7-5.3gr - quite a difference!

Anyone here loads 9mm with 800X powder and 147gr (plated) bullets? what load do you use? I already loaded 2 boxes with 3.5gr before I looked at the load chart and wondering if that's going to be enough to cycle the slide.
 
IM_Lugger said:
I got some 800X powder to use for 10mm but sold the gun before I ever got to try the powder...So now I'm going to use it for 9mm (and maybe .40, .45). Anyways on Hodgdon site it says to use 3.5-4gr with 147gr bullet, but in my LEE load chart they list 4.7-5.3gr - quite a difference!

Anyone here loads 9mm with 800X powder and 147gr (plated) bullets? what load do you use? I already loaded 2 boxes with 3.5gr before I looked at the load chart and wondering if that's going to be enough to cycle the slide.
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Trust the Hodgdon site, they will be fine, but that does seem on the low end. Dont load any more until you've had a chance to try them but they should be fine. If they work ok, dont hesitate to work into the Lee data. Unique is the same way. Hornady data for 9mm say 5gr MAX but Alliant says 5.8. I worked that up to 5.4 before I thought it was pushing it and 5.2 seems about right. Oh and thats for 124gr bullets

Some manuals seem to be overly safe. Also make sure you are reading data for the right bullet. Your 3.5 - 4 may be for a .356" lead bullet and the other may be for a .355" FMJ. Make sure you are comparing like for like
 
Both of them are for 147 gr Hornady XTP actually. 4gr supposed to give you 883fps at 28,900 PSI, 5.3gr according to lee chart will produce 1025fps but no PSI given, probably would be 33,000 -35,000.
 
I hope you're not metering your charges. 800-X is one of the worst metering powders out there; think 0.5-0.7gr variations. I'd recommend weighing each charge or using a lee dipper set.

With that being said, 800X is good stuff if you're looking to push the limits(9mm major, etc); I use it exclusively for my hot buckshot and slug loads...
 
I tried to use it in my Auto Disk using Adjustable charge bar and it was WAY off! I had to switch to using disks. it was metering pretty good, after that.
 
IM_Lugger said:
Both of them are for 147 gr Hornady XTP actually. 4gr supposed to give you 883fps at 28,900 PSI, 5.3gr according to lee chart will produce 1025fps but no PSI given, probably would be 33,000 -35,000.
Click to expand...

Yeah that sounds like you're pretty close. Definately close to the edge but still pretty safe either way as long as you work it up to 5.3 slowly. I would stay away from the max if you are going to be running those pressures unless you are doing it for so sort of competition. If you are just punching paper for fun, no point risking damage to your gun with extreme pressures
 
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