Low recoil 9mm loads?

CanFire

CanFire

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Hey guys, I've got a couple of women who want to try shooting a handgun, but I sold off my .22LR pistol so it's down to the Glock 17. I currently have 124gr CMJ's and Titegroup powder, but depending on when we actually make it out to the range, I might get a chance to pick-up some new bullets and powder before the outting. Do you have any recipes for an ultra soft load?

I've used 4.0gr of Titegroup under the 124gr bullets and it feels pretty soft to me. I think I'll try going with even less powder and see if the gun will still cycle reliably.
 
You also have to consider how much power you need to reliably work the action of your gun. I loaded a bunch of 44 magnums for my Desert Eagle that is just powerful enough to work the action, usually :redface: .
 
I've gone down to 3.3gr of Titegroup under 124gr bullets and my Glock 17 cycled fine every time. Curiousity is pushing me to keep going until I find bottom, but 3.3gr is probably what I'll use anyway. It's got some recoil so they will get a taste of what shooting a handgun is like, but it's gentle enough that they shouldn't get scared off.
 
No... I don't even know what an auto disk is. :redface:

I just worked down 0.1gr at a time from my regular load. I started with ten rounds of 4.0gr, then went to ten rounds of 3.9gr, etc. I figured if I hit a point where I encountered any problems, I would just move up 0.2gr from that point and call it the starting load.
 
sunray said:
"...just worked down..." Go buy a manual and read it.
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I own manuals and have read them. Are you going to share some information or just post baseless smart-ass comments? I started with an in-spec load and, while watching for a squib, worked my way down - what's wrong with that? I'm not recommending everyone go out at load their 9mm rounds to the same level, but they're functioning fine from my pistol.
 
CanFire said:
I own manuals and have read them. Are you going to share some information or just post baseless smart-ass comments? I started with an in-spec load and, while watching for a squib, worked my way down - what's wrong with that? I'm not recommending everyone go out at load their 9mm rounds to the same level, but they're functioning fine from my pistol.
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I agree with your procedure. You are doing exactly what manuals recommend when working up a load, but you're going in the opposite direction. Your method indicates safety oriented thinking and I'm certain the action will cease to cycle before experiencing a squib or detonation load. I also think it's a great idea to introduce novice shooters to autos using reduced loads.
A .22 is NOT the same "feel" and felt recoil as a loaded-down 9mm. (9's are fun to shoot also !!
 
Thanks for the support Python. I couldn't see any danger to the way I was approaching the issue either, but I always try to listen to helpful advice that might prevent a mishap.

As for fouling, the muzzle of my 17 was covered in grey soot after the testing. What size of bullet were you using for your 3.0gr load beltfed?
 
python357 said:
Use a heavier taper crimp..you'll get more complete powder combustion.
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Yep, these are crimped on real good:D

Bullets I use are .355" frontier copper plated and Montana Gold FMJ & CMJ

I have the same grey/brown soot covering my muzzle after shooting these too.
 
CanFire said:
I couldn't see any danger to the way I was approaching the issue either, but I always try to listen to helpful advice that might prevent a mishap.
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A few powders are dangerous with light loads (note the manual warning about H110 for example), which may be where the OP was getting his remark from. TG is not one of them; it was specifically designed for large, nearly-empty cases so you can load light loads safely.
 
acrashb said:
A few powders are dangerous with light loads (note the manual warning about H110 for example), which may be where the OP was getting his remark from. TG is not one of them; it was specifically designed for large, nearly-empty cases so you can load light loads safely.
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This is my understanding as well.
A fellow shooter's buddy damaged his Glock and blamed it on a 'detonation round' with handloaded ammo with Titegroup.
I explained that Hodgedon markets Titegroup with reduced loading in mind.


As always, everyones milage may vary!:wave:
 
Would titegroup be considered a fast or slow powder? I looking at trying a load of 3.6gr of titegroup behind a 125gr FMJ bullet in my Sig 226. (looking for a wife friendly load)
 
I chrono'd a bunch of 9mm loads recently using titegroup, you may find the results interesting. Shot 10 round strings, these are the averages. Using CCI small pistol primers and shot with a CZ SP-01.

124gr Montana gold CMJ

3.0 titegroup
Ave f/s: 521

4.0 titegroup
ave f/s: 1083

4.5 titegroup
ave f/s: 1192
This is a max load, at least for me anyway.

147gr Montana Gold CMJ

3.0 titegroup
ave f/s: 486

4.0 titegroup
ave f/s: 1058

4.2 titegroup
ave f/s: 1079
My max load.

Both the 124gr and 147gr loads with 3.0 titegroup were very light, but no cycling issues. My daughter shot a bunch of these (she's 8) and handled them well.
Those loads were also extremely accurate, consistent very tight groups.
 
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Thanks guys, now from looking at the data charts, I get the impression that the same powder requires a wee bit more when shooting the same weight in cast than FMJ, yet a couple of loads seem to be the reverse?
 
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