New to re-loading 9mm

[Kriegschwert]

Hey guys, I'm new to re-loading and Im trying to wade through all the different and sometimes conflicting data between bullet grain, powder charge, powder type and C.O.L

Basically im using a new Lyman manual, Lee Hand Press with 9mm die set, RCBS digital scale, and trickler.

Now between the Lyman book (which has gaps in the data about bullet type, weight, and the powder that I ended up with), Hodgdons data chart which wasnt helpful with the components I ended up with either, a Lee data chart and various online sources, Id like to ask some experienced reloaders if the 10 rounds of 9x19 mm that i've assembled are gonna be safe for me and anyone next to me in the range when i test them. Here's what I've got....

Brass : once fired, approx 0.748"- 0.752"
Powder : Hodgdon Universal, 4.5 gr
Bullet : Hornady 115gr HP/ XTP
C.O.L : 1.075"

Now Im concerned about the C.O.L and the powder charge of that type of powder with that bullet because I've not come across exact data for all those components together, so before I go fire 'em do they sound safe? Did I seat the bullet too deep and might cause over pressure? too large of powder charge for that grain and type of bullet?

Thanks, Jeff

 

[kingdarb]

I've never used universal but if the data indicates that the weight is good for that bullet then you should be fine. Start on the low end of the charges and work up.

Not sure that the COL will be too much of an issue unless you've crimped the hell out of the bullet.

 

[Canuck223]

Without trying to bend your head too much, forget about the books as gospel.

They are a guide, only.

Don't ignore thier maximums, but the reality is you are loading for your gun. Your load should work fine.

In general, look at the books to get you into the ballpark. Buy and use a chronograph. Start with a velocity in mind.

1) Start your OAL about as long as you can fit in the magazine and chamber, then shorten it as needed for feeding.

2) Start your powder charge a tad light. Use slower powders to start. Increase your charge based on the chronograph results. Increase the speed of the powder as needed, but only after getting a OAL that feeds reliably.

(Slower powders are safer, as they are harder to get to an unsafe pressure. The downside is slower powders tend to be dirtier when running at lower than ideal pressures, and can also be less consistant at lower pressures. They are great to experiment with, but I then tend to work up a mirror load using faster burning powders.)

3) Have a long detailed conversation with your paper targets. Ask them if they are more impressed with velocity or accuracy. More to the point, ask them if they poop themselves when you load megadeath zombie killing ammo loaded to the fine edge of safety. Mine don't.

 

[CeeZer]

With that bullet, you can load at OAL 1.09" that will feed and shoot out any HG including CZs.
I loaded and shot those bullets with 4.4gr of Univ. that gave me PF132.

 

[ATOM]

Not sure that the COL will be too much of an issue unless you've crimped the hell out of the bullet.

The 9x19 headspaces on the forward edge of the case. Overcrimping is the classic mistake; it allows the cartridge to get too far into the chamber, leading to light strikes on the primer, misfires, etc. The crimp should be just enough to take out the bell on the case mouth.