Newb Question: Seating depth

D_w_A

D_w_A

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So, I was just wondering....

If the "recipe" I am using does not have a COL, how far should I seat the bullet?

I know there are catridge maximum lengths; sould I just start there and work down?

What kind of effects does seating depth have on ballistics?

P.S. I am reloading 9mm right now. I have tried a batch using Winchester 124gr bullets, 6 gr. of HS-6, with COL of 1.16", and found that it worked well but would like more info

Thanks a lot
 
1.120" is given as the COL for a 125 grain jacketed bullet in my Lyman Pistol and Revolver manual. Max is given as 1.169". That's max for all bullet weight including 147 grain bullets. If 1.160" works well and gives you the accuracy you want, leave it.
"...kind of effects does..." Too short can cause odd pressures. Too long won't feed properly. May not fit in the mag either. Different bullet shapes will give you different COL's too. Hodgdon shows 1.090" with a 125 grain jacketed bullet, but 1.125" for a cast 125 grain bullet.
You really need to work up the load, not just pick one. 6 grains of HS-6 is under minimum for a 125 grain jacketed bullet(6.4 to 6.8). Using 125 grain jacketed data for a 124 grain jacketed bullet will be ok. 1 grain of weight or .4 of powder won't give you any grief. Just don't use jacketed data for a cast bullet. Driving a cast bullet too fast will cause leading. That's not unsafe, but your accuracy will go away quickly.
 
sunray said:
1.120" is given as the COL for a 125 grain jacketed bullet in my Lyman Pistol and Revolver manual. Max is given as 1.169". That's max for all bullet weight including 147 grain bullets. If 1.160" works well and gives you the accuracy you want, leave it.
"...kind of effects does..." Too short can cause odd pressures. Too long won't feed properly. May not fit in the mag either. Different bullet shapes will give you different COL's too. Hodgdon shows 1.090" with a 125 grain jacketed bullet, but 1.125" for a cast 125 grain bullet.
You really need to work up the load, not just pick one. 6 grains of HS-6 is under minimum for a 125 grain jacketed bullet(6.4 to 6.8). Using 125 grain jacketed data for a 124 grain jacketed bullet will be ok. 1 grain of weight or .4 of powder won't give you any grief. Just don't use jacketed data for a cast bullet. Driving a cast bullet too fast will cause leading. That's not unsafe, but your accuracy will go away quickly.
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Thanks for the advice

So how far is too far? is it just trial and error?

As well, My current load is my second batch that I've (ever) done. My first batch was the same bullet, with 6.8gr of HS-6, COL at 1.156". I got the powder charge right off the HS-6 container and the COL I got from measuring a commercial Winchester FMJ 9mm round.

However, I found that this charge caused my pistol to vibrate a bit and by the time I had put 10-15 rounds through it my hand was getting sore (my current load does not do this). Thats partially why I'm asking about seating depth since I followed the load printed on the container I was wondering if I had excess pressure in the case causing the vibrations?
 
saskgunowner101 said:
Vibrate how?? More recoil or did I miss something here?
Click to expand...

Vibrate is the best word I could come up with... Not to sure how else to describe it. I probibly said "vibrate" because it left that feeling in my hand you get from hitting a fastball off the tip of an aluminum bat I've shot quite a bit of 9mm before and I've never had a shot feel like that before. Probibly is just too much recoil.
 
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