Reloading powder for 9mm
- Thread starter kohen
- Start date
Different calibers have different max presures. 38 SPL @ 15,000 45ACP @ 22,000 9mm @ 35,000
Different powders are required if you want powder to be efficient at the required power.
If you want a full power load in 9mm, then you are looking at Blu Dot, HS7, AA9, or 3N37.
But, if you want a medium power load for general plinking and accuracy, then you want a powder that is efficient at a lower pressure. Use a 38 or 45 type powder, with 231, 7625 and TiteGroup being good examples.
Unque is in a class by itself because it works well at both high and medium pressure. That is why it is called "Unique". It is. But it is a flake powder and will not work well in some brands of powder throwers. It won't work in my Redding, but is fine in my old Lyman 55.
Different powders are required if you want powder to be efficient at the required power.
If you want a full power load in 9mm, then you are looking at Blu Dot, HS7, AA9, or 3N37.
But, if you want a medium power load for general plinking and accuracy, then you want a powder that is efficient at a lower pressure. Use a 38 or 45 type powder, with 231, 7625 and TiteGroup being good examples.
Unque is in a class by itself because it works well at both high and medium pressure. That is why it is called "Unique". It is. But it is a flake powder and will not work well in some brands of powder throwers. It won't work in my Redding, but is fine in my old Lyman 55.
Moikya wrote " I ended up buying from Cabelas a SPEER 124 gr TMJ RN but my manuals have no data for the two. I searched online and the best recommendation I could find was 4.2 gn of BULLSEYE at 1.035". Any suggestions? "
Bullseye is a good powder for medioum power accuracy loads. It does not tkae much of it so it is possible to accidently double charge the case. make sure your procedure has a way for you to eyeball the case before putting the bullet in.
For this reason I suggest new loaders use a bulkier powder like SR7625.
That load is ok, but I would start at 3.5, and try it in 0.3 increments up to that laod to see what worked best. My pistol happens to like 3.3 to 3.5 for best groups.
Bullseye is a good powder for medioum power accuracy loads. It does not tkae much of it so it is possible to accidently double charge the case. make sure your procedure has a way for you to eyeball the case before putting the bullet in.
For this reason I suggest new loaders use a bulkier powder like SR7625.
That load is ok, but I would start at 3.5, and try it in 0.3 increments up to that laod to see what worked best. My pistol happens to like 3.3 to 3.5 for best groups.
I would suggest that folks choose their powder by considering factors other than just how much smoke is made. Each powder has a different burning rate that influences pressure and how effectively and completely it burns for your specific application. By application, I mean lead versus plated versus jacketed, bullet weight, intended power factor or velocity, perceived recoil, barrel length, and of course local availability to what is closest to your needs. I say don't get stuck on a single brand, and instead experiment with several to find out what works best and provides the best accuracy for your application.
For smoke generation, I do a VERY soft lube made for use under -10 degrees C on lead bullets that is sure to piss folks off at the indoor range while testing. Smells like burnt grease. Nice!
For smoke generation, I do a VERY soft lube made for use under -10 degrees C on lead bullets that is sure to piss folks off at the indoor range while testing. Smells like burnt grease. Nice!
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta
I shoot 4.3 grn of titegroup behind a 124grn Campro or Barry's bullet. I tried about 200 at 4.1grn.. but in the end I liked the kick of 4.3.. Less pop than a factory load but just felt right..
Hotwheels81
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- South of GP
Wow I'm surprised more of you don't use power pistol, it's kinda fussy as I have found out but after playing with it and a pile of 124g Plated bullets I found a happy medium.... PP also looks to be a winner for .40 and 10mm full house loads.
PP is great powder for 9mm and was once the most used by USPSA shooters.
But, it's expensive to use if one shoots 1-2K rounds a month or more due to powder charge size.
Another reason that made people switch to more economical powders was - low stock and difficulty to find most reloading components (in USA and Canada) just 3-4 years ago and everyone tried to stretch what they had pretty thin. And 3.6gr load per round is quite lower that 5.4gr when you think of 10-20K rounds (2.5-5lbs powder difference) shot annually by a 'lazy' IPSC/USPSA shooter (who isn't sponsored).
Realization of available savings and still current financial crisis kept ppl counting pennies.
For example, comparing loading 124gr bullets vs 147gr bullets with same TG powder would give 124gr loads savings of about $15 per 1K rds, or $150 for 10K rds or $300 for 20K rds. Even $150 you save on ammo would let you shoot a few local matches
And yes, I was considering powder charge differences for the loads - I took conservative 3.8gr load for 124gr bullet and 3.4gr for 147gr bullet.
Personally, I like Clays and Universal Clays under 124gr bullet. VV N320-340 are nice but almost twice as expensive
Also, Jay from Berry's is sending me samples of 130gr and 135gr .38Sup bullets for testing (same diameter as 9mm), along with 124gr HBRN. I got 7 powders to test them with and will make the results available in a month or so.
But, it's expensive to use if one shoots 1-2K rounds a month or more due to powder charge size.
Another reason that made people switch to more economical powders was - low stock and difficulty to find most reloading components (in USA and Canada) just 3-4 years ago and everyone tried to stretch what they had pretty thin. And 3.6gr load per round is quite lower that 5.4gr when you think of 10-20K rounds (2.5-5lbs powder difference) shot annually by a 'lazy' IPSC/USPSA shooter (who isn't sponsored).
Realization of available savings and still current financial crisis kept ppl counting pennies.
For example, comparing loading 124gr bullets vs 147gr bullets with same TG powder would give 124gr loads savings of about $15 per 1K rds, or $150 for 10K rds or $300 for 20K rds. Even $150 you save on ammo would let you shoot a few local matches
And yes, I was considering powder charge differences for the loads - I took conservative 3.8gr load for 124gr bullet and 3.4gr for 147gr bullet.
Personally, I like Clays and Universal Clays under 124gr bullet. VV N320-340 are nice but almost twice as expensive
Also, Jay from Berry's is sending me samples of 130gr and 135gr .38Sup bullets for testing (same diameter as 9mm), along with 124gr HBRN. I got 7 powders to test them with and will make the results available in a month or so.
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Powder selection depends on what factors are most important to you. For the best accuracy (25 meters from a rest), I haven't found a powder that gives me better groups than Power Pistol for 115, 124 or 147 gr. bullets. However, it's disadvantages are fairly heavy recoil and bright muzzle flash indoors.
For low recoil, low flash loads, it's tough to beat VV N310. Titegroup is pretty close though.
If your goal is to drive the 9mm to the highest velocity possible, then 3N37 or 3N38 are the ticket.
For low recoil, low flash loads, it's tough to beat VV N310. Titegroup is pretty close though.
If your goal is to drive the 9mm to the highest velocity possible, then 3N37 or 3N38 are the ticket.
IMHO, just imho - 3N38 is too slow for 115-124gr bullet. 3N37 was all the rave in US about 10 years ago and now shooters moved on to faster powders, but not as fast as N310 - it's quite too fast for common 124gr bullet; N320 is about perfect for 124gr bullet.
And I'm kinda thinking action shooting, not bullseye.
And I'm kinda thinking action shooting, not bullseye.
My goals are:
- dirt-cheap
- accurate enough to hit an 8" circle in a hurry at 8-20 yards, better accuracy being a bonus
- clean enough (limited fouling in the gun)
- minimal ejecta (less junk on one's hands when shooting a revolver)
- good metering in a progressive at low charge weights
- near-universal application (.38 special to .44 magnum)
- good availability - no ordering / waiting
That leads directly to titegroup. The only thing I don't like about it is the way the last layer sticks to my powder hopper when emptying.
- Location
- Toronto,Ontario
HS-6 is a slower burning powder good for major load.
If you don't mind the extra kick or flip, then you can use it for minor load.
It is dirty because your load is not hot enough to burn all the powders,hence leaving many unburned powder for you to clean
Well Mr acrashb - Merry Christmas !
I just watched your video on 223 - and from the looks of it - you don't need any advice !
I do however - and I was wondering where you got your 2267b. I am nowhere near your level of production - but it looks like you have identified the components that you want to use and have no doubt secured reliable sources.
So would you like to share that info and cost breakdown?
Doug
1) And to you!
2) Thanks - I still take advice. Sometimes I even follow it
3) http://www.higginsonpowders.com/images/Hornady_2011.pdf#page=2 - look in the lower-left under "bulk bullets". You can use these to replicate the ballistics of M193 if you have an optic with a BDC for it. Or download to commercial levels and save some wear-and-tear on your barrel etc. Powder in the video is also available from Higginson's.
