I am new to reloading and handguns. I have a new 9mm CZ SP-01 and started breaking in my gun by firing Remington 147 gr round nose FMJ bullets with no malfunctions (1000 fps). The casings ejected about 8' away. I started to reload using 138 gr round nose FMJ bullets using 3.7 gr of Bullseye powder and Federal primers. I had every type of possible malfunction: stovepiping, double feed, etc. I upped the powder to 4.0 gr and that slightly reduced the malfunctions. This gives me about 1050 fps but the casings only eject about 1-2 ft. I still have 2000 of the 138 gr bullets. Can anyone suggest a powder, powder load and primer combination that would still allow me to maintain a power factor of 125 for IPSC and not cause the malfunctions? Thanks.
SP-01 malfunctions: gun or handload problem?
- Thread starter Wink
- Start date
first question, are you using the factory mainspring? If so you will need to load hotter with a heavier bullet. Better choice to get a lighter mainspring, 11 pound should do, if you can't get it local, try www.ghostholster.com
90% of your problems should be solved with a lighter spring. Then load to an OAL of 1.10.
90% of your problems should be solved with a lighter spring. Then load to an OAL of 1.10.
TightGroup
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Saint-Louis-de-Kent, NB
Wink I dunno what to say.
I have not found any bullets at 138 grs for 9mm (not saying they do not exist).
But looking at my Hornaday I found that Bullseye is set from 3.9 to 4.6 (never exceed) for 115gr !!!!!
I would certainly say that at 3.9 or 4.0 is way too much .. What I would do is get a good reloading book stick with proven loads that work make sure the brass is OK.
The COL or OAL are stated in the reloaders book and stick to those...
Another point with the CZ SP01 ,if you are going to run production in IPSC then power factor is a non issue..
I ran my SP01 with heavier 147's no problem with power pistol and fed primers. The problem I ran into was with cheap brass,
Your CZ is a fine gun. Check your reloads
TG
I have not found any bullets at 138 grs for 9mm (not saying they do not exist).
But looking at my Hornaday I found that Bullseye is set from 3.9 to 4.6 (never exceed) for 115gr !!!!!
I would certainly say that at 3.9 or 4.0 is way too much .. What I would do is get a good reloading book stick with proven loads that work make sure the brass is OK.
The COL or OAL are stated in the reloaders book and stick to those...
Another point with the CZ SP01 ,if you are going to run production in IPSC then power factor is a non issue..
I ran my SP01 with heavier 147's no problem with power pistol and fed primers. The problem I ran into was with cheap brass,
Your CZ is a fine gun. Check your reloads
TG
Thanks for your answers.
ipsc1: It's got a factory mainspring and I believe it's rated at 18#. I'll try to get an 11# spring from ghostholster but Angus seems to be away at the moment.
TightGroup: I ordered the 138 gr bullets from Marster at a time when that was all they had in stock and I didn't want to wait. It's been a real problem trying to find load data for them. No wonder they still had them in stock. I'll also try a slower powder (someone suggested WW231 on czshooters.com) and lighter bullets next time reloading. Evidently, Bullseye doesn't have a good rep for 9mm and heavy bullets. This experience backs up that claim.
D: Same as above, I think the 18# flat coil spring may just be too strong for the lighter loads.
Thanks to all.
W/
ipsc1: It's got a factory mainspring and I believe it's rated at 18#. I'll try to get an 11# spring from ghostholster but Angus seems to be away at the moment.
TightGroup: I ordered the 138 gr bullets from Marster at a time when that was all they had in stock and I didn't want to wait. It's been a real problem trying to find load data for them. No wonder they still had them in stock. I'll also try a slower powder (someone suggested WW231 on czshooters.com) and lighter bullets next time reloading. Evidently, Bullseye doesn't have a good rep for 9mm and heavy bullets. This experience backs up that claim.
D: Same as above, I think the 18# flat coil spring may just be too strong for the lighter loads.
Thanks to all.
W/
I just got my SP01 a couple of weeks ago, factory loads (Winchester white box 115grs & 147grs), seem to function fine but my standard 9mm load of 5.1grs of Winchester 231 and a 115gr Montana Gold JHP tends to stovepipe at least once a magazine. I have no problem with that load in any of my other 9mm guns including my Beretta Storm. I'm going to run with factory 115's for a while and then re-visit my reloads when things have loosened up.
