First Time Reloader - Recommended 9mm?

[doc540]

I'm at the "See Spot run" stage of reloading and just purchased a Dillion SDB.

It's set up for 9mm and ready to start reloading.

What do you recommend for:

1. Colt Combat Commander in 9mm

2. Soft-shooting range and casual match shooting (no carry or hunting) - just paper punching.

I have no baseline to measure things by since all I've ever shot is 115 grain Winchester White Box from WallyWorld. Local match shooters say I reload something less snappy and more accurate.

I have cleaned brass, small pistol primers, and 100 rnds each of 125 grain and 147 grain TCJ round nose to start with. Also bought a Dillon case gauge, digital scale, and already had a set of digital calipers

What type of powder and load do you recommend?

(And, not to worry, an experienced, local reloader is going to walk me through the basics until I get the hang of it.)

Much appreciated.

[Houston1944]

I have two loads that I use for 9mm, both with 115 gr FMJ
5.8 gr Longshot
6.5 gr Power Pistol (if you decide to use Power Pistol start at 6.3)

The Power Pistol load is not a soft load but it shoots very accurate in my 1911.

I used to load 4.2 gr Titegroup with 124 gr bullet when I shot 9mm plastic guns, but this load just did not feel right in the heavy slide 1911.

[thr_wedge]

I have used from 5.0 to 5.2gr Unique and a 115gr JHP. 5.0gr is pretty soft. I'll double check my notes when I get home, but I am 99% sure that I have loaded a ton of 5.0gr Unique.

[doc540]

thanks

what about 124 and 147?

[NcongruNt]

thanks

what about 124 and 147?

I use exclusively 124 grain bullets in 9mm, but got sidetracked with .223 before I finished developing a nice plinking load. I've got a workup ready using Power Pistol and one with Bullseye (or maybe Titegroup, I forget). I'll probably try them out next range trip.

As for bullets, I am using Berry's plated 124 grain RNDS for my plinking stuff. I've had very good luck with their 100 grain .380 bullets, and the preliminary stuff using the 9mm looked promising.

I'll probably do that Saturday (weather permitting), and I'll let you know.

What kind of gun and what barrel length are you going to be running these through?

[Oldgringo]

There are some loads here for everybody.

FWIW, I like these bullets and the service.

Be safe and enjoy!

[doc540]

There are some loads here for everybody.

FWIW, I like these bullets and the service.

Be safe and enjoy!

lots of good info

thanks

[doc540]

thanks

what about 124 and 147?

I use exclusively 124 grain bullets in 9mm, but got sidetracked with .223 before I finished developing a nice plinking load. I've got a workup ready using Power Pistol and one with Bullseye (or maybe Titegroup, I forget). I'll probably try them out next range trip.

As for bullets, I am using Berry's plated 124 grain RNDS for my plinking stuff. I've had very good luck with their 100 grain .380 bullets, and the preliminary stuff using the 9mm looked promising.

I'll probably do that Saturday (weather permitting), and I'll let you know.

What kind of gun and what barrel length are you going to be running these through?

thnx
Combat Commander for range and local matches. Need something soft shooting and reasonably accurate.
Powder/charge/OAL?

[MoJo]

doc,

Call me and I'll share some info with you. I don't give out specific loads on the internet.

Mo

[doc540]

doc,

Call me and I'll share some info with you. I don't give out specific loads on the internet.

Mo

If I had as many .38 FTF's during a match as you do, I wouldn't either.

(Sorry, the shot was like a 3 yd target and I just had to take it!)

[MoJo]

Doc,

You seem to forget. That ammo was about 25 years old. It went through hurricane Rita in a building that was destroyed and after all that all the bullets came out of the gun - - - just they didn't all pass through the cardboard targets.

[ExMarlboroMan]

147gr berrys RN DS

Titegroup

3.2 gr

1.125 OAL



Very soft shooting when compared to anything 115gr.

[doc540]

147gr berrys RN DS

Titegroup

3.2 gr

1.125 OAL



Very soft shooting when compared to anything 115gr.

Thanks

[bkjunk]

I just started loading this Christmass, so I am still trying to figure out a fav. load. Here is the data I have collected so far.

9mm Berry 115 vs Rainer 115 and WIN 231 vs Unique
https://spreadsheets2.google.com/pub?hl ... utput=html

9mm - berry 147 grain and 115 grain win 231 powder
https://spreadsheets0.google.com/pub?hl ... utput=html

9mm Montania Gold 147 WIN 231 vs Unique
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?hl= ... utput=html

I am going to load up my first 45's this weekend. I have 700 185 gr. hornady XTP's that i got free with the loader and dies.

[v-rog]

Nice chart! I'm looking at your data for win 231/ 9mm 115 gr berrys rn-plated. Do you have any additional comments since your last post?

I just started loading this Christmass, so I am still trying to figure out a fav. load. Here is the data I have collected so far.

9mm Berry 115 vs Rainer 115 and WIN 231 vs Unique
https://spreadsheets2.google.com/pub?hl ... utput=html

9mm - berry 147 grain and 115 grain win 231 powder
https://spreadsheets0.google.com/pub?hl ... utput=html

9mm Montania Gold 147 WIN 231 vs Unique
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?hl= ... utput=html

I am going to load up my first 45's this weekend. I have 700 185 gr. hornady XTP's that i got free with the loader and dies.