Geeze...

[RX8er]

Okay, I have been playing around with the press and some bullets that I got from Cabela's so I could try it out. Bone headed mistakes:

1. trying to get primers to seat proper, I tried to put two primers in a space designed for one.
2. changing the auto disk from .49 to .53, I forgot to turn off the powder holder. Doesn't take long to empty a bunch of powder in to the press.

Here is what I have:

Hodgdon Clays Universal
Wincester Small Primers
Winchester 9mm FMJ RN - I picked a bag of 100 waiting on Berry Bullets to get here. I have part number WB9FB115

I can't find an exact load for these. In my reading and research here is what I think. Being that these are true FMJ and not plated, I come up with 5 grns and OAL 1.125. I figured I would start with close to 4.5 and 1.125. What do you think?

On my press, I am using the auto disk with the .53 and that is measuring out to be 4.7.

Since I will be working with the plated (berry bullets) bullets next, I figure I'll be down at 4.3 to 4.5?

Am I reading these data correct.

I seem to be seating the bullets nice and even. I am still waiting on the factory re-sizing and crimp die.

[Jumping Frog]

Load data at: http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

115 GR. LRN Hodgdon Universal .356" 1.100" 4.0 1034 24,400 CUP 4.5 1124 31,300 CUP
115 GR. SPR GDHP Hodgdon Universal .355" 1.125" 4.5 1029 27,400 CUP 5.0 1149 31,200 CUP

Jacketed 115 gr had a range of 4.5 to 5.0. If your 0.53 cc disk drops 4.7 grains, that is what I would try.

Berry's Mfg has this statement to make about load data: http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq-q21-c1-Loa ... llets.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

We recommend using hard cast load data or start with mid-range jacketed data. Make sure data is below 1250fps unless you are using a Thick-Plated bullet that we list a higher max velocity for like the 9mm 124gr HBRN-TP that can be shot to 1500fps in open class guns like a .38 Super. Keep in mind that since our plated bullet has the same pressure curve as a hard cast bullet, the published cast data will be very close to what you will get with our plated bullets. If you use Jacketed data with our plated bullets you can get from 5% - 8% increase in velocity using that data.

When you get the Berry's, test the next smaller hole size to see how much that powder drop weighs. If it is in the 4.4-4.5 range, I'd try it. You don't want to go too low with plated bullets (compared to lead) because there is more friction associated. Plated and jacketed bullets are easier than lead to stick in the bore if the charge gets way to low.

For your cartridge length, 1.125 inch is the minimum size to use. The SAAMI maximum length is 1.169 inch. Find a length between minimum and maximum that feeds well in your gun and magazines. Set the bullet length so the bullet nose "looks right" compared to similar profile commercial ammo.

[RX8er]

Yes on the OAL. The several I have pressed have been at 1.145 and my factory Federal is running 1.143 to 1.147.

I think I will press out 50, one at a time, in the morning to see how it goes and then head to the range. I'm going to frame one of my first pressed and send to you. I've been thinking about gold plating it.

[LTUME1978]

I’ve been reloading 9mm for about a year and had the same questions about which powder. I also did a lot of searching and came up with a list of about a dozen “the absolute best powder!” I started with Hodgdon Titegroup (recommended by a vendor at a gun show) but ended up with a lot of “poofs” at the range. I eventually switched to Winchester 231 and have not had any since.

I know that some of my “poofs” were caused by not watching the reload process closely enough and not seeing when the brass wasn’t filled correctly – chalk that up to being a newbie. However, the reason I switched to Winchester is because it is a slower burning powder. I figured out that as a slower burning powder, it takes more powder to achieve the same result. More powder = a fuller casing, so it’s easier to see that it’s full (or not as full as it should be). I believe this is the biggest reason I haven’t had any more poofs – it’s a lot easier to see a full casing with trifocals. I have also become much more diligent in checking every casing, but again, the larger volume of powder makes that easier.

I also believe Winchester 231 burns cleaner than Titegroup – less residue – but I can’t swear to that since I’ve not done a direct comparison.

I have used 231 in the past but was never able to get very good groups with that powder as compared to Unique, Bullseye or now Titegroup. I am on my third 8 pound jug of Titegroup since I started reloading again a few years ago. I have never had a "poof" or any other issues but I check each case to make sure there is a charge in it and that there is no double charge. I shoot cast bullets so I get smoke. However, I tried some of the Bayou Bullets and get virtually no smoke with them when using Titegroup. Accuracy is excellent in both my 9mm and my different 45 ACP pistols. FWIW, If you look at what the IDPA shooters use at the Nationals, you will see that more people are using Titegroup than any other individual powder.

I appreciate what you are saying about trifocals. I have quadrifocals (I have the intermidate section also in the very top so that I can put my head down slightly and see the front sight clearly). At 57 years of age, I need all the help I can get :-).

[mloamiller]

I have used 231 in the past but was never able to get very good groups with that powder as compared to Unique, Bullseye or now Titegroup. I am on my third 8 pound jug of Titegroup since I started reloading again a few years ago. I have never had a "poof" or any other issues but I check each case to make sure there is a charge in it and that there is no double charge. I shoot cast bullets so I get smoke. However, I tried some of the Bayou Bullets and get virtually no smoke with them when using Titegroup. Accuracy is excellent in both my 9mm and my different 45 ACP pistols. FWIW, If you look at what the IDPA shooters use at the Nationals, you will see that more people are using Titegroup than any other individual powder.

I appreciate what you are saying about trifocals. I have quadrifocals (I have the intermidate section also in the very top so that I can put my head down slightly and see the front sight clearly). At 57 years of age, I need all the help I can get :-).

Now that I have some experience, I may give Titegroup a try again. I still have about half a jug left from which I switched to 231. I've never head of quadrifocals, either, and I might want to try them as well.