Can someone review my 9mm loads?

[brent_strong]

Worked up a couple 9mm loads based on Alliant's website, the Lyman manual, and the Hornady manual, but I'd really like some confirmation that these are reasonable loads.

 

 

Load #1:

Projectile:  Berry's plated 124gr RN

Powder: 4.5gr Alliant Unique

OAL: 1.125"

Primer: CCI Small Pistol

 

 

Load #2:

Projectile:  Montana Gold 124gr JHP

Powder:  4.8gr Unique

OAL:  1.110"

Primer: CCI Small Pistol

 

 

Any recommendations?   I'm working with spare bullets that a member here gave me, so I loaded all 28 of the Berry's RN with Load #1.  I loaded 22 with recipe #2, but have plenty more of the Montana Gold if someone thinks I should work the charge or OAL up or down.

 

I'm prepping another 100 cases and would like to load the spare 10-20 Berry's 114gr that I have and another 80ish of the Montana Golds based on feedback I get.

 

Thanks for the advice!

[brent_strong]

Load #3:

Projectile: Berry's plated 114gr RN

Powder:  4.5gr Unique

OAL:  1.110" OAL

Primer: CCI Small Pistol

[DWARREN123]

Seems a little lite but may be functional.

 

Alliants data center shows the following,

 

Bullet: Speer 124gr GDHP

Case: Speer

Min OAL: 1.12 inches

Primer: CCI 500

Charge weight: 5.8gr Unique, I assume max

Barrel Length: 4 inches

FPS: 1,180

 

 

I would load 5 each at 5.0 gr, 5.2 gr, and 5.6 gr to see which is most accurate and fits your needs.

I also load the COAL as long as possible that will fit the chamber and magazine.

 

You can go to Alliants load data center for more info.

[brent_strong]

Compared to my manual, Alliant's data is quite hot.  From what I remember (no manual nearby), the range was 4.0min to 5.0gr max for that 124gr bullet in the manual, but Alliant specified 5.8.  I think both the Hornady and Lyman are significantly lower than Alliant, but I'll definitely double check.  I also seem to remember that Alliant's data recommends longer OALs, so I guess that might explain how they can recommend so much more powder without an overpressure.

 

On COAL, ok, that seems reasonable.  I tested the max COAL my barrel will accept with the 124g RN, but I need to for the other bullets.  I'll see about standardizing on a relatively long COAL and then tuning the powder like you suggested.

 

Thanks!

[Caster]

What are they for? If they're just for plinking I find a load that will barely cycle the action, then move up about a half a grain for good measure. As long as I get accuracy (and no leading for cast boolits) I never try to push them any further. Why abuse equipment and burn supplies?

If you intend to inventory this load for defensive uses that is a whole 'nother ball of wax.
What gun are they for? What distance are you shooting?
Final goal dictates procedure here.

[brent_strong]

Nope, just plinking. I haven't shot anything yet, so I don't have a feel for how much is needed to cycle my gun.

CZ 75 SP-01
No more than 25yds (indoor ranges). May try 50 someday.
Looking to plink with good accuracy.

Definitely agree witty your philosophy of not abusing the equipment!

[173rdABN]

I shoot 5gr unique with my Berrys plated 115's. amazing load. And amazingly accurate. DMark and myself shot them in my mp5 to 220 yards at GGC with zero issues. (Just a good hold over. Haha). 5gr I'd say will so you good. I have my chrono data at home somewhere I can find when I fly back in tonight if you'd like to know the speed as well.

[173rdABN]

Ps. Also done 5gr with berrys 124's with great results.

[charlessummers]

5.5gr of Unique with a 115gr fmj is what I came up with. Doesn't seem too hot or too mind, and I can't tell them apart from factory loads. OAL was 1.125".

 

Just for punching holes in paper...

[brent_strong]

Great, thanks all! I'll be making some more notes in my log on things to try. I fired about 20 of each of these last week with no issues :)

[173rdABN]

Heck if they worked good dont change it. Save the powder and keep loading lower charges!

[SonnyCrockett]

for me they seem light on powder  and short in OAL but I run my 9MMs closer to max loads always and 1.14AOL

 

Id try a few out to see how the cycle