Making power factor for IDPA.

[maroonandwhite]

I finally started loading some 9mm the other day and was very pleased with the results. All of my brass landed in a nice consistent little pile next to me and none of them exploded.  :rofl:

 

Unfortunately I do not have a chrono so I can't figure out power factor and would like to load up some rounds for IDPA. I am loading 3.5-4 gr of Bullseye (it meters like crap in my auto disk) under a 115gr bullet with OAL of 1.162". Could anyone guess what a "safe" charge would be so that I was comfortably over the power factor. Shooting out of a Glock 19.

 

I do plan to get some surplus powder from David soon but I want to use this up first.

[maroonandwhite]

The bad metering may be due to the fact that I didn't have the mounting nuts really tight from what I have read. Gonna try again tonight.

[Jamie Jackson]

I'm not whooping up on you maroonandwhite...but the absolute safest and definitely the best way to develop a safe load is by use of a chronograph. I'm certain some others may differ with my opinion, but a chrono is a very worthwhile investment.

 

I've worked up 9mm loads with about 5 powders, that I had never used before, over the past year (9mm). The chronograph information was essential to this. And making the 9mm minor for a bud was one of the reasons for the experimentation...along with the incredible powder/component shortage of the past 2 years.

 

I use a Competition Electronics Pro Chrono and I'm very pleased with it...just $100.00 from Midway.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/852429/competition-electronics-prochrono-digital-chronograph?cm_vc=ProductFinding

 

And especially using a surplus type powder, the chrono would be invaluable. I'm certain Mr. David would be of great help. just trying to be safe here good Sir.

 

Bullseye wasn't one of the powders I was using, so I can't offer any suggestions there. I wish you were closer as I'd gladly chrono your rounds for you.

 

Best of luck in your load development.

 

:pleased:

[maroonandwhite]

I'm not whooping up on you maroonandwhite...but the absolute safest and definitely the best way to develop a safe load is by use of a chronograph. I'm certain some others may differ with my opinion, but a chrono is a very worthwhile investment.

 

I've worked up 9mm loads with about 5 powders, that I had never used before, over the past year (9mm). The chronograph information was essential to this. And making the 9mm minor for a bud was one of the reasons for the experimentation...along with the incredible powder/component shortage of the past 2 years.

 

I use a Competition Electronics Pro Chrono and I'm very pleased with it...just $100.00 from Midway.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/852429/competition-electronics-prochrono-digital-chronograph?cm_vc=ProductFinding

 

And especially using a surplus type powder, the chrono would be invaluable. I'm certain Mr. David would be of great help. just trying to be safe here good Sir.

 

Bullseye wasn't one of the powders I was using, so I can't offer any suggestions there. I wish you were closer as I'd gladly chrono your rounds for you.

 

Best of luck in your load development.

 

:pleased:

Thanks for the info. As you said if I search online I can get a million different answers that aren't all necessarily wrong or right. Bullseye definitely doesn't seem to be a very common powder for 9mm. I didn't realize I could get a chrono for that cheap though. Honestly didn't look so I will have to pick one up soon. Powder and bullets are higher up on my list though and I want to get a good supply of them before elections and all that hoopla start back up.

[Jamie Jackson]

Sounds like you have a good set of priorities my friend.

 

I like Bullseye powder and have used it before in .38 spl when I first started handloading many years back. As powder becomes more readily available ...at least I hope it does :cool: ...I plan to develop some 9mm loads with it. But that's on down the road for now. :pleased:

[Wiljo05]

I think we are fairly close to each other, and you are welcome to my chrono anytime you want to use it. Just let me know

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[maroonandwhite]

I think we are fairly close to each other, and you are welcome to my chrono anytime you want to use it. Just let me know

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I appreciate it. I'll get some stuff worked up to try out and see about. Apparently Bullseye is supposed to meter well in the auto disk so I must be doing something wrong. It's crazy but I couldn't get a consisten charge OR a consistent bullet seating. Not sure what's up with the seating differences. The dies were locked down pretty tight. Didn't have that trouble with my rifle dies.

[Wiljo05]

Sounds good. My favorite recipe (for my comp gun) is 3.4 grains titegroup over a 147. Makes pf and is super soft shooting

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[maroonandwhite]

Sounds good. My favorite recipe (for my comp gun) is 3.4 grains titegroup over a 147. Makes pf and is super soft shooting

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Yeah I'm contemplating the 147gr after the conversation you guys had about them over the 115gr. Not that I'm that good of a shot yet for it to matter much.

[toby1304]

Joe, it never ceases to amaze me as to how nice you are. It was fun shooting with you Saturday.
What is your OAL on the 147? I'm running 3.1 tg with 1.16 OAL (PF 127.4) and it feeds flawlessly. The only issue I have is it going to slide lock when I run it empty. (G17 w/ factory mags) Edited June 8, 2015 by toby1304

[Wiljo05]

Joe, it never ceases to amaze me as to how nice you are. It was fun shooting with you Saturday.
What is your OAL on the 147? I'm running 3.1 tg with 1.16 OAL (PF 127.4) and it feeds flawlessly. The only issue I have is it going to slide lock when I run it empty. (G17 w/ factory mags)

Thanks brother. I also had a blast. Glad we got squadded together. Life's too short to be any other way.

And my OAL is 1.135. It feeds in all my 9mm, and had been the most reliable. I'm also shooting flat nose which may be a factor too.

You are welcome to run some of mine next time we shoot together to see how they run and feel.

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[BJB]

I too am using Bullseye over 115gr. I started out at 4.5gr and started working up until I was happy with my accuracy. I was shooting from a pistol rest and duplicated hold and tension on each shot..when I got to 4.8gr my group tightened up so well I stopped at that. I never chrono the load but it is very accurate. Last year we played around with shooting clay pigeons at 100yrds and with my XD I could hit most shots. Other members on here witnessed the shots, I would not have believed it had someone told that a 9mm would be that accurate at that distance ..Dolomite has made the same shot using David's surplus powder.
I watch for pressure signs and advance loads very gradually

[maroonandwhite]

Sounds good. My favorite recipe (for my comp gun) is 3.4 grains titegroup over a 147. Makes pf and is super soft shooting

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Joe is Titegroup similar to Bullseye in your experience? From reading online I see they have a similar burn rate.

 

I just bought 500 147gr bullets from Rainier to load up. I was planning to use up the 124gr bullets I have with the Bullseye but may try the 147gr at the next match.

 

I'm looking for any excuses other than my skill for my shooting haha.

[Wiljo05]

Joe is Titegroup similar to Bullseye in your experience? From reading online I see they have a similar burn rate.
 
I just bought 500 147gr bullets from Rainier to load up. I was planning to use up the 124gr bullets I have with the Bullseye but may try the 147gr at the next match.
 
I'm looking for any excuses other than my skill for my shooting haha.

Ben I'll be honest, I've not used Bullseye...I found a pile of TiteGroup, and found it to work well so I kept getting it. It super soft shooting and haven't had any reason to change. I did pick up a 4lb jug of I believe 700x during the last scare, but will reserve it for later unless someone needs powder in a pinch.

I'll ask some others that use Bullseye and get them to chime in here...

[maroonandwhite]

I appreciate it. I see numerous folks on other sites using 3.5 gr of it under 147gr bullets but who know of that can be trusted. I'll look at my manual when I get home but I doubt it lists it since from what I have read it's not an ideal powder for 147gr.

[Wiljo05]

Once you get some ladder loads let me know and you can come by and run them on the chrono. I've got a range behind the house and we can test them to see what pf they make.

[z0mbies fear me]

Not trying to hijack the thread but can someone enlighten me on how to figure power factor? I assume I need to know my bullet weight and velocity but not sure where it goes from there.

[maroonandwhite]

Not trying to hijack the thread but can someone enlighten me on how to figure power factor? I assume I need to know my bullet weight and velocity but not sure where it goes from there.

Multiply the weight by the velocity and divide by 1000.


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[z0mbies fear me]

Hey thanks for the quick reply, I appreciate it. Always nice to learn something new. :)

[Jonnin]

I finally started loading some 9mm the other day and was very pleased with the results. All of my brass landed in a nice consistent little pile next to me and none of them exploded.  :rofl:

 

Unfortunately I do not have a chrono so I can't figure out power factor and would like to load up some rounds for IDPA. I am loading 3.5-4 gr of Bullseye (it meters like crap in my auto disk) under a 115gr bullet with OAL of 1.162". Could anyone guess what a "safe" charge would be so that I was comfortably over the power factor. Shooting out of a Glock 19.

 

I do plan to get some surplus powder from David soon but I want to use this up first.

 

Typically, in a glock, if it cycles the action reliably it will make momentum.   Glocks have +P rated springs and are a little stiffer than some.  I would say 1/2 way between the starter and max load for *standard not +P* would do it.  If you are uncomfortable with that, go 3/4.   Because your gun is +p rated, even the max standard pressure load, which is still 100% safe, is also fine but the more you go the more recoil you will suffer so the trick is to get the momentum correct, in a reliable load that never jams, without punishing yourself.  

 

If you are a serious competitor, you need to find a better powder that gives a more consistent load, and then test your velocity, work up a load, and stick to that.  In more casual competition, most won't challenge your momentum value unless you have some weird performance or fail to knock down some sort of heavy target, if then.   Its rare to be challenged if you are not playing for money or in higher level competitions.  

 

FWIW I managed it with a 90 grain bullet in a moderate load.  Their required value is fairly low.

[Jonnin]

Not trying to hijack the thread but can someone enlighten me on how to figure power factor? I assume I need to know my bullet weight and velocity but not sure where it goes from there.

 

yea for some reason they renamed momentum.  I have yet to understand why they needed to coin a phrase for a known computation and value.  I refuse to acknowledge it.  The division by 1000 is a random act to add confusion.  The whole thing is just plain weird.