Starting to load 9mm for target practice in a 4" M&P9, looking for something clean burning with 1200fps velocities with 124g fmj. What are the top picks from the 9mm loaders?

So you would like a full power load for target practice. I used to run loads at that level but it was not a lot of fun. I backed off on my loads and do all my target practice with loads in the 1000fps range. Much more accurate and enjoyable.
FWIW I chronographed loads in a 639 with Unique and 125 SSP and found 5.9 grains gave me 1210 fps. My notes say to drop back a tenth of a grain which puts me at the current Speer data of 5.8 grains of Unique.
BlueDot worked well pushing velocity up to 1240 fps.
If you really want 1200fps loads try AA#9 or HS #7 as these seem to be the top performers. I have not tried these two powders.
My target load is a 124FMC bullet with 4.2 grains of Bullseye. The target can't tell the difference between 1000fps or 1200fps.
I also use about one half the amount of powder. That's a big savings when it comes to target loads.

Bruce

I thought about using power pistol, works well in my 40 and 10mm loads, burns clean, would like to give bullseye a shot but haven't seen any locally in a year and a half. Have some blue dot and red dot and hp38. I load mostly for revolvers so I'm new to 9mm loadings, thought I'd see what others were using. Bought the M&P a couple years ago and shot it very little, looking to give it a workout and let the revolvers rest. Apex trigger kit on it's way and maybe some steel shooting in near future with it.

Win 231 works well in 9mm - I'm out of country now and won't quote specs without looking at my data but I generally load lighter than 1200 fps for target.

I'm a big fan of W231 in the 9mm. If you're looking for something with more velocity you will need a slower powder like Longshot.

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SWCA #3437

I have also always liked 231 in 9mm.

Hi Titegroups!

I am in the same boat. I have been working up loads for 124 (plated) 9mm over the last month. I am also a "mainly wheelgun" guy so 9mm was new.

I had bulk 700x, 231, Unique, Clays, AA 2, 5, 7 to use in my Springfield XD compact. Ruled out 700x completely, horrible **** and lousey accuracy. I like clays and Titegroup for clean and lots of rounds per pound, but found accuracy is best with Unique at 4.5gr which gave me 1087fps and 3/4" at 50' with ranson rest. Also, doesn't get gun dirty as everyone thinks with Unique.

I have 10 loads set for 231, AA5, and Titegroup to test next as soon as the monsoon season ends here in Reno. We got 2" of rain in 3 days, which for the desert is WAY too much and will take 2-3 weeks to dry out enough to get to my spot.

Other considerations to keep in mind are that I tested above loads in 88 degree temp at 4886 foot elevation with a shorter barrel so you results will be different, obviously.

If you are interested in sharing more results, send me a message and we can talk through email. Would love to hear your results as well as all the other great opions on the page. Thanks to everyone who added suggestions as I am using too!

John

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Another vote for W231/HP-38 . . . . Go to powder for .38spl/9mm/40S&W/45ACP
- W231 Meters Extremely well

I have also heard great feedback with shooters using Titegroup = Faster Burn & Very Clean. Most I see are using Jacketed Bullets with Titegroup.

W231 9mm load:

- 124gr. Plated RN
- W231 @ 4.3
- CCI500/WSP SPP
- Brass Case
- OAL: 1.145"
Approx MV: 1050-1060fps [ymmv]

IMHO: With anything reloaded. Start low and work up. If your goal is 1200fps I'd also recommend using a Jacketed Round if "you need" that MV.

I use almost the same load except I charge 4.4gr W231

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SWCA #3437

My 9MM seems to prefer a TC bullet over the round nose.
I used to shoot a hard cast 124TC over 3.5 grains of BullsEye for a target load. I switched to a plated bullet in the same style for indoor use and upped the charge to 4 grains of bullseye. I'm sure 231 would also serve you well for target loads.
My next bullet purchase will be from Zero bullets as they seem to have the best price on jacketed bullets. My 9MM's really like the 115JHP's made by Zero. I load that bullet with 4.5 grains of BullsEye. More than a target load but a lot of fun to shoot.

Bruce

I have tested several powders and Red Dot is my choice. Economical, accurate, and it gets me the velocity I want.

Have a bunch of FMJ on the way from precision delta, will try some these loads and see how the work out, maybe post some of the chrono results, appreciate the input. Spent the day knocking steel down at the range today, a good day.

I suggest trying Winchester Super Field for medium duty loads in your 9mm. The max load (which I think is 5.3gr) under a 124gr FMJ should get you around 1,125 to 1,150 fps. It meters well and is consistent and accurate.

Hodgdon's Universal is another suggestion for medium (1,100 fps loads). It burns very cleanly in 9mm and has a mild report and low muzzle flash.

Although I haven't used it, Hodgdon's Longshot is said to be a good 9mm powder on the slower end of the scale. People who use it say its accurate and consistent. It does have a fairly loud report.

Finally, Alliant Power Pistol is a popular and effective full power 9mm propellant. The military supposedly uses the bulk version of it in 9mm service rounds. Among its other virtues, it is said to have quite a muzzle flash in darkened areas.

Chris

6.0 grains of Unique under an 124grn. bullet is my range load for the 9mm. It's very accurate out of both my CZ75 and Browning P35, although stronger recoil springs are recommended.

I consider 1200 fps with a 124gr jacketed bullet out of a 4" barrel in 9mm Luger as top-end performance (I usually load these bullets to about 1150 fps). Alliant's Power Pistol, VihtaVuori's 3N37, Hodgdon's HS-7 (no longer made), and Accurate's #7 would be my top choices for this kind of performance.

Slower powders could of course be used, but the problem becomes one of fitting enough slow-burning powder in the small 9mm Luger case.

I load 3.8 gr. 231 behind a 124 gr. cast RNL. Shot from a 2" barrel 940 gets 955 fps and is very comfortable to shoot in the J Frame and works well in the 469 semi-auto as well.

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SWCA1967 SWHF244

As said above I'm a fan of W231 in the 9mm but expanding on Longshot, it's my son's favorite 9mm powder. I charge 5.5gr to 5.7gr under a 124gr FMJ bullet. (depending on which of several pistols the ammo's built for)

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SWCA #3437

I'm loading hard cast lead TC bullet that weighs about 122 gr. I'm using 3.3 gr. of Clays. This is a max load with Clays. Very comfortable to shoot, accurate, and very clean burning. I have a ton of Clays, so I use it whenever I can.

TightGroup is used here at the shack for all 9mm loads.

I use 6.3 grns of AA#5 under a 115 gr, jhp. Great accuracy.

I use HP 38/W 231 for everything.

Just received my order of more primers and a jug of Winchester Auto Comp powder. Going to try it in all my calibers. Loaded some 45 ACP yesterday and need to get to the range will let you know how it works out.

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