Yes, this question again....I know, I know...

But I am looking for a specific combination here, and cannot find it in my load books.

124gr XTP (hard to get hollowpoints up here, this was all the local shop had)

Bullseye powder (I have 8lbs of it to use up)

Current match load is 3.5grs under a 147gr Berrys @ 1.145 OAL

Looking for something a little warmer for home defen...(wait, I'm in Canada..we're not allowed that yet)...I mean in case of zombies .

The 2004 Alliant load data shows 4.9gr under a 124 FMJ, on other forums I have seen 4.5 as a max.
Also the OAL's vary from 1.06 up to 1.169 (max), especially when comparing XTP's to hardball.

Can anyone help me narrow this down a little for a start/max load ??

I was thinking 4.0 - 4.5 to start at 1.10

I've been happy with 1.1 OAL with the Hornady Action Pistol bullets, which have the same profile as the xtp. I like 4.7 Universal clays for more power. I think starting at 4.0 Bullseye is a good idea, and working up. I haven't used Bullseye for 9mm yet, but I have 8 lbs as well.

Alliant site info:

Pistols and Revolvers
9mm Luger
124 gr Speer GDHP
Bullseye
CCI 500

Info from one of the discussions:
The Alliant 2005 reloading guide lists 4.9 gr.of Bullseye as a max with 124 gr. FMJ OAL=1.15", 1155fps, 32000psi.

I've been reloading 9mm for a long time and reading lots of posts on various reloading sites. Bullseye is not one of the top powders discussed for 9mm.

Bullseye works very well in the 9MM.

I run 4.5 BE with 115JHP and 124JHP or 124FP and RN bullets

I don't consider these to be hot loads at least not as hot as other loads that I used to run in the 9MM.

Just be sure to watch your OAL. I tend to seat to 1.120" to 1.130".

Seating shorter can and will raise pressure.

These loads have proven to be safe to use in all my 9mm's.

Bruce

MbWolf,
Here are the numbers for a box of 9mm Hornady’s factory ammunition;
124g XTP HP
Velocity – 1,110 fps
OAL – 1.060”

Now with that in mind my “Lyman” reloading manual has listed 125g Jacketed HP at;
Bullseye – 3.9g (velocity-979) up to 4.5g (velocity-1,073)
OAL tested at 1.075”

My “LEE” reloading manual (new updated) has 124g XTP HP at;
Bullseye – 3.9g (velocity-945) up to 4.4g (velocity-1,059)
OAL - 1.120"

I have never reloaded the XTP’s with Bullseye powder However I do use Bullseye on a regular basis for target loads with this and other calibers. I do load the XTP bullet with Hodgdon HS6, Winchester Autocomp & Alliant Power Pistol (personal preference). Remember Bullseye is a fast burning powder and will work great with this bullet at shorter distances (within 15 maybe 20 yards), which is all you are really looking or in a self protection cartridge so test accordingly.

If you are going to load for a “Hotter” round and venture into the +P range, first of all BE CAREFULL, and I would recommend only loading this type of load with new casings not used. You should also test some with a bit longer OAL perhaps around the 1.075” to 1.100” to keep the pressure in check a bit (because I don’t know the type of and ability of your handgun you are shooting to run hotter rounds).

Last of my ramblings… I have found that hotter doesn’t always translate into “more accurate”. Remember in a crisis situation you only have seconds (if that) to react, you want “knock down power” to be sure, but more importantly you want your first shot to count…
I hope this helps, enjoy your testing and good luck.

This mirrors the Alliant data for Bullseye and 124 Gr. GDHP.


Minimum OAL(inches) - 1.12
Bbl Length - 4
Primer - CCI 500
Powder - Bullseye
Charge Weight - 4.4 (grains)
Velocity - 1059 (fps)

You should be good to go!

Thanks guys ... this is exactly the kind of information I needed !
Very much appreciated.

Take a look at handloads.com. Lot of good info here. Also a Smith link there. Bob