I just got the Lyman #49 manual and it has very little load data for 9mm handgun. They show no FMJ-RN except for 90 gr. I have heard I can use GD-JHP data but what do I use for the C.O.A.L? The JHP is shorter than the FMJ. Is there a better manual out there that has more 9mm handgun data?

Im using winchester 124 gr FMJ-RN

You didn't say what gr. FMJ you are looking for load data on (unless they are 90 grain?). You also didn't say what powder(s) you want to use. Oops, just noticed the bullet at the end of your post.

I find the Hodgdon Reloading Center has extensive data for Hodgdon, Winchester, and IMR powders. They also list the specific bullet used in load development and the pressure.

And if your bullet doesn't match the bullet listed in the load, go to Shootforum and most bullets are listed.

Just calculate the bullet seating depth of the listed load, and adjust the OAL for your bullet to obtain the same seating depth for the starting point.

All for no cost.

At the moment I have a few lbs of Unique. I just found it interesting that a reloading manual ignores FMJ 9mm for the most part. Thanks for the info.

Anyone else?

You do realize that Lyman sells bullet molding equipment, not jacketed bullets, don't you? Alliant has an excellent online source:http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...nd%20Revolvers

"You know, for a second there, yeah, I kinda did". In all seriousness I did not think about that. The alliant chart is ok but they only show Gold Dot Hollow point for the recipes. How do I adjust the C.O.A.L. for a longer bullet like a FMJ-RN.

Would I figure out the SD on the GDHP and then use that number to figure out what my C.O.A.L would be on the FMJ?

That does seem like it would work. I would get the same volume inside the case.

How does that sound?

Measure the bullets. Find the OAL of them. Add the difference to the OAL. What matters most is where the BASE of the bullet sits in the case. Make the OAL fit the chamber and the magazine if too long.

Due to numerous design and manufacturing differences (core/jacket alloy/hardness, ogive, etc), ya really should use data developed by the bullet maker.

Doubly so with cast bullets. Use data for the bullet/mould. Don't go by weight alone.

A manual is incapable of emotions, and does not "hate" anything. Lyman just chose to not cover this caliber in depth for that particular manual. Probably because They don't offer powder, they don't offer jacketed bullets, primers, or brass for 9mm. Therefore, they probably don't have the latest data & information for the caliber. They do cover 9mm pretty well in their "Pistol & Revolver Handbook".

I have seen some objects that I was convinced were out to get me. Im not sure I will buy that the manual can not hate.
But I understand your comment.

Q: What is the first rule of handloading?

A: Start low and work up.

As far as the C.O.A.L. goes, it can be different for any specific gun because variances in the way they feed the completed round. It can also change with different bullets of the same weight, regardless of what some book says. You do understand the O.A.L. listed isn't to guarantee that the loaded round will feed but rather to qualify the conditions under which the pressure testing was performed-right?

Seems as though you are looking for something to copy instead of developing a load for your gun with that bullet. If so, that is not a good modus operandi!

Begin with the starting charge of the powder you're using for that bullet weight and set the O.A.L. to SAAMI maximum. Then adjust the length until it feeds correctly. Only load a half dozen or so of a few lengths and try them. It will allow you to zero in on the correct length and you won't have to pull a zillion bullets from rounds of unfavorable lengths. After determining the length, adjust the charge weights.

Load development, not attempting to building ammo from a "recipe". You're not working with a shotgun.



Bruce

Yes I was. For two reasons. 1: I figured a good way to learn the basics and hone primary skills was to start with a known good recipe. 2: I am really new at this and didn't know any better.

I did a little reloading 30 years ago but forgot most if not all I knew. I've read the Lyman book, #49, and one book/one cartridge for the 9mm.

What I have learned about C.O.A.L. is you can change the pressures and by that change the speed and impact energy by just changing the C.O.A.L. Too long and it won't feed, too short and you can turn your gun into scrap.

I now know that the load data in the books is suggested or start data. I still plan to treat published max gr load as a stop point until I learn more.

At this point I am still confused on how to determine the C.O.A.L for my pistol. Got somewhere I can read more on that?

I appreciate all the help and info here. BruceM. Your posts helped a lot.

So to find a starting point Maybe I should ask "Can someone give me a published load for a 9mm 124gr FMJ-RN using UNIQUE powder at an OAL of around 1.090 inches ?" I made up 17 rounds today using 4.7 gr unique with a C.O.A.L. Of 1.090. Hope to try them today. That seem like an ok starting point? I have a feeling I should have started at 1.135 for my 9mm M&P fs. If I find out how to determine the right C.O.A.L for my firearm then I can get a better start point.

FWIW I just read that I was using C.O.A.L when I should be saying O.A.L.

Thanks Michael

Lyman sells bullet moulds.
You can get plenty of load data on te Hodgdon and Alliant websites also the Vihtavouri website.

Believe me. I do know what you mean. Some inanimate objects are EVIL.

Speer #14 has 5.2gr Unique for their RNJ 124 gr bullet the COL "tested" was 1.135. This is their starting load for their bullet. Your load is enough under this to "probably" be safe;but you may want to pull the bullets and seat them to a different COL.

__________________
Revolver luvin' Mountaineer

I just looked at a Lyman 49 at Bass Prothis morning and it had both jacketed and cast loads,all weights in both types.

__________________
Currahee

Make sure you looked at the handgun section. They have a lot in the rifle section but only 5 bullets in the handgun section for 9mm. The only FMJ they show is 95gr.

pretrty sure it was the pitol section, could be wrong tho.

__________________
Currahee

I'm looking at mine. 9mm,
5 jacketed bullets only one is FMJ and it's a 95gr. 4 cast bullets.

Owning several reloading manuals is never a bad idea.Lyman is a good one for cast bullets,pick up a copy of speer and/or hornady's for jacketed data.

First off, you NEVER use somebody else's load data without verifying it. Secondly, you don't learn anything by just copying somebody else's work. This statement is exactly why I have an issue with using the term "recipe" in conjunction with handloading. It has a connotation which does not belong in handloading jargon.

As far as setting the O.A.L., I don't know what more I could have told you. You start at the maximum length with the minimum charge so pressure is taken out of the equation. Then start adjusting the O.A.L. downward until you hit the length which feeds the best in your gun while maintaining the minimum charge weight. After you get the correct length for YOUR gun, then adjust the charge weight upwards based on what you're trying to accomplish. Do not exceed the listed maximum charge and watch for pressure signs. That's pretty much it.

When I said copying others work isn't good modus operandi, that means it's bad (opposite of good).

I'm kind of puzzled by this statement. Did you actually read the beginning chapters of the book or did you breeze over that right to the loading data? To me, it's a little cloudy as to just when you noticed that the data has both starting loads and maximum loads. So, there are both starting AND ending points.

Remember that this isn't just another task to accomplish like driving a nail, at least when you start out. Even after you get the numbers for your gun nailed down, if you treat it as such, it'll come back and bite you.

You need to understand both what you're doing and why you're doing it. Grasp the fundamentals of how things work. Otherwise this is like learning basic math by using a pocket calculator. Go to Mickey D's and see what that produces when you pay for your order.

This will turn out just fine for you but do your homework.

Bruce

Malpaglia,

If you are looking for some good load data directed for the 124g RN FMJ loads (both 115g & 124g bullets), pick up a copy of Speer's "Reloading manual #14". Although they list information for their TMJ (total metal jacket bullets), in my tests anyway for "target loads" they are so similar to FMJ bullets that the difference isn't really that relevant.

Some other sources of information which will be helpful are;
LEE's Modern Reloading (second edition).
Hodgdon Reloading magazine
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
Alliant Powder - Home
Accurate Powders
The Reload Bench Home Page
9 mm Load Data - Handloads.Com

There is an absolute TON of information out there just waititing to be discovered, so do your homework.

I do want to echo what others have said, please be careful with other's load information. There is no substitute for your own research and experimentation, which by the way is half the fun of reloading anyway.

Three simple words to follow for your reloading experience.
Experimentation - Observation & Documentation

Good luck and have fun!

Thanks for the info. I was looking for a safe starting point and was getting so many different recipes that it was confusing. I did the first batch a day or two ago and hope to fire them (only made 17) tomorrow. Then I can see where to go from there.

FYI, The recipe I used was; Golden West 124 gr FMJ-RN, Unique 4.7gr, CCI-500 primer, COAL 1.090. This is from a LOADBOOKS USA data manual for the 9mm. the range is 4.3-5.4 of Unique. The other starting point I want to try is from Hornadys book which I got last night. same basic info but coal of 1.135 and 4.5 gr Unique. Both at supposed to be 1000 fps. I know this is an estimate but seems like a good starting point.

Thanks again

Looking forward to your range report. I think we all remember our "first time."

Lets hope it doesnt start with," So I ended up at the emergency room!!" LOL