I recently purchased my new M&P Shield 9mm, 2.0. I finally got out to the range today. I loaded 100 rounds to take with me. All my rounds were the same, as in all were loaded with 115 grain Rainier Round-nose. and, all C.O.L. were at 1.140". I loaded 40 rounds with Accurate #2 at 3.8 grs. 30 rounds with Accurate #5 at 4.8 grs. And, 30 rounds with Accurate #7 at 5.8 grs. These were all the smallest loads by my load manual. I had a lot of trouble with the #2 and #5 loads, as in a lot of F.T.F. issues. My rounds kept getting stuck as if they just stopped, sitting on the ramp. My #7 loads, witch are hotter, never missed a beat. All 30 rounds cycled threw with ease. I also ran some Hornady 115 gr FTX, Critical Defense rounds. They were hotter than the #7's and they cycled threw no problem. So, I'm thinking the #2 and #5 rounds just were not hot enough to cycle threw. My next loads will be a little hotter next time I go to the range.

I agree, the loads were just too mild. Be sure not to "limp wrist" the pistol while you are shooting either. You gotta hold the pistol firmly and with a stiff arm.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

Starting loads in a lot of loading manuals won't function a fair number of mfg actions. I usually start about midrange of the load, if it will be shot in a semi-auto. Revolver loads can start anywhere.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

The shield recoil spring is pretty stiff when new. Heck, even when it's not. The gun was designed to be a defensive piece and it's not a fun range toy, so ostensibly it's designed with full pressure 9mm in mind.

If you want to cycle lighter loads in the Shield, you might need to break it in and then your lighter loads will work. Or they may just be too light period.

I like heavier projectiles myself. For lighter loads, my semi autos always seem to be happier with heavier projectiles for the PF vs lighter projectiles. Heavier projectiles accelerate more slowly, giving the powder more time to convert from a solid to gas before the pressure escapes. Also, you use relatively less powder the heavier you go. The generally increased bullet shank depth reduces case volume and and can help mitigate position sensitivity (esp. If load is lightly compressed). The longer projectiles have more surface area engaged in the rifling and gas has a harder time working its way around the bullet.

This combines to less flash, slightly less concussive blast, more consistent velocities, reliable action at the lower spectrum and a more 'pushy' instead of snappy recoil impulse. The only downside, IMO, is your pills are slightly more expensive.

Thanks to all for chiming in. I've been lugging around a Springfield Armory 1911 Range Officer. Great gun, but it was time to lighten my load. So, I bought the Shield 9mm. I bought my 9mm dies and opened my manual. As we all know, when starting out, you always start with your lightest loads and work your way up. I've made good notes this weekend at the range and I will be adjusting my loads. With all that said, I didn't buy this gun as a fun range toy. I bought it to be my conceal carry. But, like any conceal carry weapon. You need constant range time to stay sharp and ready when that moment arises. Heck, while I'm at the range practicing, I'm also having fun. So, I guess it is a fun range toy as well as my conceal carry weapon. Also, I carry Hornady 115 gr FTX, Critical Defense rounds. As stated, they cycled just fine. They are loaded hot from Hornady. But, when I'm at the range, I'm not shooting 100 rounds of Hornady 115 gr FTX, Critical Defense rounds. Once I dial in the exact measure of the right powder that I'm happy with. That will be my range ammo. I will probably buy heavier weight bullets next time after I use up my Rainier 115 gr bullets.

For your Accurate #2 load try 4.4 gr and a 124gr plated round nose. OAL 1.125. My Shield likes that load a lot. Good luck.

Thanks joeintexas. I will definitely take note of that

As mentioned, a new auto pistol needs 150-200 rounds of break in
to loosen up, remove ruff spots and edges and smooth things out a little.
A good amount of oil or some grease on the slide will also help at first
and can be minimized later.

The ammo's energy has to be enough to move the heavy slide and also the new
factory springs that came with your weapon.

Most data is minimum to work most pistols actions but not always.
I need more energy for my 5" than my 3 or 3.5" pistols but this
does not always work the same.
Good luck breaking in that new weapon.

I was able to purchase a slightly used 9 mm shield a couple of years ago. Started loading shells with either 4 or 4.1 gr Unique powder, and the pistol would barely function. Turned out to be a great round to start my wife out on. I increased the powder chg to 4.5 grain Unique and I feed 3-9 mm Shields with my reloads. I haven't had a problem with either pistol that hasn't been operator error.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

Starting loads, compact pistol, almost never works out. Go with midrange & work that back 1/10gr at a time for functioning. Always use starting data, nope, not in almost 40y, 350k rds, never.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

The 9 is a high pressure round.It doesn't carry the Magnum tag but is close to it(in 1902 the Magnum designation was drinkable,not shootable).It was designed using a 125gr bullet.So since it operates at quite a high pressure,if you use a lower density(weight)bullet,you are actually narrowing the operating range of the gun.
Yes,your conclusion of operating the gun at higher pressure(velocity)is a sound conclusion since you use a lighter bullet.But play it safe since the 9 can be a nasty beast to play with since the safe operating pressure band is quite narrow.

As your gun "breaks in" it should handle lighter loads. But maybe not. Best to feed it what it likes.

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Foster Positivity.

If your reloads cycle fine and the cases aren't "sooty" they're probably good to go as is.

I don't know what data that you are using, but..........

one of my books have your loads as a starting load for the 124gr FMJ
instead of the lighter 115gr FMJ that you loaded.

Check you information one more time, please.

That 115gr might work better with a 1.10" oal with your loadings?

Stay safe.

I'm using Western Powders Reloading & Load Data Guide, Edition 5.0. Pages 23 & 24.

Just get above starting data, midrange is where I start. I know it is supposed to be safer but reality, starting data almost never is the best load in anything, pistol or rifle.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO