I started an experiment using heavier than normal bullets in 9mm. I had several problems crop up. When I did find bullets there only the slimmest, sketchiest data for them and I didn't want to realize the potential of a cartridge and putting me and the gun in jeopardy. Though, I"m confident and experienced and always experimented with everything., I FEEL like I could do it safely, but common sense prevailed.
I found some 165 grain heavy plated round nose bullets and modified them into hollow points. I couldn't (safely) get the velocity I needed and the bulletw didn't expand, and most of them zipped through my stopping media. I captured a couple and ONE expanded nicely to .6" but the rest were nothing.
I needed some softer bullets so I found some 158 grain hollow points. Same problem. When I asked manufacturers for data they said to get lost, they didn't test loads like that. But I tried, again not getting velocity and again, no expansion. Excuse me. The nose of one of the 9mm bullts DID expand to 9mm diameter.
POWDER is the next problem. I used Acc #7, Power Pistol and Unique mainly because there wasn't much room left in the case with heavy bullets and good velocities can be contained with these. I started compressing the loads and got into trouble with feeding.
I still think the theory has validity, but not without knowing how hard I can push an already high pressure cartridge 'out of the book'.
PLEASE keep me informed of what you find out. I'm not finished with this yet, but I was pushing the edge of physics with no safety barrier.
And this is the basic run down,
PS: Don't let people know that you are curious and want to try something. A few people are supportive but the nicest thing some will say is 'why don't you get a bigger gun?'
PPS Oh, and I was trying to use a 2" barrel because most people will carry that. 3" wasn't much improvement so I stuck with the 'worst case scenario'.