9mm Target/Accuracy load

Jeff423

Jeff423

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I only shoot my 9 at paper and am interested in an accurate load - like a 9mm bullseye load. I realize this is not the normal use for the 9mm cartridge but would like to see what I can do. I reload for 9's but would also be interested in a good factory load for comparison. I'm currently using 4 gr. of Titegroup with 115 gr. bullets, both FMJ and powder coated.
 
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The most important factor for ammo accuracy is the bullet, and your titegroup load with a coated bullet that your gun likes is about as good as you can do with a service pistol. You aren't going to get bullseye accuracy with a stock service grade pistol like M&P or Glock 9mm anyway.

A good 1911 with fitted barrel can get you near 1" in 9mm at 25yd (easier in .45ACP) but you need something like a custom fitted APEX barrel and trigger on an M&P to get close.

Remember, a 2" cartridge in a 3" gun shot by a 4" shooter = 4" groups.
 
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I punch a lot of paper. N340 and a 124 gr. Xtreme plated hp. is the best combo for me so for with a $400 1911. Bullets in bulk was 8.2 cents shipped. Titegroup is tops also.
 
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I can’t improve on OKFC05’s logic but I can add this. Over the years and shooting MANY guns, I’ve observed that generally S&W 9mm automatics seem to prefer to be “slammed around,” as opposed to being “babied.” I’ve always had my best results with a maximum charge of HS6, using 115-124 gr bullets. (I have almost no experience handloading 147s, but I’m working on that.) Take this for what you will. I haven’t seen this tendency with SIGs, and they seem to do quite well with W231.

I notice a lot of the target shooters and pistolsmiths (precision, not action) tend toward Power Pistol. I’ve no experience with that one, but the recommendations are out there on the www. I also agree bullet selection is nearly everything, along with correct seating depth and the best brass. Starline brass seems to be well thought of. Again, can’t say from personal experience since I have used Federal almost exclusively for years.

Let us know what you find out. :)
 
Assuming cost is a factor
Titegroup 3.7 gr for 124 gr plated

If cost isn't a factor
VhitaVouri powder and Hornady XTP or HAP
 
Vast majority of match shooters use Atlanta Arms 115 or 147 ammo . For handloading the Horn XTP or HAP bullet , Rem SPM primer , VVN - 330 or 340 , Power Pistol , WSF powders work best . 9mm has to be pushed hard to get best accuracy .
 
Jeff423 said:
I only shoot my 9 at paper and am interested in an accurate load - like a 9mm bullseye load. I realize this is not the normal use for the 9mm cartridge but would like to see what I can do. I reload for 9's but would also be interested in a good factory load for comparison. I'm currently using 4 gr. of Titegroup with 115 gr. bullets, both FMJ and powder coated.
Click to expand...

I tryst BB with my life and carry their products every day. I've also used their 9mm ball ammo and it functions flawlessly. I can only recommend it.

9mm Standard Pressure, Ball Ammunition Pistol and Handgun Bullets Pistol & Handgun Ammunition
 
Thanks for the above. I've got a Sig and some 231 and HS 6 as well as a pound of VV (but I don't remember which one). Currently I've got Precision Delta 115 gr FMJ and MO Bullet powder coated 115gr. My brass is all range pickup so I might get some Starline. I may give Power Pistol, WSF or the correct VV a try.
 
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3" likes the 115 ball at 1024 with w231 powder.

My full 5" likes this bullet at 1317fps.

The 5" with a 125 Ball at 1120 with CFE and 1186 with HS-6.
1024 with w231 and a minimum of 993fps with Bullseye.

The 125gr JHP bullet likes GreenDot at 1025 & 1096fps for lite target loads.

Most 9's will find a load with most powders if you start low and work up to full loads.
The OAL can also be one factor in finding good accuracy besides
the amount of powder used.

Good luck.
 
My practice 9x19 load is 3.5gns of Bullseye with a 121gn cast bullet. Only variation is I use .358 bullets rather than .356. No, using a slightly larger cast bullet will not blow up my pistol. I just find the larger bullet usually results in less leading.
 
I USE A 9MM 1911 FOR BULLSEYE.
THIS IS THE LOAD I USE.
5.0GR VV330, HORNADY 115GR XTP, AOL 1.142" CRIMP .371, FED MATCH PRIMER, NEW STARLINE BRASS FOR 50YDS.
ANY USED BRASS, ANY PRIMER FOR 25YDS.
FROM THE RANSOM REST BETWEEN 1" TO 1.5" AT 50YDS IN MANY CUSTOM BUILT PISTOLS. I HAVE 4 9MM 1911'S . ALL ARE BUILT BY ROCK RIVER ARMS. ALL SHOOT THIS LOAD WELL. JP
 
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M29since14 said:
I notice a lot of the target shooters and pistolsmiths (precision, not action) tend toward Power Pistol. I’ve no experience with that one, but the recommendations are out there on the www.
Click to expand...

Power Pistol was my favorite 9mm powder until I tried BE-86. Even in other calibers where PP was my most accurate powder, BE-86 was that much better.
 
115, 125, 147 gr bullets....... ?

After shooting lead, jacketed, plated and coated bullets in all weights.......

some weights and some brands shoot better in my weapons than others.

Getting an accurate load in the 9mm is a toss of the dice.
I have good X-Lite target loads to NATO and +P loads that are accurate.... while reloading.

Of course this is paper killing loads......................

My SD loads are factory JHP that are close to POA in 115 to 147gr weights.

Each weapon is different and needs fine tuning.
Good luck.
 
Jeff423, just came across your thread here. Reference your inquiry about a factory target load, I've found the Federal 115 JHP "9BP" to be excellent. The slightly warmer Federal "XM9001" 115 JHP has proven to be just as good. I've tested these in some very accurate pistols, SIG P210s,X-5, S&W PC guns, etc. Other factory or reloaded ammo might perform better in your pistol, but that's part of the fun. You can never really know until you've tested this or that load in your particular pistol.
 
Best load I've found to date for the 9mm cartridge (accuracy verified in a Sig P226, a Beretta 92, and a Walther P4) has been with the use of a wheelweight alloy bullet cast from an obsolete Lyman .38 Special mould #358212. This is a 150 grain round nose design sized to .358".

I use Bullseye powder, but HS-6 has been a fairly close second choice. I don't use jacketed or coated bullets in handgun cartridges. I can't see that they offer any advantage over cast bullets that fit and have powder charges that have been fine tuned for accuracy. Granted, a bit of work in the way of experimentation, but well worth the effort.
 
Rock185 said:
Jeff423, just came across your thread here. Reference your inquiry about a factory target load, I've found the Federal 115 JHP "9BP" to be excellent. The slightly warmer Federal "XM9001" 115 JHP has proven to be just as good. I've tested these in some very accurate pistols, SIG P210s,X-5, S&W PC guns, etc. Other factory or reloaded ammo might perform better in your pistol, but that's part of the fun. You can never really know until you've tested this or that load in your particular pistol.
Click to expand...


I've got a P210 so I'll try that factory load.
 
rockquarry said:
Best load I've found to date for the 9mm cartridge (accuracy verified in a Sig P226, a Beretta 92, and a Walther P4) has been with the use of a wheelweight alloy bullet cast from an obsolete Lyman .38 Special mould #358212. This is a 150 grain round nose design sized to .358".

I use Bullseye powder, but HS-6 has been a fairly close second choice. I don't use jacketed or coated bullets in handgun cartridges. I can't see that they offer any advantage over cast bullets that fit and have powder charges that have been fine tuned for accuracy. Granted, a bit of work in the way of experimentation, but well worth the effort.
Click to expand...


Thanks, but given your bullet "prescription" I probably wouldn't be able to duplicate it.
 
6.0 to 6.5 grains of Unique with a 115 grain lead or jacketed bullet in WW brass. Run bullet out to max length.

6.0 has been my match load for years. Very accurate and strong enough to knock over steel plates!

I've given this load to 8 friends, 6 swear by it, the other two never beat me!

Don't tell anybody!
 
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