Reloading for new SD9VE

[jonnnyboy]

I have been looking for and just noticed one of the local stores have the S&W SD9VE on sale. If I can swing it by Mama, I hope to have one by the end of the week. Then maybe, I will get to do a little reloading on Saturday.

I already have 1K 125gr roundnose from Missouri Bullet Company and a couple pounds of 700X and a pound of Red Dot on the shelf.

My old Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook lists 3.3 - 4.0gr (700X) and 3.8 - 4.5gr (Red Dot). Lyman #48 Reloading lists 2.8 - 3.5gr (700X) and 3.0 - 3.9gr (Red Dot). Speer #12 lists 3.2 - 3.4gr (700X) and 3.3 - 3.6 (Red Dot).

Does anyone have a favorite break in/plinking load using 700X or Red Dot with the 125gr lead roundnose bullet for their SD9VE? I'm thinking of starting about 3.2gr with the 700X and working up. I don't want to beat a new gun up with hot loads but I do want to get a good break in period. What do you all think?

 

[MyDads38]

I've been using 3.5 Grs. Red Dot with a 125 Gr. cast CN bullet with good results in my Ruger P89DC (don't have an SD9VE yet). Been using CCI #500 primers. Very nice plinking load.
From what I've read here, the SD9VE may not need a break in period and it seems to shoot about any ammo. I'd pick up some 115/124 Gr. FMJ ammo to see how it does with factory ammo as well. Happy shooting with your new pistol!

 

[jonnnyboy]

That sounds like a good Red Dot load. I plan on going tomorrow to see if they still have the SD9VE in stock. It's on sale for $290 which I think is a great deal; even better if I can reload for it! Thanks.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Are you sure you really want a SD9VE? It's not made by S&W and it's not a great pistol. The M&P9c is very close in size but a much better pistol and for not a lot more money.

I'm sorry I can't help with 700x or Red Dot loads, I don't use those powders although Red dot is a good choice for most handgun ammo. If you find any W231/HP-38 I can give you a few different loads.

 

[scattershot]

Red Dot is my go to powder in the 9. I use 4.0 grains with that bullet for about 1050 fps. Great load.


ArchangelCD, that's the first I've heard about the pistol not being made by Smith. Do you know who makes it?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Red Dot is my go to powder in the 9. I use 4.0 grains with that bullet for about 1050 fps. Great load.


ArchangelCD, that's the first I've heard about the pistol not being made by Smith. Do you know who makes it?

I'm sorry but I can't remember right now (don't get old) but it's on the lines of Springfield buying the XD and selling it under their name.

I could be wrong but I'm almost certain S&W doesn't make the SD9 line BUT, it might have been the Sigma line instead. I actually thought the SD9VE was a Sigma but I'm wrong there.

Sorry for any confusion...

 

[drinva]

Are you sure you really want a SD9VE? .......... and it's not a great pistol.

Really....

Tell my SD40VE that, after over 1,000 rounds without a SINGLE hiccup..... he just may disagree!

I consider it to be just what it was made for: a great little gun at a great little price. Self Defense Value Enhanced.

DR

 

[1coyote]

I know everyone has differing experiences and opinions...
but FWIW I had a SD9VE and didn't care for it much (a lot of jams).
I sold the SD9VE, ponied up for a Glock and never had an issue with it.
IMO, I thought the M&P suggestion was sound advice.

 

[Rule3]

The SD9VE is the later version of the Sigma which was SW copying Glock and a long expensive lawsuit that followed.

The SD is SW value line and is a fine pistol for the price. The only negative comments I have read is the trigger pull.
It was designed that way to have a heavy trigger. It is a self deference gun. Of course you can spend money on trigger work, but why?

Kinda like the heavy long double action on revolvers.

It is listed as a SW and made in USA.

The SA XD is made in Croatia and are wonderful guns, I have a few

 

[scattershot]

I'm sorry but I can't remember right now (don't get old) but it's on the lines of Springfield buying the XD and selling it under their name.

I could be wrong but I'm almost certain S&W doesn't make the SD9 line BUT, it might have been the Sigma line instead. I actually thought the SD9VE was a Sigma but I'm wrong there.

Sorry for any confusion...

Thanks, but you're too late. I'm already old!

 

[jonnnyboy]

Wow! I asked a question about reloading for a new handgun that I was excited about buying and got a whole debate about the merits of my choice of handgun. Double wow!!!

I picked up the SD9VE that I had been waiting on today and am very glad I got it. I already own an M&P and after a ton of research found that the vast majority of SD9VE owners highly recommend them as well. (You can never be satisfied with just one!) Now, to begin reloading for it.

I think I may load up some different 700X loads tonight and see how she likes them tomorrow. I'll let you all know how it goes.

thanks

 

[scattershot]

Check your loads often. It's been my experience that 700x doesn't meter very well. Red Dot, as mentioned above, does.

JMHO

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I picked up the SD9VE that I had been waiting on today and am very glad I got it. I already own an M&P and after a ton of research found that the vast majority of SD9VE owners highly recommend them as well. (You can never be satisfied with just one!) Now, to begin reloading for it.

I think I may load up some different 700X loads tonight and see how she likes them tomorrow.

If you already own an M&P I'm guessing you are already loading for it. Why not shoot the same ammo in your new SD9 as long as it passes the plunk test?

 

[jonnnyboy]

If you already own an M&P I'm guessing you are already loading for it. Why not shoot the same ammo in your new SD9 as long as it passes the plunk test?

I enjoy reloading for each one. I guess its part of learning a new gun by building up a load for it. It's interesting that you would mention shooting the same load as I began working up from 4.0 (wouldn't eject), 4.2 (would eject but wouldn't lock slide on empty) and finally 4.4-4.5gr 700X (Eureka! 100% functional). The 4.4-4.5gr load was the same I had already worked up for others!

To be honest, I really like the SD9VE. The ergonomics of the handle fit me great and the gun shoots pleasant and early experience tells me it hits very close to point-of-aim. There's lots more break-in and accuracy shooting to come.

 

[pawpaw1967]

i own the sd9ve 2700 rounds thru it not 1 single hiccup, awesome gun awesome price the more you shoot it the better it gets. it does have a long trigger pull but then again thats your only safety. kept it stock till 1700 rounds then did the upgrades, as for loads my target load is 115gr. RN plated, Unique 5.2 gr. CCI 500 primer, 1.100 OAL..... SD load is 115gr.JHP Unique 5.6gr. 1233 fps.OAL 1.090, CCI 500 primer .... loads came out of lymans 49th edition.... good luck