I recently lucked into a M&P Shield in .40. I have already put a few hundred factory and reload .40's (165 and 180 gr). What a great shooter and all cycled flawlessly. Surprisingly good accuracey!

I also just got a factory 9mm barrel and mags for it so am going to load some 9mm soon. I loaded some 124gr with W231 (4.2 - 4.8 gr) for my son's M&P 9 FS. All cycled in his but 4.4-4.6gr seemed to be the sweet spot for recoil and accuracy.

My question is does anyone have experience loading for a shield converted to 9mm? With stock (.40) springs I'm thinking that 4.6 may be what it takes to cycle reliably with 124gr FMJ. I also have some 147gr (plated) so will probably load some of those too for comparison. l'm not worried because if the shield won't cycle some of the lighter loads his FS will.

Just trying to capitalize on others experience and save time if possible.

Thanks in advance
OG03

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Shield 40&9, BG, P1345, G23/19

As with developing a load for any handgun, it can take some trial and error to find the best load for it. I usually build 20 each in .3 gr increments with each powder on hand and range test them. That said, there is something to be said for finding one load that works well in everything. If your son's 9c likes a particular load, I'd start with that one. Given that 4.6gr is near the top end of that load range, I'll bet it functions just fine in your converted shield.
If it does, then just settle on that recipe for your go too 9mm fodder and load it by the bucket.

FWIW, I've found 3.4gr of W231 under a147gr cast TC bullet , works well in everything I own.

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Dave

Dave

this past weekend I did just as you suggested. I put the 9mm factory barell and mags in my Shield 40 at tried it out. I had some 9mm 124 gr FMJ and Berry's 125gr FP already loaded with Win 231 in 4.0, 4.2, 4.4 gr. I shot at least 16 rds of each combination and only had one failure to eject at 4.0 gr with a Berry's FP. All others cycled flawlessly. All were accurate and very mild felt recoil. Especially when compared back to back with some .40's.

I actually was planning to load some 147gr as well just to test the difference. Besides loading a variety is what we do right?!? :O)

What a great pistol! (nice to have the best of both)

thanks
OG03

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Shield 40&9, BG, P1345, G23/19