I just set up to reload 9mm, I normally load 45acp and I am really a newb at that. I was hoping to simply load with the same W231 I'm currently using for the 45's. But my Hornaday book says W231 for 115g only, 124, 147, will need a different powder. I have two questions, why?, and could you suggest a good powder for starting out? I have purchased 2500 115g bullets, so W231 will work for now. But is there something better I should look at?

I just set up to reload 9mm, I normally load 45acp and I am really a newb at that. I was hoping to simply load with the same W231 I'm currently using for the 45's. But my Hornaday book says W231 for 115g only, 124, 147, will need a different powder. I have two questions, why?, and could you suggest a good powder for starting out? I have purchased 2500 115g bullets, so W231 will work for now. But is there something better I should look at?

You can go to Hodgdon's website and either download their free manual or look up loads on their interactive data center to find loads with heavier 125gr and 130gr bullets in the 9mm with W231.

W231 being a fast powder, you will get around 1,080 fps in velocity with maximum load using Hodgdon's data in the mid range 124gr bullet. Hornady may feel that W231 doesn't push the 124gr or 147gr bullet fast enough at reasonable pressure to give reliable expansion with their XTP HP bullets.

If you look at other sources you can fine data for the heavier bullets but even the older Winchester guide didn't list loads for W231 with 147gr jacketed bullets though they did for cast bullets.

Here is the link to a pdf copy of the 2002 Winchester data.

I load 124gr 9mm with 4.5gr HP38/231 for competition as my standard load. Power factor about 135.

Unless you are trying for the absolute max velocity, HP38/WIN 231 makes a superb 9mm powder for both 115gr and 124gr bullets.

For practice, Precision Delta 124gr (or Montana Gold) will save money over Hornady.
http://www.precisiondelta.com/

(personal opinion, forget the 147gr in the small 9 X 19 case. It is a reloading headache)

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Science plus Art

If I am using Berry's plated RN's am I wrong to use the Hornaday RN FMJ data for loading?

Yes. Plated loads are closer to plain lead than to FMJ. The load I gave above would be more like 4.0gr of 231 for 124gr plated 9mm.
Read the plated bullets manufacturer's website and you will see they recommend using lead data for starters.

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Science plus Art

I've just visited the Berry's site, there was not much beyond the standard ad. info. Should I email them?

Personally I use WSF for my 9mm reloads with 125 to 147 gr. jacketed or plated bullets.

The W-W 14th Ed reloading Manual provides the following data (min & max) for various bullets with W-231:
124 gr. FMJ -4.2 to 4.5 gr. W-231- 1005 to 1060fps - 28800 to 32700psi
124gr LRN - 3.3 to 4.0 gr. W-231 - 910 to 1035fps - 23800 to 32900psi
147gr LFP - 3.3 to 3.5 gr. W-231 - 865 to 905 fps - 29000 to 32100psi

I know several shooters who have used 3.5 gr. W-231 with a 147 gr cast lead bullet with excellent results. I used to use that load but have switched to either jacketed or plated bullets in 9mm.

I use AA#5 for my 115 gr Winchester FMJ loads for practice. I use 6.4 grains with CCI 500 primers at a C.O.L. of 1.135" . This load shoots extremly tight groups out of my M&P.

Sgt Preston here. I use Win 231 for my 9mm, 38sp & 45ACP's. I load my 9mm as follows: I buy 124 grain Berry's copper plated bullets. I buy their flat nosed bullets because they produce a clean round hole in the paper, rather than a tear. I load 4.2 grains of Win 231, set my overall length to 1.090 & taper crimp to .378 / .379 diameter. I currently "fly" them out of a SA 1911, but have also fired them out of S&W 539, a Beretta 92FS, a Para 1911, & a Kimber 1911 x 3". These bullets always feed, fire, cycle the gun & never jam. I use Win small pistol primers & an assortment of well used range brass. This is a target load is VERY accurate, mild & fun to shoot. Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA

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NRA Life Member

I too have had good success with AA5. It is my favorite w/115 / 124gr in 9mm. I have used 6.5gr w/115 with good luck. Makes about 130pf. Hogdon Titegroup is my other pick. It is very frugal. 4.3 gr w/115 does well in my G34 or MP Pro. Howard