Is Bullseye powder good for 9mm?

Rule3

Rule3

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I loaded some 124gr fmj with 4.1 grs Bullseye. They fired fine and were OK for accuracy but on several occasions my slide did not lock back on a pistol that eats anything. I wondered if 9mm needs a slower burning powder??

I also noticed that the ejected brass was going more forward or hitting me in the head rather than high and to the right. I thought I read somewhere that how the brass ejects can tell you something about the load??
 
Your gun is malfunctioning because of the overly light load. A semi-auto is a machine and the cartridge is the engine. Leave the powder puff loads to the revolvers and load to match your recoil spring.

About 4.5gr of HP38 will make it go in most any pistol.
I can't quote a Bullseye load off the top of my head.
 
My Speer #11 lists 4.6 to 5.0 of Bullseye for their 124 gr.TMJ. Sounds like your a little light. Just bump it up a little.
 
Speer #9 says
125 (jacketed S/P)
4.2 grains (MAX) 1058 FPS
3.8 grains (Sug) 942 FPS

125 L/R/N
3.5 grains (MAX) 990 FPS
3.3 grains (Sug) 946 FPS

Lyman #43

125 grain lead conical (no jacketed info in #43)
4.8 grains (MAX) 1120 FPS
3.5 grains (Sug) 1000 FPS

For Bullseye
Please tell us what else you find out or do.
 
I do most of my 9MM reloading with Bullseye. I have never had a a problem with any of my guns failing to function with loads from 3.5grs with a 124gr LTC to 4.5grs with 124gr PFP. You did not mention the gun you were using but I expect you will find the right load for Bullseye. Bruce
 
I guess I should have expressed my main question of is Bullseye the "right" powder for 9mm being a higher pressure cartridge and thus maybe requires a slower burning powder.

Speer #14 lists 3.9 start and 4.4 max.
Lyman 49 only lists for a 125gr JHP at 3.9 to 4.5 max.
Lee Modern does not list it??
Alliants online info for a 124gr GDHP lists 4.4 max.

I usually use HP38/W231 and thought I would try the Bullseye.

Appears I need to "kick it up a notch" and go with 4.4 grs next.

I was not shooting a Smith today so did not mention the make. Too many 9's and not enough ammo.
icon_smile.gif
 
Originally posted by Ignatz:
My Speer #11 lists 4.6 to 5.0 of Bullseye for their 124 gr.TMJ. Sounds like your a little light. Just bump it up a little.
Click to expand...

Wow! they must have new lawyers.

#14 says 3.9 to 4.4 no wonder???
 
In small case handgun cartridges it is hard to beat Bullseye powder. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!
icon_wink.gif


Used it for years and just recently switched to another powder.

I still use this powder a lot in 9mm.
 
I use 3.5 gns of BE for my 124gn LRN practice loads. I know they are a little light but the shoot to point of aim and cycle the action reliably. That's about all I look for in a practice load
icon_biggrin.gif
 
I'll try these loads in some other guns and see how they function. If not OK, I will load a little more towards max.
 
I use a 12.5 lb ISMI recoil spring and 3.0 to 3.2 of bullseye in several 1911 guns. AA2 imp and AA7 in 9mm revolver.
 
Right now I am using 4.5gr of Unique w/124gr FMJRN bullet in the 9mm.
It is superbly accurate with mild recoil.
I have heard/read that the slightly slower burning powders do a little better in the 9mm, especially for accuracy.
I can attest to that theory, although I do not have any Bullseye experience with the 9 only 38 and 45, which works great in those calibers.
 
You are a bit on the light side. The Alliant Powder 2005 Reloaders Guide lists the following for a 125 gr. FMJ in 9mm:
4.9 gr. Bullseye = 1155 fps = 32000 psi
Originally posted by OCD1:
I loaded some 124gr fmj with 4.1 grs Bullseye. They fired fine and were OK for accuracy but on several occasions my slide did not lock back on a pistol that eats anything. I wondered if 9mm needs a slower burning powder??

I also noticed that the ejected brass was going more forward or hitting me in the head rather than high and to the right. I thought I read somewhere that how the brass ejects can tell you something about the load??
Click to expand...
 
I've seen inconsistent recommendations for Bullseye and a 125 grain jacketed. Lee says 4.7 to 4.9 and Lyman says 3.9 to 4.5. That's a significant spread. I load for a 5906 and a Beretta 92FS and they both do very well with 3.9. I'd be hesitant to go into the high 4's.
 
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