9mm data help

[boxs]

I'm back into reloading after a long time (40yrs). The basics are the same, but wow the options! Because of the problem finding
components I guess you grab what you can and then look for specs on loading.
I'm target shooting an M&P Pro series 9mm 5". Here's what I have acquired: Hornady 115gr, FMJ,RN bullets-Hodgdon TiteGroup powder-Winchester WSP primers- and a blue Square Deal press. I also have a Lyman 49th edition, and the complete Reloading Manual for 9mm.
When I look at different manuals and/or the internet I'm seeing
discrepancies in powder loads and OAL. Who do I believe?
Would this be an acceptable starting point--
4.0 grains TiteGroup 1.100 O.A.L.
Thanks in advance!
Boxs

 

[Bkreutz]

Don't go by the internet, stick to published data. If someone suggests a load and you can't find printed data to back it up, I wouldn't do it. Start at the starting load and work your way up to the "never exceed" level. Some very experienced reloaders will stray outside published data but most of them know what they're doing. I don't consider myself experienced enough to do so. Can't comment on the Titegroup, I use W231 or Accurate #7 on my 9mm loads, the OAL looks about right, I load mine to 1.135 but I've arrived at my combination after a bunch of test batches and it suits my needs for power factor in competition. Good luck and stay safe.

 

[jepp2]

When I look at different manuals and/or the internet I'm seeing
discrepancies in powder loads and OAL. Who do I believe? Would this be an acceptable starting point--4.0 grains TiteGroup 1.100 O.A.L.

I find that I need around 24K PSI to function reliably in a variety of 9mm's I load for. I also load to the SAAMI max of 1.169" except when the bullet ogive prevents it. With that bullet and your M&P I load to 1.169". I prefer mid burn rate powders and avoid the fast powders like TG for the higher pressure loads.

Keep in mind that the 9mm has the greatest variation in OAL (1.010" to 1.169") and can be very susceptible to dramatic pressure changes with minor changes to OAL. So when you are picking a load to start with, be conservative and don't disregard critical factors. And just because the load is for a 115 gr. FMJ round nose, don't assume the length is the same unless it is a Hornady bullet.

Check for setback after you develop your load. If you have setback it can be an indication of excessive neck expanding or issues with how you are trying to crimp.

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

Hodgdon starting load is 3.9 gr of Titegroup behind a 115 gr fmj. I use 4.3 gr with a 124 gr fmj with no problems. Here's the link:

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

 

[scooter123]

First, I have to warn you that Titegroup has probably blown up more guns than any other powder. The problem is that it's a rather low volume high density powder and it is possible in many calibers to load a double or even triple charge. This problem is at it's worst with the revolver calibers due to the larger volume in the case due to an origin in the Black Powder era. However, if you get careless you can pack enough powder in a 9mm case to do some real harm to your firearm.

Second, I regard the Overall Lengths published in loading manuals as the MINIMUM Overall Lenth allowed with a charge at the listed maximum. This means that if you are considering loading to the maximum charge you should seriously consider using a length that is LARGER than that length listed in the data. Pressure can rise rapidly when the volume is restricted so using a bit longer overall length provides a bit of a safety margin in the event your scale isn't absolutely perfect or your measure throws an occasional charge that is a tick heavy.

That 1.100 length is good for your starting point of 4.0 grains but if you decide to load a heavier charge I would suggest adding a bit of length each time you increase the charge. As for how much, I would suggest increasing the OAL by 0.010 inch for each 1/10 grain increase in powder charge. Yeah, it's conservative, I tend to place a rather high value on my hands and my firearms so I can be very conservative about something that can result in a blown up gun.

Finally, I do not know the Metering Quality of Titegroup in whatever measure you'll be loading with. To be very safe I would suggest that you hand weigh each and every charge thrown for at least the first 50 charges thrown. My first powder was Unique and by doing this I learned very quickly that I could NOT trust Unique in my powder measure and ended up hand weighing each and every cartridge loaded with Unique.

 

[OKFC05]

Would this be an acceptable starting point--
4.0 grains TiteGroup 1.100 O.A.L.

No. Forget the theorists, I have been loading 115gr and 124gr FMJ 9mm with Titegroup and shooting them in the M&P Pro 5" for a couple of years now. I shot a couple of hundred of them today.
Here's my results from many thousands of rounds.
You are too short and too light for the Pro 5" using 115gr bullets. 4gr is right for a 124gr FMJ set out to 1.150" (The 5" Pro feeds better with FMJ set a little long. Shorten for HP).
For your 115gr FMJ, 4.4gr Titegroup with the bullet set out no shorter than 1.130 will give you legal minor power for IDPA and USPSA competition and a very smooth running Pro.
There is no reason to start lower then this and "work up" as all you will discover is that the Pro will not run right on "powderpuff" loads, and likes the power factor at least 125.

Titegroup measures very well in my Dillon, and is one of the most used powders in 9mm competition loads. DON'T DOUBLE CHARGE.

 

[gwpercle]

Hornady's Reloading Handbook shows the 9mm Luger with thier 115 gr. FMJ-RN #35557, with a COL of 1.100"

But no data is listed for Titegroup powder. Looking over all the 9mm data, for all weights of bullets...No loads are shown using Titegroup in any 9mm loads.

They do show loads for other cartridges like 38 spcl. and 44 spcl. but these seem to be for thier lead bullets. Giving me the impression it may not be suited to high pressure and jacketed bullets. Be careful.

Gary

 

[rwsmith]

When I could stick to one brand.....

I'm back into reloading after a layoff, too. When I could stick to one brand of bullet and use the data in their own manual, life was simple. Now you have to scrounge for everything and use combinations you haven't had a chance to work with much. Because of this I am collecting as many reloading manuals as I can get. A Hornady is next on the list.

 

[boxs]

Thanks for all the comments, gentlemen.
Unfortunately, I have not seen my exact combination in any
printed manual. I guess common sense and some degree
of caution has to be the answer.
Boxs

 

[rshew]

First time using Titegroup

No. Forget the theorists, I have been loading 115gr and 124gr FMJ 9mm with Titegroup and shooting them in the M&P Pro 5" for a couple of years now. I shot a couple of hundred of them today.
Here's my results from many thousands of rounds.
You are too short and too light for the Pro 5" using 115gr bullets. 4gr is right for a 124gr FMJ set out to 1.150" (The 5" Pro feeds better with FMJ set a little long. Shorten for HP).
For your 115gr FMJ, 4.4gr Titegroup with the bullet set out no shorter than 1.130 will give you legal minor power for IDPA and USPSA competition and a very smooth running Pro.
There is no reason to start lower then this and "work up" as all you will discover is that the Pro will not run right on "powderpuff" loads, and likes the power factor at least 125.

Titegroup measures very well in my Dillon, and is one of the most used powders in 9mm competition loads. DON'T DOUBLE CHARGE.

Hi OKFC05,
Been using Win 231(4.3gr) for the last 25yrs reloading LRN .125 9mm, just trying to find a starting load with Titegroup for the first time. Would you have any suggestions with this bullet? Will be shooting IPSC in march with a S&W M&P 9 with a 4.25 barrel length. Finally retired my Berreta 92F. Thanks for your help!

 

[OKFC05]

Been using Win 231(4.3gr) for the last 25yrs reloading LRN .125 9mm, just trying to find a starting load with Titegroup for the first time.

I would start with 3.9 gr, load no more than 10 cartridges, and chrono. Yes, I know this is near the top charge. Adjust as needed; should be pretty close, depending on specific bullet and lube. I use the Lee 124gr TLRN mold with wheelweights and ALOX to lube.

As you know, a problem with power factor in IPSC is you have to make power in the gun you are shooting, so the 4.25 barrel needs more than a 5" barrel: I have both.

 

[rshew]

Starting Load

OKFC05,
Thank You, much appreciated!