9mm FMJ-FP load

[mikerjf]

Went into the LGS yesterday and, while out of all primers, all 9mm bullets, dang near all everything, he DID have a bucket of Zero 147g FMJ-FN that had just come in. Not expensive, and I'd been wanting to work up a good penetrating woods load, so it seemed worthwhile.

Couldn't find any data on the Zero specifically, but here is my thinking - please correct if wrong:

I already have an SD load using the Hornady 147 XTP at COAL 1.140", from an actual manual and laddered up, and everything tested just fine. Supposed to be close to a max pressure load for std pressure.

The XTP is jacketed and reputed to have a longer bearing surface than most other 9mms.

The XTP measures about .656" long, the Zero is a little shorter at .640". Obviously the Zero has no HP cavity.

So, seems to me that the Zero at the same COAL should give me a little more case volume with a little less bearing surface. Both are the same weight and both jacketed. So the same charge should be fine?

 

[colt_saa]

If you are using a Near Max charge and change projectiles, you need to work it up again from a lower starting point

 

[Nevada Ed]

Case volume space between the powder and bullet is one thing that can change load pressure.

Different diameters, bullet make up, coatings, and seating depths, can change the pressures, also, even if the same weight.

A shorter length bullet will however let you use more Alliant type powder in the case, while the longer bullets seem to get their top fps with small grained powders, if that is what you are after.

As mentioned, with a new component, it is wise to drop down and stat working up, to be on the safe side.
Have fun.

 

[Rule3]

A FP(FN) bullet is not exactly the same as a XTP. So you would need data for a FN (FP) 147 grain bullet.

True the bullet weight is the same but seating and COL are gonna be different.


What powder are you using?


Example Accurate powder has data for a Speer 147 gr FN bullet.

 

[Fishinfool]

I would start 10% below your current powder charge (if you cant find a listing for this specific bullet / powder combo) and work up. Because of its small powder capacity and high working pressure, the 9mm is sensitive to minor changes. At near max loads, jacket material and thickness, and hardness of the lead core, for example, can make a difference in pressure.

I am always leery about "working up a load" for small capacity, high intensity semi auto handgun cartridges, especially with component changes. I believe, unlike say a bottle necked cartridge in a bolt action rifle, by the time classic signs of over pressure start to show, you are already on thin ice. Measuring case head expansion, and primer condition, for example, are not reliable early warning signs on a 9mm cartridge.

Larry

 

[mikerjf]

I will certainly work this up per normal practice... mostly just wondering if working towards the same final charge was reasonable.

Looking at 5.7g Power Pistol per the Alliant 2003 data for the Hornady 147 XTP, min COAL 1.140 (I used 1.150).

Alliant online quotes 5.0g at a shorter COAL for a Speer GDHP, without saying if it is a max or not. Lymans 3rd says 5.0g for a Speer TMJ at a much shorter 1.115 COAL.

And again, I worked up to 5.7g with an XTP, and this Zero bullet seems to be on the safer side of that, given the same charge and COAL.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Bullet shape and OAL is every thing with the larger 147gr bullet in the little 9mm case.

With a OAL of 1.13" and Unique powder.......
the Speer TMJ can get 971 fps out of my C9 3.5" pistol.

The longer Berry plated RN out of my full size 9mm 5" barrel
with the reduced volume, only gets 877 fps, with Unique powder.

Bullseye in the 5" will do 995 fps with the Berry bullet.

Stay safe.

 

[stansdds]

As others have said, drop your powder charge down 10% and work up to your desired velocity. My guess is that the solid bullets are going to be shorter than the hollow point bullets, so at the same OAL you will more usable capacity within the case. Still, drop back and work up, this is good advice any time you change a component in a reloading recipe.

 

[GeoJelly]

I cannot add much to all of the wisdom articulated above; except to say, I have loaded Power Pistol in a lot of 9mm over the past few years. I have always found that the book loads have more recoil and muzzle blast with PP versus Clays and 700-X. Yes, I recognize that is a very untechnical comment but I would sure load 147's starting with minimum charge of PP from any data source.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Here is a picture of two 147gr copper/plated bullets that I have used in my 9mm pistols over the years, for my target work and enjoyment.

You will find out in a hurry what powders work with the longer bullet by Berry if you are trying for high fps loads.

A lot of my target loads are 1.165" in length but this length will not work in my D&Law's 3" Kahr but will in my C9 3.5".........
so you do need to play around to what your pistol will work with.
Since the 9mm case has a taper, you need to KNOW how deep you are seating this long bullet, to not get into high pressures that might harm you or the weapon.
Stay safe.

 

[mikerjf]

Really appreciate all the comments from everyone, thank you.