9mm plated 115gr target load help

[Nevada Ed]

I have used some Xtreme 115 in the past and they have done
pretty well with accuracy in the low 900's to 960's. but I know
they can probably be better with a little more powder.

I have a new box of Berry 115gr plated and am wondering if
any of you have had good accuracy in the upper ranges around
1050 fps or so. I have been shooting a little 3 and 3.5" lately
but the bad weather is keeping me inside and unable to do any
loading or test as yet.

I did get to test one maximum load of CFE in the new 3.5" 9mm
that did 1139fps but have yet to test out any medium or lower
loadings.

Almost out of 124gr so just need 115gr info for now until I can
find more plated bullets. Thanks for any help.............

 

[jwalts27]

I don't use CFE but.... I push my 115g Xtremes pretty hard through my M&P9

5.9g of BE86 OAL 1.10 1185fps really snappy, a few fliers
5.4------------------------1100fps still snappy, but accurate

5.6g Unique OAL 1.10 1115fps dead accurate


Not sure if your limited to CFE but these are the most accurate loads in have chronod so far. I have been experimenting with Titegroup lately and are Justas good. No time to chrony yet.

 

[Bkreutz]

5.2 CFE gives me ~1125 out of a 5" M&P with a 115 bullet.

 

[Deadctr]

I have good success with Berrys 115's using 5.4G of SR4756 and 4.4G of bullseye. Ain't got a chrono so can't say to speed. Accuracy is good. Setting each at 1.050

 

[ChiefStealth]

I don't use CFE but.... I push my 115g Xtremes pretty hard through my M&P9

So, just how do you tell when you are pushing a plated bullet, too much? I've been using Xtreme & Rainier stuff in 9mm and .45ACP. I've kept the loads in the low to medium power range. I've never loaded any plated bullet "hot". I've always heard that plated bullets are not designed to hold up well at high velocity. So, what happens when you do load them too hot?

 

[webfarmer]

4.8 grains SR 7625 behind a RMR 115 plated gives me 1,030 FPS (10 feet from muzzle) from my Shield 9mm. Same reloads from my XDM 5.25 is 1,096 FPS. They recommend keeping velocity below 1,500 FPS, so well under their precaution. That's what works for me - hope the info helps.

 

[fredj338]

Depends on the powder. There is nothing magic about 1000fps or 1100fps or 1200fps, it's more about how you get there. Typically, faster powders start losng accuracy as you push them closer to their max. Slower powders will often NOT be as accurate at reduced load levels. 900fps with CFE is pretty low vel/pressure for CFE & accuracy will likely get better as you get closet to 1100fps with that powder. Most plated will start losing accuracy after you cross the 1300fps vel line, regardless of what the manuf says.

 

[jwalts27]

So, just how do you tell when you are pushing a plated bullet, too much? I've been using Xtreme & Rainier stuff in 9mm and .45ACP. I've kept the loads in the low to medium power range. I've never loaded any plated bullet "hot". I've always heard that plated bullets are not designed to hold up well at high velocity. So, what happens when you do load them too hot?

Most companies say to keep them under 1200fps or the copper plating starts to separate. You will start to see copper fouling or leading in your barrel. The bullet starts to deform and melt on the way out. Some of the most recent HEAVY PLATED bullets say they can go to 1500fps. As already mentioned in another post from another member , I noticed that around 1150fps + they start to lose their accuracy. Especially with BE86 and Titegroup. Unique not so much.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Thanks for all the info............

The 115gr X's were tested with 1.12 to 1.14" OAL in my first test........
a lot of powder sort of bailed out in the fps near the top end
with the short barrels.

I think with the Berry's, I will try the shorter 1.10" OAL that is
out there and in my one new manual that I just picked up.
Maybe the smaller case volume might help out some of the
powders wipe the mud off their faces from earlier tests.

However, some of the light loads, did shoot well.
Later.

PS;
might try one 96% load with HS6 with a magnum primer to see what's, what.....
and Hodgdon OAL of 1.09" with the "X" bullet crimps on the Ogive, 1.10" is BETTER
since the crimp is on the bullets cylinder.... (flat surface) with my components.

 

[Pocketfisherman]

You will get the best accuracy if you either keep the bullet subsonic all the way to the target, or supersonic all the way to the target. If you have a muzzle velocity that is just supersonic but the bullet slows to subsonic before the 25yard line, that is an accuracy killer. The shockwave will pass the bullet and destabilize it somewhat in the process.

 

[NJM15]

Learn something every day !

I have been reloading over a year, I followed the data to a T still do, being as I didn't have any new ammo to compare I set my max OAL less than max of course . Recently I came across some new ammo (we are talking about 9mm)
measured one and found out it is considerably shorter than my setting increasing pressure and velocity. I don't have a chrono but I can feel the difference using the same powder, load and bullets I also am now using a factory crimp die (Lee) I plop test my loads and found using the standard bullet /crimp die would cause a lot of the rounds to not enter the chamber like they should, problem solved. Less powder burns on the brass too.

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

I haven't chronoed any loads, but I've been using the 115gr 9mm bullets in 38 Super with Blue Dot.

Extrapolating the load data a little bit, 9.2gr of Blue Dot should be giving me a little over 1100 fps and 9.5 probably a little under 1200fps.

I've found the 9.5gr load to be more accurate.

Not exactly the same I realize, but just my experience.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I tested some powders with the 115gr at 1.10" OAL for volume.....
3.9 Red at 100%
4.2gr Green 100%
4.9 Unique at 100%
w231 to HS6 ran 92 to 96% case volume with a 97% load.
Looks like the ball powders might be the way to go with 1.10"

Am thinking the Alliant powders will only be good for light target loads........
Day and night from the 1.12" OAL case volume.

 

[Forrest r]

You will get the best accuracy if you either keep the bullet subsonic all the way to the target, or supersonic all the way to the target. If you have a muzzle velocity that is just supersonic but the bullet slows to subsonic before the 25yard line, that is an accuracy killer. The shockwave will pass the bullet and destabilize it somewhat in the process.

Boy have I learned that the hard way more than once!!!!

The last time was with a 22lr rifle @25yds. I was getting to different bugholes/groups. The ammo was rated for 1200fps and I ran some shots over a chronograph when I saw what was happening. When I got home & looked a ballistics calculator & a light bulb lit up. Some of my shots were going trans sonic at the 25yd line/target. It created 2 different distinctive groups.

Those 100% volume loads look good!!! Looking forward to a followup range report.