9mm, Please help me out with this.....

[rockquarry]

I began working with cast bullets in the 9mm cartridge in 1988, long before 9mm cast bullet loads became popular. Over about ten or so years, I used a dozen cast bullet designs, casting them myself from different alloys and tried almost as many powders. Accurate cast bullet loads are very possible, but most handloaders become frustrated and give up long before they're successful.

No point going into great detail here, but many finally figured out that the largest diameter bullet that will allow a loaded cartridge to chamber without diffculty will likely be the most accurate (if you're using the proper alloy for the load). Many use a .356" bullet. These will work, if you get the velocity/ pressure to the point where bullet obturation occurs. Lot of work.

However, it's easier just to start with a fat bullet. My favorite and most accurate load has been with the Lyman #358212, an obsolete .38 Special round nose design that weighs about 148-150 grains in ww alloy. I size to .358" or just a hair under and use Bullseye powder. I load to a muzzle velocity of about 875 fps and the load performs flawlessly in a Beretta 92F, a Sig P226, and a Walther P4. It's also quite accurate and will shoot approximately to point of aim in my guns.

I think the Lyman #358311 160 grain design is too much bullet for the 9mm, but I won't criticize those who have success with it.

 

[Tu_S]

For the problem of the case buldging, with a set of Lee dies I have for 45ACP I have had to back the seating/crimping die out a quarter to half turn and make the appropriate adjustment to the stem to prevent it. This was after increasing the flaring of the case mouth when I had to use plated bullets during the pandemic since they were the only thing I could find, but the setup works fine with the jacketed stuff I usually use.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Though I've been reloading well over 40 years, 9mm has been a problem to me ...

What do you all think??? Have you seen this when loading lead bullets?

I have been reloading 9mm for 40+ years and I never had a problem. It is really the easiest handgun caliber to reload, JMHO.

Speer or a cast 125 grain LRN over 3.5 grains of Bullseye powder will run perfect in any S&W 9mm pistol and I have owned them all.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I've been loading/shooting 380acp (.355") bullets in 9mm for 30 years now. 88gr Speers, 88gr Remingtons, & 90gr Sierras.
In a Beretta 92FS, my two standard loads are for 1350fps and 1500fps.

The Speer 88 grain JHP can get really moving with a good dose of Blue Dot.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

BTW: My 'normal' load for 9mm is 125 gr Missouri SWC with just about 1/32" of the shoulder showing. I buy and shoot hundreds of these, Usually using a medium load of W231/HP38.

Same here. I like the Speer 125 grain LRN with Bullseye powder. LE was just moving to the 9mm so I loaded thousands.