9mm powder....Best on my list

[StarshooterX]

I am a veteran loader, but new to 9mm caliber loading. I am in the process of getting my components lined up now. I ordered plated 115 gr match quality round nose/flat base bullets from RMR.

I want to get started with powders I have on hand, and don't want to buy anything additional until I run low. Supplies on hand with the largest amounts first:

Clays
Longshot
International Clays
Win 231
Win 571
800X
Super Lite

I realize I can find load data for several of these powders. BUT, I am asking for feedback to find the BEST load possible from my list of available powders.

If you see any powder that you immediately say "OH YEAH" use that one, please let me know this is a proven winner! As we all know, many powders are acceptable, but only a few are great in this load.

Thank you all in advance for your help!

 

[Dr. D.]

Win 231/HP-38 works quite well in the 9mm. I have used it for years. I have switched to Titegroup, CFE Pistol, and Unique since I can not find any Win 231/HP-38 in my area. All work well.

 

[StarshooterX]

Win 231/HP-38 works quite well in the 9mm. I have used it for years. I have switched to Titegroup, CFE Pistol, and Unique since I can not find any Win 231/HP-38 in my area. All work well.

Thanks, Dr. D. I was figuring 231 may be a winner here just as you stated. I have 5-6 lbs, so I should be set for a nice run. I have looked at CFE Pistol when I need to resupply. For now, I got plenty of 231. LOTS more Clays, but I am thinking this NOT is my go to powder for 9mm.

 

[Rule3]

231/HP38 and Longshot But Longshot is more better with FMJ. It's pretty slow but I have a big jug of it and use it a lot.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I have found that the faster powder works well with target loads.
Medium burn powder for target and maybe full loads.

Med. slow (571, 800x) for full loads and maximum fps.

I have used maximum fast powder for top end loads and reached a standard 9mm loading but at maximum pressures.

I have also use very slow powder for light target loads that have worked but some are just so slow that I worry about "Squibs".

Good loading.

PS;
Super Lite listed as a Shot Gun powder only by the maker.

 

[muddocktor]

I've been using Longshot lately in 9mm with good results. In the past I've used 231/HP38 also with good results. I haven't tried Win 571 in 9mm, but have used it in 357 Mag and it worked well there. But finding data on 571 for 9mm might be a problem since it hasn't been sold for quite a while now.

 

[alwslate]

For whatever reasons many handloaders seem to think that plated
bullets are superior to other types. The latest edition of Handloader
magazine, #300, has an article by Brian Pearce about loading plated
bullets. Written in his usual through approach it covers several calibers
including the 9mm. You might want to check it out.

 

[sellersm]

I'd suggest Win 231 for target loads, Longshot for higher velocities/full-loads.

 

[BJ343]

231 works a treat..it meters really nicely..don't know the others but know 231 is great

 

[sellersm]

For whatever reasons many handloaders seem to think that plated
bullets are superior to other types. The latest edition of Handloader
magazine, #300, has an article by Brian Pearce about loading plated
bullets. Written in his usual through approach it covers several calibers
including the 9mm. You might want to check it out.

FWIW, Brian Pearce didn't use the same RMR bullets to which the OP is referring. RMR's new match plated are the same, or better, than FMJ bullets in both 'toughness' and accuracy!

 

[dmar]

For 9mm, I've settled on using just W231, great powder for 9mm... I'm pretty much just loading 124gr bullets these days (JHPs, FMJs, and some coated FPs). But, when I load 115gr I generally use a coated flat point bullet seated at 1.22" with 4.3 or 4.4gr of W231 powder. These shoot very accurately for me in a variety of 9mm guns, but the 115gr FP bullet shape is long for my short CZ SP-01 chamber and I'd have to load it pretty short, at 1.08" in order to chamber/extract reliably.

I don't have that issue with the 124gr bullets... With the 124 JHPs I use 4.8gr of W231, at a length of 1.14". They shoot great, as well, in all of my 9mm guns.

 

[Bkreutz]

FWIW, Brian Pearce didn't use the same RMR bullets to which the OP is referring. RMR's new match plated are the same, or better, than FMJ bullets in both 'toughness' and accuracy!

I use RMR match plated bullets for 9mm Major, I'm pushing a 124 gr bullet at 1400 fps and have no problems with accuracy compared to jacketed bullets. Originally I chose these bullets for economic reasons, but now I use them because of equal accuracy, cheaper cost, and a company that ships my order out within one working day of me ordering it (and I get it in 2 days, but I live in the state next to where they originate). Which reminds me, I need to order another 5K (I can hear the postman whine already).

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

another vote for WW231 and RMR match plated bullets. I actually use HP38 with 124gr RMR round nose bullets.

 

[Moe Mentum]

For the powders you have listed, I would go with W231 for 9mm.

 

[metricmonkeywrench]

9mm Powder

Been burning AA#5 under Xtreme and Berry's 124g for years now loaded to about NATO spec for velocity.

 

[Thomas15]

For whatever reasons many handloaders seem to think that plated
bullets are superior to other types. The latest edition of Handloader
magazine, #300, has an article by Brian Pearce about loading plated
bullets. Written in his usual through approach it covers several calibers
including the 9mm. You might want to check it out.

Don't take this the wrong way but the article your refer to was in my opinion a bit on the lite side.

 

[rwsmith]

If the best.....

If the best is accuracy, generally speaking the fast powders with a slower, heavier bullet is most accurate.

If the best is velocity, a slow powder with a light bullet generally gets the most velocity.

This is general advice. What you like best is mostly determined by you.

I just realized that I'm short on higher energy medium powders, not to blow the wall out, but still get into the higher velocity range before switching to a a slower powder.

See Hodgdon's powder burn rate chart.

You won't hear me saying that I prefer plated bullets. All I can say about plated bullets is that they handle cleaner than lead with some lubricant.

I'm pretty knocked out by coated bullets. I think that are the best unjacketed construction. Graphite, lube in groove, plated, moly.....as far as I'm concerned that stuff is passe'.

 

[jimbo728]

I used 231 for a long time before switching to IMR 7625 in the early `90s. It has performed great with 9mm 115 and 124 gr bullets.
Unfortunatly it was discontinued last year.. I do have a couple of pounds but when that is gone, I guess it`s time to find a replacement.
Jim

 

[rwsmith]

Where are these 'newer powders'?

I used 231 for a long time before switching to IMR 7625 in the early `90s. It has performed great with 9mm 115 and 124 gr bullets.
Unfortunatly it was discontinued last year.. I do have a couple of pounds but when that is gone, I guess it`s time to find a replacement.
Jim

What and where are these 'newer powders' that they say replaces these old go to powders?

231 is good for targets, but I lack experience with others on your list. One that impresses me is Acc#7. Clean, consistent and energetic. I've shot the best groups with it without even trying.

 

[alwslate]

Don't take this the wrong way but the article your refer to was in my opinion a bit on the lite side.

After reading your comment several times and trying to
figure out just exactly what you said I have come to the
conclusion that the answer is exactly nothing. Perhaps you
could shed some "lite" on the subject or provide more
tested information on plated bullets than Brian did. Brian
Pearce is without any doubt one of the best gunwriters ever.
His clear, detailed and pressure tested data has elevated
gunwriting to a new level. I have been reading gun magazines
for many years and the level of information available to
handloaders today far exceeds that of yesterday.