9MM Reload Help Please

martinfender

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Well like a lot of you I am getting sick and tired of not being able to buy 9mm ammo anywhere. So I have decided to try and reload some. I have found a source for some Remington 115 grain FMJ bullets. The problem is not finding what is proper loading data for these bullets. I think the problem is the powder I`m using. I have Unique and Winchester Auto Comp. I use the Unique for all of my 38 special loads. Does anyone of you use these bullets or can give me some advise on loading. These will be used in my M&P. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Jim
 
Unique is a good load for 9mm. I shoot a lot of 6.0/6.1 115 JHP's out of my 9's.

Lately though I have switched over to Power Pistol. A little easier to work on the progressive presses.
 
I vote for Power Pistol as well, it's rapidly becoming my favorite in alot of cartridges, meters very well and cleaner than Unique. I've never owned a progressive press so can't speak to that but I got an RCBS pistol measure with micrometer and that is like night and day to the old style.
Do alot of reading before you start, there's alot to it. After 32 years I'm still learning new things. Invest in manual's and seek out good info online, there's alot of bad info out there as well.
Good luck,
RD
 
Although the Alliant and Hodgdon website don't specifically mention your exact bullet, the data is still good as long as you use common sense reloading practices (ie start low and work up looking for pressure signs).

I am aassuming the FMJ is just for plinking and you aren't competing with it. If I am correct in that, here is what I would do: load up a ladder of several with both powders (write the powder and charge weight on the side of each). If you can, load up several with each powder charge in the ladder. Take them to range. Shoot them in the ladder slowly and deliberately checking or three things on each ladder tested. The three things should be, 1- pressure signs, 2- correct operation of the gun (the start charges may not cycle the semi auto), 3- accuracy in each ladder. I would then compare the groups and pick the powder and charge weight that reliably cycled the action and gave good groups.

I have never worked up to max charge weight on a handgun. I suggest if you find a very accurate load with one of the powders near the start/mid charge range and that load reliably cycles your MP, stop there. No need to squeeze out every drop of velocity for plinking loads. If you compete nd need to make Major Power Factor, then google 9mm MPF loads and plenty will show up.
 
I load my 115 grain FMJ is 5.4 grains of Unique.
 
Bullseye, w231, Unique are the old time favorites with 5-6 newer powders now on the market,to try out.

You will find that your gun will have certaind "Brands" of bullets in their weights and styles that your gun shoots better than others, along with a "Sweet Spot" in the velositys that each load/Weight of bullet settles down with and groups better than the other loads tested.

A 115gr is a great target load bullet in Ball or HP.
Good luck finding a load that shoots well.
 
I'm a Power Pistol fan also, Bayou Bullets are becoming a favorite along with Precision Delta. The PD 124gr JHPs also double as my SHTF stash. Both are quality bullets and are cheap too.
 
A 115 grn 9mm FMJ bullet is a 115 grn 9mm FMJ bullet. Bullet maker data is based on "their" bullets while powder makers use weight and style for their data.
 
FYI

9mm Luger (Alliant Reloaders Guide 2004) Reloading Data
115- FMJ -Alliant -Unique -5.5grs =1168 FPS

This is not listed as a MAX laod

All the loads listed in the 2004 Alliant Reloaders Guide are the max load. Start 10% below this for a good target load and work up to the max slowly. Also watch the overall case length carefully. Pressures in small, high pressure rounds like the 9mm can increase very quickly if when the OAL is reduced.

Chris
 
All the loads listed in the 2004 Alliant Reloaders Guide are the max load. Start 10% below this for a good target load and work up to the max slowly. ...

Chris

This is reiterated on their on-line reloading Guide. ~Page 1~
Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide
~DO NOT EXCEED THE LOADS DISPLAYED ON THE SITE OR ALLIANT'S RELOADERS GUIDE.~
 
I think the problem is the powder I`m using. I have Unique and Winchester Auto Comp. I use the Unique for all of my 38 special loads.

Does anyone of you use these bullets or can give me some advise on loading. Jim
Since I know finding powder is difficult these days I won't give you the suggestion of using W231.

I'm not a fan of Unique even though there are those who feel it's the only powder in town. The other powder you mentioned, AutoComp is a very good choice for the 9mm and all semi-auto ammo. IMO it's a much better choice than unique for the 9mm. I have this sickness where i just have to try new powders when they come out and AutoComp was no exception. I use Remington bullets but I usually use 124gr over 115gr bullets in the 9mm. I did load 124gr bullets with AutoComp but not 115gr bullets. I was happy with the results but not as much as with my usual powders.

Te load range with AutoComp is narrow with a 115gr bullet listed on the Hodgdon Load Data Site. They list a charge range of 5.1gr to 5.6gr AC. As usual start low and work up and I'm sure you will find the charge weight your pistol likes. Nothing wrong with Remington FMJ bullets either, they shoot very well for me...
 

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