Best Load for M&P Pro 9L

[Ruthless Roth]

What is the best load for accuracy in a competition?
I just got the M&P Pro 9L. Nice but I need to refine the ammo.
8"+ groups at 15yds.
All over the place at 25.

This was benched not off hand.

I was using 105 soft lead with 3.2-3.8 Tite Group.

Is Jacketed, Lead or Coated best or does it make any difference?
Bullet weight?
Round Nose vs. Flat Point
I use Tite Group
It was suggested that I use 125 Round nose with 3.8 Tite Group.

I shoot Cowboy Action with 357 and would like to use the same bullet for both. Less inventory

I understand you can use a 357 in a 9 but not the other way round.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[OKFC05]

I use 124gr FMJ Precision Delta with titegroup in 9mm. I have the 9 Pros in 4.25 and 5".
I think your soft bullet is the problem.

I understand you can use a 357 in a 9 but not the other way round.

Maybe. There's a difference between getting the bullet to depart the barrel and achieving the accuracy you require. I haven't found 9mm to be friendly to getting good accuracy with lead bullets nearly as much as in .38 revolvers, even when they are the correct size. Good luck with getting a cowboy action revolver bullet to shoot groups instead of patterns in a 9mm.

 

[CW291]

I've been having good results in my 9 Pro/5" with Winchester "Win3Gun" 147gr. They're subsonic and shoot pretty smooooth.

 

[M29since14]

I never got anything cast/swaged/plain-lead to shoot in my 9L and gave up on the idea quickly because I could never even find a jacketed load that did what I expected. We have talked about M&P9 accuracy here on the forum until you know where could have frozen over so I won't do more of that except to say I hope you have better luck than many of us.

I would start with a selection of modestly priced 115, 124, and 147 grain jacketed loads and see what you have the best luck with. No point in testing the high-dollar stuff if that is not what you are going to use. Once you find what bullet weight your gun prefers at least you will have a starting-place.

Final thought - if you are so inclined, you might give WSF powder a try. One thing I did notice about my 9L is that consistently it slightly favored loads with WSF powder. Slightly...

 

[old&slow]

Didn't say what kind of competition ?
paper punching ,, need minor power factor, knocking over steel plates,, speed steel ,, etc ?

In my 9's I'm using .356 , 147 gr. coated cast or plated bullets,, or .355 FMJ.
Currently with HS6 or Bullseye powder at about 950 fps. I also like w231 powder but haven't seen any in awhile..

I personally don't care for titegroup. But many others seem to like it and use it..

 

[retired2006]

I gave up on cast bullets for the 9mm, tried MANY different weights, shapes etc. I have had my best luck in my M&P pro with the 125 gr Berry plated TCFP over bullseye powder, shoots well in most of my 9mm pistols.
FWIW, I have loaded pistol / rifle ammo for 40yrs, and the 9mm was the most difficult to load for accuracy. I believe you will have you best chance for a accurate load with bullets of 125 hrs and higher.

 

[Ruthless Roth]

Wow. Lots of testing to do. Looks like 125 FMJ is the starting place.
I am planning on using it for a tactical AR & Pistol match. 8" plates
from 15-25 yards.

I'm spoiled with my 357 Bisley Rugers & Marlins that I have been using for 15 years in cowboy action. Same load for both. They shoot anything.
3.2 Tite group with 105-158 soft, hard, coated or uncoated.
All hits in the same place.

I didn't realize 9mm auto was so touchy.

Thanks all for your suggestions.

 

[Kaldor]

I run Missouri Bullet Co coated 124gr RN's with 3.5gr of Titegroup, and 147gr with 3gr of Titegroug in my 9mm Pro 5". Overall, pretty accurate. Single 1" hole at 7 yards. 3" at 17 yards.