Good Marlin Camp 9 Load?

[RGPM1A]

Anyone out there have a good load for 115 , 124 or 147 grain jacketed bullets for a Marlin Camp 9 or any 9mm carbine? I tried developing some loads using AA#2 and AA#7 using the above bullets but the results were disappointing. Virtually no velocity increase (50 to 100 FPS or so) over what I get from my HiPower. In fact the 147s were slower! The only ammo that I do get a significant increase in velocity from, about 200 FPS, is Winchester White box 115 grain. What do they use for powder? BTW I took apart a few and the powder charge weighs about 5.6 grains and appears to be ball powder.

 

[Roy W.]

Camp 9

Years ago I experimented with some loads for the Marlin Camp 9, but after trying a number of different powders (WST, WSL, 540) with bullet weights from 95gr to 148gr, I finally decided to just shoot my regular 9mm pistol load. In all my experimenting, I never realized more than a consistent 150 fps increase. Beware of two things when playing with loads for the Camp 9mm rifle. First, pressures are higher than the same load in a pistol and puncturing primers is a possibilty, and second, check your shock buffer. The Camp 9 utilizes a blow-back action and the buffer takes a pretty good beating.

 

[RGPM1A]

Thanks for the reply Roy. I am well aware of the buffer. I bought the rifle used a few months ago. Looked really nice. First time I shot it a chunk of stock behind the heel of the receiver blew out and hit my safety glasses. The buffer was crumbled. Since then I replaced the stock, buffer (Blackjack) and the recoil spring with a 21 lb Wolf unit. Now all is well.

BTW are the low velocity increases unique to the Camp 9 or do all 9mm carbines show so little velocity increase?

 

[Roy W.]

Smart move going to the Blackjack buffer and 21 lb spring. I did likewise. I'm unsure of other pistol caliber carbines and what velocity increases they might expect. Maybe someone with one of the 357 mag carbines will chime in. Enjoy your Camp 9.......Fun gun to shoot.

 

[5906fan]

try power pistol and a snug crimped 124gr jhp. my favorite is the Rem golden sabre in my Camp 9. (and a nephew's Kel-Tec 9mm)

 

[RGPM1A]

5906. Any idea what velocity you are getting?

 

[xcop]

loads

Keep in mind both the 45 and 9mm versions are blowback actions and you should stay within standard pressure loads. I owned the 45 version and found that if I fired +p the action would open prematurely and the case would rupture.

 

[RGPM1A]

5906. Are you the same guy on the Marlin forum? If you are that was good advice on the Power Pistol with 124 grain bullets.

 

[stiab]

I'm unsure of other pistol caliber carbines and what velocity increases they might expect.

I know the OP was asking about 9mm, but here are the results from my .45acp Camp Carbine, compared to my 4" Model 625. Before I did this test I was told by several that the carbine would not provide significant velocity increases, but they were wrong, depending on the ammo. The first number is the velocity in the revolver, and the second number is the increase from the carbine.

Rem 230 HP, 836, +80
Rem 230 FMJ, 798, +60
PMC 230 FMJ 872, +80
Magtech 230 FMJ 856, +166
Win ST 185 918, +222
Fed 230 FMJ 834, +122
Win 230 "Clean" 845, + 191
RP 200 FMJ 960, +194
Win WB 230 FMJ 821, +139
Reload 6.8 Unique 225 892, +251

I think the amount of increased velocity from a carbine over a handgun is determined by how fast or slow the powder burns for that particular load. Frequently heard comments like 'there will be little or no gain' are invalid, and are just people talking without really knowing. A .45acp moving at 1,000 fps and higher is pretty significant, IMO.

 

[5906fan]

excellent deduction Holmes (RGMP) yes that's me on marlin owners.
I fired my camp 9 some yesterday at a morning plinking session before we put on the feed bag at a contractor friend's family gathering.
and my 5903 and 625.
keep the stock screws tight on that camp carbine.