How far to go?

[Kiwi cop]

I load my 9mm rounds (125 gn LRNFP) with 3.9 grains of Tightgroup. Max load as per Hodgdon online manual is 4 gn.

I found that my loads were not making velocity/power factor. IPSC requires a 125 PF for competition, and I prefer a 130 PF to allow for atmospheric conditions (loads chronograph lower in cold weather) so I simply seated the projectiles deeper into the case until I made PF. And yes, I realise that seating the projectiles deeper reduces case capacity and raises pressure.

Unfortunately about 50% of the time the top round in my mag does not feed into the chamber, but nosedives into the ramp, due to the shorter case length. Standard length (1.150") rounds function flawlessly.

I am contemplating increasing the powder load. The former factory manager of a local ammunition loading company has told me that they often did this when loading to a specific velocity, and that as long as I don't "double my powder charge" it will be alright. I am sceptical.

He quotes his own 9mm loads, 124 gn RN plated projectile with 4.6 gn W231 (Hodgdon's max recommended load is 4.2 gn) as an example.

I am contemplating raising my powder load a bit with standard length bullet seating (1.150" overall length). I am thinking of starting at 4.1 gn to perhaps a max of 4.4 gn.

Any advice?

 

[ReloadforFun]

Work up the powder charge as you state, examining the fired cases for pressure before going to the next chare weight. You are looking at the primer and the degree of flattening it experiences whenfired.

 

[Protocall_Design]

A chronograph is a good tool for working up a load. It's good to know how fast the bullets are going, and in general terms, pressure = velocity, so excessive velocity means high pressure. There are always exceptions to every rule of thumb. Also, then you can see if the velocity is fairly consistent, or varies widely.

 

[Nevada Ed]

A pistols should feed rounds that are 150fps different, if the magazine
and recoil spring is set up right on your pistol.

I have a 3.5" 9mm pistol that will cycle a 115 gr CLRN bullet at 1.12" oal
with just 3+ grs of Trail Boss powder, so your loads are either wrong or the
spring or magazines are totally, messed up.

It is a pain to get a pistol to perform correctly, but you do need to be sure that
ALL the parts are working together, to produce a well tuned pistol
that will cycle and work correctly.

Ramps and Mags are my most hated items , in the mess me up camp.

As for the he said, she said load data..........
each pistol is different with different powders used and manuals are JUST a guide line, as well as their OAL's.

My 9's shot good groups with short or long OAL's, depending on the bullet weight and length of barrels and fps.

When you put this puzzle together, you will be a happy camper,

Good luck.

 

[johngalt]

oal is part of the recipe. Hogden’s 4 gr max is for a specific bullet seated to a specific depth. Unless you are matching all of the variables, 4 gr may not be your max.

Just my opinion, but Hogdon is near the bottom of what I consider to be a reliable source. Their ‘max’ is way below just about every other source Ive used.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

IMHO, using a 1.150" "standard" OAL with a 124-125gr FLAT POINT bullet is loading pretty long: most flat points (or JHPs) show a shorter suggested overall length. As such, there should be sufficient room (existent case volume) for more powder without creating undue pressure.

Note that the typical Tightgroup MAX load shown for other bullets is nowhere near +P pressures. If the 1.150" rounds "function flawlessly" for you just work the velocities up slowly.

Cheers!

P.S. Hodgdons load data was not written on tablets and carried down the mountain by Charleton Heston, although he did make a really Great! El Cid...

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Do Not Overcharge Your Ammo, it's dangerous.

When a max charge of a powder doesn't give you the PF you need you need to go to a slower powder. That will generate the PF you need without going overpressure.

Powders like AA#7, CFE Pistol, Longshot, W572, AutoComp and many more in that speed range will do better for you.

Be safe and don't listen to anyone who tells you it's alright to add a lot powder but not a double charge. Small changes in powder amount and bullet depth will increase pressure greatly in a 9mm case. Safety first my friend.

 

[AlHunt]

I don't see +P data for Titegroup, but maybe switch to a different powder that does offer +P. Accurate 2, maybe?

I can see the logic behind the pressure/velocity correlation, but something about exceeding published data just nags at me. Years back I used a Blue Dot recipe for 147gr 9mm that I really liked. According to today's published data, it's quite an overload.

 

[toad67]

If your current ammo doesn't show signs of over pressure, you should be fine to work up slowly. You've already increased the pressure by seating the bullet deeper, so I don't see why you couldn't lengthen them back out and add a little more powder. Pressure is pressure, no matter how it's created.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Do Not Overcharge Your Ammo, it's dangerous.

When a max charge of a powder doesn't give you the PF you need you need to go to a slower powder. That will generate the PF you need without going overpressure.

Powders like AA#7, CFE Pistol, Longshot, W572, AutoComp and many more in that speed range will do better for you.

Be safe and don't listen to anyone who tells you it's alright to add a lot powder but not a double charge. Small changes in powder amount and bullet depth will increase pressure greatly in a 9mm case. Safety first my friend.

There are a lot of powders out there that only fill the case 80%
with a maximum load and a seated bullet.

Another reason the above powder work with full, standard loads
in the 9mm pistol loads.
However;
even with CFE-p powder, you can max out this powder in a +P loading
with certain bullet, OAL's.

I love my chrony !!

 

[OKFC05]

My standard 9mm Minor power load is 4 gr titegroup at 1.15" with 124gr bullet. PF129. I've been checked on several match chrono with no problems.
I shoot a 5" M&P 9 Pro S&W.
I am still not in +P; I have tested up to 4.4gr, which is max for +P, according to old Hodgdon charts I printed when Titegroup first came out.
At the last Nationals, Titegroup was #1 powder used for minor PF.
I suggest you goose your load a little; you're almost there. Why did you stop below 4?

 

[venomballistics]

you make a case as to why using someone else's handloads is ill advised.
It would be better for you to make your desired numbers with a powder that is meant to do it.
Power pistol, CFE Pistol, Autocomp, and others can get you where you want to be without getting into blue pill territory.

 

[BSA1]

I load my 9mm rounds (125 gn LRNFP) with 3.9 grains of Tightgroup. Max load as per Hodgdon online manual is 4 gn.

Any advice?

Wby are you using a lead bullet?