My current load for M&P9 Smokey?

[FF112173]

I am currently using the following formula to load for my 9mm;

Star 125gr lead RN Bullets

Winchester Primers

Winchester 231 Powder @ 4.0gr (White label, from the early 90's but well kept and dry. Got it from my father)

And whatever brass I pick up thats not damaged

It cycles my 9 without issues and is the lowest powder amount I have been able to get to work without failures. My question would be is there another powder that isn't so smokey? I shoot a 17 round mag through this and I feel like I should be masking up for a house fire. Any thoughts? Is it just because its old and I need to buy the new 231 powder? I'm just tired of chocking on it.

 

[1sailor]

If you are shooting cast bullets the smoke is caused by the lube. W231 is not particularly smokey. Try shooting some jacketed bullets and you will not see all that smoke. I shoot outdoors so the smoke is not much of an issue. If you shoot indoors it probably hangs in pretty thick.

 

[FF112173]

If you are shooting cast bullets the smoke is caused by the lube. W231 is not particularly smokey. Try shooting some jacketed bullets and you will not see all that smoke. I shoot outdoors so the smoke is not much of an issue. If you shoot indoors it probably hangs in pretty thick.

Interesting, I never would have thought the lube be the issue.

 

[Oldgoat03]

While I agree with 1sailor regarding the lube causing smoke I also know that soft loads with W231/HP38 will be smokey even with plated or FMJ. I just bump the load a few tenths 4.3 -.4.5 and they are still soft shooting but the smoke is greatly reduced.

Hope this helps
OG03

 

[SMSgt]

Interesting, I never would have thought the lube be the issue.

Think bad piston rings and a smoky tailpipe.

 

[venomballistics]

Interesting, I never would have thought the lube be the issue.

the lube is the cause .. now that you understand that, its up to you to determine if its an issue.
its fairly rare that the smoke poses any real liability .. the west was won with lubed lead bullets propelled by black powder .... it didnt bother them and the smoke was far worse.

 

[FF112173]

If it's the lube it's not an issue. I will shoot out the lead that I have and move on to jacketed 124gr RN in the future. No problem then. Thanks for all the info gentleman!

 

[Rule3]

It's both. Lube will smoke and HP38/W231 is also "old smoky" on light loads.

Some bullets makers lube smokes more than others, I have no issue with MBC lube.

As Oldgoat suggested, bump it up to 4.5 grains and you will probably see a difference.

I use HP38/W231 for about everything.

 

[gwpercle]

Also a lot of the newer lots of powder have been reformulated to try and cut down on smoking. The powder companys have recognized the indoor issue. You may want to give one of these newer powders a try if the smoking persists.

 

[FF112173]

I'm hitting a show next weekend so I'm sure I will be picking up some new powder.

 

[Rule3]

Its more the lube than anything. HP38/W231 will leave "soot" or what folks call dirt on the empty brass at low charges but it is not what is going out the end of the barrel.

You show you are Firefighter, pour a small pile on the ground and light it, see how fast it burns and how little smoke it gives off.

Hence, Smokeless powder

 

[FF112173]

You show you are Firefighter, pour a small pile on the ground and light it, see how fast it burns and how little smoke it gives off.

I can't help but laugh at this comment, but I get your point.

 

[Rule3]

I can't help but laugh at this comment, but I get your point.

You can light it, about a tablespoon in a small pile. Actually is a recommended way of disposing of old powder, or use it as fertilizer.

It's not black powder it does not explode, so you do not need a pumper truck standing by.

 

[RussellD]

Some powders smoke less than others. If you try WST or VV N320 in your 9mm you may like them.

 

[H Richard]

Heavier loads burn more completely and cause less smoke, but the lead bullet lube does cause most of it.

 

[kilroy2721]

Try
Bayou Bullets
The special coating on the bullets won't smoke on you. If you are going to stay with what you have, then try and use just a little more powder that might help to lesson your smoke.