Possible Reloading Problem With 9mm (SECOND UPDATE)

[max]

Yesterday I found a box of 9mm that I reloaded back in 09. It is a 115 grain fmj rn over 4.5 of 231. I was shooting them in my RIA and some cases were sticking in the chamber and not ejecting. I had to knock them out with my squib rod. They were taper crimped with a Lyman die. The OAL is 1.140.

I got a Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die yesterday and wonder if running the remaining rounds through that will help.

Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[bigggbbruce]

All depends on the sticking point..

I crack myself up..

 

[OKFC05]

That load is below starting for 9mm Luger 115gr FMJ. Is it sticking hard or just not strong enough to work the action on that particular pistol?

4.7 1,075 25,300 CUP 5.1 1,167 28,100 CUP

 

[k22fan]

I doubt that the crimp is causing the cases to stick and think it unlikely that applying another crimp will solve anything. For safety's sake I'd assume that your reloads are sticking in that particular pistol because the combination of reload and chamber is creating too much pressure. How do the fired primers compare to the same brand and type of primer used in other reloads fired in the same chamber? Sticky extraction is one of the warning signs of excess pressure.

After reading OKFC05's post that the powder charge is light I wonder how certain you are that your 11 year old record keeping or labeling is correct.

Does this batch of reloads stick in other chambers? Do other reloads or factory cartridges stick in this chamber?

 

[bigggbbruce]

If the rounds plunk test before firing then an additional step won't help this problem.

 

[Nevada Ed]

There is nothing wrong with that load, for most pistols, unless new and not broken in.

I have loaded a 115gr Plated bullet down to just 4.2 grs. of W231 with a OAL of 1.14" that have worked in 3", 3.5 and 5" barrels for a light target load.

Good luck.

 

[oysterer]

I do not use Lee dies and it's not for a lack of trying...

 

[max]

The primers look fine. This is the only pistol I have tried them in. This RIA had never malfunctioned with many factory loads including aluminum. I am quite sure of my record keeping as I put an old business card in every container of reloads with the date and powder amount.

I doubt that the crimp is causing the cases to stick and think it unlikely that applying another crimp will solve anything. For safety's sake I'd assume that your reloads are sticking in that particular pistol because the combination of reload and chamber is creating too much pressure. How do the fired primers compare to the same brand and type of primer used in other reloads fired in the same chamber? Sticky extraction is one of the warning signs of excess pressure.

After reading OKFC05's post that the powder charge is light I wonder how certain you are that your 11 year old record keeping or labeling is correct.

Does this batch of reloads stick in other chambers? Do other reloads or factory cartridges stick in this chamber?

 

[max]

They stick hard.

That load is below starting for 9mm Luger 115gr FMJ. Is it sticking hard or just not strong enough to work the action on that particular pistol?

4.7 1,075 25,300 CUP 5.1 1,167 28,100 CUP

 

[OKFC05]

Kinda reminds me of when some foreign ammo randomly started sticking in only part of our range guns.

Just a wild guess, but is there any chance some residue is on the cases?
I'd start by cleaning the chamber and some of the reloads to eliminate this possibility. Hope this helps..

 

[max]

I tumble all of my cases. They look nice and bright. No residue that I can see or feel. I plan on shooting again Monday and will try another gun.

Kinda reminds me of when some foreign ammo randomly started sticking in only part of our range guns.

Just a wild guess, but is there any chance some residue is on the cases?
I'd start by cleaning the chamber and some of the reloads to eliminate this possibility. Hope this helps..

 

[Rule3]

The gun is a "1911" platform yes??


"Mouse fart loads"



The loads are to weak to have the case move back out of the chamber with the installed recoil spring. Are the cases black and dirty on one side?


Try some factory ammo or some ammo in the middle to high range of the load data after you clean the barrel with a bronze brush and solvent.

 

[max]

All I have ever shot in the gun (1911 style) full size, has been factory and a wide variety. Mostly Blazer aluminum, Magtech, Remington, Herters, etc. All of that works fine. I have to hammer the cases out with my squib rod. They are stuck!!! They have not been discolored.

The gun is a "1911" platform yes??


"Mouse fart loads"



The loads are to weak to have the case move back out of the chamber with the installed recoil spring. Are the cases black and dirty on one side?


Try some factory ammo or some ammo in the middle to high range of the load data after you clean the barrel with a bronze brush and solvent.

 

[H Richard]

Are you sure they were 115 gr? 4.5 gr 231 are about max with a 124 seated 1.070. Shot in my 986 the primers are flat and flowed to the edges, and difficult to eject.

 

[rwsmith]

I think that I'd...

..pull a few apart and check them.

9mm is 'simple' but it drives me nuts.

I agree with the plunk test and they should have just enough taper crimp to plunk well. I've been too heavy handed and I think I bulged the cases with too much crimp. Mostly that's led to non-plunking rounds though.

Is the extractor ok?

Cases getting stuck so tight is a real puzzle. Please keep us updated.

 

[max]

I pulled one, that is a pain, and it is 116 grains.

Are you sure they were 115 gr? 4.5 gr 231 are about max with a 124 seated 1.070. Shot in my 986 the primers are flat and flowed to the edges, and difficult to eject.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

But did you do a plunk test as already suggested?

Just because the COAL" is below the SAAMI max (1.169") doesn't automatically means it's a good length for your pistol.

If the bullet is contacting the rifling, when you do the plunk test, it's going to cause problems, one of which is high pressure.

.

 

[Rule3]

All I have ever shot in the gun (1911 style) full size, has been factory and a wide variety. Mostly Blazer aluminum, Magtech, Remington, Herters, etc. All of that works fine. I have to hammer the cases out with my squib rod. They are stuck!!! They have not been discolored.

Don't make it harder than you need to
First, what exact bullet are you using?

FLOW CHART

Plunk test the ammo. Does it pass?? If yes it is a powder charge issue

If it does not plunk> Run them through LFC Die (that is properly set up)> if they now plunk (adjust COL if needed) go shoot them> if still a problem it is a powder charge issue

HP38/Win231 does not do well when under powered

 

[max]

I did the plunk test and it plunks. However, it plunks better in a Smith 669 barrel. It just goes in easier in the Smith barrel. I think the RIA might have a tight chamber. I will try the ammo in another gun next week.

The reason I was slow on the plunk test, was I have the most difficult time getting the RIA back together. I have been working with 1911's since 69 when I went through MP School at Ft Gordon. I have several other 1911's and I can put them back together in seconds. The RIA barrel link just doesn't want to line up.

 

[mikld]

Just to double check the data that's with the handloads, pull a couple and double check/weigh powder charges and bullet weights...