Reload charge and the shield

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Khurrle

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I have a shield 9mm and just started reloading. I'm going out today to try out some of the rounds and I'm sure I did everything right but I still want to double heck with the pros.

I loaded the following:

100 Berrys 115gr FMJ over 4.0 grains of Bullseye
50 Hornaday 90gr XTP JHP over 5.0 grains of Clays Universal.

Does that sound about right to everyone? I don't really expect any surprises.

Thanks.
 
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Certainly not an expert, but I checked a several manuals and the 115FMJ with 4.0 BE seems right in the midrange. Max is listed at 4.6 to 5.0, depending which manual or manufacturers data you look at.
I am not familiar with using Clays Universal, but the Lee and Lyman manuals have a 95 gr Jacketed starting at 4.6 or 4.7, and max 5.2 or 5.3 for Universal (I assume that is the same powder), so again it appears you are under max load.
I assume you have a few reloading manuals and manufacturers data to find that load.
 
I've used the first load mentioned with success. Can't speak for the second one.

With retired driver's caveat, enjoy.

Oh, I noticed you "just started reloading" and you have Bullseye?!?! :D I'm impressed with your shopping skills, or good luck, whichever it may be.
 
LOL I acquired it through a gentleman who got it in an estate sale and said he didn't care for it. I was happy to put it to use.

I don't have any manuals or paperwork but I spent hours researching and trying to fine online guides for the specific projectiles and powders.

As I said I was extremely careful and don't expect any surprises but just wanted to doublecheck.

I will be sure to check back in post range session.
 
Khurrle said:
LOL I acquired it through a gentleman who got it in an estate sale and said he didn't care for it. I was happy to put it to use.

I don't have any manuals or paperwork but I spent hours researching and trying to fine online guides for the specific projectiles and powders.

As I said I was extremely careful and don't expect any surprises but just wanted to doublecheck.

I will be sure to check back in post range session.
Click to expand...

It's good you spent hours researching.

BUT

You MUST get a manual. Or two. And read all the information in them. Not just the load data. I don't want to sound harsh, but manuals, published by reputable companies, are a must.
 
Fortunately I am working with the "handbanger" kit and have to manually weigh each load in a pan on my scale so I know each load is exactly where it should be for powder.

Had a great time today and only had two issues. Two of the Hornaday loads didn't want to feed. I assume it was because they were so short and the kit I have is really not set up for hollowpoints.

Other than that they all fired like a dream and I had a great day at the range. Thanks all!
 
I never reload that many rounds without some sort of testing first. When I change recipes, bullet or powder changes, I load up 10 and try those. If they shoot OK then rock and roll. If not, try a different recipe. Loading up 150 rounds and finding out that the accuracy is **** or they don't cycle the slide means you now have to pull the bullets for the rest and try again. Not trying to be critical here, just my humble opinion and just trying to save you some heartache in the future.
 
I never reload that many rounds without some sort of testing first. When I change recipes, bullet or powder changes, I load up 10 and try those. If they shoot OK then rock and roll. If not, try a different recipe. Loading up 150 rounds and finding out that the accuracy is **** or they don't cycle the slide means you now have to pull the bullets for the rest and try again. Not trying to be critical here, just my humble opinion and just trying to save you some heartache in the future.
__________________
Click to expand...
+10 on this ^
Also how in the world does anyone take on the task of reloading without the know how gained from a manual or 2 ???

Absolutely unbelievable
I hope I don't have to shoot in the same county with some folks,
 
Khurrle said:
....Other than that they all fired like a dream and I had a great day at the range. Thanks all!
Click to expand...

Glad it worked out for you. The more you reload the easier and more knowledgeable you'll get. Please get some manuals if you haven't already. If you want to send me your name and mailing address in a private message. I would be more than happy to send you Reloading for Handgunners by Patrick Sweeney. It's one of the smaller manuals but has a wealth of information with some basic loading data. You are more than welcome to it. I've received brass from a local member and plenty of help from others so it's my turn to give back. :D

Here are some links to loading data:
 
I'm looking at Lyman data and it lists the max for Clays at 3.7g under a 90g JHP. I personally don't use Clays or Titegroup but favor Power Pistol, 231, HS-6 and Bullseye for their metering properties and finished volume. Some of these burn cleaner than others but they all perform well IMHO. I would use 700X more if it metered better! I generally load in the mid range of data for 9mm range loads with good results. I see no reason to hot rod my guns at the range but that's just me and that's why I like to hand load.

Get at least two manuals (3 is better) and before long you will decide what you like. :)
 
Last edited:
A lot depends on the OAL of the load.
I have loaded the plated 115gr RN with 4.2grs of Bullseye with a OAL of 1.12" that did.............

1020 to 1078 for an average of 1037 fps and a ES of 58.
A near maximum loading at the OAL of 1.14" gave me..........
1158 to 1168 for an average of 1163 fps and a ES of 10.

If this load was at 1.12", I am sure it would have been near the 1180fps standard 9mm loading.

In my pistol a Federal Dup. load at 1120fps for target practice would be around 4.5grs with the 1.12" OAL..... but your pistol will be different per fit and components.

So far 1090fps with a charge of Red Dot at 1.14" has given me the best accuracy , out of Bullseye, Red Dot, w231, Green Dot and SR4756, with the plated bullets.

Good shooting.
 
For the OP.

As mentioned it is not wise to load that many before you know if they will work or not.

It is also not good practice to load without the use of manualS.

The amount or number you loaded is not a important factor as to the safety of the rounds.

What is your COL ??

Just because "they worked" is not a good sign, you may have just been lucky this time.

I am really biting my tongue here. Please get , read and understand the manual and reloading process before you make a mistake and bad things happen!
 
The reason everybody is talking......

The reason everybody is talking about cartridge overall length is that it is critical that a bullet not be seated too deep. As the bullet is seated deeper the pressure is raised DRAMATICALLY. OAL is different for different sizes and shapes of bullets, but if you know the concepts, you can ask or figure out what an OAL for a for the bullet that you are loading.
 
Khurrie, my friend, sell or trade the remaining Hornady 90 grain projectiles to someone who reloads .380 (aka 9mm Kurz). They're too light to reliably cycle your pistol.

And since everyone else is piling on, you may want to obtain a copy of The ABC's of Reloading. It's available through Amazon in either paper or E-Book form ($15 give or take) and has some great information on how to not blow yourself up! The ABCs Of Reloading: The Definitive Guide for Novice to Expert: Rodney James: 9781440213960: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fVqjMi0rL.@@AMEPARAM@@51fVqjMi0rL

Gotta give you credit, though. You're not afraid to take the plunge. You could just benefit from a little direction, that's all!;)

Welcome to the club.
 
>I loaded the following:

>100 Berrys 115gr FMJ over 4.0 grains of Bullseye
>50 Hornaday 90gr XTP JHP over 5.0 grains of Clays Universal.

Berry's are plated bullets and should be loaded like lead bullets--not like jacketed bullets.
Next, one should consult at least two different sources and begin loading at the lowest starting load you can find. You are NOT using the exact same gun or the exact same lot numbers of components, so your max load may not be the same and may, in fact, be reached at a much lower charge weight. Look at the load variations in various manuals and you'll see how important a change in component lot numbers can be.
4.0gn of Bullseye and a 115gn FMJ-RN bullet is MAX in at least one manual. Starting load should be 3.5gn. There are higher starting loads in other manuals, so you are "probably" safe, but...
5.3gn of Universal is max in at least one manual, where starting loads in several manuals range from 4.5-5.0gn, so again, you are "probably" safe.
Cartridge Overall Length (COL) is important for all loading, but critical for .380 Auto, 9x19, and .40 S&W. You must be sure your COL in no shorter than listed in the manuals you are using. Pressure goes UP a LOT faster as COL goes down then pressure goes down as COL goes up--so, you can use a longer COL and not lose much if any velocity, but you can get in serious trouble fast as you shorten COL. What COL did you use and what was the COL in the manual(s)?
 
Well now, lets not knock that 90gr xtp bullet too much.
After all Hornady did put a pink ribbon on one of its boxes for a light weigh SD load with light recoil for those that are recoil shy with that 90gr bullet.

One reason I can try different powders and OAL in my test is due to my use of a chrony..................
You would be surprised at the differences I get vs data out of the manuals.
One reason for the minimum pressures , lot pressures and selected Maximum pressures that the companies do on their loads.
A normal 115gr can do 1135 to 1210fps and go from 35,000 to 37,800 psi.

Stay safe.
 
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