Reloading S&W 439

[w2kbr]

So..I'm reloading 9MM for the 439 , using CLAYS cause that's all that was available, using 3.6 gr under 115 gr jacketed RN. Works great, not a single problem.
I got into Bullseye, and decided to add mount and scope on the 439 slide (about 4 additional ounces).
Now the 439 will not eject (FTE) on every round, and will not eject and lock on last, or single round.
Hodgdon data says 3.9 is MAX for CLAYS under 115 jacketed RN.

Anybody running 3.9....or have a comment??

Thanks for the read.

 

[Forrest r]

Is the load your using accurate? If so why not just change out your recoil spring for a lighter one. It's a fairly common practice to dial in your pistols recoil to the target load being used in it.

 

[w2kbr]

Ah well, I'm new to reloading, but I scale every 10th round, so I'm fairly certain that I'm as close as equipment will allow.
As for a "re=spring", I thought about that.....but a lighter spring may eliminate the FTE, but may produce FTL, which is just as bad...

So...sounds like trial and error which ever way I go..but springs may be more of a cost than a change in load..??

And of course I never thought that the addition of 4 ounces on the slide would have such a dramatic result.......could be that it has nothing to do with either the load or the added weight.????


Regards, R

 

[shovelwrench]

Clays gets touchy near the top end of loadings. Try something slower like Unique or Power Pistol, not only can they be loaded much hotter but there is more gas after the bullet leaves the barrel making slide operation more likely.

A re-spring is probably gonna take place either way, you would be surprised how light a spring it takes before you start to get failures from slow slide return speed.

 

[Forrest r]

LOL, I meant is your load accurate on paper? Will it stack bullets on top of each other or will it barely hold the 10 ring? If your load isn't that great work up a new hotter load. If your load cuts the x-ring out of a target work on the pistol.

It sounds dumb but you might want to check & make sure the screws holding your scope mount down aren't too long. I've seen that before, they rubbed on the frame & slowed the slide down considerably.

There's nothing wrong with respringing you pistol. It will help you in the long run. There are 2 recoils for every pull of the trigger in a semi-auto. The 1st is the recoil from the bullet, the 2nd is from the slide hitting home. I can't count the # of times I've been on a range & someone hits their slide release & "WHAM" the slide hits home. Then the same guy wonders why he can't compete in speed shooting events.

I have several different springs for every one of my semi-auto's. They allow me to shoot different loads in my pistols without beating them to death & to have them function properly with a wide assortment of ammo.

The target 9mm's that I shoot are extremely light. They won't function in most of the other pistol that I've tried them in. I use a light spring (8#) & it's perfect for my full size colt 1911. I like my springs to be able to let the slide go all the way back, pick up the next round out of the mag & return back all the way forward. The slide doesn't need to slam home, just be able to hold it's forward position.

Goodluck, get it dialed in & enjoy.

 

[w2kbr]

TO ALL: Thanks for the replys.........As to load accuracy on paper...the 3.6 load is not even close...like shotgun, all over the place.
really strange. Now my .45 pattern is much better, so don't think is it shooter problem. I have loaded 20 rounds at >3.6, but < 3.9..
and plan to go to the range tomorrow for a test fire.......

As for screws on the mount..don't have any that pierce the slide., This is a rear Dovetail mount, custom made for the 439 with "set" screws to
"lock" the mount in place and a forward set screw tipped to inhibit any vibration. The original rear dovetail sight was removed and saved.

Again, Thanks to all..will advise after range tomorrow.

 

[w2kbr]

So..back from the Range. The increased loads did not solve the problem.

I removed the scope from the mount, and the 439 performed as it should with no FTE or FTL. It also continued to work using the original 3.6 load under the 115 gr.

So..at this point, it appears a re-spring is in fact in order. I have no idea as to the weight of the original spring, which I believe is still in the 439. Nor do I know how much lighter to go.

A couple of things for sure: 4 ounces on the slide does make a big difference, and up-ing the load to near maximum, made no difference.

Now, the search for Spring(s)...

edit.........Springs ordered from WOLFF Gunsprings, in PA

Regards
R