Suggestion for load with S&W 952 ?

[Peakbagr]

I've been working up various loads for a 952. Love the gun, feels great and very accurate.

I worked up a load using 231 under 122 gr LFPs.
3.9 and 4.0gr will cycle the gun but will not lock back the slide. I carefully moved up to 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 gr of 231. They kick the brass a little farther, cycle the gun but with 75 rounds today, only a few would lock back the slide with the last round.

I've looked through a bunch of manuals and the Midway load book for 9mm. In almost all of them, mid 4's are approaching or into a maximum load so I'd rather not move up. There was one recipe for a 125 gr cast lead bullet whose maximum for 231 is 5.1gr.
With a match coming up this coming weekend, I don't have lot of time to experiment with other powders and then range test them. Are the manuals I'm consulting on the conservative end ?
I think another 0.2gr will lock the slide but I'd rather not push the top end.

Is there a reason why the 231 isn't working.
Anyone here shoot a 952 and has ideas on 231, Bullseye, WST, Clays?
I guess I could swap out the recoil spring but not sure I have time to get one and install in time for the weekend.

Thanks,
PB

 

[Peakbagr]

I've been working up various loads for a 952. Love the gun, feels great and very accurate.

I worked up a load using 231 under 122 gr LFPs.
3.9 and 4.0gr will cycle the gun but will not lock back the slide. I carefully moved up to 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 gr of 231. They kick the brass a little farther, cycle the gun but with 75 rounds today, only a few would lock back the slide with the last round.

I've looked through a bunch of manuals and the Midway load book for 9mm. In almost all of them, mid 4's are approaching or into a maximum load so I'd rather not move up. There was one recipe for a 125 gr cast lead bullet whose maximum for 231 is 5.1gr.
With a match coming up this coming weekend, I don't have lot of time to experiment with other powders and then range test them. Are the manuals I'm consulting on the conservative end ?
I think another 0.2gr will lock the slide but I'd rather not push the top end.

Is there a reason why the 231 isn't working.
Anyone here shoot a 952 and has ideas on 231, Bullseye, WST, Clays?
I guess I could swap out the recoil spring but not sure I have time to get one and install in time for the weekend.

Thanks,
PB

 

[Kevin G]

For what it's worth I've been feeding my 952-1 4.0gr #231 w/124gr RN both cast & Rainier plated w/no problems. Been working on a load for 100gr frangible RN and seems like 4.1gr #231 fills the bill.
Good Luck, Kevin

 

[Peakbagr]

Kevin,

At 4.0 gr of 231, my 952 kicks the brass a short distance but it doesn't seem to have the
'umph' to push the slide back to lock position on the last round.
With 4.0 to 4.3gr of 231, the brass didn't go much farther, and the slide locked back on the last round only once.

How far does your gun toss the brass and have you lightened your recoil spring?

Thanks

 

[Steve C]

Try holding the pistol tighter and providing more resistance to the recoil. This will allow more of the recoils kinetic energy to to work the slide and will often cure the problem of cycling with modest power ammunition.

W231 is a fast powder and your velocities are limited to less than 1,100 fps. If firming up you grips resistance to recoil doesn't work then your options are a purchasing a lighter recoil spring for "practice" ammo or changing powder to a slower powder that will get you move velocity like Unique, AA#5, AA#7, Universal, Power Pistol, HS6, etc.

 

[Bruce51]

What are you using to lubricate your pistol? I have found that a slicker lube helped with function without changing springs or increasing the powder charge. Stainless steel needs good lubrication. I switched to engine assembly lube and function improved.YMMV Bruce

 

[Kevin G]

How far does your gun toss the brass and have you lightened your recoil spring?

Mine throws the brass a "normal" distance. Can't say what the recoil spring is, bought the gun used w/little use, came w/box, briefcase and all paperwork so assume it's original spring.
Kevin