Need 9mm load data for W-231, 124 FMJ's

BigBoreGunner · May 10, 2007, 12:29 AM

I've been looking and looking, but I'm coming up less than short on load data.

If anyone has data for:

CCI 500 primers
Winchester/Speer cases
W-231 powder
and the kicker: 124 grain FMJ bullets (mine are from Zero, all the shop had)

All I've been able to find is an older booklet from Winchester. Doesn't list OAL, and the powder charges seem on the high & narrow side. Actually, all is DOES list is powder charges - not much else.

None of my manuals list more than one or two loads for 124 FMJ's, and none for 231. I understand that 231 isn't the most ideal powder for this cartridge, but it's all I have right now. I can't afford to buy a different powder right now. I do know that it's safe, and that's what matters - I just need some data!

Looking to duplicate factory range ammo with this load as much as possible. Will be fired in a Taurus PT-92 autoloader. I just want something safe & reliable.

Thanks

ECLIPSE45ACP · May 10, 2007, 06:42 AM

I use 4.0 grns of 231 under a 124 grn FP 1.130 COL. not too snappy, very controlable recoil.

Trapper L · May 10, 2007, 08:41 AM

From Winchester:
http://www.wwpowder.com/data/handgun/9mmlug.php

gb_in_ga · May 10, 2007, 08:58 AM

Insert the usual disclaimers here: Use these loads at your own risk!!!

Looking it up in my "everything 9mm" loading book, I see where Winchester is listing the following for 9mm 124 gr FMJ:

Powder: 231
Primer: WSP
OAL: 1.169 max
Start charge: 4.2 28800 PSI 1005 fps
Max charge: 4.5 32700 PSI 1060 fps

Now, knowing that 231 and HP-38 are one and the same powder, I looked at what Hodgdon has listed for their equivalent load, based on a 125 gr Sierra FMJ:

Powder: HP-38
Primer: CCI 500
OAL: 1.090
Start charge: 4.4 24600 CUP 1009 fps
Max charge: 4.8 28800 CUP 1088 fps

In the same book, Sierra has a listing for 231 in their 125 gr FMJ as well:

Powder: 231
Primer: WSP
OAL: 1.090
Start charge: 3.9 ? pressure appx 900 fps
Max charge: 5.1 ? pressure appx 1100 fps

Speer has the following listed for their 124 gr JSP:

Powder: 231
Primer: CCI 500
OAL: 1.120
Start charge: 4.0 ? pressure 887 fps
Max charge: 4.5 ? pressure 998 fps

Never having loaded this powder with that weight of jacketed bullet, I can't vouch for any of the above loads. I HAVE loaded this powder with 115 gr jacketed bullets and had good results. I HAVE loaded this powder with 124 gr LEAD bullets with good results.

And of course (repeating myself just to be safe), the usual disclaimers apply -- use these loads at your own risk!!!

BigBoreGunner · May 10, 2007, 01:43 PM

Thanks muchly!

This is what I have.

From:

Winchester Components Catalog & Reloading Guide
Copyright 1999
Page 22

9mm Luger
124 gr. FMJ
Powder: W-231
Start: 4.2 gr.
Vel: 1005
Press: 28,800 psi
Max: 4.5 gr.
Vel: 1060
Press: 32,700 psi

That's it. No further data. Pretty narrow range, eh?

Thanks again, esp. to gb_in_ga!

cheygriz · May 13, 2007, 09:34 PM

E-mail Winchester and ask them to send you a manual. They're FREE . Don't ask for powder charge info on the internet.

demigod · March 13, 2008, 02:37 PM

I put some 124 gr berry's plated bullets on top of 4.1 grains of 231.

The resulting ammo was very weak, and would sometimes not even lock the slide back on my Glock 17.

I plan to try a hundred rounds with 4.3 grains this weekend.

digisol · May 25, 2011, 06:56 PM

Some of the latest online load data from Winchester is very different to the older Win data that was always very reliable, for example with a 115g LRN the old data for 231 was 3.8 - 4.2g of 231 but the new data for the same powder and projectile is 4.3 - 4.8g.

Something is very wrong with the Winchester data online so check your load data against proven older data.

KnobCreek · May 27, 2011, 09:53 AM

As stated before, be careful with powder loads from the net. However, this is what I am currently loading for my 9mm.

124jhp
with mixed brass
231 at 4.5 grains.

Getting about 1044 avg. with a 10 shot string on the crono.

I use 231 for my 9mm and 40.

Miata Mike · May 27, 2011, 10:24 AM

I use 4.0 to 4.1 grains with 124 grain lead bullets, so the 4.2 to 4.5 grains doesn't sound too bad for your FMJ.

I am very happy with my combo using the lead bullets!

Eagle0711 · May 27, 2011, 11:59 AM

I like Win 231 in 9mm.

4.6 grains.
124 gr. LRN
COAL 1.120"

May 10, 2007, 12:29 AM	#1
BigBoreGunner Junior Member Join Date: September 10, 2005 Posts: 9	Need 9mm load data for W-231, 124 FMJ's I've been looking and looking, but I'm coming up less than short on load data. If anyone has data for: CCI 500 primers Winchester/Speer cases W-231 powder and the kicker: 124 grain FMJ bullets (mine are from Zero, all the shop had) All I've been able to find is an older booklet from Winchester. Doesn't list OAL, and the powder charges seem on the high & narrow side. Actually, all is DOES list is powder charges - not much else. None of my manuals list more than one or two loads for 124 FMJ's, and none for 231. I understand that 231 isn't the most ideal powder for this cartridge, but it's all I have right now. I can't afford to buy a different powder right now. I do know that it's safe, and that's what matters - I just need some data! Looking to duplicate factory range ammo with this load as much as possible. Will be fired in a Taurus PT-92 autoloader. I just want something safe & reliable. Thanks

May 10, 2007, 06:42 AM	#2
ECLIPSE45ACP Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 177	I use 4.0 grns of 231 under a 124 grn FP 1.130 COL. not too snappy, very controlable recoil. __________________ GLOCK 17 9MM KIMBER ECLIPSE CUSTOM II .45 ACP COLT PYTHON 6" STAINLESS .357 MAGNUM "SPEAK SOFTLY AND CARRY A BIG GUN!"

May 10, 2007, 08:58 AM	#4
gb_in_ga Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2005 Location: Pensacola, Fl Posts: 3,092	Insert the usual disclaimers here: Use these loads at your own risk!!! Looking it up in my "everything 9mm" loading book, I see where Winchester is listing the following for 9mm 124 gr FMJ: Powder: 231 Primer: WSP OAL: 1.169 max Start charge: 4.2 28800 PSI 1005 fps Max charge: 4.5 32700 PSI 1060 fps Now, knowing that 231 and HP-38 are one and the same powder, I looked at what Hodgdon has listed for their equivalent load, based on a 125 gr Sierra FMJ: Powder: HP-38 Primer: CCI 500 OAL: 1.090 Start charge: 4.4 24600 CUP 1009 fps Max charge: 4.8 28800 CUP 1088 fps In the same book, Sierra has a listing for 231 in their 125 gr FMJ as well: Powder: 231 Primer: WSP OAL: 1.090 Start charge: 3.9 ? pressure appx 900 fps Max charge: 5.1 ? pressure appx 1100 fps Speer has the following listed for their 124 gr JSP: Powder: 231 Primer: CCI 500 OAL: 1.120 Start charge: 4.0 ? pressure 887 fps Max charge: 4.5 ? pressure 998 fps Never having loaded this powder with that weight of jacketed bullet, I can't vouch for any of the above loads. I HAVE loaded this powder with 115 gr jacketed bullets and had good results. I HAVE loaded this powder with 124 gr LEAD bullets with good results. And of course (repeating myself just to be safe), the usual disclaimers apply -- use these loads at your own risk!!! __________________ COME AND TAKE IT http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/batgon.htm Formerly lived in Ga, but now I'm back in Tx! Aaaand, now I'm off to Fla...

May 13, 2007, 09:34 PM	#6
cheygriz Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: high up in the rockies Posts: 2,289	E-mail Winchester and ask them to send you a manual. They're FREE . Don't ask for powder charge info on the internet. __________________ If you think a mighty military force is expensive, wait 'til you see what a weak one costs.

May 10, 2007, 08:41 AM	#3
Trapper L Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 804	From Winchester: http://www.wwpowder.com/data/handgun/9mmlug.php

May 10, 2007, 01:43 PM	#5
BigBoreGunner Junior Member Join Date: September 10, 2005 Posts: 9	Thanks muchly! This is what I have. From: Winchester Components Catalog & Reloading Guide Copyright 1999 Page 22 9mm Luger 124 gr. FMJ Powder: W-231 Start: 4.2 gr. Vel: 1005 Press: 28,800 psi Max: 4.5 gr. Vel: 1060 Press: 32,700 psi That's it. No further data. Pretty narrow range, eh? Thanks again, esp. to gb_in_ga!

March 13, 2008, 02:37 PM	#7
demigod Junior member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Location: AZ Posts: 1,129	I put some 124 gr berry's plated bullets on top of 4.1 grains of 231. The resulting ammo was very weak, and would sometimes not even lock the slide back on my Glock 17. I plan to try a hundred rounds with 4.3 grains this weekend.

May 25, 2011, 06:56 PM	#8
digisol Member Join Date: October 30, 2008 Location: Central Queensland Posts: 37	Some of the latest online load data from Winchester is very different to the older Win data that was always very reliable, for example with a 115g LRN the old data for 231 was 3.8 - 4.2g of 231 but the new data for the same powder and projectile is 4.3 - 4.8g. Something is very wrong with the Winchester data online so check your load data against proven older data.

May 27, 2011, 09:53 AM	#9
KnobCreek Junior Member Join Date: May 1, 2011 Location: The Midwest Posts: 11	As stated before, be careful with powder loads from the net. However, this is what I am currently loading for my 9mm. 124jhp with mixed brass 231 at 4.5 grains. Getting about 1044 avg. with a 10 shot string on the crono. I use 231 for my 9mm and 40.

May 27, 2011, 10:24 AM	#10
Miata Mike Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2010 Location: North East WI Posts: 418	I use 4.0 to 4.1 grains with 124 grain lead bullets, so the 4.2 to 4.5 grains doesn't sound too bad for your FMJ. I am very happy with my combo using the lead bullets!

May 27, 2011, 11:59 AM	#11
Eagle0711 Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2010 Posts: 782	I like Win 231 in 9mm. 4.6 grains. 124 gr. LRN COAL 1.120"