3N38 for 9mm Luger

mrmikeypoo · June 16, 2014, 12:02 PM

I found a pound of VV 3N38 kinda local and bought it. However, the only load data that I have found for 9mm Luger is with 147gn Hornady xtp bullets. I have not been able to find those particular bullets anywhere. ( just my luck) Am I missing ant other load data somewhere for this powder? Thanks all.

Nick_C_S · June 16, 2014, 04:07 PM

You're running into this issue because 3N38 is a slow powder; bordering on magnum only territory.

What the lack of readily available load data is telling you, is that it's really not well suited for 9mm. It's too slow for anything other than high-end wide-open-throttle heavy bullets.

I don't load with 3N38. Never have.

You can use the data you found as a basic guideline for other 147g bullets. The good news is that the powder's burn rate is so slow as to it being nearly impossible to create an over-pressure situation simply by applying the most rudimentary rules of load work-ups. . . And that is to start low and work up. It's not like you're dealing with a steep pressure curve, fast powder.

Nowdays, we load with what we have. Do you have anything faster? If so, it would most likely be a better choice than 3N38.

WESHOOT2 · June 16, 2014, 04:23 PM

I would only note if you stuff a whole bunch of 3N38 in a 9x19 case your bullets that weight 115g or 124g will launch very very fast.

mrmikeypoo · June 16, 2014, 05:04 PM

Thanks Nick. Yup, unfortunately that's all I have to load with.
Weshoot, load data is blazingly fast with the 147gn so I won't be trying any lighter bullets.
I may try trading this off to someone who is loading Magnum rounds for something better suited for me. I'm not using this for anything other than general purpose rounds and they are really fast.
Thanks

WESHOOT2 · June 16, 2014, 05:16 PM

3N38 is a veryhighperformance powder intended for 38 Super-class cartridges; makes a lot of gas for driving compensators.
Good stuff.

skizzums · June 17, 2014, 11:53 PM

you can use any 147gr bullet, almost every lead or plated company sells a 147gr projectile

June 16, 2014, 12:02 PM	#1
mrmikeypoo Junior Member Join Date: August 19, 2012 Posts: 6	3N38 for 9mm Luger I found a pound of VV 3N38 kinda local and bought it. However, the only load data that I have found for 9mm Luger is with 147gn Hornady xtp bullets. I have not been able to find those particular bullets anywhere. ( just my luck) Am I missing ant other load data somewhere for this powder? Thanks all.

June 16, 2014, 04:07 PM	#2
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,523	You're running into this issue because 3N38 is a slow powder; bordering on magnum only territory. What the lack of readily available load data is telling you, is that it's really not well suited for 9mm. It's too slow for anything other than high-end wide-open-throttle heavy bullets. I don't load with 3N38. Never have. You can use the data you found as a basic guideline for other 147g bullets. The good news is that the powder's burn rate is so slow as to it being nearly impossible to create an over-pressure situation simply by applying the most rudimentary rules of load work-ups. . . And that is to start low and work up. It's not like you're dealing with a steep pressure curve, fast powder. Nowdays, we load with what we have. Do you have anything faster? If so, it would most likely be a better choice than 3N38. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

June 16, 2014, 04:23 PM	#3
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	I would only note if you stuff a whole bunch of 3N38 in a 9x19 case your bullets that weight 115g or 124g will launch very very fast. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

June 16, 2014, 05:16 PM	#5
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	3N38 is a veryhighperformance powder intended for 38 Super-class cartridges; makes a lot of gas for driving compensators. Good stuff. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

June 17, 2014, 11:53 PM	#6
skizzums Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2013 Location: Douglasville, Ga Posts: 4,615	you can use any 147gr bullet, almost every lead or plated company sells a 147gr projectile __________________ My head is bloody, but unbowed

June 16, 2014, 05:04 PM	#4
mrmikeypoo Junior Member Join Date: August 19, 2012 Posts: 6	Thanks Nick. Yup, unfortunately that's all I have to load with. Weshoot, load data is blazingly fast with the 147gn so I won't be trying any lighter bullets. I may try trading this off to someone who is loading Magnum rounds for something better suited for me. I'm not using this for anything other than general purpose rounds and they are really fast. Thanks