9mm, 115 gr. plated bullet load data

Schultz56 · February 23, 2010, 08:51 AM

I recently picked up some 9mm, 115gr. copper plated bullets, and I was wondering if anyone would like to share their favorite recipe. I currently have Bullseye powder but am interested in whatothers are using.

**Unclenick** · February 23, 2010, 11:23 AM

Rainier says just to use any lead bullet data for the same bullet weight and shape as your plated bullet. You should be able to get quite a bit of published data that way. Without knowing the shape of your bullet or the length and COL to be used with it, I don't believe anyone can offer you safe load data other than for light target loads. Bullet weight alone is not enough. For target velocity with that bullet weight, 3.0 grains of Bullseye is common, but your gun's recoil springs may need to be lightened to function with it.

freakshow10mm · February 23, 2010, 11:28 AM

Personal load is 5.5gr WSF set to 1.15 OAL. Does about 1150fps.

gandog56 · February 23, 2010, 01:08 PM

Lee's Modern Reloading Second edition is the only reloading manual I know of out there that has copper plated bullet recipes. But none of them use Bullseye. They have recipes for:
v-N350: 5.8-6.5 gr 1.142" COL
v-3N37: 6.2-6.6 gr. 1.142" COL
v-N340: 5.1-5.6 gr. 1.142" COL
v-N330: 4.7-5.2 gr. 1.142" COL
v-N320: 4.1-4.5 gr. 1.142" COL
Accurate # 2: 3.5-4.3 gr. 1.100" COL
Accurate # 5: 5.2-5.8 gr. 1.100" COL
Accurate # 7: 6.6-7.3 gr. 1.100" COL

Schultz56 · February 23, 2010, 01:18 PM

thanks

What about .380 auto, 95gr. LRN?

freakshow10mm · February 23, 2010, 03:06 PM

3.2gr W231 set to .980 OAL.

HP38 is the identical powder as W231 so use that too with same data.

gregjc9 · February 23, 2010, 07:53 PM

I like 5.4gr (using Lee disk #.49) of Power Pistol with a COL of 1.100 using plated 115gr bullets.

Loader9 · February 23, 2010, 10:19 PM

From Rainier Ballistic Dept, for 9mm, 115 gr plated bullets loaded to 1.169 OAL. 3.5 grs Bullseye min. = 943'ps, 4.5 grs Bullseye max = 1143'ps

sewerman · February 24, 2010, 02:20 PM

rainier & berry's web site gives warning and advice as to max muzzle V.

usually folks reduce load for jacketed bullet by 10% or using corrosponding load for cast lead bullet of the same weights the plated bullet.
i have used reduced loads of bullseye for the plated bullets of both companies and haven't had any issues.

hope this helps.

sewerman

sourdough44 · February 24, 2010, 07:16 PM

4.2 grns Tightgroup with Rainier plated 115 grn RN, 1.10 col. The chrony shows 1087 fps average with a low deviation. They cycle great.

tomfish1 · February 25, 2010, 12:31 AM

5.3 gr Unique 1.125oal 115gr berrys

spacecoast · February 25, 2010, 06:10 AM

Quote:

What about .380 auto, 95gr. LRN?

3.0 gr. of AA#2 with an OAL of 0.96" is a nice mild target load.

drjavelina · February 25, 2010, 05:00 PM

I would use 4.7 grs of Bullseye...Gives a 1,144fps

craig2724 · February 25, 2010, 09:00 PM

For plated bullets, Berry's 9mm 115 gr, I use 4.0 grains of Titegroup with a COL of 1.110.

killgja · January 18, 2014, 09:38 PM

Has anyone found a good load for this? I know this is a old thread but it is the most recent I have found regarding this particular load. looking for the lightest load that will cycle properly.

Judging by the data online and lymans handgun reloading manual it looks like this load could go from 3.5 - 4.5 grns of bullseye. Although that is a guess as there is no real documentation for this load specifically anywhere that I have found. I'm combining the OAL from a similar shapped bullet with the info for the 115 grn bullet listed in the manual.

Test #1 tried cci500, 3.5grns bullseye, OAL of 1.16. While the load was very soft to shoot it failed to cycle my H&K P30. Sometimes the case would stay in the chamber and other times it would not fully eject. Never fully cycled but did shoot well.

Starting test #2 and will report back on my next test batch. Going to try 3.8grns bullseye and then 4.0 and so on. I shoot about once a week so stay tuned or let me know what you have found as your starting point (light load) that cycles properly on a consistent basis.

Sevens · January 19, 2014, 12:22 AM

We'll see if the mods allow this thread to stay alive...
If you had asked them, they would tell you to start a new thread. But it's okay, mods are simply wired that way!

Early this past year, I set to work trying to build some "light" 9mm loads for a recoil-sensitive shooter. I worked with 115 grain plated and I also dabbled a good bit with 100gr plated slugs designed for the .380 Auto.

In the end, I couldn't reliably run 3-4 different 9mm pistols with any of the loads that actually felt significantly "lighter" in recoil. If I could make a load that actually felt somewhat lighter... it wouldn't run each and every pistol all of the time and yeah, my brass popped out sooty.

I abandoned the project with two things in mind. First was that while the risk isn't all that big, I'm still wary of accidentally sticking a plated bullet in a bore. I once did that in a revolver and it was holy hell to remove. I know how & why that happened, and I learned a lot from the experience, and the chance is simply -FAR- less in a closed breech gun like a semi-auto, but I'm still wary of the possibility.

The other thing worth mentioning is that many folks will suggest the opposite of what seems to be common thinking -- try a 147 grain bullet rather than a 115. Yes, the slug is heavier, and significantly so, but the recoil pulse seems to be somewhat more calm and less caustic.

I can't tell you what I thought because I never chased that avenue as a solution. Frankly, I've avoided the 147gr bullet weight in 9mm because my costs for component slugs is one of the reasons I enjoy loading and shooting 9mm in heavy volume, and cranking up the bullet weight simply cranks up my cost for slugs. And please don't tell me the difference is small... I buy bullets many thousands at a time.

My very best suggestion (and remember, this comes from a guy who attempted the same goal you seek... failed and gave up on it!

) would be to instead, try to make lighter 9mm loads using cast lead bullets.

Lead bullets offer less resistance in the bore... so you can get away with ever-decreasing powder charges and if it should so happen that you do end up sticking one in a bore, they are -FAR- easier to pound out than any plated bullet ever will be.

Good luck.

grandpawj · January 19, 2014, 08:50 AM

+1 for Tomfish, I use the same load, 5.3 Unique.

**Unclenick** · January 19, 2014, 10:10 AM

Killgja,

I don't see a reason to end this post if you are continuing it, but because its' almost 4 years old and has a number of replies, a new post would have garnered more interest. Lots of folks like to be among the first to answer a new thread, so you get more initial enthusiasm that way. Just psychology.

If you are not going to lighten the recoil springs in your gun, my guess is that you will need more powder than a common target load. Try about 4 grains of Bullseye. You may even need 4.2 or 4.3 with standard springs. In your shoes, since we know the very light loads don't cycle the gun, I would actually try running about ten rounds each of 3.8 grains, 4.0 grains, and 4.2 grains to see if I spot a difference in group size or function.

killgja · January 21, 2014, 03:08 AM

Thanks for the replies! Live and learn as next time it will be a new post.

I have however been researching this more and it seems that the H&K P30 doesn't like 115 grn bullets or light loads. Found someone else who has the same gun and was trying the same thing. Ended up going to a 124 round with a mid to high grns of bullseye to get it to cycle properly. I guess I should have tried a few from this last batch in her 9mm and maybe they would have worked. I know all guns are different but I was hoping to make some cheap range ammo for myself at the same time.

Looks like I will be trying find the light load for her ruger lc9.

Hammerhead · January 21, 2014, 03:47 AM

You should be able to get 115s to cycle, but it might require a slower powder.
Bullseye is so fast I don't like to use it at all in 9mm, let alone start pushing it.
If you could switch to Unique or similar you should be able to bring your 115 bullets up into a working load.

February 23, 2010, 01:08 PM	#4
gandog56 Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2006 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 979	Lee's Modern Reloading Second edition is the only reloading manual I know of out there that has copper plated bullet recipes. But none of them use Bullseye. They have recipes for: v-N350: 5.8-6.5 gr 1.142" COL v-3N37: 6.2-6.6 gr. 1.142" COL v-N340: 5.1-5.6 gr. 1.142" COL v-N330: 4.7-5.2 gr. 1.142" COL v-N320: 4.1-4.5 gr. 1.142" COL Accurate # 2: 3.5-4.3 gr. 1.100" COL Accurate # 5: 5.2-5.8 gr. 1.100" COL Accurate # 7: 6.6-7.3 gr. 1.100" COL __________________ Some people think I'm paranoid because I have guns. If I have guns, what do I have to be paranoid about?

February 23, 2010, 01:18 PM	#5
Schultz56 Member Join Date: September 15, 2009 Location: Lower Burrell, PA Posts: 17	thanks What about .380 auto, 95gr. LRN? __________________ Schultz56 NRA Life Member If you outlaw guns, only the outlaws will have guns!

February 23, 2010, 07:53 PM	#7
gregjc9 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2008 Location: Northern Va Posts: 501	I like 5.4gr (using Lee disk #.49) of Power Pistol with a COL of 1.100 using plated 115gr bullets. __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Greg

February 24, 2010, 02:20 PM	#9
sewerman Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2005 Location: hurricane alley, florida Posts: 304	rainier & berry's web site gives warning and advice as to max muzzle V. usually folks reduce load for jacketed bullet by 10% or using corrosponding load for cast lead bullet of the same weights the plated bullet. i have used reduced loads of bullseye for the plated bullets of both companies and haven't had any issues. hope this helps. sewerman __________________ "When the government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government there is tyranny!" Thomas Jefferson "They that can give up an essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety!" Benjamin franklin The Armed Citizen PREVENTS tyranny! Last edited by sewerman; February 24, 2010 at 02:21 PM. Reason: typo

January 19, 2014, 12:22 AM	#16
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	We'll see if the mods allow this thread to stay alive... If you had asked them, they would tell you to start a new thread. But it's okay, mods are simply wired that way! Early this past year, I set to work trying to build some "light" 9mm loads for a recoil-sensitive shooter. I worked with 115 grain plated and I also dabbled a good bit with 100gr plated slugs designed for the .380 Auto. In the end, I couldn't reliably run 3-4 different 9mm pistols with any of the loads that actually felt significantly "lighter" in recoil. If I could make a load that actually felt somewhat lighter... it wouldn't run each and every pistol all of the time and yeah, my brass popped out sooty. I abandoned the project with two things in mind. First was that while the risk isn't all that big, I'm still wary of accidentally sticking a plated bullet in a bore. I once did that in a revolver and it was holy hell to remove. I know how & why that happened, and I learned a lot from the experience, and the chance is simply -FAR- less in a closed breech gun like a semi-auto, but I'm still wary of the possibility. The other thing worth mentioning is that many folks will suggest the opposite of what seems to be common thinking -- try a 147 grain bullet rather than a 115. Yes, the slug is heavier, and significantly so, but the recoil pulse seems to be somewhat more calm and less caustic. I can't tell you what I thought because I never chased that avenue as a solution. Frankly, I've avoided the 147gr bullet weight in 9mm because my costs for component slugs is one of the reasons I enjoy loading and shooting 9mm in heavy volume, and cranking up the bullet weight simply cranks up my cost for slugs. And please don't tell me the difference is small... I buy bullets many thousands at a time. My very best suggestion (and remember, this comes from a guy who attempted the same goal you seek... failed and gave up on it! ) would be to instead, try to make lighter 9mm loads using cast lead bullets. Lead bullets offer less resistance in the bore... so you can get away with ever-decreasing powder charges and if it should so happen that you do end up sticking one in a bore, they are -FAR- easier to pound out than any plated bullet ever will be. Good luck. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

February 23, 2010, 08:51 AM	#1
Schultz56 Member Join Date: September 15, 2009 Location: Lower Burrell, PA Posts: 17	9mm, 115 gr. plated bullet load data I recently picked up some 9mm, 115gr. copper plated bullets, and I was wondering if anyone would like to share their favorite recipe. I currently have Bullseye powder but am interested in whatothers are using. __________________ Schultz56 NRA Life Member If you outlaw guns, only the outlaws will have guns!

February 23, 2010, 11:23 AM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Rainier says just to use any lead bullet data for the same bullet weight and shape as your plated bullet. You should be able to get quite a bit of published data that way. Without knowing the shape of your bullet or the length and COL to be used with it, I don't believe anyone can offer you safe load data other than for light target loads. Bullet weight alone is not enough. For target velocity with that bullet weight, 3.0 grains of Bullseye is common, but your gun's recoil springs may need to be lightened to function with it. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle Last edited by Unclenick; January 19, 2014 at 09:48 AM. Reason: typo fix

February 23, 2010, 11:28 AM	#3
freakshow10mm Junior member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,398	Personal load is 5.5gr WSF set to 1.15 OAL. Does about 1150fps.

February 23, 2010, 03:06 PM	#6
freakshow10mm Junior member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,398	3.2gr W231 set to .980 OAL. HP38 is the identical powder as W231 so use that too with same data.

February 23, 2010, 10:19 PM	#8
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	From Rainier Ballistic Dept, for 9mm, 115 gr plated bullets loaded to 1.169 OAL. 3.5 grs Bullseye min. = 943'ps, 4.5 grs Bullseye max = 1143'ps

February 24, 2010, 07:16 PM	#10
sourdough44 Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2007 Location: WI Posts: 621	4.2 grns Tightgroup with Rainier plated 115 grn RN, 1.10 col. The chrony shows 1087 fps average with a low deviation. They cycle great.

February 25, 2010, 12:31 AM	#11
tomfish1 Member Join Date: March 3, 2009 Posts: 26	5.3 gr Unique 1.125oal 115gr berrys

February 25, 2010, 05:00 PM	#13
drjavelina Junior Member Join Date: January 21, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 11	I would use 4.7 grs of Bullseye...Gives a 1,144fps

February 25, 2010, 09:00 PM	#14
craig2724 Member Join Date: September 12, 2009 Posts: 18	For plated bullets, Berry's 9mm 115 gr, I use 4.0 grains of Titegroup with a COL of 1.110.

January 18, 2014, 09:38 PM	#15
killgja Junior Member Join Date: January 18, 2014 Posts: 2	Has anyone found a good load for this? I know this is a old thread but it is the most recent I have found regarding this particular load. looking for the lightest load that will cycle properly. Judging by the data online and lymans handgun reloading manual it looks like this load could go from 3.5 - 4.5 grns of bullseye. Although that is a guess as there is no real documentation for this load specifically anywhere that I have found. I'm combining the OAL from a similar shapped bullet with the info for the 115 grn bullet listed in the manual. Test #1 tried cci500, 3.5grns bullseye, OAL of 1.16. While the load was very soft to shoot it failed to cycle my H&K P30. Sometimes the case would stay in the chamber and other times it would not fully eject. Never fully cycled but did shoot well. Starting test #2 and will report back on my next test batch. Going to try 3.8grns bullseye and then 4.0 and so on. I shoot about once a week so stay tuned or let me know what you have found as your starting point (light load) that cycles properly on a consistent basis.

January 19, 2014, 08:50 AM	#17
grandpawj Junior Member Join Date: February 21, 2011 Posts: 12	+1 for Tomfish, I use the same load, 5.3 Unique.

January 19, 2014, 10:10 AM	#18
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Killgja, I don't see a reason to end this post if you are continuing it, but because its' almost 4 years old and has a number of replies, a new post would have garnered more interest. Lots of folks like to be among the first to answer a new thread, so you get more initial enthusiasm that way. Just psychology. If you are not going to lighten the recoil springs in your gun, my guess is that you will need more powder than a common target load. Try about 4 grains of Bullseye. You may even need 4.2 or 4.3 with standard springs. In your shoes, since we know the very light loads don't cycle the gun, I would actually try running about ten rounds each of 3.8 grains, 4.0 grains, and 4.2 grains to see if I spot a difference in group size or function. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

January 21, 2014, 03:08 AM	#19
killgja Junior Member Join Date: January 18, 2014 Posts: 2	Thanks for the replies! Live and learn as next time it will be a new post. I have however been researching this more and it seems that the H&K P30 doesn't like 115 grn bullets or light loads. Found someone else who has the same gun and was trying the same thing. Ended up going to a 124 round with a mid to high grns of bullseye to get it to cycle properly. I guess I should have tried a few from this last batch in her 9mm and maybe they would have worked. I know all guns are different but I was hoping to make some cheap range ammo for myself at the same time. Looks like I will be trying find the light load for her ruger lc9.

January 21, 2014, 03:47 AM	#20
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	You should be able to get 115s to cycle, but it might require a slower powder. Bullseye is so fast I don't like to use it at all in 9mm, let alone start pushing it. If you could switch to Unique or similar you should be able to bring your 115 bullets up into a working load.