Newbie needs recipe help

Jimbo1160 · June 15, 2013, 02:20 PM

Yep, I'm new to handloading. I'm starting with 9mm Luger. I have casings ready for powder and here's where I have questions (not the first time I've had questions, but first time I'm really stuck).

I have some IMR PB powder that a friend bought for me. So far I can find only one recipe for 115 grain round nose bullets. The bullets I have are Remington FMJ but the recipe has 115 grain LRN, no manufacturer mentioned.

Does it matter that the bullet types are not the same?

The recipe mentions a COL of 1.100" and I assume that means Cartridge Overall Length. Is that right?

The recipe calls for a starting load of 3.3 grs and a max load of 3.7 grs. Should I start with 3.3? Velocity for 3.3 grs is listed as 974 fps which sounds awfully low for 9mm.

Thanks for your help and any advice.

capbuster · June 15, 2013, 04:07 PM

You might check out the Hodgdon data web site. I believe they have what you need using the PB powder and 115 grain jacketed bullets;

g.willikers · June 15, 2013, 04:29 PM

Yes, C.O.L. = overall length.
From Hodgdon's web site reloading data page,
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

115 GR. LRN IMR PB .356" 1.100" 3.3 974
26,900 PSI 3.7 1061 32,500 PSI

115 GR. SPR GDHP IMR PB .355" 1.125" 3.6 957 28,300 PSI 4.0 1038 32,000 PSI

While the FMJ bullets, that you have, aren't that much different than either of the two types that Hodgdon recommends for that powder, it's enough to cause concern.
From the data above, it's obvious that similar, but different, bullets require very different loads, for the same results.
The bullet shape, design and material all make a difference in the loading data.
Generally, jacketed bullets have more friction down the barrel than lead, requiring more powder for the same velocity.
But the additional friction also adds pressure.
Without a way to test each and every type of bullet, substitution can be hap hazard and possibly dangerous.
If those FMJs and the PB powder were the very last components on the planet, maybe it would be worth experimenting.
It would be be better to just get the recommended powder for the bullets you want to use.

Misssissippi Dave · June 15, 2013, 05:51 PM

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/de...Powder&Source=

Jimbo1160 · June 16, 2013, 08:00 AM

Thanks for the help guys. I'll search out more recipes and maybe get some different powder.

David Bachelder · June 16, 2013, 09:22 AM

See if you can find some TiteGroup or maybe some Hodgdon Universal. I've had good luck with both.

June 15, 2013, 02:20 PM	#1
Jimbo1160 Junior Member Join Date: December 1, 2008 Posts: 3	Newbie needs recipe help Yep, I'm new to handloading. I'm starting with 9mm Luger. I have casings ready for powder and here's where I have questions (not the first time I've had questions, but first time I'm really stuck). I have some IMR PB powder that a friend bought for me. So far I can find only one recipe for 115 grain round nose bullets. The bullets I have are Remington FMJ but the recipe has 115 grain LRN, no manufacturer mentioned. Does it matter that the bullet types are not the same? The recipe mentions a COL of 1.100" and I assume that means Cartridge Overall Length. Is that right? The recipe calls for a starting load of 3.3 grs and a max load of 3.7 grs. Should I start with 3.3? Velocity for 3.3 grs is listed as 974 fps which sounds awfully low for 9mm. Thanks for your help and any advice.

June 15, 2013, 04:07 PM	#2
capbuster Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 1999 Location: Bessemer,Alabama Posts: 302	You might check out the Hodgdon data web site. I believe they have what you need using the PB powder and 115 grain jacketed bullets; __________________ cliff

June 15, 2013, 04:29 PM	#3
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Yes, C.O.L. = overall length. From Hodgdon's web site reloading data page, http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp 115 GR. LRN IMR PB .356" 1.100" 3.3 974 26,900 PSI 3.7 1061 32,500 PSI 115 GR. SPR GDHP IMR PB .355" 1.125" 3.6 957 28,300 PSI 4.0 1038 32,000 PSI While the FMJ bullets, that you have, aren't that much different than either of the two types that Hodgdon recommends for that powder, it's enough to cause concern. From the data above, it's obvious that similar, but different, bullets require very different loads, for the same results. The bullet shape, design and material all make a difference in the loading data. Generally, jacketed bullets have more friction down the barrel than lead, requiring more powder for the same velocity. But the additional friction also adds pressure. Without a way to test each and every type of bullet, substitution can be hap hazard and possibly dangerous. If those FMJs and the PB powder were the very last components on the planet, maybe it would be worth experimenting. It would be be better to just get the recommended powder for the bullets you want to use. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.” Last edited by g.willikers; June 15, 2013 at 04:35 PM.

June 16, 2013, 09:22 AM	#6
David Bachelder Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2011 Location: Trinity, Texas Posts: 636	See if you can find some TiteGroup or maybe some Hodgdon Universal. I've had good luck with both. __________________ David Bachelder Trinity, Texas I load, 9mm Luger, 38 and 40 S&W, 38 Special, 357Magnum, 45ACP, 45 Colt, 223, 300 AAC, 243 and 30-06

June 15, 2013, 05:51 PM	#4
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/de...Powder&Source=

June 16, 2013, 08:00 AM	#5
Jimbo1160 Junior Member Join Date: December 1, 2008 Posts: 3	Thanks for the help guys. I'll search out more recipes and maybe get some different powder.