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Old November 15, 2012, 08:11 PM   #1
Tex S
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Anybody have load data for Berry's 124gr RN?

I need some 9mm target fodder. None of my load manuals list anything for a 124gr RN bullet. Anybody have any data? I have Power Pistol, 231, AA7, Longshot, N105, and 800x.

Also, which powder might produce the cleanest burning load?

Last edited by Tex S; November 16, 2012 at 11:32 AM.
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Old November 15, 2012, 08:15 PM   #2
chris in va
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Just get on the powder manufacturer's load data website. IMR etc. Hodgdon has a 231 load for 'berb' LRN which I'm assuming is Berry's.

Last edited by chris in va; November 15, 2012 at 08:22 PM.
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Old November 15, 2012, 10:41 PM   #3
tkglazie
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agreed, you will definitely find something that works for you with W231/HP38. I cant pick your exact load but if you start where you should I am sure by the time you get to 4.6gr you will find something in the sweet spot.

I have HP38 on hand as a backup, and like it, but prefer N320 for my Berrys 124gr RN and Berrys 124gr HBFP (preferred)
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Old November 16, 2012, 05:48 AM   #4
Sparks1957
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I have been using 4.6gr of Win 231 behind 124gr plated Berrys for awhile... a good, accurate load for plinking
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Old November 17, 2012, 02:11 PM   #5
LarryFlew
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Berry's web site:

"When loading plated bullets we have found best results using low- to mid-range jacketed data in the load manual."
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Old November 17, 2012, 03:09 PM   #6
Hammerhead
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I use Hodgdon data for the 125 FMJ with 124 grain plated bullets.
W231 (HP-38) would be my choice of the powders you listed.
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Old November 17, 2012, 09:01 PM   #7
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1) All lead cast and swaged bullets of a given caliber and weight use the same load data--you just vary the COL. All jacketed bullet of a given caliber and weight work the same way.
2) Plated bullets used to use ONLY lead data. Now, they are starting to push things and recommending no more than mid-range jacketed data. I "assume" the 1200fps limit still exists for plated.
3) You start at the starting load (I would use the lowest starting load for lead bullets myself as I have a couple of guns that reach max pressure must sooner than the manuals so I always start low) and work up watching for signs of pressure.
4) Needless to say, your buddy's pet load or even mine may be excessive in your gun. YOU have to work up YOUR loads.
5) 231/HP38 is the best choice of those you listed.
6) N320 or N340 might be the cleanest burning. Personally, I put "cleanest burning" so far down on the list of desirable powder traits that I have never even considered it. Every 1000 rounds or so brush off the extractor/breech/feedramp. If your gun can't operate a little dirty, there is something wrong with it
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Old November 17, 2012, 09:08 PM   #8
zxcvbob
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Quote:
I need some 9mm target fodder. None of my load manuals list anything for a 124gr RN bullet. Anybody have any data? I have Power Pistol, 231, AA7, Longshot, N105, and 800x.

Also, which powder might produce the cleanest burning load?
Of those powders, the cleanest should be 231. You can use load data for either 231 or HP-38. They are the same powder now with a different label.
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Old November 17, 2012, 11:19 PM   #9
hAkron
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I like 4.3gr of HP-38/Win 231 with the 124 Berrys at 1.14" OAL
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Old November 18, 2012, 12:11 AM   #10
res45
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I shot 5.0 grs. Power Pistol with my Berry's 124 gr HBRN-TP These are the newer plated bullets Berry's offers that are thick plated and can be fired up to 1450 fps. with no issue.

http://www.berrysmfg.com/products-c1..._Products.aspx
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Old November 18, 2012, 10:46 AM   #11
myg30
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DITTO Noilj's post. Always work up a load. Best to work up a load for each gun as the .bbl diam's can vary and excessive pressures can result.
Its better to be safe than sorry !

Most of us that had mishaps share our misfortune so the rest of you can benefit from it !!

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Old November 18, 2012, 01:46 PM   #12
Tex S
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Thanks for the info guys. Looks like I will seat to the 1.14 oal.

I have 6lbs of 231 so I will start there.
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Old November 18, 2012, 10:28 PM   #13
Colorado308shooter
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I've been loading 124 gr Berry's with 4.5 grains of Universal and its great! The recoil is mild and I can hold a 3" group shooting weaver stance....plenty good enough for me.

I started out with Unique, but then bought a pound of Universal.....Universal is now my go-to powder for 9mm.
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Old November 20, 2012, 08:18 PM   #14
floydster
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My favorite load for Berry's 124 gr. RN is 4.5 grs. Bullseye, O.A.L. 1.151.
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Old November 20, 2012, 09:49 PM   #15
serf 'rett
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My pistol is not your pistol; therefore, you should start low and work up.

With Berrys 124 gr. HBRNTP I use 1.150" OAL (which might be to long for YOUR pistol) tests are 7 round groups at 50 feet off sand bag rest. Verified with additional tests later. Stock XDm.

5.2 gr Power Pistol, medium recoil, 0.61" average to group center

4.0 gr W231, moderate to light recoil, 0.68" ave. to group center

4.2 gr N320, moderate recoil, 0.63" ave. to group center but offset 4" above point of aim.

Change bullet to Berrys 124 gr HBFP at 1.090" for my light recoil target load with 3.6 gr W231 or crank up the kick with 6.2 gr of Power Pistol (not a target load but great group with me and mine).

Your Mileage WILL Vary!
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Old November 20, 2012, 11:16 PM   #16
tkglazie
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Interestingly, serf 'rett, I also find n320 to shoot a bit high in my p89. The groups are tight and the powder is clean so I use it anyway, gladly, but I do see a difference vs HP38/W231. I would happily settle with one or the other if forced to.
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Old November 20, 2012, 11:33 PM   #17
Tex S
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So was the n320 the cleanest burning? I have some n105 for my 10mm that I have been dying to try (on the pretense that vv powders are super clean).
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Old November 21, 2012, 12:06 AM   #18
tkglazie
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I find n320 to be very clean and accurate. I do not load hot loads (1040fps with berrys 124gr) and still have no issues with powder fouling.
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Old November 21, 2012, 02:53 PM   #19
serf 'rett
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I find N320 and N340 are both clean. My W231 loads are low to mid range so I get a tad more soot but not as much as I get with Unique. The Power Pistol loads leave a thin film, but it seems to be "baked on"; i.e., not as easy to wipe off.
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Old November 21, 2012, 05:42 PM   #20
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Universal will burn cleaner than Unique or W231 at low pressure.
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Old November 21, 2012, 05:49 PM   #21
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I get terrific results with 4.8 grains of HP38 (W231 is the same powder)...under a 124 jacketed bullet, either FMJ -RN or HP. COL = 1.10", Winchester SP primers and mixed brass. Dead nuts accurate in all three of my 9mm pistols.

This is not a maximum load, but it is hot enough for SD (and I use it for that, with HP bullets). However, I would advise starting at something like 4.3 - 4.5 grains and working up from there.
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Old November 21, 2012, 09:17 PM   #22
hikingman
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My fav. 9mm Berry's recipe...

9MM mixed brass, 124 gr. Berry's over 4.2 grains of W231 w/ 1.140 COL, and 1/2 turn of Lee FCD for crimp.
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Old November 21, 2012, 09:50 PM   #23
UnderDawgAl
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I use ~4.3 grains HP-38/W231 (.40 Lee auto disk), and the same charge weight with Green Dot, all with the Berry's plated 124-grain RN. Great results in all my 9mm guns, up to 50 yds.
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