Ordering supplies for my first load

Supermech21 · January 13, 2013, 02:15 PM

I'm looking to reload my 9mm cases as close to NATO spec as I can for training purposes. Obviously a 124 gr fmj but which brand? I'm not sure which powder to use: win 231, autocomp, imr sr-4756... Or something else? And not sure for primers...

What do you guys use and have had experience with... I'm trying to base my decision off of price, availability, and closeness to my specs desired (NATO round)...

Thanks guys, and please what store do you buy from?

S_Constitutionist · January 13, 2013, 02:41 PM

Remember that you are working UP to a NATO type pressure. Never start at anything other than STARTING LOADS in your manual - its asking for problems. Every gun is different.

Use your manual as a guide for powder and primers. Both are worthless if you dont have load data for them.

I like Titegroup in 9mm as well as power pistol. 231 is a great powder but I prefer a faster burning powder in 9mm trying to run the heavy slides on my BHPs. Just personal preference.

If you goal is high pressure, you will be best served by a jacketed bullet. For general plinking, I use plated (Berrys Bullets) in 9mm.

Supermech21 · January 13, 2013, 11:08 PM

Understand totally, I'm starting at 10% under the loads in my hornady loading book...

snooze · January 13, 2013, 11:26 PM

I load 9mm using W231, Tula SPP, and Berry's (plated) 124gn.

I can't speak to the other pistol powders, but W231 has served me well.

Bongo Boy · January 13, 2013, 11:40 PM

Have you looked to see what's available? I don't think you're going to find any small pistol primers anywhere--and I doubt you'll find any powder, either. I could be wrong, but I don't believe you have too many options right now.

My No.1 source is Midsouth Shooters Supply--they haven't had small pistol primers for several weeks now. Next up is Natchez Shooters Supply, and I have from time to time purchased reloading supplies from Midway--usually bullets only because they tend to charge two HAZMAT fees (one for powder, one for primers). I don't believe Midway has much in the way of bullets now, either.

Another option for bullets, at least, is to go directly to Montana Gold, or to TJ Convera who has been good to deal with in the past.

Again, I think primers are all gone.

Now--very few folks know that Nitro 100 runs very nicely in 40SW and 45ACP and performs almost identically to Clays, and similar to Solo 1000. Currently, I believe the only published handgun loads for Nitro 100 are for 9mm, AND, currently, Nitro 100 is one of very, very few propellants still available at Midsouth. Just FYI, it's a lesser-know powder for handgun and has apparently gone unnoticed. I would expect it to perform quite nicely in 9.

Solo 1000 is still available as well, and it is hugely popular in your IPSC and IDPA circles.

Misssissippi Dave · January 13, 2013, 11:55 PM

WSF, AA7 and Powder Pistol will work well for 124 grain bullets for mid to max levels. It depends on what is available and which one you like. W231 works well for 9 mm but only up to the mid range. These slower powders will work better when you are trying to hit NATO type loads. Just use published data and work the load up. A crony will tell you how close you are getting.

A FMJ round nose bullet is best. The brand might not matter as much. Buying in bulk once you figure out what you want will help to keep down costs.

January 13, 2013, 02:15 PM	#1
Supermech21 Member Join Date: May 30, 2012 Posts: 32	Ordering supplies for my first load I'm looking to reload my 9mm cases as close to NATO spec as I can for training purposes. Obviously a 124 gr fmj but which brand? I'm not sure which powder to use: win 231, autocomp, imr sr-4756... Or something else? And not sure for primers... What do you guys use and have had experience with... I'm trying to base my decision off of price, availability, and closeness to my specs desired (NATO round)... Thanks guys, and please what store do you buy from?

January 13, 2013, 11:40 PM	#5
Bongo Boy Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2008 Location: Colo Spgs CO Posts: 517	Have you looked to see what's available? I don't think you're going to find any small pistol primers anywhere--and I doubt you'll find any powder, either. I could be wrong, but I don't believe you have too many options right now. My No.1 source is Midsouth Shooters Supply--they haven't had small pistol primers for several weeks now. Next up is Natchez Shooters Supply, and I have from time to time purchased reloading supplies from Midway--usually bullets only because they tend to charge two HAZMAT fees (one for powder, one for primers). I don't believe Midway has much in the way of bullets now, either. Another option for bullets, at least, is to go directly to Montana Gold, or to TJ Convera who has been good to deal with in the past. Again, I think primers are all gone. Now--very few folks know that Nitro 100 runs very nicely in 40SW and 45ACP and performs almost identically to Clays, and similar to Solo 1000. Currently, I believe the only published handgun loads for Nitro 100 are for 9mm, AND, currently, Nitro 100 is one of very, very few propellants still available at Midsouth. Just FYI, it's a lesser-know powder for handgun and has apparently gone unnoticed. I would expect it to perform quite nicely in 9. Solo 1000 is still available as well, and it is hugely popular in your IPSC and IDPA circles. __________________ NRA Benefactor Member “If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.” T Bankhead "I think only the authorities should have weapons." The New American Electorate Last edited by Bongo Boy; January 14, 2013 at 12:05 AM.

January 13, 2013, 02:41 PM	#2
S_Constitutionist Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2009 Posts: 325	Remember that you are working UP to a NATO type pressure. Never start at anything other than STARTING LOADS in your manual - its asking for problems. Every gun is different. Use your manual as a guide for powder and primers. Both are worthless if you dont have load data for them. I like Titegroup in 9mm as well as power pistol. 231 is a great powder but I prefer a faster burning powder in 9mm trying to run the heavy slides on my BHPs. Just personal preference. If you goal is high pressure, you will be best served by a jacketed bullet. For general plinking, I use plated (Berrys Bullets) in 9mm.

January 13, 2013, 11:08 PM	#3
Supermech21 Member Join Date: May 30, 2012 Posts: 32	Understand totally, I'm starting at 10% under the loads in my hornady loading book...

January 13, 2013, 11:26 PM	#4
snooze Member Join Date: January 13, 2013 Posts: 46	I load 9mm using W231, Tula SPP, and Berry's (plated) 124gn. I can't speak to the other pistol powders, but W231 has served me well.

January 13, 2013, 11:55 PM	#6
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	WSF, AA7 and Powder Pistol will work well for 124 grain bullets for mid to max levels. It depends on what is available and which one you like. W231 works well for 9 mm but only up to the mid range. These slower powders will work better when you are trying to hit NATO type loads. Just use published data and work the load up. A crony will tell you how close you are getting. A FMJ round nose bullet is best. The brand might not matter as much. Buying in bulk once you figure out what you want will help to keep down costs.