Peppering

MarkGlazer · May 6, 2013, 07:40 PM

I was at the range today and encountered what I can only describe as a peppering effect on some of my rounds. I was firing my 9MM Makarov which produced what felt like small pebbles hitting my face. This has not happened previously. This was only my second time loading for this weapon.

I am wondering if I seated the bullets too far in and created an over pressure situation? I did not notice any deformities in my brass.

Could it have anything to do with the primer? (doubt but have to ask). I have been using CCI and recently received a shipment of Tula. So I had rounds with each today.

Load data:
93 grain lead cast bullet
4.1 grains titegroup
Tula and CCI primers

I would appreciate any thoughts on this.

Thank you.

j357 · May 6, 2013, 10:06 PM

First question is whether your gun is a 9mm Makarov or a 9X18 Makarov, which are two different cartridges.

If it is a 9x18 gun I will venture a guess that you are over maximum charge with 4.1 of TGroup. See http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

You need to give us a round OAL and confirm the cartridge at this point.

noylj · May 6, 2013, 10:11 PM

If a direct blow-back, you may be getting premature movement of the slide and your feeling powder kernels hitting. You may need a heavier spring or the load may be too heavy.
I only know of one 9mm Makarov--what other Makarov is there?
Not thinking 9x17 (.380 Auto, 9mm Brownging short)?

MarkGlazer · May 7, 2013, 04:01 AM

Got the load wrong, 3.4 grains. Sorry, 4.1 was for my 9mm. OAL is .9675, however, I have been having issues with inconsistent bullet sizes as they have been varying. That is one of the reasons I thought it could be the seating.

Thanks again.

WESHOOT2 · May 7, 2013, 07:36 AM

Try a different powder, one not so 'fast'.

May 6, 2013, 07:40 PM	#1
MarkGlazer Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2013 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 329	Peppering I was at the range today and encountered what I can only describe as a peppering effect on some of my rounds. I was firing my 9MM Makarov which produced what felt like small pebbles hitting my face. This has not happened previously. This was only my second time loading for this weapon. I am wondering if I seated the bullets too far in and created an over pressure situation? I did not notice any deformities in my brass. Could it have anything to do with the primer? (doubt but have to ask). I have been using CCI and recently received a shipment of Tula. So I had rounds with each today. Load data: 93 grain lead cast bullet 4.1 grains titegroup Tula and CCI primers I would appreciate any thoughts on this. Thank you. __________________ non ministrari sed ministrare

May 7, 2013, 04:01 AM	#4
MarkGlazer Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2013 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 329	Got the load wrong, 3.4 grains. Sorry, 4.1 was for my 9mm. OAL is .9675, however, I have been having issues with inconsistent bullet sizes as they have been varying. That is one of the reasons I thought it could be the seating. Thanks again. __________________ non ministrari sed ministrare

May 7, 2013, 07:36 AM	#5
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	Try a different powder, one not so 'fast'. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

May 6, 2013, 10:06 PM	#2
j357 Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2009 Location: Liberty Twp, OH Posts: 283	First question is whether your gun is a 9mm Makarov or a 9X18 Makarov, which are two different cartridges. If it is a 9x18 gun I will venture a guess that you are over maximum charge with 4.1 of TGroup. See http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp You need to give us a round OAL and confirm the cartridge at this point.

May 6, 2013, 10:11 PM	#3
noylj Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2007 Location: Between CA and NM Posts: 858	If a direct blow-back, you may be getting premature movement of the slide and your feeling powder kernels hitting. You may need a heavier spring or the load may be too heavy. I only know of one 9mm Makarov--what other Makarov is there? Not thinking 9x17 (.380 Auto, 9mm Brownging short)?