Powder choice for 9mm 124gr load

[socom58]

I've just started to get into the reloading world and I'm looking for some suggestions on powder choice for a good starting load. I'm going to be loading for 9mm using either Zero or Montana Gold 124gr FMJ bullets, and I'm looking for something that is economical and will work for target and range loads. I've narrowed it down to the following powders:

Accurate #2
Accurate #5
Hodgdon HP-38
Hodgdon HS-6
Hodgdon Titegroup

From what I've gathered, #2, HP38, and Titegroup seem to be the most economical as far as charge weight is concerned, but #5 and HS-6 are faster burning and better for warmer loads (correct me if I'm wrong here). I'd like to be able to use the chosen powder for .38 Special as well if possible since I'm planning to reload that too. I know reloading is a lot about experimenting with load combinations, but I'm just looking for a good starting point and some base recommendations. Thanks!

[TheotherMikeG]

I really like Ramshot Silhouette (formerly known as Winchester Action Pistol-WAP if I remember correctly) for 9mm. I get good velocity with Zero 125 gr jhp's with a clean burn and relatively low flash. Here is a link to the Ramshot load data. It appears that it will work well for .38 special too.

Titegroup is a powder I also like and use on occasion for .45 acp, 38 sp and lighter .357 loads. No experience using it for 9mm however.

Good luck!

[BDS-THR]

From what I've gathered, #2, HP38, and Titegroup seem to be the most economical as far as charge weight is concerned, but #5 and HS-6 are faster burning and better for warmer loads (correct me if I'm wrong here).

Actually, it's the other way around. #2, W231/HP38 and Titegroup are faster burning than #5 and HS-6 (you want to use faster burning powders for lighter target loads and slower powders for full-power loads). W231/HP38 (same exact powder) is economical powder as it provides accurate target loads even at lower charges.

I'd like to be able to use the chosen powder for .38 Special as well if possible since I'm planning to reload that too.

W231/HP38 is very well suited for .38 loads with a lot of available load data.

[socom58]

Thanks for the correction on the burn rate, I though I might have mixed that up. I'm going to be shooting these loads out of 3.9-4.4 in barrels, so would #2, HP38/231, or Titegroup all work equally well in that case?

[WESHOOT2]

In a 9x19 case with a 124g bullet use Alliant Power Pistol. Start at 5.4g.

Or WAP/Silhouette, 3N37, HS6, AA5.

I use WAP. Mostly......

[McClintock]

I've used 231/HP-38 in 9mm with a 124 gr. LRN, and shot them out of a 4.25 inch M&P. Starting load (Lyman's #49, I think, I don't have the book with me at work) was 4.0 gr. and muzzle velocity was around 990 fps. I've since switched to Bullseye, as for a while 231 was hard to get around here, but would have no problems going back to 231.

Hope that helps!

Cheers!
McClintock

[Miata Mike]

I was going to go with 231 or Titegroup but both were unavailable, so I bought Bullseye instead. So far it looks like it will work well for all of the pistol calibers I will load as well with revolver calibers I might load in the future.

A little Bullseye seems to go a long way, so precise measuring is very important in these fast burning powders.

[RGPM1A]

+1 on What WESHOOT2 said. I have found that Power Pistol is the perfect powder for medium to hot 9mm loads with 115, 124 and 147 grain jacketed bullets. With the faster powders like AA#2 very small changes in powder weight translate into big pressure changes. If you are loading very light loads with cast bullets the faster powders are fine though.

[crowbeaner]

Unique, WAP, Power Pistol or AA #5 will get-r-done.