Load suggestions 124g gold dots in 9mm?

Shadow9mm · February 20, 2022, 05:50 PM

So Midway has 124g .355 Speer Gold Dots on sale for 20.42 per 100 here. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1010888458?pid=675983

So I decided to invest in a good supply. I will have about 100 to work a load up with the rest will be loaded and stored. I ran through my manuals and GRT but wanted to see if anyone had some good loads they wanted to share.

these will be used in a
G19 4in barrel
p365 3.1in barrel

I currently have on hand
Power Pistol
CFE Pistol
HP-38/W231
AA #7

I will be throwing powder so something that meters well would be nice
I also would prefer a low flash powder, which pretty much rules out power pistol.

I am leaning towards CFE Pistol with speer's start of 4.7 and max of 5.3

I was considering getting some AA #5 to try. but not sure how it meters or its flash characteristics.

I ran through my manuals and GRT but wanted to see if anyone had some good loads they wanted to share.

I will be working everything up from start, but again, I only have 100 to play with.

Goal is the stated 1150fps of factory ammo

**Unclenick** · February 20, 2022, 06:27 PM

Alliant, having the same parent company, has data for the Speer Gold Dots with their powders. They say, seated to 1.12" COL, the maximum load of Power Pistol behind the 124-grain GD is 6.4 grains, so your starting load could be as low as about 5.5 grains, following old advice from Western to begin handgun loads at 85% of maximum rather than the 90% number they used for rifle cartridges. Hodgdon has #7 data for that bullet running from 6.3 to 7.4 grains. They seat it to 1.105", so 0.015" shorter than Alliant did. I don't know why. I am not finding 231/HP38 or CFE Pistol data for the GD on Hodgdon. I note that, though at a shorter COL, the maximum load they give for the 124-grain XTP for #7 is the same 7.4-grains as for the GD, and the 231/HP38 load they give for the XTP is 3.7- 4.2 grains and the CFE Pistol load for the XTP is 4.5 to 5.1 grains. Since the maximum #7 loads were the same for the two bullets, the other two load ranges are not likely to be too far different. Just work up watching for pressure signs. I would reduce the starting loads for the last two by another tenth of a grain, but maybe that's just me. YMMV.

Shotgun Slim · February 20, 2022, 09:06 PM

If you have #7 then your search is probably over. I'm pretty sure it is flash suppressed and it is a really good powder for 9mm. It's for sure not gonna have the blast report that Power Pistol has,and it loads very well from light to heavy. Also meters very consistently. #5 is ok but #7 I think will serve you nicely. I'M on about my sixth 8 lb jug of #7 and it gets used about 100 to 1 over my stash of #5 and HP38 and CFE Pistol.

Shotgun Slim · February 20, 2022, 09:23 PM

As far as load suggestions rather than me tell you what works in my guns I'll point you toward the Western Powder load data that list #7 and your 124 Gold dot to almost 1200 fps.

Shadow9mm · February 20, 2022, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shotgun Slim

As far as load suggestions rather than me tell you what works in my guns I'll point you toward the Western Powder load data that list #7 and your 124 Gold dot to almost 1200 fps.

I looked at western, not sure where your seeing 1200
Western 4in barrel #7, COL 1.105

Standard pressure
Start 6.3 944fps
max 7.4 max 1090fps

+P
Start 7.4 fps 1091
max 7.9 1153fps

My speer manual has data as well, a bit higher for #7
4in barrel, COL 1.120
start 8.1 1077
max 9.0 1180

For speer it also has the following for reference

CFE Pistol
start 4.7 1024
max 5.3 1127

Power Pistol
start 5.6 1033
max 6.4 1157

HP-38
start 4.0 887
max 4.5 988

CAUTION: The following post (or a page linked to) includes or discusses loading data not covered by currently published sources of tested data for this cartridge (QuickLOAD or Gordon's Reloading Tool data is not professionally tested). USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assumes any liability for any damage or injury resulting from the use of this information.

I ran the sierra #7 load in GRT just for fun
9.0 max 45,899 PSI, no good
8.1, 31,29psi

per GRT

#7, max 8.3 at 34022 at 1198fps

CFE Pistol, max 5.8 at 34605 and 1179fps

Power Pistol, max 6.3g, 33741psi and 1209fps

HP-38 at 4.7g, 33977psi, 1118fps

If someone could run the speer data for the #7 in quickload, to cross reference, I would appreciate it. start 8.1, max 9.1 seems excessively high.

Nick_C_S · February 21, 2022, 12:54 AM

I managed to score 500 124gn GDHP's some years back and did a load work up with them using Power Pistol - my go-to propellant for many high performance handgun applications (save full throttle magnum revolver).

CAUTION: The following post (or a page linked to) includes or discusses loading data not covered by currently published sources of tested data for this cartridge (QuickLOAD or Gordon's Reloading Tool data is not professionally tested). USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assumes any liability for any damage or injury resulting from the use of this information.

I believe the following data is consistent with the Speer #15 (The manual is packed away, so I don't have access to it.). In any case, use this information as my experience only. It is not load advice. Please safely do your own work ups.

My attempt was to emulate, not "duplicate" Speer's 124 grain "+P" offering. Which, happens to be my conceal carry ammo when carrying a 9mm. All chronograph data were 10 round samples. My loads used CCI 500 primers and Winchester White Box brass.

Speer's factory +P chrono data 1.122" OAL:
1158 f/s through a Kahr CW9 3.6" (I think) bbl.
1221 f/s through a Beretta 92fs 4.9" (I think) bbl.

My loads (1.118" OAL - my attempt at the factory 1.122"):

Through the 92fs:
6.0gn - 1195 f/s SD = 16.58
6.2gn - 1213 f/s SD = 8.24 (then a 20 round sample = 1212 f/s, SD = 13.10)
6.4gn - 1245 f/s SD = 16.30

I decided 6.2 grains to be my set charge weight. I then loaded a batch of "regular production" (meaning charged via hopper, not individually weighed) ammo at this charge weight and retested:

Through the 92f/s - 1221 f/s SD = 9.84
Through the CW9 - 1133 f/s SD = 19.12

So that's the path I took once I finally got ahold of some 124 GDHP's. This was July 2017, btw. I am pleased.

Shotgun Slim · February 21, 2022, 10:03 AM

Yup. I meant 1100 fps. This is why I don't give my loads out here.because mistakes get made. Sorry, and glad you checked.

zeke · February 21, 2022, 11:10 AM

Am using AA-7 for 9mm "vermin" 124 and 147 9mm loads. For the loads previously tested, AA7 preferred the Fed spm over the sp primer for accuracy. While the loads being used are for xtp's, Speer gold dots may be seated out slightly longer.

7.8 gns AA-7, 124 xtp, Fed 200 primer, 1.113 col for about 1180 fps from BHP. Am not needing a load any faster than this, and the xtp is seated slightly shorter so it can be used in a cz-75 compact with short throating. Am considering this a plus p velocity load, and it may slightly exceed some factory recommendation some wheres.

totaldla · February 21, 2022, 02:44 PM

Just a thought: the gold dot doesn't need to be driven very hard to make pretty mushrooms. And you aren't going to get grizzly-stopping penetration regardless the velocity. So I would load it for a comfortable velocity and not worry about squeezing every last fps out of the load data.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/sel...tic-tests/#9mm

Shadow9mm · February 21, 2022, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by totaldla

Just a thought: the gold dot doesn't need to be driven very hard to make pretty mushrooms. And you aren't going to get grizzly-stopping penetration regardless the velocity. So I would load it for a comfortable velocity and not worry about squeezing every last fps out of the load data.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/sel...tic-tests/#9mm

I appreciate the suggestion, but I feel that 1150fps is a reasonable ask and a comfortable velocity range. I'm not asking for speer +p 1204fps at or underwood +P+ at 1298fps velocities, just to duplicate the standard pressure factory loading velocities with a powder that has minimal muzzle flash.

9MMand223only · February 21, 2022, 08:17 PM

Hello.

5.4 grains of N330 at OAL of 1.130 to 1.120 is about as accurate and consistent load you can get with GD I think.

std7mag · February 21, 2022, 08:42 PM

The only load suggestion i'll give on an open forum is thus.

Don't forget to put powder in the cartridge. As the primer may not be enough to get the bullet out of the barrel.

Don't ask how i know...

kilotanker22 · February 22, 2022, 10:24 AM

I have had great results with CFE Pistol in 9mm. It seems to work well with all bullet weights. I shot some 115 grain gold dots last year from my G43x and G17. Using the same powder charge I use with all the other bullets of that weight, results were basically the same. I am sure the 124 grain projectiles will behave in the same way. Power pistol was good too, but very hard to get around these parts.

totaldla · February 22, 2022, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow9mm

I appreciate the suggestion, but I feel that 1150fps is a reasonable ask and a comfortable velocity range. I'm not asking for speer +p 1204fps at or underwood +P+ at 1298fps velocities, just to duplicate the standard pressure factory loading velocities with a powder that has minimal muzzle flash.

That is why I included the link to denim/gel test data - the bullet expands nicely at 1067fps. And it starts to under-penetrate as it is driven faster.

Shadow9mm · February 22, 2022, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by totaldla

That is why I included the link to denim/gel test data - the bullet expands nicely at 1067fps. And it starts to under penetrate as it is driven faster.

Based on what I am seeing the +p had a median penetration of 16in. Which I consider to be ideal, vs the standard at 18, but with 2 over.

Mike / Tx · February 23, 2022, 07:52 AM

One thing I have always liked about AA 2 -9 powders is they meter great. They aren't always the end all for everything but they cover a LOT of territory.

While piddling around with loads for my 9's I found that a mid range load if #7 under several makes of the 124gr JHP delivered excellent accuracy and very close SD's if that makes a difference.

I tried almost everything you have listed, the CFE while producing decent results showed to get pretty spunky as it moved up in charge weight. The 231 was good for say target type loads. My good friend tried the PP and while it seemed on par with the data it seemed to have a tendency of flashing. Can't say it terrible bit something I wasn't really looking for.

There are +p loads listed for #7 that will get you in the ballpark of range your looking for. Personally I like about 1000fps or 1050'ish and good accuracy.

Shadow9mm · March 5, 2022, 10:38 PM

CAUTION: The following post (or a page linked to) includes or discusses loading data not covered by currently published sources of tested data for this cartridge (QuickLOAD or Gordon's Reloading Tool data is not professionally tested). USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assumes any liability for any damage or injury resulting from the use of this information.

So I ran my test loads today, warning due to using small rifle primers.

CFE Pistol
blazer brass
Federal small rifle primers
124g Speer gold dots
COL 1.120
Speer max 5.3g CFE Pistol, 4in barrel G19
listed velocity 1127fps from a 4in barrel

Actual, 9rnds, charges thrown.
Avg 1059
SD 23.5
ES 76

Mike / Tx · March 6, 2022, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Speer max 5.3g CFE Pistol, 4in barrel G19
listed velocity 1127fps from a 4in barrel

Actual, 9rnds, charges thrown.
Avg 1059
SD 23.5
ES 76

So that's the other thing, "listed" - vs - "actual". My two 9's sre the same brand name but have different length barrels 3"vs 4" so I figure go with what shoots best. With a Gold Dot, if you can break 1000fps and put them in s tight group they will deliver. I've been loading them, for hunting and other loads, since Speer brought them out in half a dozen calibers and haven't been disappointed yet.

February 20, 2022, 06:27 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,738	Alliant, having the same parent company, has data for the Speer Gold Dots with their powders. They say, seated to 1.12" COL, the maximum load of Power Pistol behind the 124-grain GD is 6.4 grains, so your starting load could be as low as about 5.5 grains, following old advice from Western to begin handgun loads at 85% of maximum rather than the 90% number they used for rifle cartridges. Hodgdon has #7 data for that bullet running from 6.3 to 7.4 grains. They seat it to 1.105", so 0.015" shorter than Alliant did. I don't know why. I am not finding 231/HP38 or CFE Pistol data for the GD on Hodgdon. I note that, though at a shorter COL, the maximum load they give for the 124-grain XTP for #7 is the same 7.4-grains as for the GD, and the 231/HP38 load they give for the XTP is 3.7- 4.2 grains and the CFE Pistol load for the XTP is 4.5 to 5.1 grains. Since the maximum #7 loads were the same for the two bullets, the other two load ranges are not likely to be too far different. Just work up watching for pressure signs. I would reduce the starting loads for the last two by another tenth of a grain, but maybe that's just me. YMMV. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

February 21, 2022, 12:54 AM	#6
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,617	Power Pistol I managed to score 500 124gn GDHP's some years back and did a load work up with them using Power Pistol - my go-to propellant for many high performance handgun applications (save full throttle magnum revolver). CAUTION: The following post (or a page linked to) includes or discusses loading data not covered by currently published sources of tested data for this cartridge (QuickLOAD or Gordon's Reloading Tool data is not professionally tested). USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assumes any liability for any damage or injury resulting from the use of this information. I believe the following data is consistent with the Speer #15 (The manual is packed away, so I don't have access to it.). In any case, use this information as my experience only. It is not load advice. Please safely do your own work ups. My attempt was to emulate, not "duplicate" Speer's 124 grain "+P" offering. Which, happens to be my conceal carry ammo when carrying a 9mm. All chronograph data were 10 round samples. My loads used CCI 500 primers and Winchester White Box brass. Speer's factory +P chrono data 1.122" OAL: 1158 f/s through a Kahr CW9 3.6" (I think) bbl. 1221 f/s through a Beretta 92fs 4.9" (I think) bbl. My loads (1.118" OAL - my attempt at the factory 1.122"): Through the 92fs: 6.0gn - 1195 f/s SD = 16.58 6.2gn - 1213 f/s SD = 8.24 (then a 20 round sample = 1212 f/s, SD = 13.10) 6.4gn - 1245 f/s SD = 16.30 I decided 6.2 grains to be my set charge weight. I then loaded a batch of "regular production" (meaning charged via hopper, not individually weighed) ammo at this charge weight and retested: Through the 92f/s - 1221 f/s SD = 9.84 Through the CW9 - 1133 f/s SD = 19.12 So that's the path I took once I finally got ahold of some 124 GDHP's. This was July 2017, btw. I am pleased. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

February 21, 2022, 08:42 PM	#12
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,611	The only load suggestion i'll give on an open forum is thus. Don't forget to put powder in the cartridge. As the primer may not be enough to get the bullet out of the barrel. Don't ask how i know... __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

February 22, 2022, 10:24 AM	#13
kilotanker22 Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Location: North Central, PA Posts: 2,127	I have had great results with CFE Pistol in 9mm. It seems to work well with all bullet weights. I shot some 115 grain gold dots last year from my G43x and G17. Using the same powder charge I use with all the other bullets of that weight, results were basically the same. I am sure the 124 grain projectiles will behave in the same way. Power pistol was good too, but very hard to get around these parts. __________________ “We do not seek peace in order to be at war, but we go to war that we may have peace. Be peaceful, therefore, in warring, so that you may vanquish those whom you war against, and bring them to the prosperity of peace. – St. Augustine

February 23, 2022, 07:52 AM	#16
Mike / Tx Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2000 Posts: 2,137	One thing I have always liked about AA 2 -9 powders is they meter great. They aren't always the end all for everything but they cover a LOT of territory. While piddling around with loads for my 9's I found that a mid range load if #7 under several makes of the 124gr JHP delivered excellent accuracy and very close SD's if that makes a difference. I tried almost everything you have listed, the CFE while producing decent results showed to get pretty spunky as it moved up in charge weight. The 231 was good for say target type loads. My good friend tried the PP and while it seemed on par with the data it seemed to have a tendency of flashing. Can't say it terrible bit something I wasn't really looking for. There are +p loads listed for #7 that will get you in the ballpark of range your looking for. Personally I like about 1000fps or 1050'ish and good accuracy. __________________ LAter, Mike / TX

February 20, 2022, 05:50 PM	#1
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 4,601	Load suggestions 124g gold dots in 9mm? So Midway has 124g .355 Speer Gold Dots on sale for 20.42 per 100 here. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1010888458?pid=675983 So I decided to invest in a good supply. I will have about 100 to work a load up with the rest will be loaded and stored. I ran through my manuals and GRT but wanted to see if anyone had some good loads they wanted to share. these will be used in a G19 4in barrel p365 3.1in barrel I currently have on hand Power Pistol CFE Pistol HP-38/W231 AA #7 I will be throwing powder so something that meters well would be nice I also would prefer a low flash powder, which pretty much rules out power pistol. I am leaning towards CFE Pistol with speer's start of 4.7 and max of 5.3 I was considering getting some AA #5 to try. but not sure how it meters or its flash characteristics. I ran through my manuals and GRT but wanted to see if anyone had some good loads they wanted to share. I will be working everything up from start, but again, I only have 100 to play with. Goal is the stated 1150fps of factory ammo __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload. Last edited by Shadow9mm; February 20, 2022 at 09:05 PM.

February 20, 2022, 09:06 PM	#3
Shotgun Slim Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2014 Location: Va Posts: 298	If you have #7 then your search is probably over. I'm pretty sure it is flash suppressed and it is a really good powder for 9mm. It's for sure not gonna have the blast report that Power Pistol has,and it loads very well from light to heavy. Also meters very consistently. #5 is ok but #7 I think will serve you nicely. I'M on about my sixth 8 lb jug of #7 and it gets used about 100 to 1 over my stash of #5 and HP38 and CFE Pistol.

February 20, 2022, 09:23 PM	#4
Shotgun Slim Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2014 Location: Va Posts: 298	As far as load suggestions rather than me tell you what works in my guns I'll point you toward the Western Powder load data that list #7 and your 124 Gold dot to almost 1200 fps.

February 21, 2022, 10:03 AM	#7
Shotgun Slim Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2014 Location: Va Posts: 298	Yup. I meant 1100 fps. This is why I don't give my loads out here.because mistakes get made. Sorry, and glad you checked.

February 21, 2022, 11:10 AM	#8
zeke Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 1999 Location: NW Wi Posts: 1,759	Am using AA-7 for 9mm "vermin" 124 and 147 9mm loads. For the loads previously tested, AA7 preferred the Fed spm over the sp primer for accuracy. While the loads being used are for xtp's, Speer gold dots may be seated out slightly longer. 7.8 gns AA-7, 124 xtp, Fed 200 primer, 1.113 col for about 1180 fps from BHP. Am not needing a load any faster than this, and the xtp is seated slightly shorter so it can be used in a cz-75 compact with short throating. Am considering this a plus p velocity load, and it may slightly exceed some factory recommendation some wheres.

February 21, 2022, 02:44 PM	#9
totaldla Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2009 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 1,498	Just a thought: the gold dot doesn't need to be driven very hard to make pretty mushrooms. And you aren't going to get grizzly-stopping penetration regardless the velocity. So I would load it for a comfortable velocity and not worry about squeezing every last fps out of the load data. https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/sel...tic-tests/#9mm __________________ Keltec P15 at 1200 rounds Last edited by totaldla; February 21, 2022 at 05:03 PM.

February 21, 2022, 08:17 PM	#11
9MMand223only Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2014 Posts: 298	Hello. 5.4 grains of N330 at OAL of 1.130 to 1.120 is about as accurate and consistent load you can get with GD I think.

March 5, 2022, 10:38 PM	#17
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 4,601	CAUTION: The following post (or a page linked to) includes or discusses loading data not covered by currently published sources of tested data for this cartridge (QuickLOAD or Gordon's Reloading Tool data is not professionally tested). USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assumes any liability for any damage or injury resulting from the use of this information. So I ran my test loads today, warning due to using small rifle primers. CFE Pistol blazer brass Federal small rifle primers 124g Speer gold dots COL 1.120 Speer max 5.3g CFE Pistol, 4in barrel G19 listed velocity 1127fps from a 4in barrel Actual, 9rnds, charges thrown. Avg 1059 SD 23.5 ES 76 __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.