Question on Reloading 9mm for Local Competition

Tony C · January 18, 2015, 12:53 PM

First, let me say that this may be the wrong forum for this question, and if it is, feel free to lock or delete it. I put this into the Competition forum without a response so am hoping someone here will have suggestions:

I am picking up a 9mm XD(M) for competing in USPSA and IDPA matches. Right now I reload .45 ACP using 230 grain LRN bullets for these matches.

Looking at Oregon Trial Bullets, they cast 9mm in 124 gr. RN, 145 gr. RN, and 147 gr. FN.

If you use lead 9mm bullets, which do you use?

Thanks,
Tony

9MMand223only · January 18, 2015, 02:11 PM

I see these 2 brands alot in comps, they both shoot accuratly.

https://precisiondelta.com/index.php...llet/9mm.html/

http://montanagoldbullet.com/index.p.../result/?q=9mm

Kosh75287 · January 18, 2015, 03:01 PM

I use 4.0-4.4/Unique/147 L. I usually get the velocity I want (890 - 900 f/s) at 4.2 or 4.3gr. C.O.L ~ 1.145" I would expect to use similar charges for 145 grain slugs, unless they're jacketed. To get the velocity I want with jacketed vs. cast, I usually only have to increase charge weight by 0.1grain.
For 125s, (cast) I use 5.4-5.8/Unique, and stop when I get velocity consistently over 1050 f/s (Usually, 5.5 - 5.7 gr.). C.O.L ~ 1.155"
I don't use cast 115s, but I use Unique for that weight jacketed projectiles, and aim for 1100 f/s (for MY pistol, 5.9 or 6.0 grains). C.O.L ~ 1.15"
I TRY to obtain velocities exceeding those needed for the 125 grains x 1000 f/s power floor by 2-5 %, in case the chronograph I use doesn't agree with the one used by the rangemaster(s).
If your pistol barrel is over 4" long, you may get better velocities vs. pressure with Alliant Herco or AA#5. Charge weights with Herco are usually no more than 10% greater (and often less) than those for Unique.

Last thing, AA#5 meters much more nicely than Unique or Herco, but I have access to a large quantity of the Alliant powders.

OKAY, now that I've had enough coffee to read and understand, I haven't noticed much difference between projectiles of similar weights but different manufacturers, except occasionally I increase or drop the charge weight by 0.1 grains, to obtain the goal velocity. ALL the projectiles I've tried group better than I can shoot, even from a bench. Until my shooting skills take a huge leap forward, my choice of projectiles is largely a cost-driven decision. Sorry.

mxsailor803 · January 18, 2015, 03:25 PM

I shot USPSA in Fl for a couple of years and loved it. Have you ever looked at Xtreme Bullets? For the price of 500 lead, I was able to order 500 of there plated bullets. Now I can't give you any specific data since I shot .45acp with a 1911.

Just found the link: http://www.xtremebullets.com/9mm-s/9666.htm

Misssissippi Dave · January 18, 2015, 07:09 PM

I use AA5 powder (6.1 grains) with a 124 grain Montana Gold FMJ bullet. One thing to remember about shooting local USPSA matches. Most of the time they are not going to run your ammo through a chronograph for local level matches. As the level of the matches increases you will be required to prove your ammo meets the minimum power factor. You will need to ensure your ammo meets the minimum power factor if you are going to compete at higher levels. As long as it does meet the minimum power factor in your pistol you are good to go. I only shoot local matches but I still like to load my ammo to meet the requirements of higher level matches.

cavelamb · January 19, 2015, 07:47 AM

Second X-Treme.

I'm getting pretty great results using the 124g FP with 5 grains CFE Pistol powder and 1.150 coal.

While it's probably not really an issue, the Montana coated bullets left
color in the rifling of my pistol.

Urban_Redneck · January 19, 2015, 08:25 AM

I'm shooting 3.9gr TiteGroup with 125 gr coated lead (Blue Bullets). Some folks feel 147gr shoot "softer" I'm not sure I can tell the difference. Either bullet at 130 power factor will take steel down.

January 18, 2015, 12:53 PM	#1
Tony C Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 293	Question on Reloading 9mm for Local Competition First, let me say that this may be the wrong forum for this question, and if it is, feel free to lock or delete it. I put this into the Competition forum without a response so am hoping someone here will have suggestions: I am picking up a 9mm XD(M) for competing in USPSA and IDPA matches. Right now I reload .45 ACP using 230 grain LRN bullets for these matches. Looking at Oregon Trial Bullets, they cast 9mm in 124 gr. RN, 145 gr. RN, and 147 gr. FN. If you use lead 9mm bullets, which do you use? Thanks, Tony

January 18, 2015, 03:01 PM	#3
Kosh75287 Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 2007 Posts: 820	These are the loads I'VE piddled with. I use 4.0-4.4/Unique/147 L. I usually get the velocity I want (890 - 900 f/s) at 4.2 or 4.3gr. C.O.L ~ 1.145" I would expect to use similar charges for 145 grain slugs, unless they're jacketed. To get the velocity I want with jacketed vs. cast, I usually only have to increase charge weight by 0.1grain. For 125s, (cast) I use 5.4-5.8/Unique, and stop when I get velocity consistently over 1050 f/s (Usually, 5.5 - 5.7 gr.). C.O.L ~ 1.155" I don't use cast 115s, but I use Unique for that weight jacketed projectiles, and aim for 1100 f/s (for MY pistol, 5.9 or 6.0 grains). C.O.L ~ 1.15" I TRY to obtain velocities exceeding those needed for the 125 grains x 1000 f/s power floor by 2-5 %, in case the chronograph I use doesn't agree with the one used by the rangemaster(s). If your pistol barrel is over 4" long, you may get better velocities vs. pressure with Alliant Herco or AA#5. Charge weights with Herco are usually no more than 10% greater (and often less) than those for Unique. Last thing, AA#5 meters much more nicely than Unique or Herco, but I have access to a large quantity of the Alliant powders. OKAY, now that I've had enough coffee to read and understand, I haven't noticed much difference between projectiles of similar weights but different manufacturers, except occasionally I increase or drop the charge weight by 0.1 grains, to obtain the goal velocity. ALL the projectiles I've tried group better than I can shoot, even from a bench. Until my shooting skills take a huge leap forward, my choice of projectiles is largely a cost-driven decision. Sorry. __________________ GOD BLESS JEFF COOPER, whose instructions, consultations, and publications have probably saved more lives than can ever be reliably calculated. DVC, sir. انجلو. المسلحة. جاهزة. Carpe SCOTCH! Last edited by Kosh75287; January 18, 2015 at 03:39 PM. Reason: Missed the point.

January 18, 2015, 03:25 PM	#4
mxsailor803 Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2010 Location: SC Posts: 1,344	I shot USPSA in Fl for a couple of years and loved it. Have you ever looked at Xtreme Bullets? For the price of 500 lead, I was able to order 500 of there plated bullets. Now I can't give you any specific data since I shot .45acp with a 1911. Just found the link: http://www.xtremebullets.com/9mm-s/9666.htm Last edited by mxsailor803; January 18, 2015 at 03:28 PM. Reason: link attachment

January 19, 2015, 07:47 AM	#6
cavelamb Member Join Date: March 31, 2013 Posts: 52	Second X-Treme. I'm getting pretty great results using the 124g FP with 5 grains CFE Pistol powder and 1.150 coal. While it's probably not really an issue, the Montana coated bullets left color in the rifling of my pistol. __________________ Duct tape is like the force. It has a dark side, a light side, and hold the universe together. NRA Life Member

January 18, 2015, 02:11 PM	#2
9MMand223only Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2014 Posts: 283	I see these 2 brands alot in comps, they both shoot accuratly. https://precisiondelta.com/index.php...llet/9mm.html/ http://montanagoldbullet.com/index.p.../result/?q=9mm

January 18, 2015, 07:09 PM	#5
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	I use AA5 powder (6.1 grains) with a 124 grain Montana Gold FMJ bullet. One thing to remember about shooting local USPSA matches. Most of the time they are not going to run your ammo through a chronograph for local level matches. As the level of the matches increases you will be required to prove your ammo meets the minimum power factor. You will need to ensure your ammo meets the minimum power factor if you are going to compete at higher levels. As long as it does meet the minimum power factor in your pistol you are good to go. I only shoot local matches but I still like to load my ammo to meet the requirements of higher level matches. __________________ Views and opinions I express are not those of my employer or any of their customers.

January 19, 2015, 08:25 AM	#7
Urban_Redneck Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Posts: 73	I'm shooting 3.9gr TiteGroup with 125 gr coated lead (Blue Bullets). Some folks feel 147gr shoot "softer" I'm not sure I can tell the difference. Either bullet at 130 power factor will take steel down.