9mm 147g OAL issues

Bravo1 · March 1, 2017, 04:10 PM

I'm trying to reload 9mm 147g bullets however due to the size of the bullet, it's causing the casing to bulge just enough that it fails the plunk test. The 147g is .661 while 115g (which I typically reload) is .553.

I tried backing off the OAL to 1.169 however it's still getting stuck in the barrel.

These are Xtreme RN 147g bullets in once fired brass.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

ShootistPRS · March 1, 2017, 04:30 PM

The diameter of the bullet should be the same so you are either loading them too long or bulging the case by not flaring the case enough to seat the bullet straight.
The Speer 147 grain bullet has a listed OAL of 1.13 and the same bullet in the Lyman manual lists an OAL of 1.115.
The first step is to find out if your problem is a bulged case or the loaded length. If the case is bulged then you need to fix that first. You can add a bit of flare and start seating the bullet drop the ram and turn the case 180 degrees and finish seating the bullet to see if that gets rid of the bulge.
If it is the length of the case then adjust your seating stem down 1/4 turn at a time until it seats in the chamber under gravity.

TheGuyOfSouthamerica · March 1, 2017, 04:57 PM

Adjusted Minimum powder charge calculations for reduced OAL: 9x19 OAL 1.030"

I posted it here originally https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=584046

Vitha Vhiouri states 4.4 grain minimum powder for VV N330 using an 124 grain LSWC (I assume this is some sort of Trucated Cone. Which I am using) in the 9 mm Luger for an OAL of 1.142".

My OAL is 1.030".

So I saw on another forum an calculation to adjust minimum powder weight for reduced OAL.
Like this:
4.4 grain VV N330 divided 1.142" OAL multiplied my own reduced OAL of 1.030" = New minimum powder charge for the reduced OAL (deep seated bullet).

4.4 / 1.142 * 1.030 = 3.96 grains of N330.

Is this calculation correct?

The Lee 0.5 powder measure dipper gives me (scraped of) 3.8 grain to 3.9 grain of powder by volumen. The Water weight of the powder space in the case is 6.3 grains.

Bravo1 · March 1, 2017, 06:19 PM

Ok, found out what was the issue. It's the GemTech threaded barrels I just got. Turns out the barrel internal diameter is .378 while the factory Beretta 9mm is .388. Just enough that the bullets won't plunk or fit properly. Darn-dest thing! Guess I'll have to send it back for a new one.

Mobuck · March 1, 2017, 07:52 PM

Try a different brand of brass.

March 1, 2017, 04:10 PM	#1
Bravo1 Member Join Date: March 27, 2016 Location: Issaquah, WA Posts: 35	9mm 147g OAL issues I'm trying to reload 9mm 147g bullets however due to the size of the bullet, it's causing the casing to bulge just enough that it fails the plunk test. The 147g is .661 while 115g (which I typically reload) is .553. I tried backing off the OAL to 1.169 however it's still getting stuck in the barrel. These are Xtreme RN 147g bullets in once fired brass. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

March 1, 2017, 04:57 PM	#3
TheGuyOfSouthamerica Junior member Join Date: September 10, 2016 Posts: 846	Adjusted Minimum powder charge calculations for reduced OAL: 9x19 OAL 1.030" Adjusted Minimum powder charge calculations for reduced OAL: 9x19 OAL 1.030" I posted it here originally https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=584046 Vitha Vhiouri states 4.4 grain minimum powder for VV N330 using an 124 grain LSWC (I assume this is some sort of Trucated Cone. Which I am using) in the 9 mm Luger for an OAL of 1.142". My OAL is 1.030". So I saw on another forum an calculation to adjust minimum powder weight for reduced OAL. Like this: 4.4 grain VV N330 divided 1.142" OAL multiplied my own reduced OAL of 1.030" = New minimum powder charge for the reduced OAL (deep seated bullet). 4.4 / 1.142 * 1.030 = 3.96 grains of N330. Is this calculation correct? The Lee 0.5 powder measure dipper gives me (scraped of) 3.8 grain to 3.9 grain of powder by volumen. The Water weight of the powder space in the case is 6.3 grains.

March 1, 2017, 04:30 PM	#2
ShootistPRS Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2017 Posts: 1,583	The diameter of the bullet should be the same so you are either loading them too long or bulging the case by not flaring the case enough to seat the bullet straight. The Speer 147 grain bullet has a listed OAL of 1.13 and the same bullet in the Lyman manual lists an OAL of 1.115. The first step is to find out if your problem is a bulged case or the loaded length. If the case is bulged then you need to fix that first. You can add a bit of flare and start seating the bullet drop the ram and turn the case 180 degrees and finish seating the bullet to see if that gets rid of the bulge. If it is the length of the case then adjust your seating stem down 1/4 turn at a time until it seats in the chamber under gravity.

March 1, 2017, 06:19 PM	#4
Bravo1 Member Join Date: March 27, 2016 Location: Issaquah, WA Posts: 35	Ok, found out what was the issue. It's the GemTech threaded barrels I just got. Turns out the barrel internal diameter is .378 while the factory Beretta 9mm is .388. Just enough that the bullets won't plunk or fit properly. Darn-dest thing! Guess I'll have to send it back for a new one.

March 1, 2017, 07:52 PM	#5
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	Try a different brand of brass.