Powder for 9 mm 147gr loads

Wheeljack · April 12, 2017, 02:20 PM

I've been using HP-38 with my Lee powder measure. With the heavy 147gr plated bullet I use, I think HS-6 is better but it leaks out of my Lee powder measure. So I guess a fine powder is not what I want. I'm thinking about WSF, the new Winchester 572, AA no.7 or Sport Pistol. The staggering amount of missing information is horrible. Contradictory information is not much better. So on my quest for the perfect powder for my 9mm, 147gr, plated loads, I seek your thoughts and insight. Thanks

ShootistPRS · April 12, 2017, 03:06 PM

A better powder measure might be your best choice. Using double based (ball) powders your measure might not be reliable. I would suggest the RCBS Uniflow measure as it is what I have used for the past 20 - 30 years. Before that I used the Lyman 55 measure and before that I used the Lee powder dippers and some custom dippers that I made.

Dufus · April 12, 2017, 03:22 PM

Try VV N340. If you like it as much as I do, then you are all set for a while.

I have tried prolly 10 different powders in the 9 and finally told myself this is the one.

A bonus is that it fills the case so no worries about double charge.

Wheeljack · April 12, 2017, 03:50 PM

That sounds like good advice, and it is. But, I have put too much time into my Lee "Perfect" measure to give up just yet. I just honed the rotor surfaces to a better, smoother fit, I have adapted it to fit the flaring die so I can flare and charge the case with the same die and I added a second lever for better control. It will probably work pretty well with a finer powder now, but why take the chance. I don't have a "den" to do my reloading so I have to keep my work area clean. If it doesn't work out at least I have a place to look. Thanks

muncie21 · April 12, 2017, 05:22 PM

Here's some other choices.

rock185 · April 14, 2017, 05:37 PM

Hello and welcome Wheeljack, Like Dufus, I have used a Bunch of powders in the 9. I'd have to go through many years of chronograph notes to even try to accurately list them all. I have used the ones you mentioned, other than 572 and Sport pistol. I think you should use whatever powder best produces the results you're trying to achieve. Hope that Lee "Perfect" powder measure does not continue to be an impediment. I was given a little Lee press and decided to use it for some of my real low volume reloading. Tried the "perfect" powder measure. An exercise in frustration. I switched to the Auto-Disk, which has worked better for me. Still very glad I Don't have to use the Lee stuff much. I used the RCBS powder measure for years before starting to use Dillon equipment. Don't know about current production, but my old RCBS measure worked flawlessly for years. BTW, I preferred the medium speed HS-6 over the faster HP-38 for my reloading too.

Fine Figure of a Man · April 14, 2017, 07:10 PM

I like VV340 a lot, just wish it wasn't so expensive.

SHR970 · April 14, 2017, 11:18 PM

AA#7.

The original powder was developed for use in Uzi 158 gr (not a typo on the weight) 9 mm ammo for use in the Uzi carbine. It works very well for the heavies and in my opinion is the best of the powders listed by the OP excluding the new ones that I haven't tried yet. There is a reason I buy 8 lb jugs of it.

ShootistPRS · April 15, 2017, 01:59 AM

Blue Dot, Power Pistol and Viht 3N37 are the top performers with AA #7 a very close second to 3N37. AA #7 is about the slowest powder useful with the Sierra 124 grain class bullets.

zeke · April 15, 2017, 05:30 PM

Another AA-7 user for full power 147 jacketed 9mm loads. Prefer to use Fed 200 sp mag primers. However have never tried it with plated bullets.

PPGMD · April 15, 2017, 05:50 PM

What are you using the loads for? Most competitive shooters use Titegroup or N320 with a 147gr bullet.

Jim Watson · April 15, 2017, 06:06 PM

I use HP38 for all 9mm.

There is a lot of Titegroup burned even with heavy bullets.
There are some very strange things happening with PCCs, too.

PPGMD · April 15, 2017, 10:02 PM

I'm using Autocomp and a 115gr bullet with my PCC.

Wheeljack · April 16, 2017, 10:28 AM

I'm not into competition at my age. I load for a number of guns from a revolver to a carbine. Looking for a powder for all of them. I also use it for SD loads. I like the way HP-38 flows in my Lee powder measure, but reading a lot of posts, it seems this powder is too fast for my 147gr plated bullets. From the reply's it looks like most reloaders agree. That said, I'm interested in looking at the new Win 572 as it is in that same burn rate area. Now that I have found a good load with my HP-38, it's time to try another powder and another challenge.

Metal god · April 16, 2017, 11:49 AM

Heavy for caliber bullets do better with slower for caliber powders . I use WSF with my 147gr PLHP which works quite well . I also use HS.6 and CFE pistol . Any powders in those burn rates will be optimal when shooting 147gr bullets in 9mm

Burn rate chart
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/...rn-rate-chart/

Nick_C_S · April 16, 2017, 02:14 PM

Quote:

It (AA#7) works very well for the heavies and in my opinion is the best of the powders listed by the OP

When I read the title of the OP, AA#7 was the first propellant than popped in my head.

Wheeljack · April 16, 2017, 04:41 PM

From all the info and my inclination, I'm going to try the Win 572, if I can find some. In the Hodgdon Burn Rate chart, 572, Blue Dot and AA #7 are listed numbers 50,51 and 52. It may be a while, but if I get to loading with the 572, I get back with my thought on the power. Thanks all.

skinnedknuckles · April 16, 2017, 05:17 PM

You might also take a look at Longshot. I've been pretty happy using it with 147gr plated RN bullets from X-treme. 4.5 gr of Longshot got me 950 fps from a Taurus PT-99 5" barrel. (Typical disclaimer about working up loads in your gun.)

HiBC · April 17, 2017, 12:30 PM

So far I have been shooting cheapo whitebox 9mm from wally world.
I intend to load 147's.
Looking at the Hogdon site,top vel in posted loads is 1007 with max load of Longshot.
I understand other factors besides velocity come into play.

A significant difference in accuracy,burning dirty,finicky ignition,and blinding muzzle flash would all matter.

Any more feedback on Longshot?

Metal god · April 17, 2017, 01:39 PM

Quote:

A significant difference in accuracy,burning dirty,finicky ignition,and blinding muzzle flash would all matter.

Yep you're going to get all that or at least there's a good chance of it with Longshot as well as a very loud report . IMO Longshot and the like may be a bit slow for the application . I have some but never tried it in the 9mm . Maybe I'll give it a go and see how it does with the 147gr pills . I would and do stick in the CFE , HS-6 burn rate area for the heavy 9mm bullets .

zeke · April 17, 2017, 06:01 PM

Am using AA-7 for 357 mag, 9mm, .40 s@w and 45 acp. For heavier loads and jacketed hollow points. It does leave burned (yellow) grains behind but minimal carbon.

April 12, 2017, 02:20 PM	#1
Wheeljack Junior Member Join Date: April 11, 2017 Posts: 12	Powder for 9 mm 147gr loads I've been using HP-38 with my Lee powder measure. With the heavy 147gr plated bullet I use, I think HS-6 is better but it leaks out of my Lee powder measure. So I guess a fine powder is not what I want. I'm thinking about WSF, the new Winchester 572, AA no.7 or Sport Pistol. The staggering amount of missing information is horrible. Contradictory information is not much better. So on my quest for the perfect powder for my 9mm, 147gr, plated loads, I seek your thoughts and insight. Thanks

April 14, 2017, 05:37 PM	#6
rock185 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2001 Location: Out West in Rim Country Posts: 1,093	Hello and welcome Wheeljack, Like Dufus, I have used a Bunch of powders in the 9. I'd have to go through many years of chronograph notes to even try to accurately list them all. I have used the ones you mentioned, other than 572 and Sport pistol. I think you should use whatever powder best produces the results you're trying to achieve. Hope that Lee "Perfect" powder measure does not continue to be an impediment. I was given a little Lee press and decided to use it for some of my real low volume reloading. Tried the "perfect" powder measure. An exercise in frustration. I switched to the Auto-Disk, which has worked better for me. Still very glad I Don't have to use the Lee stuff much. I used the RCBS powder measure for years before starting to use Dillon equipment. Don't know about current production, but my old RCBS measure worked flawlessly for years. BTW, I preferred the medium speed HS-6 over the faster HP-38 for my reloading too. __________________ COTEP 640, NRA Life

April 16, 2017, 11:49 AM	#15
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	Heavy for caliber bullets do better with slower for caliber powders . I use WSF with my 147gr PLHP which works quite well . I also use HS.6 and CFE pistol . Any powders in those burn rates will be optimal when shooting 147gr bullets in 9mm Burn rate chart http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/...rn-rate-chart/ __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

April 12, 2017, 03:06 PM	#2
ShootistPRS Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2017 Posts: 1,583	A better powder measure might be your best choice. Using double based (ball) powders your measure might not be reliable. I would suggest the RCBS Uniflow measure as it is what I have used for the past 20 - 30 years. Before that I used the Lyman 55 measure and before that I used the Lee powder dippers and some custom dippers that I made.

April 12, 2017, 03:22 PM	#3
Dufus Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2014 Posts: 1,965	Try VV N340. If you like it as much as I do, then you are all set for a while. I have tried prolly 10 different powders in the 9 and finally told myself this is the one. A bonus is that it fills the case so no worries about double charge.

April 12, 2017, 03:50 PM	#4
Wheeljack Junior Member Join Date: April 11, 2017 Posts: 12	That sounds like good advice, and it is. But, I have put too much time into my Lee "Perfect" measure to give up just yet. I just honed the rotor surfaces to a better, smoother fit, I have adapted it to fit the flaring die so I can flare and charge the case with the same die and I added a second lever for better control. It will probably work pretty well with a finer powder now, but why take the chance. I don't have a "den" to do my reloading so I have to keep my work area clean. If it doesn't work out at least I have a place to look. Thanks

April 12, 2017, 05:22 PM	#5
muncie21 Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Posts: 40	Here's some other choices.

April 14, 2017, 07:10 PM	#7
Fine Figure of a Man Member Join Date: October 15, 2016 Posts: 64	I like VV340 a lot, just wish it wasn't so expensive.

April 14, 2017, 11:18 PM	#8
SHR970 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2011 Posts: 1,427	AA#7. The original powder was developed for use in Uzi 158 gr (not a typo on the weight) 9 mm ammo for use in the Uzi carbine. It works very well for the heavies and in my opinion is the best of the powders listed by the OP excluding the new ones that I haven't tried yet. There is a reason I buy 8 lb jugs of it.

April 15, 2017, 01:59 AM	#9
ShootistPRS Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2017 Posts: 1,583	Blue Dot, Power Pistol and Viht 3N37 are the top performers with AA #7 a very close second to 3N37. AA #7 is about the slowest powder useful with the Sierra 124 grain class bullets.

April 15, 2017, 05:30 PM	#10
zeke Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 1999 Location: NW Wi Posts: 1,671	Another AA-7 user for full power 147 jacketed 9mm loads. Prefer to use Fed 200 sp mag primers. However have never tried it with plated bullets.

April 15, 2017, 05:50 PM	#11
PPGMD Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Posts: 348	What are you using the loads for? Most competitive shooters use Titegroup or N320 with a 147gr bullet.

April 15, 2017, 06:06 PM	#12
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	I use HP38 for all 9mm. There is a lot of Titegroup burned even with heavy bullets. There are some very strange things happening with PCCs, too.

April 15, 2017, 10:02 PM	#13
PPGMD Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Posts: 348	I'm using Autocomp and a 115gr bullet with my PCC.

April 16, 2017, 10:28 AM	#14
Wheeljack Junior Member Join Date: April 11, 2017 Posts: 12	I'm not into competition at my age. I load for a number of guns from a revolver to a carbine. Looking for a powder for all of them. I also use it for SD loads. I like the way HP-38 flows in my Lee powder measure, but reading a lot of posts, it seems this powder is too fast for my 147gr plated bullets. From the reply's it looks like most reloaders agree. That said, I'm interested in looking at the new Win 572 as it is in that same burn rate area. Now that I have found a good load with my HP-38, it's time to try another powder and another challenge.

April 16, 2017, 04:41 PM	#17
Wheeljack Junior Member Join Date: April 11, 2017 Posts: 12	From all the info and my inclination, I'm going to try the Win 572, if I can find some. In the Hodgdon Burn Rate chart, 572, Blue Dot and AA #7 are listed numbers 50,51 and 52. It may be a while, but if I get to loading with the 572, I get back with my thought on the power. Thanks all.

April 16, 2017, 05:17 PM	#18
skinnedknuckles Member Join Date: March 30, 2015 Posts: 43	You might also take a look at Longshot. I've been pretty happy using it with 147gr plated RN bullets from X-treme. 4.5 gr of Longshot got me 950 fps from a Taurus PT-99 5" barrel. (Typical disclaimer about working up loads in your gun.)

April 17, 2017, 12:30 PM	#19
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,288	So far I have been shooting cheapo whitebox 9mm from wally world. I intend to load 147's. Looking at the Hogdon site,top vel in posted loads is 1007 with max load of Longshot. I understand other factors besides velocity come into play. A significant difference in accuracy,burning dirty,finicky ignition,and blinding muzzle flash would all matter. Any more feedback on Longshot?

April 17, 2017, 06:01 PM	#21
zeke Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 1999 Location: NW Wi Posts: 1,671	Am using AA-7 for 357 mag, 9mm, .40 s@w and 45 acp. For heavier loads and jacketed hollow points. It does leave burned (yellow) grains behind but minimal carbon.