What weight?

poline · September 4, 2011, 11:55 PM

I just brought 100 rds .356 dia lead bullets and the seller said they were 120 gain weight, but when I got home I weighted them to find out that they were 117.5 gain. My intent is to use them for a 9mm lead target load and still intend on during so, question is what weight?
My manual list 115 gain lead, copper plated and Jacketed loads. The next up is 120 gain Jacketed, then 124 gain Jacketed and 124 gain lead.
How much difference can 2.5 gains make if I use 115 gain lead data?
Do I dare use the 120 gain Jacketed or 124 gain jacketed vs 124 gain lead if I use just the starter loads?
I know the book says use the next higher weight for the type of bullet one is using but I don't like the speeds I'm looking for a lower speed.
The person who makes these uses an old Serria manual, but I can not find any data on 120 gain lead.
This is another one of the times, when I'm hoping the forum will teach and enlighten me.
Any response or comment would be greatly appreciated.
THANK YOU

Brian Pfleuger · September 5, 2011, 12:00 AM

Were it me, I'd use the 115gr lead data and feel perfectly safe.... eh, check that. I know what I'd do.... I'd plot a graph using listed load data and figure out where the data point for 117.5gr would be...

That would be entirely OCD and unnecessary though.

Using the 115gr lead data would be fine or just go half way between the 115gr lead and 124gr lead if you feel safer.

What powder are you using?

NWPilgrim · September 5, 2011, 12:33 AM

The safest thing is to use the load data for the next heavier bullet. If you look through the load tables you will notice that in general, the lighter the bullet the more powder is specified.

BUT, in this instance the difference between 115, 117 gr is so small that I would not worry about it either way. If you use the 124 gr lead data that would be even safer. Whichever data you use, start with the start load weight and work up from there.

poline · September 5, 2011, 12:46 AM

I will use Accur # 2 as it is the slowest fps.
Fdllows THANK YOU, very much.

poline · September 5, 2011, 01:57 AM

Opps, make that ( fellows)

TXGunNut · September 5, 2011, 02:08 AM

115 data, just back off .3-.5 grains. Or check out the new Lyman CB handbook. Seems they like different powders for the 120 gr boolits.

poline · September 6, 2011, 03:39 AM

ok thanks

September 4, 2011, 11:55 PM	#1
poline Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2009 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 292	What weight? I just brought 100 rds .356 dia lead bullets and the seller said they were 120 gain weight, but when I got home I weighted them to find out that they were 117.5 gain. My intent is to use them for a 9mm lead target load and still intend on during so, question is what weight? My manual list 115 gain lead, copper plated and Jacketed loads. The next up is 120 gain Jacketed, then 124 gain Jacketed and 124 gain lead. How much difference can 2.5 gains make if I use 115 gain lead data? Do I dare use the 120 gain Jacketed or 124 gain jacketed vs 124 gain lead if I use just the starter loads? I know the book says use the next higher weight for the type of bullet one is using but I don't like the speeds I'm looking for a lower speed. The person who makes these uses an old Serria manual, but I can not find any data on 120 gain lead. This is another one of the times, when I'm hoping the forum will teach and enlighten me. Any response or comment would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU

September 5, 2011, 12:00 AM	#2
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,694	Were it me, I'd use the 115gr lead data and feel perfectly safe.... eh, check that. I know what I'd do.... I'd plot a graph using listed load data and figure out where the data point for 117.5gr would be... That would be entirely OCD and unnecessary though. Using the 115gr lead data would be fine or just go half way between the 115gr lead and 124gr lead if you feel safer. What powder are you using? __________________ https://ecommercearms.com I am the owner/operator! Ask me for custom prices! No sales tax outside CO!

September 5, 2011, 12:33 AM	#3
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,357	The safest thing is to use the load data for the next heavier bullet. If you look through the load tables you will notice that in general, the lighter the bullet the more powder is specified. BUT, in this instance the difference between 115, 117 gr is so small that I would not worry about it either way. If you use the 124 gr lead data that would be even safer. Whichever data you use, start with the start load weight and work up from there. __________________ "The ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone. ... The advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation ... forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition." - James Madison

September 5, 2011, 12:46 AM	#4
poline Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2009 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 292	I will use Accur # 2 as it is the slowest fps. Fdllows THANK YOU, very much.

September 5, 2011, 01:57 AM	#5
poline Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2009 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 292	Opps, make that ( fellows)

September 5, 2011, 02:08 AM	#6
TXGunNut Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: If you have to ask... Posts: 2,860	115 data, just back off .3-.5 grains. Or check out the new Lyman CB handbook. Seems they like different powders for the 120 gr boolits.

September 6, 2011, 03:39 AM	#7
poline Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2009 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 292	ok thanks