9mm loads need work

Gitsum · January 21, 2012, 05:05 PM

Shot 3 batches of 25 in .38 special through my 686 4". Starting load was 3.5 gn Unique under a 158 cast TL, then 4.0 gns, then 4.4 gns. The 4.0 was the most accurate just beating out the 3.5 gn rounds. The 4.4 was the least accurate. I had almost no leading, and recoil was very nice. The gun was a bit dirty but that does not bother me much. I will stick with the 3.5 rounds for range use.

Then the CZ 75B (9mm) with 25 rounds of 120gn TC cast over 3.5 gns unique. I had no misfeeds and accuracy was very good. Almost no leading and not dirty at all. I do however have a VERY short OAL of about 1.062. I could not get them to full battery or to feed properly at longer lengths.

Next was the 9mm STI 1911 with the same load as the CZ. I had one FTE,and the accuracy was TERRIBLE! At 12yds I was getting about 5-6" groups! (I did not use a rest for any shooting) Im wondering if I should use a longer OAL or more powder, or both? Im thinking more powder due to the FTE but will that help the accuracy or would a longer OAL help that also? Thoughts?

Overall Im very pleased with my first batches, just have to tune in this STI.

chris in va · January 21, 2012, 05:53 PM

I have to load my 125RF boolit to 1.01oal in my CZ before it will chamber. You're not kidding about the short leade.

As for your STI, could be an OAL issue, and you might want to slug the barrel as well. It may prefer a 358 like my CZ.

Gitsum · January 21, 2012, 05:57 PM

Ahhhhh... I was so concerned about my loads and loading I didnt even think of bullet diameter.

Slugging the barrel will likely get done soon.

Gitsum · January 22, 2012, 10:05 AM

January 21, 2012, 05:05 PM	#1
Gitsum Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2011 Location: Delawhere? Posts: 146	9mm loads need work Shot 3 batches of 25 in .38 special through my 686 4". Starting load was 3.5 gn Unique under a 158 cast TL, then 4.0 gns, then 4.4 gns. The 4.0 was the most accurate just beating out the 3.5 gn rounds. The 4.4 was the least accurate. I had almost no leading, and recoil was very nice. The gun was a bit dirty but that does not bother me much. I will stick with the 3.5 rounds for range use. Then the CZ 75B (9mm) with 25 rounds of 120gn TC cast over 3.5 gns unique. I had no misfeeds and accuracy was very good. Almost no leading and not dirty at all. I do however have a VERY short OAL of about 1.062. I could not get them to full battery or to feed properly at longer lengths. Next was the 9mm STI 1911 with the same load as the CZ. I had one FTE,and the accuracy was TERRIBLE! At 12yds I was getting about 5-6" groups! (I did not use a rest for any shooting) Im wondering if I should use a longer OAL or more powder, or both? Im thinking more powder due to the FTE but will that help the accuracy or would a longer OAL help that also? Thoughts? Overall Im very pleased with my first batches, just have to tune in this STI. Last edited by Gitsum; January 21, 2012 at 05:40 PM.

January 21, 2012, 05:53 PM	#2
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	I have to load my 125RF boolit to 1.01oal in my CZ before it will chamber. You're not kidding about the short leade. As for your STI, could be an OAL issue, and you might want to slug the barrel as well. It may prefer a 358 like my CZ.

January 21, 2012, 05:57 PM	#3
Gitsum Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2011 Location: Delawhere? Posts: 146	Ahhhhh... I was so concerned about my loads and loading I didnt even think of bullet diameter. Slugging the barrel will likely get done soon.

January 22, 2012, 10:05 AM	#4
Gitsum Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2011 Location: Delawhere? Posts: 146