9mm FTEs

[ozark777]

I've reloaded several hundred 45 ACP with no issues, but my first full batch of 9mm didn't go so well.

I started with 10 to make sure I had everything right. All 10 fired nicely in my LC9.

So I came home and made a batch.

Load Data:
Bullet - 115 gr plated Round nosed HSM (.355)
Powder - Win 231
Powder Weight - 4.1 - 4.3 gr
O.A.L. - 1.095 - 1.105
Primers - Federal Small Pistol Match
Cases - New Remington

According to the Hornady manual, the load for win231 ranges from 4.1 to 4.7.
http://www.reloadammo.com has a tested load of 4.2gr with win231.

So this batch had about 90% FTE in every 9mm except the LC9.

Tried in freshly cleaned Glock 26, Glock 19, Ruger P89, and Ruger P95. Each gun went bang and made a pretty hole in the paper, but had an equal amount of FTE (~90%).

I loaded an LC9 mag and it cycled through all 7 just fine. In fact, the LC9 has never misfired, FTF, FTE any round....ever...

My thinking is that the LC9 recoil springs are lighter than the other 9mms and starting at the bottom of the load data isn't providing enough pressure to fully cycle the larger 9mm slides/recoil springs.

Is this a fair assumption or should I recheck my taper crimp? I didn't record the measurements, but I don't recall seeing anything outside of the specifications.

 

[Cheesewhiz]

Your little LC9 probably doesn't need to cycle as far back to eject the spent casing. Those other guns likely need to cycle farther back for a clean ejection. I don't get your reloading data, I use 4.6gr of 231/HP-38 for a 124gr bullet, your data seems awful weak for a 115gr bullet.

Added Note: I think I get it now after looking at your link, that's old data, 231 is now the same as HP-38, if you use old data look for the HP-38 loadings.

...or just get a newer manual.

 

[Iron Mike Golf]

Also, you are shooting a plated bullet. Use lead bullet load data, not jacketed. Hodgdon lists 4.2 to 4.8 gr of Hp-38/W231 for a 115 gr LRN bullet.

Hornady #8 (from 2010) lists 4.1 to 4.7 gr W231 for a 115 gr XTP.

As to the data at the link you provided, the references used are from more than 15 years ago and was last updated 6 years ago. And one can't tell which loads were updated when. Powder formulations and performance do change over time. Especially when that is measured in decades.

Another thing is don't expect a starting charge to function in every auto loader.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

My opinion is for a semi-automatic gun; increase the charge until you get reliable operation. Every bullet and powder combination will be slightly different. You want to find that place where the gun works reliably and is still under Max pressure. What is optimum for one gun may or may not be optimum for a different gun. If your goal is to find a load for all of your guns start with the gun that is hardest to cycle but realize that the other guns will be taking somewhat of a beating. :D

 

[Twoboxer]

Using 116gr FMJRN, I had to go to 4.5gr of 231/HP38 to get reliable cycling and the 4.7gr test was more accurate in my S&W M&P9FS, so I suspect you need to bump up the charge a bit.

Side note 1: These loads do not toss the ejected case as far as Blazer Brass factory.

Side note 2: These rounds leave a LOT more to clean up inside my M&P9 than they do in my CZ85. So I'm thinking at least some folks who think that 231/HP38 isn't clean burning would find it is clean in a different pistol.