Reloading 9mm - Questions

[Wildman1024]

Now that I have done my 1st batch of 223, I would like to reload a batch of 9mm. I have a few questions though.

1. I have the Hornady book and it only shows hornady brand bullets. I choose to go with some Berry's 115GR FMJ-RN. Can I use the "COL" of 1.10" for the Hornady 115GR FMJ-RN that the book says?

2. Max case length is .754" and a trim length of .749". What is the min case length you can safely run?

3. I plan on using Power Pistol powder from Alliant. I went to their website to check their data. They are showing a MIN OAL of 1.125" for a 115gr bullet but my Hornady book says 1.10". Who do I believe???

 

[MilesTeg]

I hate giving a newb this answer but for 99% of applications you can use data for similar projectiles. It's a risk but using it for the overall you should be ok. Also you should pull the barrel for the pistol you intending to shoot it from and preform a plunk test. Google it if you aren't sure what it is I'm sure I will screw up explaining it.

As far as trimming don't worry about it with pistol ammo, there is no need.

For differing data I try to use the most conservative and start my charge small and work my way to the desired change. For the length I would go with the longer as long as it cycles well in your fire arm and passes the plunk test.

 

[Acer-m14]

do the berry bullets profile look the same as the book ? ... yes .. use that data then

have you watched some videos on doing straight cases ?? you have to bell (flare) the case so you can start the bullet ..

 

[Wildman1024]

do the berry bullets profile look the same as the book ? ... yes .. use that data then

have you watched some videos on doing straight cases ?? you have to bell (flare) the case so you can start the bullet ..

Yes I have been watching some videos on youtube etc. BTW thank you for the links.

The bullets I have look the same. Just standard 115gr round nose FMJ's.

 

[togmaster]

You will be fine with either oal you mentioned. It's more what you gun likes. Don't bother trimming pistol cases. I never did without any problems. As far as charge weight use @MilesTeg advise. Start low and ladder up.

 

[Acer-m14]

I'm making numbers up so don't use them .. there just to give you a idea ..

say the books says ... Min powder .. 15.2 , next is 15.6 , next is 16.0 .. next is 16.5 .. MAX is 17.0

don't forget to try the in between 15.4 // 15.7 .. 16.3 ect .. and see how different loads shoot and group with your gun .. it might like something that is in the odd measures ..

 

[kev74]

My guns tend to like the longest cartridges that will fit in the magazines. So I don't really worry about minimum overall length.

I have never trimmed a pistol case.

If you're loading a lead bullet, use a recepie for that weight lead bullet and start at the minimum charge and work your way up. If you're loading jacketed, use a recepie with that weight bullet and start at the minimum and work your way up.

For pistol cartridges, I typically shoot near minimum loads.

 

[cgrutt]

@Wildman1024 I have to check I might have some .223 and 9mm brass I can send your way, let me know if you need any. CG

 

[Darth]

1. Yes.

2. I've never measured or trimmed a pistol case ever.

3. I think I use 1.125 for 9mm, but either of those will be fine. Won't make a difference in 9mm unless you are pushing max.

 

[thegatman]

Berry’s bullets = use cast bullet specs.

 

[Wildman1024]

Berry’s bullets = use cast bullet specs.

But they are plated.

 

[togmaster]

But they are plated.

Plated or polymer coated use the same charge weight as lead to start.

 

[Wildman1024]

Plated or polymer coated use the same charge weight as lead to start.

I guess I'll have to find other data. No lead bullets in my Hornady book.

 

[kev74]

The Lee book and the Lyman books have lots of data for lead bullets.

 

[ManrisFrack]

FAQ - Berry's Manufacturing

I've looked into this issue too. There doesn't seem to be a hard and fast consensus. Some say you can use jacketed data for Berry's as long as you stay under the max velocity of 1250 fps. Some say stick to cast lead data.

Once thing I have seen mentioned is that Gold Dots actually have a plated jacket so that data should be good. I have no solid reference for that, just the interwebs so take that for what it's worth.

Lastly, not all plated bullets are equal. Even with Berry's they make bullets with differing plating thicknesses. Thicker jackets should handle higher pressures and velocities.

Whatever else you find or decide, I wouldn't use MAX charges for Power Pistol. The velocity is dangerously close to the velocity limit stated by Berry's.

 

[Wildman1024]

@Wildman1024 I have to check I might have some .223 and 9mm brass I can send your way, let me know if you need any. CG

If your not going to use it that would be great. I don't want to take away stuff you will use though.

I am actually in the need of some 357/38, 45-70 and 44 mag if anyone sees this.

 

[cgrutt]

I'll check tomorrow. I don't have any of the others.

 

[Wildman1024]

I'll check tomorrow. I don't have any of the others.

Thats ok. Thank you sir

 

[dwa12479]

Berry's are not FMJ, they are plated. There is a difference. You must use cast load data. I have a Lyman #49 book that I'm pretty sure has cast load data for Power Pistol. I'll dig it out tomorrow and post it if so, I plan on loading some 9mm in the morning anyway.

 

[Bulldog51]

The speer manual lists their 9mm TMJ (plated) 115gr bullet along with the 115gr GDHP data. The TMJ RN bullet is longer than the GDHP so COAL is a little longer. Not sure how thick their plating is or lead hardness compared to berry's. Do you have a chronograph to test your rounds with?

COAL 1.135" 6.2gr 1122 fps - 6.7gr 1212fps for power pistol.

 

[Wildman1024]

I have 250 9mm brass, washed and currently in the tumbler. Gonna load some up tonight. I found a recipe from someone using my exact same bullets and powder.

He is loading them at 6.2grains, 1.120 OAL and shooting from a 4.5" barrel. Average velocity of 1200fps.

I'm gonna load them 6.0 grains and 1.125" OAL.

I do not have a chrono but from all the reading and checking data over the last few days, this should keep me more than safe and have the action cycle OK.

 

[71velle]

I have loaded a lot of the Berrys 115 gr and use COL of 1.140. Very little load data for plates bullets, but always seem to end up above the middle of the FMJ loads. I do not load Power Pistol but a friend does with plated 115 grain bullets and he loads 6.0 grains and says 5.8 grains is ok too.

 

[Darth]

I have 250 9mm brass, washed and currently in the tumbler. Gonna load some up tonight. I found a recipe from someone using my exact same bullets and powder.

He is loading them at 6.2grains, 1.120 OAL and shooting from a 4.5" barrel. Average velocity of 1200fps.

I'm gonna load them 6.0 grains and 1.125" OAL.

I do not have a chrono but from all the reading and checking data over the last few days, this should keep me more than safe and have the action cycle OK.

If you ever need some hands on help reloading, don't hesitate to ask. I'll be right up.

 

[SteyrAug]

9 mil is so cheap I can't be bothered reloading it.

 

[HighlandLofts]

The 38 caliber plated berry bullets I bought had a max velocity of 1,200 fps.
Faster then that they will fowl.up the barrel.