Reloading question . 9mm

[Target]

I'm in process of reloading 9mm . i've only loaded 40 or so rounds in the past as test loads.

I'm using Unique and Montana Gold bullets. Using the load data from Alliant, max charge is 6 grains. 5 grains fills the case to the brim.

I have not tried tapping the case to get it to settle / compact.

Is this normal?
I do not remember what powder I used last time but don't think it was as full as with Unique.

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

I typically fill the case to the top and use a butter knife to level it off to maintain charge consistency.

Just kidding. I don't have an answer for this but find it confusing that a less than max charge tops off the case. I don't load pistol but rifle loads I've made don't typically get anywhere near the top of the case.

 

[kev74]

What bullet weight?

 

[kev74]

Another question - what is the "start" load?

I usually get good accuracy at close to start loads in pistols.

 

[togmaster]

Check your scale

 

[Target]

115 gr FMJ bulets.
Aliant does not list a min / max charge just a charge of 6 grains

I'll weigh a handfull of bullets to determine if they read approx 115 gr. Its a digital Lyman scale.

 

[kev74]

This is from the Lee book.

Start weight of 5.1 gr. Never exceed =5.5 gr.

 

[thegatman]

make sure its grains not grams.

 

[tlj000]

Yea 5g of unique takes up a lot of space.
I only have a couple of notes for unique in 9mm. I was working on some lite loads for my wife. 147g copper jacket RN and 3.6 of Unique functioned her 1911 okay but that was only 10 rounds

 

[misunderestimated]

I may of missed other post, but welcome to reloading.
If you load to heavy you can have a problem with an over charge
if you load to light you can have a problem with over pressure.
If you don't push far enough you can have a problem with over pressure
if you push too far you can have a problem with over charge All of these can result in what's been innocently named a KABOOM, but a correct name is to call it is catastrophic failure. there are thousands of images of destroyed guns and destroyed hands .

Every thing we do has a recipe that should be followed to the T and then audited to confirm its correct.

I load out of necessity to have consistent loads.

Bee careful

And although they are outdated there is nothing more secure then using a beam scale you just calibrated your self

Also not all powders are equal

 

[spat]

Yea 5g of unique takes up a lot of space.
I only have a couple of notes for unique in 9mm. I was working on some lite loads for my wife. 147g copper jacket RN and 3.6 of Unique functioned her 1911 okay but that was only 10 rounds

5g is 5 grams. 5gr is 5 grains.

5g is approx 77gr.

 

[Target]

I recalibrated the scale using the brass standard that came with it. Looks better now at 3/4 full.
I didnt want a compressed load.

It's interesting that the manufacturer says to use 6gr and the Lee book says 5.1 to 5.5

I asked about loading to the max charge for general purpose ammo both 9mm an 223 on a reloading forum.
A bunch of them inferred that I'd loose a finger .

In pretty sure I loaded 15 rounds at 5.1 5.2 and 5.4 last time and the lower charges stovepiped.

 

[Tisto]

Typically, when a powder manufacturer releases load data that only shows one charge weight, that charge weight is the MAX and STARTING loads are to be reduced by 10%. Reading the data closely will explain this. Data like this is usually limited. More extensive data can be found in established reloading manuals from any of the big name manufacturers.

Forgive my ignorance, but I want to believe that the bullets you mentioned ( Montana Gold ) - are those not LEAD or PLATED LEAD bullets ? Load data for JACKETED bullets differs a great deal from data for LEAD bullets. Make sure you are using the correct data.

CHECK YOUR SCALE. THEN CHECK IT AGAIN.

Double check that you have the correct powder and cases ( sometimes people accidentally attempt to load a .380 auto case thinking it is a 9mm para.)

 

[Robin]

Scales are like dealing with the Russians. "Trust but Verify".
Robin

 

[fresch]

5.0 with 115fmj from Everglades

 

[Target]

I'm going with 5.0 of Unique with these.

 

[togmaster]

I'm going with 5.0 of Unique with these.

Why? Not saying you are wrong but there is a method to determining a load. Not just reading load data ( which is a good thing). Your first step should be to determine optimal OAL based on you specific projectile and the chamber of you gun. Once you establish what will feed and shoot reliably then tweak the load (and oal ) for accuracy.

 

[spat]

I recalibrated the scale using the brass standard that came with it. Looks better now at 3/4 full.
I didnt want a compressed load.

It's interesting that the manufacturer says to use 6gr and the Lee book says 5.1 to 5.5

I asked about loading to the max charge for general purpose ammo both 9mm an 223 on a reloading forum.
A bunch of them inferred that I'd loose a finger .

In pretty sure I loaded 15 rounds at 5.1 5.2 and 5.4 last time and the lower charges stovepiped.

I recalibrate my scale *every* time I use it.

I do not trust that is hasn't gotten screwed up while sitting there for a few weeks.

 

[repete]

Typically, when a powder manufacturer releases load data that only shows one charge weight, that charge weight is the MAX and STARTING loads are to be reduced by 10%. Reading the data closely will explain this. Data like this is usually limited. More extensive data can be found in established reloading manuals from any of the big name manufacturers.

Forgive my ignorance, but I want to believe that the bullets you mentioned ( Montana Gold ) - are those not LEAD or PLATED LEAD bullets ? Load data for JACKETED bullets differs a great deal from data for LEAD bullets. Make sure you are using the correct data.

CHECK YOUR SCALE. THEN CHECK IT AGAIN.

Double check that you have the correct powder and cases ( sometimes people accidentally attempt to load a .380 auto case thinking it is a 9mm para.)

All true, also there is some 9mm brass out there that has a sleeve inside the case that reduces the volume (it would also prevent bullet set back). I suppose that they save money by using a smaller powder charge. I believe the name in question is MAXX but really not sure as I haven't run a batch of 9's for a few years now.

 

[Tisto]

While I'm not familiar with your particular electronic scale, the one I use [ PACT ] needs to warm up before use to reach it's accuracy potential. I urge everyone to read the owners manual closely, and use a balance beam scale to cross-check the accuracy of them.

 

[misunderestimated]

I recalibrated the scale using the brass standard that came with it. Looks better now at 3/4 full.

You know Spat made a good point. I assumed everyone trued there scale before a reloading session , Calibrate your scale.

First thing I do is tap on my power drop to make sure its not wet or moist ,I calibrate my beam scale , I zero my digital calipers, I run a couple of rounds thru to test and confirm my power drop is dead nut on . And I will still audit my powder drop after a while , Pull one out scale it, put it back in