Really light 9mm loads


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9MonkeyMonkey
May 18, 2003, 12:29 AM
I'm loading up some really wimpy 9mm loads with 100gr WCP bullets and Titegroup. This is for a revolver for target and steel shooting. How low do you think I can go without having to worry about sticking a bullet in the barrel? I use 3gr of Titegroup with a 147gr WCP for a light load that will is reliable in all my semi-autos. Would 3gr be ok for a starting point to work up from with the 100gr bullets or should I move up a little more? Thanks.

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Sunray
May 18, 2003, 12:35 AM
Don't go below the minimum in your manual. It creates a whole bunch of problems. It's far more important to have an accurate and reliable load for your pistol than a super light load. For anything.

444
May 18, 2003, 12:39 AM
Give it a try. Keep going lower until you stick a bullet. Getting it out is no big deal. Then you know.
Take into account whether the gun is dirty or clean when testing. Obviously a dirty bore will take more powder to push the bullet through than a nice slick clean bore.

I noticed that in the latest Dillon catalog, they are selling a neat looking rod to knock out squibs. I am going to get one. I have knocked out squibs with dowels, muzzle loader ram rods, screwdrivers, cleaning rods, and even one time a stick from a tree. But I am going to start carrying this Dillon rod in my range bag.

Longbow
May 19, 2003, 01:24 AM
My experience with super light load w/ the 9mm is very disappointing as far as accuracy goes! I loaded 2.5 gr of Clays under a 115gr Westcoast bullet and the accuracy was not too encouraging (3" @ 25 yards). I bumped my load to 3.2gr, its still below its standard velocity, but the accuracy had much improved(1" @ 25 yards). I don't know the reason why, its just how it was. Maybe Titegroup will give different performance. Good Luck!

P.S.
My gun is a built-up 9mm 1911 with a fitted Kart match barell.

Fed168
May 19, 2003, 07:24 AM
I think the lightest I have gone is either 3.4 or 3.6 grains of Titegroup behind a 115 grain FMJ. Definately don't want to limpwrist it. The load gives enough ummph to cycle the gun and that's about it.

Accuracy wise, it worked.

Zak Smith
May 19, 2003, 11:10 AM
Here's a thread on TFL that summarizes my experience with light 9x19 loads, but for an auto.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=137462

I settled on 3.2gr VV-N320 with a 115gr West-Coast PRN. Sorry, I don't have any accuracy data, since this was intended for a new shooter at 7 yards. This will run CZ's, but not a BHP or Glock.

-z

9MonkeyMonkey
May 21, 2003, 01:12 AM
Thanks for the ideas guys. Sounds like I'm going to have to experiment a bit. Will have to see if I can get it shoot accurately or not.

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