[CajunBass]

I'm a long ago reloader returning to the game after a 15 year or so layoff. I don't have room here for a full scale setup, so for now I got a Lee hand press and dies, a handfull of other equipment. Planning on getting powder measure and scales in the next week or so. I'll be starting with 9mm since, I've got more 9mm guns than anything, and I've got about 500 rounds of 9mm brass saved up. Not much, but it's a start.

Here's the question. I've never reloaded for 9mm before. I was looking at the little chart that comes with the dies and I don't even recognize the names of any of these powders. Well a couple. I used Bullseye, Unique, and W231 (IIRC) in the past for 38/357, 44 special, and 45 acp. I see them on the list.

I'm mostly planning on loading 115 grain FMJ bullets. I figure I know Unique. Anything else you folks would recomend?

[Pilot]

I use HP38 for 9MM target loads. Its the same as W231.

[Galil5.56]

I love Unique for 9mm... Works well mild to wild, cast or jacketed. About the only downside might be that at max charge weights the case is very full, and powder can sling out if you work a progressive really fast/abruptly. Although it will not meter quite as well as ball propellants, I have never had a problem. HS-6, AA5, and Power Pistol have worked well for me too for full power service type loads, and WW231/HP38 as mentioned works great for target to std velocity loads.

I personally do not like to go any faster than WW231 or slower than HS-6 in 9mm for the most part.

[CajunBass]

You bring up something else there. Long ago, I used lead bullets for most everything. 38's, 44 (special load in mag cases), and 45 acp. They were commercial cast (Aardvark was the brand IIRC), and I never had any trouble with leading, but I know the 9mm is a higher velocity than those were. Do you cast your own bullets, or do you buy commercial cast?

[Galil5.56]

I cast 95% of my own bullets, the rest will be commercial. I really like mine best because I can easily control hardness/lube/diameter, which makes for better shooting.

Of what I mention, diameter is the biggest key for best accuracy, hardness a close second. For *me*, I size my "9mm" bullets no less than .357", and many times will go to .358". If the cartridge will chamber easily (with regard to diameter and OAL) then it will be fine. Bullet hardness needs to be rather high with 9mm, even with lighter loads because of how the case is built. Because of its very sharp internal taper, if the bullet is too soft it will swage down instead of bulging the case, and terrible accuracy/key holing will happen. If you do go the lead route, Unique and WW231 have been very good to me with mid-range type velocities.

[dakotasin]

i run power pistol in my 9mm w/ 115's and am very happy w/ it.

[33rowdy]

9mm with Unique and a 115 FMJ was my 1st straight wall load. I thought I was gonna have a hard time with it but it was nothing.

[Canuc Shooter]

Currwntly loading my 9s with W231 and a 124 HB FMJ, have no complaints with the groupings.

[depoloni]

I run a lot of cast 122gr truncated cone bullets in my 9mm CZ-75B and also my 5906. BHN of the bullets I use is approximately 21, and fairly consistent, cast by a local "old salt" who runs his own casting business.

I load 4.2gr of W231 at an OAL of 1.060" and get consistent velocities of about 1090fps. No leading whatsoever in either pistol at those velocities, although they're on the mild side. Upping to 4.5gr at same OAL delivers about 1150fps at same OAL and is about as hot as I push my cast loads in 9mm with "any" powder. My max for HS-6 loads is 6.4gr, same OAL, and I also load some Blue Dot up to a max of 7.6gr. HS-6 tops out at about 1190fps with the aforementioned load, while that Blue Dot max kicks the scales over at 1250fps. None of these loads (again, in my pistol) gives any lead to speak of after 20 rounds and only a few swipes worth after 100-ish rounds without swabbing.

Hope this helps.

[Walkalong]

The old standbys, W-231 and Unique, still work just great. AA #5 is also a long time favorite for 9MM which does very well. A couple of newer powders to consider are WSF and True Blue.

[lgbloader]

VV320 when you can find it, if not, Power pistol.