9mm loads with Win231

[arkieron]

I have just started loading 125 grain cast 9mm loads on my lee turret. I have started with .32 disc which I believe gives me 3.4 grains with 231. Would the .34 disc give a more accurate load for my Beretta? I believe that would be 3.8 grains.

Also I am trying to find data for a Speer 125 grain JHP with 231. I am thinking I need to go up to at leat 4.4 grains? Any help appreciated. I know I need a lot better data.

 

[KirbyAUS]

Hi Ron,
you really do need a powder scale to confirm your loads.
Lee prints a chart showing approximate weights with their disks, and I've found them pretty accurate over the years. Powder lots do vary from time to time - so you really need to check weights if you want top end loads.

My primary 9mm loads are used for IPSC minor factor.
Everyone I shoot with has loaded 4.5gn W231 pushing a 125gn lead projectile.
It produces about 1080fps in most 9mm handguns. We are only a couple hundred feet above sea level here.

You don't state what model Beretta handun you're loading for.
My 92FS barrel slugs around .357 dia. and that is what I utilise.

Regards,
Kirby.

 

[Galil5.56]

WW231 and 125 grain cast bullets... Great combo in my experience run in my Beretta M9. Are you actually weighing the thrown charges? If not you really need a scale to check your charges, as this will allow you to really dial in safely the proper charge you want to use. Also as you wisely mention, obtaining a few reloading manuals would serve you well.

That said, I usually go with 4.2 grains of WW231/125 LRN, and my chrono says right around 1060 fps for my lot. Accuracy is good, but truth be told my best groups with 125 grain LRN bullets comes from Unique. As with Kirby, my barrel slugs .3572", and I usually size my self cast bullets to .358". May not be a bad idea to ask the person you buy bullets from (maybe you cast your own?) to try a sample pack of your bullet of choice sized .357" and .358" to see what it likes best. If the round will fully seat easily with the proper OAL, then the diameter is OK.

I think one of the biggest problems for folks who load lead for European branded 9mm pistols is going with the defacto .356" diameter... Hell, even the jacketed .355" is not the right fit for a lot of pistols, and I load .357" jacked with very good results. As for 124 grain Speer JHP, you will see data all over the map as to what is a max charge. Consider a worked up, weighed charge of 4.8-5 grains as a max std velocity round, knowing some data will go a bit higher. Personally when I want to launch 124 grain JHPs/FMJ's to 1200 fps+, I reach for Unique or Power Pistol.

Good luck!

 

[Randy1911]

A good reloading manual for handguns is the Lyman Pistol & Revolver Handbook 3rd Edition. Great info for both lead and jacketed bullets on just about any handgun caliber.

You do really need a scale to verify your loads with.

Back when I was using the Lee Auto Disk IIRC I was using the .37cc. for a load of approxmately 4.0-4.1 and got real good results with that load.

 

[Slamfire]

I conducted some testing of three different lots of Bullseye, and while I was at it, I tested some W231.

My goal is function and accuracy. Since I don't want to beat up my pistols, I am not looking for hot loads.

Anyway this is what I got in my Beretta. The W231 shot well.

[SIZE="4"]M92 FS Beretta Bar Sto Barrel		
					
125 LRN .356" 4.0 grs Bullseye  1998&2005 mixed lot Mixed cases WSP OAL 1.10"
	20-Jun-09	T = 90 °F			
					
Ave Vel =1110	 			
Std Dev =19.59				
ES =	54.51				
High =1127				
Low =	1073				
N =	10				
					
					
125 LRN .356" 4.1grs W231 Lot 8UB9 Mixed cases WSP OAL 1.10"	
	20-Jun-09	T = 90 °F			
					
Ave Vel =1033	 			
Std Dev =11.53				
ES =	44.11				
High =1066				
Low =	1022				
N =	12	


115 Full Metal Case Master Factory Ammo 
	20-Jun-09	T = 90 °F
		
Ave Vel =1180	 
Std Dev =10.19	
ES =	33.27	
High =1197	
Low =	1167	
N =	8








[/SIZE]

 

[arkieron]

Thanks

I really appreciate all of that information and suggestions. I am sure going to find a copy of the Lyman Handbook and get a good scale.

Ron

 

[ArchAngelCD]

When I load a 124/125gr cast bullet for the 9mm I use a charge of between 4.0gr and 4.2gr W231. When loading a 124gr jacketed bullet I start with a charge of 4.5gr W231.

Please don't load any more ammo until you can check the charge weights with the scale you said you are going to buy. I've found W231 is close to correct on the Lee charts but not right on the dot. I sometimes have to use a different disc. Never ever trust anything you don't check for yourself when loading ammo.

Welcome to the forum and to reloading!!!

 

[MetalMan52]

231

I've been loading Missouri bullets' 125 gr lead 9mm small ball with between 3.9 - 4.4 grains of WW231. My Beretta M92 likes the 4.4 gr load, CZ75B likes the 3.9 and my Star B's fall in between.
Pat

 

[1SOW]

ArchangelCD: +1

Listen to him, he gives reliable advice. Get a scale. The LEE scale is a little 'persnickedy' about setting zero, but it's inexpensive and accurate if set up correctly.

If you have access to a chronometer, that will tell you for sure what you need to know to adjust your loads. 'Feel' is not a reliable load indicator.

The fine grain ball powders like Win231 'tend' to agree with the LEE Powder Disk system charts, but you do not want to bet your gun or your hands on it.

 

[flipajig]

as stated get a scale and use it. Im using w231 and 125grn cast pill Ive loaded and run around 1500 of them with great results even though I have confidence in the auto disc I still check every 5th to 10th rd. (I LIKE MY HANDS AND EYES.)

 

[chineseboxer]

Both my G23 with lone wolf 9mm conversion barrel and my Beretta 92F work fantastic with 124gr jacketed load with 4.2/4.3 gr of 231.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

a little off topic but I've had better results with cast slugs in my 9 Mak and 9 Para loading over Red Dot than BullsEye.
and since I'm relatively new at 9mm loading I chose the powder recommended most - Power Pistol and have good results with jacketed slugs - haven't seen the reason for anything else. YMMV.

 

[hddeluxe]

You really should get a scale. I have found 4.1grs to be a great load for the 9mm.

 

[rfwobbly]

4.2 & 4.3gr of W231 are great with most any 124/125gr bullet in a 9mm.

And yes, you DO need a scale to tell you what your discs are giving you.