Just loaded my first 9mm

[dispatch55126]

Just loaded my first 10 rounds of 9mm. I'm using:

-CCI primers
-4.4gr Unique
-125gr Dardas Lead RN

I'm going to fire out of my P85 on Monday. The OAL was at 1.150 which is under the data sheets but it is the same OAL as Wolf which feeds fine so I'll stick with that dimension for now.

 

[swiftak]

That load is a little light. I use 5.4 gr of Unique with a 124 gr lead bullet. That may not even eject your shell casing from your pistol. This load is from the Lee Modern Reloading, 2nd edition.

 

[dispatch55126]

I used the load data from Speer using the 125 gr. lead RN. The Lee manual puts it up between 5.3-5.5

I'll load another 10 to the higher charge for a comparison.

 

[dave from mesa]

Congrats on you're first reloading experience. The fun is just beginning.
If (don't know don't load nine) you're load is on the light side it's good to only load a few to try them out first. Certainly better than loading 100-200 and finding this out.
Good luck

 

[45ACPUSER]

Hey Dispatch: You might want to consider that Speer does not MAKE HARD CAST BULLETS!......The have swaged lead bullets which are way softer....and so it not a good source of loading data! Just like Hornady does!

You need to work up loads in a stair step fashion. It will allow you to save time to have them made up in advance to shoot so you can check function, accuracy, and safety!

 

[robctwo]

Congratulations. There is nothing like rolling your own! Loading up groups of 10 from the lowest published data up to near max is a good way to determine what works for you. I've got a few favorites. Just loaded 1,000 124 gr lead RN over 4.3 gr Universal Clays, 1.1 OAL. These rock in my 9mms.

 

[offthepaper]

Just loaded 1,000 124 gr lead RN over 4.3 gr Universal Clays, 1.1 OAL. These rock in my 9mms.

Do you have any problems with leading?

 

[dispatch55126]

I've got a Lee powder measure I dialed in using a Dillon electronic scale. Once it was set right, it went quick. I've also got a Lee Breech Lock which I really like. I've got the bushings set on all the dies so all I need to do is verify everything is the same and load away.

 

[depoloni]

I use 4.7gr Unique in my 9mm loads with that exact bullet. I shoot them in a CZ-75B and have almost no leading whatsoever, they chrono at about 1110 fps - but my OAL is 1.100" since the CZ requires it shorter to chamber properly.

My favorite load is actually 4.0 grains of W-231 with the same bullet/OAL. Gives 1050 fps, and 231 burns much cleaner over 200+ round sessions than Unique.

Sidenote: You'll like those Dardas bullets. Lucky enough to live close enough to just run by and pick them up when needed, but they're lights out in my 9mm and 44mag.

 

[Bear2000]

I like 4.2 grains of Titegroup under a 125 gr Zero JHP, about 1.12" long. 1050-1075 out of my CZ 75B and XD9.

 

[dispatch55126]

Looking at the bullets, they all seem to be very evenly cast and the lube ring is equally filled.