For any readers who might have been baffled by the exchanges above about what USPSA shooters are using by division, note that in most USPSA divisions, anyone shooting 9mm only has to make a 125 power factor. While not pop-gun levels of power, this is also not especially spicy. A 147 grain bullet at 860 fps will make 126 PF, for instance, as would a 124 grain projectile at 1020 fps. Titegroup (and other powders, such as VV N320 and Sport Pistol) works very well for these kinds of loads.
Open division, by contrast, allows 9mm to be scored major - but only if it gets to 165+ PF. That same 124 grain bullet has to be driven at 1340 fps to reach 166 PF - more than 300 fps faster than necessary to hit minor at 125 PF. This obviously requires a big load of powder, and a very different burn rate. Generally, these loads are past SAAMI +P max, which is sort of ok since they're being run out of specialized racing guns. But it does illustrate that, if you're trying to load 9mm for peak velocities (perhaps to match some duty/carry ammo with impressive external ballistics), you're going to need different fuel than for stuff that doesn't run as hard.
Which just illustrates that there's no true "all around versatile" 9mm powder.
Respectfully, I can't say I agree. Popular 9mm 'major' propellants such as Autocomp, Silhouette, HS-6, even AA#7 have published loads that are sub 1000 fps to just over 1000 fps for 124 grain bullets. How much more versatile can it get to be able to use the same propellant that goes from 950-1340 fps with good accuracy, and even lots of gas when greatly bending the rules with 9mm major? Could even load a bit lower, but not many stock 9x19 pistols I know of will reliably cycle 115-124 grain bullets sub 900 fps (some True Blue 124 grain data is sub 900 fps FWIW). Are they the most efficient, cleanest, economical propellants... No, but versatile to a T by any measure I can imagine - Widest spectrum of velocities for a given bullet weight staying in spec per SAAMI.
Of course these major loads are '9mmINO' (9mm in name only), as they greatly exceed established max pressures established by SAAMI (likely 45-50,000+ psi to get the 165 PF, some a lot more), and are about as valid to reloading within SAAMI spec 9x19, as wanting to get 3100 fps from a 22" 30/06 with 180's... No problem if you up the pressures to 80,000 psi,... *but* it's still 30/06... NOPE. Not by about 20,000 psi or so, but it sure beats needing to buy a .300 WM.
Reminds me of a fella I read about bragging loudly at a range about busting Antelope WAAAAY out there using 50 or so grains of
2400, under a 150 grain bullet in an 03 Springfield. First shot had the RO asking him what the hell was he firing, as he struggled to open the bolt. Dudes like mind your own f'ing business, and fired another. This time it was nothing but a curl of smoke leaving the bolt locked up with the receiver, and the RO telling him
that's it, cause I'm not picking a bolt out of your head with the next round. RO pounded the bolt open, removed the fused case, and miracles of miracles the head space was still good when gauged. Dudes like yeah, well maybe I could drop down a grain or two (sic)...
I understand exactly what you are stating, and how/why/that it can be done, but sticking to 35,000 psi, or even 38,500 psi max avg max pressures (SAAMI +P) for 9x19, Autocomp, Silhouette, HS-6, AA#7, Unique, Power Pistol, BE 86, etc, etc, will cover loads that run the entire SAAMI OK for 9x19 spectrum; From just enough to cycle the action, to very full power, highest velocity for a given bullet weight not exceeding SAAMI max avg mandated pressures for 9mm. The same can not be said for Bullseye, Red Dot, Clays, WW231/HP38, ZIP, AA#2, etc if you want velocity to the same max speed as the slower propellants mentioned above, and still be within SAAMI pressure specs. Cheers.
I looked in my cabinet, and still had *some* BE, Unique, and 2400. Haunted the gun shows, and there wasn't any powder to be found here in central Indiana. Finally found one, count em one lb of Herco. Other than being difficult to impossible to meter with the powder measures I had, it worked pretty well with everything from 9mm to light 44 magnum. I have a measure that will meter it now, and I'll run out the last of that jug. Better powders for each bullet are readily available now.
I wish it wasn't going to happen because of a medical condition.. all the best, sir.
