Created a special load tonight

This is the sixth set where I tested some Hornady 115gr Critical Defense rounds. Accuracy wasn't great, but there were no feeding issues with any of the rounds. The rounds also did not feel that bad with the P365X.

As a recap:
102 Rounds were put through the P365X
Two issues experienced with the P365X: Once not completely into battery. One light primer strike.
Overall the P365X performed very well, but I could definitely feel the recoil with some of the heavier loads. I will definitely have to dial in some loads for this gun.
I was also able to just shoot some offhand shots to see how easy I will be able to pick up the red dot. I would say it was much easier than the normal sights, but it seems I was shooting a bit low. This was done at 5 yards, which could probably explain why it was low. The red dot was zeroed at 10 yards.

The bottom line is that I am happy with my P365, I like the red dot, and look forward to creating some loads specifically for the P365. The W244 load performed well already, so I think I have a good start already.

Walkalong said:

Nice selection.

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Thanks! The group picture was inspired by the picture you shared.

lordpaxman said:

Thanks for the range report - always nice to see results. I’ve also been pleased with W244 but I suspect you’d probably find other powder combinations with that bullet that are just as good.
I’m presuming you’re using an extended mag as the flush mag makes it pretty hard to get a grip. The flush mag is easier to conceal but I’ll take the extra rounds and purchase any day.
Is there any chance you’re going to try some 147’s?

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Thanks!

I have the P365X, which has the X series grip. The flush mag for the X series grip has 12 rounds.

I'm not sure if I'll be loading 147's in 9mm since I use those in 357sig. I have limited load data in 9mm with 147's, so it will probably take some time to get to it. For now I'll probably concentrate on the RMR 115's and 124's, since that is what I have in stock.

One of the issues with the original P365 was supposedly a primer swipe. I did not see any primer swipe issues with the P365X. The born date of the P365X was 3/23/21, so it is new.

The primers from left to right are: GINEX, Federal, CCI500, CCI500, and whatever Hornady uses.

Walkalong said:

Those look great, which isn’t helping me resist the X model.

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I liked the grip of the P365XL over the regular P365, but did not want the 3.7" barrel. I also wanted to go the RedDot route, so I was just waiting for the P365X to come out. So far so good.

I made a quick trip to the range today to chrono the W244 load and also test it at 15yards. The test at 15yards was basically to figure out what type of target I should use to help my focus on the target. All my other guns are tested with a scope, so the scope target is different and smaller than the P365X red dot target at 15 yards. I tried a few things, and basically it looks like the 1.5" dot with a black circle around it should work. The orange seems to work for me. From now on I should be able to evaluate my loads with the P365X at 15 yards also.

I think I have confirmed that the W244 load is accurate. This load was created using my Lee Auto Drum. Here are the results. Looks like I had some sort of flier, with me still trying to get used to the trigger and the red dot. The velocity is also good, so this should be a great load in a BUG competition, with a PF of 121.



9mm, P365X, 3.1"
Case: FC
COL: 1.125"
RMR, 115gr, FMJRN, W244, 4.5gr, FED100
Average: 1059
ES: 24
SD: 8.9
Force: 286
PF: 121
Velocities: 1049, 1059, 1062, 1073, 1055
Grouping @ 15yd: 1.05"
Test Date: 05/29/2021

Dudedog said:

Remember for BUG you only need to make 95 PF, so you could be lighter if you wanted.
Will have to try that target type with my new dot when I have a chance to make a range trip.

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I think the target type is based on your eyes, not the red dot. Maybe the clarity of the glass also comes into play. I tried just the dot, but with my eyes the edge got lost. The black circle seems to help me focus better. The color of the dot probably depends on how bright it is outside.

Congratulations and good luck with your new red dot.

Walkalong said:

They work well for that.

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Thanks.

Dudedog said:

Will have to try that target type with my new dot when I have a chance to make a range trip.

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You probably know this already, but keeping the red dot free of oil when cleaning your gun is difficult. The last time I cleaned my P365X I cut the thumb off a nitrile glove and used it to cover the red dot. I need to find something more permanent, but for now the thumb will do.

In one of my posts above, I shared the accuracy test results for Hornady 115gr Critical Defense rounds. Today I did a quick trip to the range for some other testing, but also decided to chrono these Hornady 115gr Critical Defense rounds. Following are the combined accuracy and velocity test results:

9mm, P365X, 3.1"
Case: Hornady
COL: 1.060"
Hornady, 115gr, FTX, , gr,
Average: 1060
ES: 24
SD: 8.8
Force: 287
PF: 121
Velocities: 1059, 1071, 1059, 1064, 1047
Grouping @ 10yd: 1.3"
Test Date: 05/23/2021