9mm load development

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Since I'm using magnum small pistol primers (all I can get) I started well below the recommended minimum.

I've often wondered how magnum spp would work with 9mm Luger. How much lower below the recommended minimum did you start the loads? I have three reloading manuals, and none of them call for magnum spp. If I had more reloading experience, then I would feel more comfortable going alone off the deep end.
 
I've often wondered how magnum spp would work with 9mm Luger. How much lower below the recommended minimum did you start the loads? I have three reloading manuals, and none of them call for magnum spp. If I had more reloading experience, then I would feel more comfortable going alone off the deep end.
What powder are you using?

I would be comfortable using Mag primers with listed starting loads, UNLESS using something like Titegroup (which has a very small charge spread).
 
How much lower below the recommended minimum did you start the loads?
I started 10% below the starting load. That was a waste of components. If I did it again, I would be comfortable with starting at the prescribed minimum load with magnum small pistol primers. I’m using CFE Pistol. I suppose primer brand, powders, barrel length, and other factors can make a difference, your results may vary. I chronograph each powder increment too. I found maximum load grouped best, and was still below maximum velocity.
 
I’m new to pistol reloading, but experienced with precision rifle reloading… maybe I’m overthinking this.
See the inset photo of reloading data for charge weights for CFE Pistol but how do I decide which charge weight to use? I get that each increases velocity, but which do I choose?
I am experienced with precision rifle reloading, finding nodes, etc., and I have Labradar. Should I care about standard deviation for what’s a short distance target practice load? Should I chronograph each charge weight, and also assess the grouping? Given the loaded round will be shot from many handguns, I’m just so confused relative to precision rifle load development done to that specific barrel.
Thank you.
View attachment 1101183

I've been reloading 9mm for over 30 years. At first matching powder to heavier bullets was an issue! It took several years to develop a load to closely match the famous Winchester 147 grain Match cartridge!
You're looking at load data for the 124 grain bullet so I'll address that.
1) It should be pretty easy to find a factory round that your gun likes. Start there with COL and bullet profile and velocity. It really doesn't have to be exact but close helps.
2) Find load data that matches the factory velocity for that bullet profile.
3) Drop about 6 tenths to begin with and load 10 at -.6, 10 at -. 4 and 10 at .2 and 10 to match the factory velocity per that manual. if your lucky one of these loads will be better than the others.
4) Unless you are competing at the national level and cutting X's at 50 yards much of the precision rifle reloading protocols don't matter!
5) I have a dedicated Dillon SDB set up to load 9mm 124-135 grain bullets and HTG. I haven't changed or even checked the powder drop or COL in several years and I reload 500-1000 rounds a year since I'm no longer shooting competitively.
Smiles,
 
What powder are you using?

CFE Pistol and Power Pistol.

I started 10% below the starting load. That was a waste of components. If I did it again, I would be comfortable with starting at the prescribed minimum load with magnum small pistol primers.

Thanks for sharing this note. I'm cautious; I would have charged with possibly-too-light loads.
 
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