Newbie Learning to load 9MM with AutoComp

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Mike44

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I am new to reloading - I have loaded and shot about 700 9MM cartridges.
I recently purchased AutoComp as I could not find Accurate #7 that I had been using and I wanted powder that I could use for 380 ACP as well as 9MM.

For 9MM I am using Berry's plated 115gn RN bullets, WSP primers. Berry's says to use lead data. My lee handbook as well as the Hornady web site says that the load should be 4.4 - 5.1gn with COL 1.140 for lead round nose.

I first tested 4.6gn AutoComp, COL 1.14 - my Glock 19 failed to cycle and the shells landed right next to me.

Next I tried 5.0gn AutoComp, COL 1.14 - the Glock cycled but the shells were badly scorched down the length of the shell.

Next I tried 5.5gn AutoComp, COL 1.13 - these worked fine, but I am over the recommended load for LRN bullets.

The Nosler site shows 4.5 - 5.5 COL 1.1 for 115gn JHP and the Hornady site shows 5.1 - 5.6 COL 1.25 for 115gn GDHP.

Should I worry about using 5.5gn AutoComp?

Am I going about this correctly?
 
Mike44,

Hopefully others will chime in;

If you do not already have one , get a good reloading manual, also get the ABC's of reloading.

You should always start at the minimum powder load, you need to understand that what you are seeing in the manuals are specific to the test article used to develop that data, the COL is referenced to provide you informaiton on what they used to derive this data, You should do a Plunk test on your hadngun to find your COL. Once you find your COL start loading low then work up to find the best load.:eek:
 
Mike44,

Hopefully others will chime in;

If you do not already have one , get a good reloading manual, also get the ABC's of reloading.

You should always start at the minimum powder load, you need to understand that what you are seeing in the manuals are specific to the test article used to develop that data, the COL is referenced to provide you informaiton on what they used to derive this data, You should do a Plunk test on your hadngun to find your COL. Once you find your COL start loading low then work up to find the best load.:eek:
LeftyTSGC - thank you for the reply. I do have the lee reloading handbook and the ABC's of Reloading. I will learn about the plunk test
 
Berry's in 9

I use jacketed data all of the time with Berry plated bullets. I have never tried Auto Comp but middle of the road jacketed data has worked fine using W231 & Titegroup in the 9x19. I have also used Clays with good results. YMMV of course.
 
5.3gr 1.10"OAL 115gr and
4.9gr 1.15" 124gr

This is what Ive done with plated bullets and Autocomp. I like it very much.
 
I had same issue with auto comp it would not cycle well with out jamming until I loaded
it at near max data, I moved on to another powder that will function in its load data range.
but that was in my gun different guns different spring tensions
 
I have some Autocomp but haven't tried it yet. I use mostly Titegroup and have that same scorching you mentioned. Apparently it is not a problem other than looks. I usually start low and work up in .2 or .3 increments and check the accuracy in each load shooting from a rest.
 
I will say that out of the 3 pistol powders I've tried in my 9mm, Autocomp was the most accurate and accurate by far on the starting load at 4.8gr. Cycled reliably. I shot the whole workup all the way to max, and 4.8gr still outshines them all.
 
The scorching is a sign of a too-light load, and the case not sealing fully. Go ahead and load to mid-jacketed range. AutoComp likes the upper third of the load range in order to function at its best. I use it in 9mm and .40 S&W and have to stay in the upper third of the range for the bullet being used, in order to get the best performance out of it.
 
The scorching is a sign of a too-light load, and the case not sealing fully. Go ahead and load to mid-jacketed range. AutoComp likes the upper third of the load range in order to function at its best. I use it in 9mm and .40 S&W and have to stay in the upper third of the range for the bullet being used, in order to get the best performance out of it.
Many thanks for the information. I was pretty certain that the scorched shells were an indication of too light a load but wanted to be certain.
 
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