9mm Powders: do you use AA#7?

Thank you all for the good suggestions so far.

I'm looking to get a good load worked up that I can get some data on before winter sets in. I don't really have room on the lanes though of my semi-local indoor range to set up my Labradar, and I feel chrony results are kind of vital when working up a load, especially if using slightly different components than specific load recipes. So I'd like to get this worked out before weather and snow depths restricts outdoor shooting.

Based on responses and what powder I have in stock, I think I will in fact start with AA#7, but will also try to get some Power Pistol loads done, and I will look for a pound of Silhouette this weekend. AA#7 I can find all the time for about $23.99/lb. Silhouette is a little spottier. I'm guessing because a lot of people use it. I use AA#5 for my 38 Special +p loads also, and I might see what I can do with that. I'd like to just test these at the same time and figure out what my guns like. Then pound out a few thousand rounds this winter.

Powder is cheap, and there is no reason to limit myself.

Steve C said:

My favorite powder for the 9mm is Unique. It will push a 115 gr load to near 1,300 fps with 6.2 gr loads out of my Beretta 92f.

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That IS impressive!

That’s only a tenth below my preferred charge in 45 acp.

Struck out on finding any Silhouette this weekend. Nobody had any.

Guess I’ll use what I have to get started.

fxvr5 said:

Digging up some old data, I used 7.0 gr A#7 with RMR 124 FMJ FP MW seated to 1.100 and CCI 500 primers in Lapua cases.

Average velocity was 1179 fps from a 5" Kart barrel. The 50-shot group (from a Ransom Rest) was 1.80".

Another session I used 7.5 gr A#7, same bullets, same gun, average speed was 1241 fps, 15-shot group measured 0.83". I don't think I could replicate this. Small groups happen by chance sometimes.

Folks might find the articles below of some interest as they discuss the randomness of group size.

http://accuracy.martinchick.com/handgun_rifle.html

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nra/ssusa_201909/index.php#/36

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After looking at the load data I had and powder I had on hand, I got to setting my dies last night.

The data I have has a Winchester FMJ loaded to an OAL of 1.100" and a powder charge of AA#7 between 6.4 and 7.4gr. I'm using RMR TC-MWs so I'm basically starting with the loads you mentioned, starting lower on charge, and working up to see what I can do.

I'm excited to try out Silhouette as the accuracy Walkalong posted is impressive. I'm guessing I'll work with some other powders next spring. Velocity testing is problematic right now in my area. Variable weather is keeping me out of the woods.

I'd like to hit 1100 fps (or close to it) from a 3 inch barrel as it mirrors the velocity I measured on my preferred carry loads (124 gr HST +p) out of my P938. However, I don't really see myself loading +p practice ammo. That gun is small enough I don't have any desire to beat the hell out of it shooting a steady diet of +p ammo.

Thought I’d do a quick update. Headed to the woods today.
Today the weather cooperated and I managed to test my first 9mm loads. I loaded 100 rounds at 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 gr of AA#7 under 124 gr RMR Truncated Cone Match Winners, with a COL of 1.100”. CCI primers were used.

I shot them from a P30SK and a CZ Shadow 2. Unfortunately I was fighting the wind and I had to rush my shots a bit between gusts. That made accuracy testing a little tricky. But I got some data and seem to have found an accurate load. I managed to shoot a 2.25” group at 25 yards off hand, despite the wind. Seems fine to me, and I’m guessing a rest would’ve done much better.

That was at 7.0 gr and was very pleasant. The results from a 20 shot group were the following.

Shadow 2
1095 fps average
1108 high
1067 low
40 ES
11.2 SD

P30SK
1039 average
1063 high
996 low
67 ES
16.7 SD

They shot better from the Shadow2, but that likely has something to do with the longer sight radius and barrel. And honestly the wind got bad so I question the accuracy of all these loads and suspect they were better than my perception.

I think now that I have some velocity data I’m going to load up a new ladder starting at 7.0 and going up to 7.4 and then try them at my local indoor range so wind is eliminated. I’ll try the P30SK at maybe 10 yards and the Shadow at 25 again. At 7.3 gr the recoil was noticeably more stout and groups opened up but fatigue may have been coming into play by then. I’m also making fun practice ammo so I guess I’m really just looking at reasonable velocity and good accuracy.

All together I feel it was relatively successful and I had fun. A 500 round day is a good day. I am under the weather also so that might have contributed to the difficulty with accuracy testing. Honestly I probably shouldn’t have even been shooting.

That’s likely the last day I’ll break out the chronograph. Winter is coming. So in spring I’ll load up some different powders.

On another note, afterwards I grabbed my walking stick and went in a short walkabout. Didn’t have much energy but it was still nice to stretch the legs where there’s no cell signal.

AA#5 is another powder I keep on hand would like to try out.