165g 9MM for Pistol & Carbine

Any new status updates o this older thread. I just ordered some of the 165gr Xtreme RN, and plan to use them in my 8.5" AR-15 with a can.

Did anyone ever test and chrono Paul from Alliant's BE86 load? From the way everyone has talked about how long these are I was surprised that much BE-86 would fit in there.
Also considering using Bullseye or W231.

Hoping for 1040 FPS out of the longer barrel.

Loaded up 15 rounds of each: 2.8gr, 2.9gr, 3.0gr Bullseye @ 1.160" with the 165gr Xtreme Plated RN bullets. Hope to get out to the range this weekend to test them in my Glock 19 and CMMG AR-15. The long OAL passed the kerplunk test with both barrels.

I think I need to work up some loads with this bullet.

My Bunny Fart MkIII development was very successful. But that doesn't mean I can't start working on Bunny Fart MkIV.

For those that are interested, Bunny Fart MkIII consists of a 147gr Xtreme bullet over 2.6gr Nitro 100NF with a COAL of approx. 1.140-1.144". This load reliably cycles a G19 and a SW Shield and is quite accurate. Recoil is exceptionally tame from both pistols.

ssyoumans said:

Loaded up 15 rounds of each: 2.8gr, 2.9gr, 3.0gr Bullseye @ 1.160" with the 165gr Xtreme Plated RN bullets. Hope to get out to the range this weekend to test them in my Glock 19 and CMMG AR-15. The long OAL passed the kerplunk test with both barrels.

Click to expand...

I went to the indoor range on Sunday. Fired 10 rounds of each load. All rounds cycled fine in my Glock 19 and CMMG AR-15. No chrono for the indoor range, so I have no idea how fast/slow they are going. I'm not even sure what speed to expect from the 8.5" barrel. I saved 5 rounds of each to run across the chrono if I ever make it out to the outdoor range.

Finally had a nice day to head out to the range.
5 shot a averages, 80 degrees, 1,000' above sea level
Bullseye powder, Xtreme 165gr PRN, 1.160", CCI SP
Glock 23 with a Lone Wolf 9mm conversion 4" barrel:
2.8gr Avg: 758.0, fps SD 10.51
2.9gr Avg: 789.2 fps, SD 14.7
3.0gr Avg: 813.5 fps, SD 9.5

8.5" CMMG AR15 9mm
2.8gr Avg: 879.2 fps
2.9gr Avg: 899.3 fps
3.0gr Avg: 923.8 fps

Zero malfunctions with either gun. Brass looked fine, but I don't really trust reading pistol brass. Brass was not "charred" from a low pressure charge like I often get with my 147gr load in the AR (has to be min charge to stay under 1,080 fps).
No idea what the pressure was on these 165gr bullets, pretty blind due to lack of published data for this bullet weight. These bullets are long, .733", but the profile seems to allow loading them long without hitting the rifling in my guns.

Overall, I think I prefer the 147gr load. Seems to be the best compromise between weight and maintaining subsonic. More power and flatter shooting too. If I could get these 165gr bullets closer to 1,050 fps, i'd be happier, just not willing to experiment that hot!!

Use caution if working up a load. The load data above is UNPUBLISHED! It worked for me, use extreme caution if deciding to work up a load.

Maybe someone will do a quickload pressure calculation on that load?
Wish I could myself...

Fairly good article on loading heavy bullets in 9mm.
http://www.shootingtimes.com/reloading/reloading-heavy-bullets-in-9mm-luger/

I went out to the range yesterday with my CMMG AR15 in 9mm. It has an 8.5" barrel plus suppressor.

I loaded up 10 of Paul's load: above:
4.3gr BE-86
Xtreme 165gr PRN bullets loaded to 1.150", CCI SP primers.
Temp was 82 degrees, 1000' above sea level.
Average: 1,087 FPS
Max: 1,104 FPS
Min: 1,054 FPS
ES: 50 FPS
This load worked out really well. While they all stayed subsonic, I think I'm going to back off to 4.2gr BE-86 and that should drop it back to around 1,070 FPS.
Much happier with the velocity compared to my 3.0gr Bullseye load @ 930 FPS. I've read where someone was loading hotter with Bullseye, but I trust Pauls data more.

As always, what was safe in my firearm may not be in yours! Neither I or TheHighRoad.com are responsible for listed data. You are responsible for working up and developing your own loads.

Hmmmm. Silhouette and BE-86 data.

ssyoumans said:

I went out to the range yesterday with my CMMG AR15 in 9mm. It has an 8.5" barrel plus suppressor.

I loaded up 10 of Paul's load: above:
4.3gr BE-86
Xtreme 165gr PRN bullets loaded to 1.150", CCI SP primers.
Temp was 82 degrees, 1000' above sea level.
Average: 1,087 FPS
Max: 1,104 FPS
Min: 1,054 FPS
ES: 50 FPS
This load worked out really well. While they all stayed subsonic, I think I'm going to back off to 4.2gr BE-86 and that should drop it back to around 1,070 FPS.
Much happier with the velocity compared to my 3.0gr Bullseye load @ 930 FPS. I've read where someone was loading hotter with Bullseye, but I trust Pauls data more.

As always, what was safe in my firearm may not be in yours! Neither I or TheHighRoad.com are responsible for listed data. You are responsible for working up and developing your own loads.

Click to expand...

What velocities would you expect from this load in a 16" carbine?

Probably 30-40 FPS faster in a 16" carbine vs. 8.5" barrel. Not a lot of powder to take advantage of a longer barrel like in a 357 magnum.

You can check out ballisticsbytheinch.com for addition reference data.

I wonder if faster or slower powders see more velocity gain with these heavy bullets in longer barrels...any rules of thumb that you use?