115 grain FMJ 9MM and Longshot powder.

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Looking at my manual it list loads with Longshot powder for 115 grain bullets in both lead and xtp hollow points but not FMJ rounds. Both of the listed rounds start at 5.0 and max @ 6.0 grains. Does anyone have or know where I can find the load data for the 115 grain FMJ rounds using Longshot powder?

 

[J_McLeod]

I always consider XTP data to be FMJ data. You can always use data for bullets of the same type. With an FMJ you can use data for any jacketed bullet like the XTP, Sierra Match King, Gold Dot Hollow Point etc. Just don't use lead or plated data or vice versa. I've shot 115gr FMJs with Longshot and I used the data on Hodgdon's website.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, jacketed bullet data is what you use for all jacketed bullets. Of course the bullets are all slightly different, that's why they supply starting and Max charge load data. Start low and work up and you will be fine.

 

[gamestalker]

I've been loading jacketed 9mm with Longshot for a number of years and really like it. I treat FMJ's the same as JHP's. Being that this is the THR, I won't share the entirety of my load work up. What I will share is that I started with a mid table charge 5.5 grs. with 115 gr. FMJ's and had no problems as I worked up the table.

I love this powder for full tilt jacketed loads, it has been one of the easiest powders I've worked with for jacketed 9mm, .40, and 38 spcl..

GS

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If the OP decided to switch over to a 124/125gr FJM bullet, I use the Max charge recommended by Hodgdon of 5.7gr Longshot. (don't start there, work up to it) That load has been very accurate for me in at least a half dozen 9mm pistols.

 

[Kurastduuks]

I used xtp data to work up my longshot loads...I cant share my final load but I can say start at the minimum and shoot your way up you will have great results with longshot in 9mm. Clean burning and excellent velocity in several 9mm's

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Thanks Guys. I just wasn't sure, since there was data for the lead and the XTP but not on the jacketed bullets chart on where to start. Don't know why they don't list Longshot on that chart.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks Guys. I just wasn't sure, since there was data for the lead and the XTP but not on the jacketed bullets chart on where to start. Don't know why they don't list Longshot on that chart.

Hornady XTP bullet ARE jacketed bullet.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Loaded up 5 rounds using 5.0 grains of Longshot using a Lee Classic Loader. Very slow going and a pain in the rump to get it set right the first time but I finally got it locked down so that my OAL is 1.1705. Rained most of the day and was too cold to do any shooting to see the end results. I weighted every charge at least 6 times to make sure it stayed put at 5.0 grains. I want to thank everyone that helped me to get my first rounds made especially bds and walkalong without who's help I would still be waiting to load my first shell. Thanks Guys.

 

[J_McLeod]

Loaded up 5 rounds using 5.0 grains of Longshot using a Lee Classic Loader. Very slow going and a pain in the rump to get it set right the first time but I finally got it locked down so that my OAL is 1.1705. Rained most of the day and was too cold to do any shooting to see the end results. I weighted every charge at least 6 times to make sure it stayed put at 5.0 grains. I want to thank everyone that helped me to get my first rounds made especially bds and walkalong without who's help I would still be waiting to load my first shell. Thanks Guys.

Those are too long. SAAMI max is 1.169. They may shoot safely, however you can and probably should load shorter. All load data has a OAL listed with it. That's the OAL they used when they tested the loads. Go under that with caution. You can safely load your rounds anywhere between the OAL listed and the 1.169" max. Check out the thread below to see a way to find the ideal OAL for your pistol.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=506678

Hodgdon lists 5.0 at 1.125" as the starting load for that bullet and powder. I would load at ideal OAL per the thread, or 1.125", whichever is longer. Longshot works best at the high end. You may not like 5.0gr, it may be dirty, inaccurate and it might not even cycle your pistol. Or it could be great. I would suggest loading 7-10 rounds of several loads across the load range. Shoot the first few and take a good look at the case for pressure signs. Then shoot a group. Compare the groups and the best one is your load.

What part of Tennessee are you in? If you're near Clarksville I can help in person if you need it.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Those are too long. SAAMI max is 1.169. They may shoot safely, however you can and probably should load shorter. All load data has a OAL listed with it. That's the OAL they used when they tested the loads. Go under that with caution. You can safely load your rounds anywhere between the OAL listed and the 1.169" max. Check out the thread below to see a way to find the ideal OAL for your pistol.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=506678

Hodgdon lists 5.0 at 1.125" as the starting load for that bullet and powder. I would load at ideal OAL per the thread, or 1.125", whichever is longer. Longshot works best at the high end. You may not like 5.0gr, it may be dirty, inaccurate and it might not even cycle your pistol. Or it could be great. I would suggest loading 7-10 rounds of several loads across the load range. Shoot the first few and take a good look at the case for pressure signs. Then shoot a group. Compare the groups and the best one is your load.

What part of Tennessee are you in? If you're near Clarksville I can help in person if you need it.

I thought that was the min OAL not the max. Thanks for pointing that out. I had not crimped them so it was an easy fix. Just a slight turn and a tap of the hammer fixed it. The OAL is now 1.168. I have not checked it in the barrel yet because the pistol I will test it in is not here. I don't want to test it in that short barreled pistol of Dads so my nephew is bringing by his 92F today if the weather isn't too bad. I live a couple of miles from Shady Grove half way between Centerville and Columbia. It is a Williamsport address though Williamsport is in Maury county and I live in Hickman. It takes about an hour and 15 minutes to get from here to the base. My nephew was with the 101 airborne there till his medical discharge. He brought back that black lung stuff from Afghanistan.

 

[LiveLife]

While many factory barrels with slower start of rifling and longer leade (Glock/SR9 and 92F/FS etc.) can accommodate OAL/COL out to SAAMI max of 1.169", bullets with shorter bullet base/bearing surface like the 115 gr FMJ/RN should be loaded shorter (1.125" - 1.135") to ensure more reliable chamber pressure build up.

I load the same 115 gr Winchester FMJ to max of 1.135" and below is a picture of 1.135" OAl/COL that will work reliably in many pistols.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

While many factory barrels with slower start of rifling and longer leade (Glock/SR9 and 92F/FS etc.) can accommodate OAL/COL out to SAAMI max of 1.169", bullets with shorter bullet base/bearing surface like the 115 gr FMJ/RN should be loaded shorter (1.125" - 1.135") to ensure more reliable chamber pressure build up.

I load the same 115 gr Winchester FMJ to max of 1.135" and below is a picture of 1.135" OAl/COL that will work reliably in many pistols.

Okay I see the minimum and maximum data now. I'll shorten them up as soon as the baby is awake. No hammering till then. Also I know I have allot to learn and have decided I am going see about making some arrangements to spend some time with a mentor. Maybe see our my sister will let me stay with her a few days in Nashville on her days off so I'll be closer to some of you that have offered to show me the ropes. I was thinking of getting a Lee Breachlock Hand press kit to use till I can get my press mounted to a bench and that I can use out at a range or the field. It will also help build up my strength in the web of my hand that is still not back to normal since the surgery yet. Dad thinks it is a waste of money since we have two presses but I don't think so. I would like to hear your inputs on the advantages and disadvantages of having a hand press as well as a full size press too.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I think Dad is correct, don't waste your money on a hand press, use the bench press you have and dump the hammer press too.

One thing you just said concerns me, you said you didn't crimp the rounds. You should have at least crimped enough to remove the slight bell placed on the neck to aid in seating the bullet. Did you check any of those rounds and see if the pass the "plunk test"? Another good reason to crimp is to aid in proper powder ignition. You might not get a proper burn if you don't add a crimp with a slow powder.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

I think Dad is correct, don't waste your money on a hand press, use the bench press you have and dump the hammer press too.

One thing you just said concerns me, you said you didn't crimp the rounds. You should have at least crimped enough to remove the slight bell placed on the neck to aid in seating the bullet. Did you check any of those rounds and see if the pass the "plunk test"? Another good reason to crimp is to aid in proper powder ignition. You might not get a proper burn if you don't add a crimp with a slow powder.

I had not crimped them yet at the time. I wanted to make sure the length was right first. The OAL is now 1.1305 and it is crimped. The classic loader is Dads and the only way I have to load them till a bench is done. I should have one soon since I'll have enough lumber left over from my entertainment center to mount the press on the stand my safe and TV is on right now. I just have not been able to start building my entertainment center yet because of doctors appointments and the weather. I will as soon as I have the barrel here to test it with.

 

[J_McLeod]

Here's how I set up my first press, which was a Lee single stage. It also might help with your press problems. I went to Home Depot and got a 2x6 out of their cull lumber pile and attached the press to that. Then I clamped it to the dining room table. It'll work several ways, but be most effective if you can run the wood across the table and clamp there too. It's cheap easy and you can set up and take down a single stage press almost anywhere in minutes.


I agree, don't waste your money on a hand press, use the bench press you have and dump the hammer press too.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Here's how I set up my first press, which was a Lee single stage. It also might help with your press problems. I went to Home Depot and got a 2x6 out of their cull lumber pile and attached the press to that. Then I clamped it to the dining room table. It'll work several ways, but be most effective if you can run the wood across the table and clamp there too. It's cheap easy and you can set up and take down a single stage press almost anywhere in minutes.


I agree, don't waste your money on a hand press, use the bench press you have and dump the hammer press too.

I have a two foot piece of 2x12 that I cut off the back plate for the TV mount that I can mount it to. I too have a Lee Single stage press. Did you mount it with bolts or did you use Lag screws? Also what size did you use? I actually thought about clamping it to the stand my safe is on till I can build the bench just have not figured out where to move the safe besides the floor where if it goes down on the floor I'll probably never get it back off the floor or in it again for that matter. Heavy safes, low floors, and bad backs do not go together lol.

 

[J_McLeod]

I mounted mine with some long machine bolts from the hardware store. Either 1/4" or 5/16". Can't remember, I've used both.

 

[gamestalker]

I have used C clamps off and on over the years, and it works well. But if you intend to leave it in the same spot, or have no practical reason to need to move it, I would just bolt it down.

Not all data includes min charges, so it will be necessary from time to time to use data from other published sources using a bullet of same weight and construction, jacketed in this case.

As for oal, this is a part of reloading we learn to adapt to by using our firearm to make that determination. I approach it by first determining the maximum my barrel will accept, and then the magazine. Once I've found the maximum oal for that firearm and bullet, I then make sure it's only seated deep enough to provide adequate neck tension, if not, I seat deeper until neck tension is acceptable. Published oal's are only a guide in my opinion, your firearm will determine the correct oal, again IMO.

GS

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Thanks Guys, my brother and I stopped by the LGS yesterday after picking up my new glasses and two of the guys there reloads but both said they just don't have the time to mentor anyone so still no close by solutions on that yet. I think I might have some bolts the right size and length somewhere around here for the press. Just need to find a place to move this safe out of my way. Didn't get the chance to test the rounds yet, nephew got tied up, so he was a no show and he works today. Might just wait till I get a chronograph or find someone who does so I have more data to work with.

 

[J_McLeod]

Thanks Guys, my brother and I stopped by the LGS yesterday after picking up my new glasses and two of the guys there reloads but both said they just don't have the time to mentor anyone so still no close by solutions on that yet. I think I might have some bolts the right size and length somewhere around here for the press. Just need to find a place to move this safe out of my way. Didn't get the chance to test the rounds yet, nephew got tied up, so he was a no show and he works today. Might just wait till I get a chronograph or find someone who does so I have more data to work with.

Lots of people have them, and there is value to one, but you don't need a chronograph. Stay within published loads, watch the gun and cases for pressure signs and you'll be fine. I've loaded and shot thousands of rounds without one.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Lots of people have them, and there is value to one, but you don't need a chronograph. Stay within published loads, watch the gun and cases for pressure signs and you'll be fine. I've loaded and shot thousands of rounds without one.

Just thought it would be nice to have the info for future loads. Looks as if the sun has came out so I going to see about drilling some holes I to a 2x12 thanks again.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Okay made my a temporary bench till I get the stand it is bolted to gets turned into a regular bench. Sorry about the quality of the photos, my cell cam is not the best in the world.







Now to just mount and set up the dies and the powder thrower and load up a few .40's. Thanks for all the advice guys you are the best.