147 gn lead recipes for Longshot 9mm

[lezmark]

I have found some data both here and on the Hodgdon site, but I am trying to minimize the laddering and testing. During the powder shortage I grabbed what I could and am now trying to burn through a few pounds of Longshot. I have been using it quite well in matches under 115's and 124 grain plated. I have a few hundred rounds of 147 lead bullets I want to use. I am shooting in an M&P 9 and a Glock 17. Anyone have any success strories to share? thanks

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm not a fan of Longshot with lead bullets but I have not tried in in the 9mm with lead bullets. I have tried HS-6 and the results were good. I would think AA#5, True Blue and Power Pistol would also do a good job. (and probably the new W572 if you can find some)

 

[Steve C]

Generally a lead bullet load from the manuals has a maximum level the same as the start level or 10% less than maximum of the load for a jacked bullet of the same weight. This does not always hold true as sometimes one sees the same charge weights for both jacketed and lead with some powders.. Since lead has less barrel resistance the velocity with a start load will usually be very close to the same as the jacketed bullet with maximum charge.

If you are not in a big hurry or are less adventurous you can send an email to Hodgdon and they will send you appropriate data though it will not be right away if they have not developed it already.

 

[Dudedog]

In general I have found that to get the same vel with lead as jacked takes 5 to 10% less powder for me in 9mm. Of course this is just an in general #.

 

[ewlyon]

Comparing other bullet weights in 9mm using Longshot, it is interesting to see that the max charges between jacketed and cast are the same. They list the 115gr JHP and the LRN at a max of 6.0gr for both with the LRN being seated 0.025 shorter, and the 125gr FMJ and LCN both at 5.7gr max with the FMJ being seated 0.035 shorter.
I don't want to share my load tests for Longshot with 147gr lead just in case someone reads it and doesn't take the slow and steady approach I did, however I would say to load to a long OAL (as your chamber/mags allow) and start at the min charge listed for a 147gr XTP which is 3.8gr. If i remember right my pistol didn't cycle using Longshot under 147gr ACME bullets until 4.0gr and the accuracy got a bit better towards the top end while still leaving burns on the cases. Your results may vary so go slow and stay safe.