147gn Lead 9mm "Subsonic"

[schmeky]

Is anyone using the 147 gn cast lead bullet in their 9's? Seems like the lower velocities would almost guarantee no leading in the 9mm. Lots of bearing area as well for good stability in flight.

I use 115gn FMJ's exclusively in my CZ's and Glocks, but I like the idea of a heavy bullet for my CZ's.

Loads? Velocities? Fun factor?

 

[AgentAdam]

I would like to get into casting for the 9mm also in 115,125,and 147-149ish.

 

[glockgod]

I like 4grs Unique with 147 lead or plated. 980fps+/-

 

[Galil5.56]

I personally like cast bullets in the 125 grainish range using fairly moderate speed propellants, and just came in from shooting some test loads. I was using GI brass, Lee 124 TL TC bullets sized .358" seated 1.070", WW primers and various propellants. You can get some dandy subsonic loads using the bullet I mentioned. For example from my Beretta M9:

4.3 grains of Power Pistol avg 997 fps

4.2 grains WW231 avg 1067 fps

I usually go with 4 grains of WW231, but wanted to see what it took to get at the threshold of trans-sonic. Both of these were extremely consistent, well stabilized, accurate from what I could tell, and very minimal leading even with it's less than smooth bore. This bullet using water quenched WW's will weigh about 129 grains.

4-4.2 grains of Unique is a very good subsonic load, and if stepped up to 5 grains gets me 1183 fps. Final load development using INTERNATIONAL CLAYS works out to a comfy max of 4 grains which yields 1128 fps. Lots of fun, dirt cheap shooting here, that sacrifices nothing and functions the pistol 100%. Of course these are my loads, and are safe in MY pistol... Use at your own risk.

 

[wally]

I use 147 gr hard cast lead FP, 3.7gr Unique & any primer. Very clean shooting round other than the smoke from the lead bullet lube. I shoot a lot of it at steel plates, low recoil, knocks the plates down smartly, and the brass doesn't fly very far from the gun. What's not to like?

--wally.

 

[poolpedler]

147 cast with 3.7 gr WSF....mouse fart load that still is at 950 FPS......LOVE this load.....all I shoot in all my nines (except self defence)

 

[schmeky]

Thanx for the replies. I just ordered 500, 147 gn cast bullets this evening. I look forward to developing some loads for my CZ's.

 

[bluetopper]

I just bought a new 9mm 1911 and a bunch of 147gr lead FP bullets. Been experimenting with a lot of various loads also, with Power Pistol, American Select, and Clays powders...........fun!

 

[Galil5.56]

Depending on the bullets profile, coupled with CZ's notoriously short chambers, you might have to seat those 147's very deeply to get the proper OAL. I would be very careful working up loads, would not go any faster than WW231, and would suggest Unique, HS-6, WSF, AA#5 and similar or slower.

Tiny case + very fast propellants + a bullet very heavy for the cartridge seated very deeply leaves very little wiggle room.

 

[schmeky]

Gailil,

Good point well taken. I'm mainly punching paper so knock down power is not a priority. I'll keep an eye on pressure signs. I will be using WW231, although I have some Silhoutte from Ramshot too.

 

[Jayman]

3.3 grains of Titegroup behind a 147gr slug works real nice in my Glocks. (Plated.) That powder + lead may be a bit smoky though.