The first time I shot a real mag powder I was equally surprisedI tried out the full power loads today with an XTP bullet and 2400 powder. Something I never considered happened. Actually 2 things.
First there is a charge range between 13.1 and 13.5 grains that is at least as good as my wadcutter target loads and likely better.
Second as the charge weight increased to the 13.3 grain and up range I could feel the heat from the cylinder gap on my hands. The recoil and snap jumped noticeably above that level too. The first time it happened I almost quit shooting.
The astonishing thing is I could possibly go as high as 14.7 grains and be just at the max load in the Lyman 50th edition manual. There have been no pressure sign to this point other than the other shooter on the line moving to stand behind me when I told him what I was about to try.
Isn't that what Magnum loads are supposed to be? I've found h110 to be just as accurate as target loads if I control the recoil. I'm sure 2400 would be the same for me.I tried out the full power loads today with an XTP bullet and 2400 powder. Something I never considered happened. Actually 2 things.
First there is a charge range between 13.1 and 13.5 grains that is at least as good as my wadcutter target loads and likely better.
Second as the charge weight increased to the 13.3 grain and up range I could feel the heat from the cylinder gap on my hands. The recoil and snap jumped noticeably above that level too. The first time it happened I almost quit shooting.
The astonishing thing is I could possibly go as high as 14.7 grains and be just at the max load in the Lyman 50th edition manual. There have been no pressure sign to this point other than the other shooter on the line moving to stand behind me when I told him what I was about to try.
If you dont buy sd or varmit loads make a box and keep them handy. I am developing my fun lead loads first to get practice with my new gun and the character of the powders. Somewhere in the 13-14 range seems reasonable so far but my testing is far from done. I've basically been trying to get through the first set of loads through the rifle and pistol.So if I wanted to decide on a standard load I can use, would 13 grains of 2400 be reasonable? This is given that 12.9 through 13.3 grain loads shot from 1.15” to 1.18” groups? I want to load for the most accurate charge and allow a little leeway for my powder measure to be off by 0.1 grains, which it has held when measuring some samples of thrown charges. That’s a variation less than 1%. At this point there’s no way I think I can shoot good enough to see that difference.
Seems pretty reasonable.So if I wanted to decide on a standard load I can use, would 13 grains of 2400 be reasonable? This is given that 12.9 through 13.3 grain loads shot from 1.15” to 1.18” groups? I want to load for the most accurate charge and allow a little leeway for my powder measure to be off by 0.1 grains, which it has held when measuring some samples of thrown charges. That’s a variation less than 1%. At this point there’s no way I think I can shoot good enough to see that difference.
http://www.lasc.us/FryxellSkeetersBullets.htmI’ve seen a couple people reference a Skeeter load. What is that?
I can believe I can find h4350 but not blue dot. I'm searching high and low as it's the last powder on my must try list.My favorite powder use to be AA9 which has a burn rate close to 2400. I don't have my test records anymore.
This is my test groups using Blue Dot. Blue Dot has a burn rate close to AA7. Shot at 25 feet. Yes, I only shot 4 rounds.
Both loads were shot with my S&W Model 66
Wish I could help but my priorities for 9mm are reliability first, versatility second and accuracy somewhere farther down the list. As long as I can hit center mass at 30 paces one handed I’m fine. Sounds like it will make a good thread tho.I gotta start one of these for threads for 9mm. After shooting the Blackhawk almost exclusively over my 9mms since I got it, I am disappointed with the 9mm accuracy after trying them this past weekend.
I believe you will find the .357 Magnum offers better intrinsic accuracy potential than the 9mm, based on the firearms they are offered in. Now, if you want to talk speed and “combat accuracy”, the 9mm’s (and other auto loaders) have all the edge there.I gotta start one of these for threads for 9mm. After shooting the Blackhawk almost exclusively over my 9mms since I got it, I am disappointed with the 9mm accuracy after trying them this past weekend.
The bullet always determines my oal. If it's a lot different I will reduce the max I will load to. As long as you start at the start load no big deal.The 158 gr XTP's I loaded to 1.590 weren't really deep enough.
Nearly all of the cannelure was showing and the mild crimp just rolling into the groove.
This is over 13.9 g of R. Enforcer. I want a thorough burn and no bullets jumping the crimp so I put them back under the Lee die.
I seated the bullets so the crimp barely shows with a little more aggressive roll crimp. They really look like factory loads now!
OAL is down to 1.571-1.573 and the Lee book says min. Is 1.59 but general consensus says not to worry about that.
I have to wait another week before can chrono them.
The bullet always determines my oal. If it's a lot different I will reduce the max I will load to. As long as you start at the start load no big deal.