9mm 115RN from MBC and W231

[spelsh]

Hello everyone. Up until now, I have loaded only FMJ. I just finished my 1000 round and am now going to try some lead. I picked up MBC 115gr RN. The only powder I have is W-231.

I am wondering if anyone has any 'pet' loads that they really like. This will be through a Ruger SR9


I'm going to start at 4.0 with OAL 1.138 (that length seems to work well with my particular firearm)

 

[john16443]

I'll be very interested in the results you get using the MBC bullets in your SR9. If you're shooting paper targets, I'd be interested in hearing if you experience tumbling (see below). I haven't tried 115gr lead yet, but shot many Berry's plated bullets at lead loads. Try 4.3 grains W231 to start and see how your SR9 likes it. Mine was most accurate at that load with the plated Berry's. My COL was 1.14".

I've tried some MBC 9 Cone bullets sized to .356" in the SR9 and they wouldn't work for me as they tumbled (keyholed) at least 60% of the time. The holes in the targets were perfect bullet profiles, not round holes (see this thread, photos in post #19 http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=600000 ) I finally found 4.1gr W231 and 1.12" COL would work, but accuracy was not there at all. Let us know how the 115gr RN work in your SR9.

 

[spelsh]

Went to the range tonight. 50 rounds at 4.2 and 50 rounds at 4.4 with w-231. Not a single key hole. 1.117 was the COL through my ruger. The 4.4 shot much more accurate than me. Everything was slightly high and left, but one big hole formed.

 

[mknpwr]

Using 125g LRN from MBC and 4.0g of W231, OAL of 1.50 in a Glock 17. No leading issues and accurate. 4.3g works well too and can't tell a difference between the two loads accuracy wise.

 

[john16443]

Glad to hear you had a successful range session splesh. Were your MBC's normal diameter (0.356") or did you order them larger OD? These may have to be my next purchase after I consume my remaining inventory of Berry's plated.

 

[spelsh]

They are all normal diameter.

I didn't notice any leading issues. Both loads felt pretty good. I don't have a chronograph so I have no idea how fast they are moving. Most of my brass did end up in neat little pile on the shooting station though!