9MM 124 GR FMJ, what to expect for velocity?

[Exposure]

Just made up 20 rounds this afternoon with Ramshot True Blue and Winchester 124 grain FMJ's.

I saw an average of 970 FPS according to my F1 Chrony. That seemed a little slow to me. Shouldn't I be in the 1050 FPS range? The spent cases were not sooty at all and it cycled the action great on my Sig P226. But I thought that 124 grain slugs should be moving a bit faster than that.

It was a very accurate load and the brass all landed pretty much at my feet, but I am just curious as to what the general feeling is regarding velocity for this bullet.

 

[CatsEye]

Yeah, you would be better around 1050. 124s are nice at that velocity and should function well.

 

[Runningman]

I usually run the 9mm 124 grain in the 1050 - 1100 FPS range depending on the powder. Most of my loads are checked using a P226 so 975 FPS seems kind of slow. But have not used that powder myself.

 

[medalguy]

I load the 124 to about 1050 fps for my guns. Nice load and doesn't hammer the gun unnecessarily.

 

[chris in va]

Grains of powder used?

 

[1SOW]

That's on the low end of a light load.
I'm surprised it shot clean at that speed.

'Minor' Power Factor in competition is minimum 125. Speed X bullet weight = PF.

1030 is a light load, 127PF.

Never used Ramshot True Blue for 9mm so I can't help with load info.

Faster powders give you a little more versatility in load choices. 4.2 grs of Win 231/hp38 gives me about 1065 at 1.111 with that bullet.

 

[John Wayne]

I have only chrono'd my max loads; a 125 gr. with 6.8 gr. HS-6 @ 1.090 C.O.L. got 1209 fps from my XDM9 and 1375 fps from my 995 carbine. Recoil was not bad at all.

 

[LeonCarr]

Regular 'ol factory loaded non-NATO 124 grain FMJ 9mm does around 1090 fron a 4 inch barrel.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[rcmodel]

What charge weight are you using??????

Ramshot data says:
Sierra 125 FMJ - 4" barrel:
5.4 grains starting load gives 1,004 FPS
6.0 Max gives 1,115 at 32,500 PSI.

http://www.ramshot.com/powders/

rc

 

[Walkalong]

I loaded some 115s the other day with True Blue, but have not shot them yet. Perhaps this afternoon.

As posted, what charge weight?

I have been shooting 125s in the 1150 to 1175 range.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

factory Federal 'white box' nato 124gr fmj runs 1240fps.

 

[Exposure]

Charge weight was 5.4 grains, as RC pointed out that is Ramshots recommended starting load.

They spec 1004 FPS with that load and I saw 975 avg, I think that is pretty darn close, good work Ramshot!

I am going to jump to max and try some loads right at 6.0 grains. I think that should put me well above 1050 FPS.

I will report back when I get them chronographed.

Thanks to all for the replies!

 

[Walkalong]

Yea, not a big difference between 1004 & 975 when fired from separate barrels, especially if they used a test barrel and not a firearm.

I wouldn't jump straight to max though, but yea, it should easily put you over 1050.

 

[Walkalong]

Shot the True Blue load today. WSP. 6.2 Grs True Blue. Hornady 115 Gr RN Encapsulated. 1.130 to 1.135 O.A.L.

3" EMP = 1035 Avg FPS

4 1/2" TZ 75 = 1111 Avg FPS

16" AR = 1301 Avg FPS

I know this is 115 Gr, but maybe it helps.

Check load books and be safe.

 

[Slamfire]

I saw an average of 970 FPS according to my F1 Chrony. That seemed a little slow to me. Shouldn't I be in the 1050 FPS range? The spent cases were not sooty at all and it cycled the action great on my Sig P226. But I thought that 124 grain slugs should be moving a bit faster than that.

Chrony Chronographs are highly suspectable for off axis error. You should shoot factory ammunition for a reality check on your velocities.

If practice ammo is accurate, functions the pistol, going slow is easier on the pistol.

There is no law requiring reloads to move at factory velocities.

M92 FS Beretta Bar Sto Barrel

125 gr FMJ Olympic Factory
27-Mar-06 T = 61 °F
Ave Vel = 1261
Std Dev = 20?
ES = 63.11
High = 1288
Low = 1225
N = 10

 

[Exposure]

UPDATE

Just got in from the backyard range.

5.8 Grains True Blue gave an average of 1054.9 FPS with the 124 grain FMJ's out my Sig P226. Very accurate, brass still lands in a neat area a couple of feet away and light recoil. Good load, I'm gonna keep it!

I did run some 115 grain WWB across the chronograph first and they averaged 1152 FPS so I feel pretty confident that the Chrony is working as advertised.

Thanks again to everyone who had input on this.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks for the info. Ramshot powders are good powders but they are hard to find where I live. I've tried both True Blue and Zip and liked both. Zip is a lot like W231.

I use Longshot a lot of the time for "hotter" 9mm ammo. Since True Blue is right next to it on the burn rate chart it makes sense it would do a good job too.