9MM 124gr bullets

[splattergun]

I have been seeing a definite lack of 124-125 gr bullets AND cartridges in the LGSs around my neck of the woods. Searching 2 Sportsmans Warehouses and 2 mom n pops I have found only 1 box of 100 124 gr XTPs. So that's what I bought. Plenty of 115 and 147, just no 124. The exception is 500 pc boxes of berry's, but as I am trying to work up a new load, I don't want to buy so many at a time until I know what my pistol prefers.

I do see 124s on the internet, but I would rather spend my $ locally.

Anyone else seeing a hole where 124s belong on the local shelf?

 

[LiveLife]

For 9mm, 124/125 gr is more popular bullet weight than 115 gr as I need to usually push the lighter 115 gr jacketed/plated bullets to high-to-near max load data to reliably cycle the slides on Glocks with stiffer recoil springs (especially captured dual-springs of Glock subcompacts). Also, it's been my experience that optimal accuracy is achieved at high-to-near max load data as well.

With heavier 124/125 gr bullets, reloaders have more flexibility. I can reliably cycle the slides with mid-to-high range load data loads and accuracy is achieved as well.

As to JHP bullets, like me, many also prefer the heavier bullet weights.

I buy most of my bullets online and some from local gun shows so I can't comment on LGS availability. I keep a listing of gun show vendors and email/call them before the gun show to request reloading component orders so I can ensure they have what I need at the shows. Yes, I do like supporting smaller mom n' pop/family operations when I can if the pricing is comparable.

 

[rfwobbly]

Most 9mm shooters just go for price, that's why most discount factory loads are 115gr.

If you want to work up a 124gr load, but don't know how your gun will digest various bullet shapes, then just call the Berry Mfg factory. They'll sell you an assortment box of all their various 124gr bullets and then you'll have a selection to choose from.

 

[Damon555]

I just loaded 800 rounds of the 124 grain berry's round nose bullets for my Glocks and 9mm 1911....Loaded with Unique they cycle and feed just fine. That profile works great.

 

[Striker Fired]

I like the 147grainers for accuracy.The other I use are 140gr .38 cast bullets,they are a good compromise of weight for accuracy and light enough for some speed.I always wondered why there is no 130 to 135gr bullets for 9,just 125 then 147.

 

[dickttx]

Wanting to try 124gn JHP's before I bought a whole slew of them, I ordered a 100 pack from Precision Delta. $18, postpaid, and they were here in just a few days.

 

[TonyT]

I purchase the Montaa Gold bullets by the case. They have all the popular weights in stock as of this moment.

 

[jim243]

then just call the Berry Mfg factory

I have tried there plated hollow points in the past and they just don't work, you might have better luck than me with the round nose.

Jim

 

[Striker Fired]

I've shot a lot of 124gr Berrys, both the hollow base and the standard fp.They always shot pretty good in all of my 9's plus a .357Sig barrel. They usually grouped an average of 1/2-3/4" bigger than Nosler JHP's or HAP/XTP's though, but still were pretty good groups.

I have now switched mostly to lead for the cost .

 

[rfwobbly]

I always wondered why there is no 130 to 135gr bullets for 9, just 125 then 147.

If you'll look under 38 Super on the Berry Mfg web site, you'll find all the 130gr and 135gr bullets you'll ever need. And the Hodgdon and VV web sites have load data already posted.

They are indeed a good compromise between 124 and 147gr choices.

 

[k9kev88]

Wanting to try 124gn JHP's before I bought a whole slew of them, I ordered a 100 pack from Precision Delta. $18, postpaid, and they were here in just a few days.

dickttx - I was planning on ordering some of these from PD - please let us know how they work for you.

 

[splattergun]

Thanks for your responses all. I have some web shopping to do, I guess. Or maybe gather some lead and a mould.
I got some pretty good groups, about 1-2 inches with the 124 gr XTPs using various charges of Unique, better than any of the 115 gr bullets I tried.

But I'm still wondering if others are seeing such holes on the LGS shelves.

 

[Damon555]

Thanks for your responses all. I have some web shopping to do, I guess. Or maybe gather some lead and a mould.
I got some pretty good groups, about 1-2 inches with the 124 gr XTPs using various charges of Unique, better than any of the 115 gr bullets I tried.

But I'm still wondering if others are seeing such holes on the LGS shelves.

I never even look at the ammo in stores (except for 22lr.)....Reloading will allow you to do the same.

 

[splattergun]

That's what I'm looking for locally, reloading projectiles. Loaded ammo too, but mostly for loading. I would rather do business locally, but if they're all sold out, I guess I'm stuck paying freight.

I could understand if I didn't live in a metro area with 2 Sportsman's Warehouses, a Cabela's and several Mom N Pops. But ALL of them out of 124 gr?

OK, I've blown off the steam. Time to let the fingers do the shopping.
:-/

 

[rfwobbly]

Mr Splatter -

After 6 months of reloading your own ammo which has been specially tailored to your gun, this will cease to be a concern.

You'll get plenty of chances to support your LGS with primer and powder purchases.


Trust me