9mm 124gr FMJ and Plated Load Help

[zetti1]

I purchased 1,000 rounds of 124gr FMJ bullets from PrecisionDelta and 1,000 rounds of 124gr plated bullets from Berry. I plan to load the plated bullets with 4.3grs of Win 231 with an OAL of 1.39. Can I still use the same amount of powder with the FMJ bullets? If so, will I feel a difference between the two different bullets using the same amount of powder? Any other thoughts or considerations would be appreciated.

 

[1SOW]

The Berry bullets may be a little faster. If you are really 'in tune' with your gun, you might feel the difference. With a steel gun, I'd guess you wouldn't feel a difference. With a polymer gun, maybe.

4.3 grs at that oal should be a nice 'mild' load--maybe a little 'sooty'.. I also add the standard disclaimer and recommend you start low and work up.

I shot quite a bit of the 124gr PDs over 231 a few years ago. With 4.3gr it gave close to 1050'/sec on my chrono. I have a test box of the new Berry 124 HBRN coming. I'll be looking for about the same speed using 4.0 grs n320.

 

[john16443]

zetti1 - I'm hoping that you forgot a digit in your OAL indication. 1.39" should be 1.139 perhaps??

Also, your starting charge of 4.3 gr is the recommended for 115gr lead bullets, and is what I use for my 115gr Berrys. Generally speaking, for a given powder and bullet type, heavier bullets take less powder. Also generally speaking lead bullets take less powder than FMJ's. This is based on my observation of numerous manuals and sources.

If you want the feel for each type of your bullets to be the same, you may want to consider starting at 4.1 grains for the Berrys, and 4.3 for the FMJ.

 

[Walkalong]

Yes, and I doubt the velocity difference is worth noting. I have shot a lot of 115 Gr jacketed and plated in 9MM and the same charge gives me really close velocities with either. Can't be much different using 124/5's. I have shot some of those weights in 9MM, but not enough to make that determination yet.

4.3 is going to be light. Make sure every shot leaves the barrel.

 

[GLOOB]

I got best accuracy and cycling with 124 FP when I got to 4.4gr W231 and up. FMJ? Yeah, you can load 'em the same. Doesn't mean they'll shoot the same.