9mm 147gr plated bullet data

[jell-dog]

CAUTION USE AT YOUR OWN RISK: The following posts of loading data were tested in my gun chambered for this cartridge.

Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assumes any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

Dudedog! Thanks for 147gr RMR HMP-RN & 147gr RMR HMP-HP bullet PIF!! I also had some 147gr BERRYS P-FP, so I decided to see how the three plated bullets compared to each other.

I used a COL of 1.145" for the 147gr RMR HMP-RN, a COL of 1.115" for the 147gr RMR HMP-HP, and a COL of 1.080" for the 147gr BERRYS P-FP.
These different COL's for each bullet allow all three (3) bullets to be seated 0.264" deep with all bullet/powder combinations used.
I also measured case fill for each powder weight/bullet using each COA to ensure there were no compressed charges.

NOTES: Target has 1/2" GRID with a 1" orange BULLSEYE, I shot these loads with my (Stock) Sig-Sauer M11-A1 9mm 3.9" barrel, open sights, off hand, 7 yards, standing.

OK, NOW MY RESULTS

I started with BE-86 at 3.2gr for each bullet, all cycled slide and locked back on empty mag, all were mild recoil.
The second target shows great promise @ 3.2gr BE-86 under 147gr RMR HMP-HP @ a COL of 1.115".


CFE-PISTOL at 3.9gr for each bullet, all cycled slide, and locked back on empty mag, all were mild recoil.
The first target shows excellent accuracy @ 3.9gr CFE-PISTOL under a 147gr RMR HMP-RN @ a COL of 1.145".


HP-38 at 3.8gr for each bullet, all cycled slide and locked back on empty mag, all were mild recoil.
HP-38 at 3.8gr does not appear to be accurate with these 3 bullets although there is a little room to increase powder load, but not by much.


BULLSEYE at 3.7gr for each bullet, all cycled slide and locked back on empty mag, all were mild recoil.
The second target shows SOME promise @ 3.7gr BULLSEYE under the 147gr RMR HMP-HP @ a COL of 1.115".


TITEGROUP at 3.4gr for each bullet, all cycled slide and locked back on empty mag, all were mild recoil.
Don't know what happened here, but if I could have held better on the first target, I would call that accurate!
The last 2, not so much.
The first target shows excellent accuracy @ 3.4gr TITEGROUP under a 147gr RMR HMP-RN @ a COL of 1.145".
It's "just" 2" left of where it needs to be.


POWER-PISTOL at 4.7gr for each bullet, all cycled slide and locked back on empty mag, all were mild recoil.
Another "I don't know what happened here" but the first 2 targets show SOME promise, maybe see if I have room for more powder without compressing the load?
So, I'll say both the 147gr RMR HMP-RN & 147gr RMR HMP-HP may work out.


Last, I tried Ramshot Competition at 3.6gr for each bullet, all cycled slide and locked back on empty mag, all were mild recoil.
The first target shows SOME promise @ 3.6gr Ramshot Competition under the 147gr RMR HMP-HP @ a COL of 1.145".
There is SOME room to increase the powder charge under this bullet.


Well, there you go!
Some fun at the range

So, to summarize,
3.2gr BE-86 under 147gr RMR HMP-HP @ a COL of 1.115" had potential,
3.9gr CFE-PISTOL under a 147gr RMR HMP-RN @ a COL of 1.145" is fairly accurate,
At 3.8gr HP-38 does not appear to be accurate with these 3 bullets (in my gun),
3.7gr BULLSEYE under the 147gr RMR HMP-HP @ a COL of 1.115" shows some promise,
3.4gr TITEGROUP under a 147gr RMR HMP-RN @ a COL of 1.145" is accurate, just 2" to the left of the bullseye!
At 4.7gr POWER-PISTOL both the 147gr RMR HMP-RN & 147gr RMR HMP-HP may work out with a little more development.
3.6gr Ramshot Competition under the 147gr RMR HMP-HP @ a COL of 1.145" shows SOME promise, I may have to try a little more development.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and I hope it is helpful to those of you trying 147gr PLATED bullets in your 9mm pistols!
JD

 

[mstreddy]

Jell-Dog,

Nice testing, nice write-up, as always. I'll have to test a couple of those loads out.

EM

 

[tightgroup tiger]

Jelldog, Thanks for taking the time to test those and post them. That's a lot of hard work.

Dudedog is a very generous person and has sent me a lot of sample bullets also. I got to try some of them but work is just dominating all my time and will continue to do so for at least 2 more months.

Until then I totally enjoy these posts.

 

[vaalpens]

jell-dog,

Thanks for the comprehensive test results you have posted. I always appreciate seeing test results like this because it gives me load data ideas, but also give me some baseline what to look for. At the end of the day it probably also saves me money because I don't always have to chase my tail.

You have a lot of data, so it will probably take some time for me to digest all the information before I can come up with some intelligent questions/comments.

Scanning your test results I do have a few preliminary questions/observations:
-Looking at the targets for the RMR HMP-RN bullet, just confirms why I like to shoot FP/FN bullets. They have better defined holes and are easier to measure the groupings.
-The Titegroup groupings are strange. It seems all of the Titegroup holes are left of the target. Is that the just the load, or something else. Normally I put out 5 targets in a row and I tend to shoot a little left or right depending on if the target is mounted on the left or right side. Or how lazy I am to readjust to every target.
-It would be interesting to see chrono numbers for these loads. Maybe that could explain some of the results you are seeing.
-Did you do all this shooting on one trip? I found my eyes get tires after a while if I have to evaluate that many loads. I am impressed.

 

[jell-dog]

QUOTE mstreddy: "Nice testing, nice write-up, as always. I'll have to test a couple of those loads out."

mstreddy,
Thank you for saying that!
JD

QUOTE tightgroup tiger: "Jelldog, Thanks for taking the time to test those and post them. That's a lot of hard work.

Dudedog is a very generous person and has sent me a lot of sample bullets also. I got to try some of them but work is just dominating all my time and will continue to do so for at least 2 more months.

Until then I totally enjoy these posts."

TT,
Thank you! And I have enjoyed and learned much from your load data posts also!

Dudedog is a VERY generous THR member!!
JD

vaalpens,
All one visit to the range
I kinda take short-notes after each group at the range, then study the targets and write up each string at home.
Actually, getting the target/data photos ready to post takes more time than shooting up the ammo

Thanks for your compliments on my data!
JD

 

[Dudedog]

Nice write up.
Thanks for taking the time to do it for all of us.

I don't have any of the RNs left but I can chrono the Loads you tested with the RMR HPs.

I know you sent me some Berrys to try I out but I don't recall what flavor.(since you sent a bunch of different flavors I can't remember all the goodies I got)
I need to get the ones you sent me as a PIF loaded up and tested.---Results hopefully soon.

 

[Artofgolf]

Good job testing the 147gr loads with a variety of powders, jell-dog. Lots of data there
Of all the powders you've tried, which do you personally like the best for the 147gr in the 9's?
Thanks for taking the time to post the results!

 

[MDof2]

Very nice recap of data, loads, and results.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

 

[jell-dog]

AOG,
3.9gr CFE-PISTOL under a 147gr RMR HMP-RN @ a COL of 1.145" is my favorite as of now.
Clean burning and accurate (in my gun)!

 

[Morrey]

Very nice. I have been looking for CFE Pistol at all my local reloading stores but none to be found yet. Think I'll try some if I can locate it.

 

[DIV03]

Do you Choron the loads to see what the power factor was?

 

[jell-dog]

Do you Choron the loads to see what the power factor was?

No, I don't have a chrono, would like to get one.
Local indoor ranges don't allow chronos, so I would be limited to our 2 public outdoor ranges.
They are unsupervised and the way some shooters act I have turned around and left without getting out of my truck.
Some summer early mornings during the week are slow, that's when you can have a relaxing range day.
JD

 

[jell-dog]

Very nice. I have been looking for CFE Pistol at all my local reloading stores but none to be found yet. Think I'll try some if I can locate it.

Morrey,
3.2gr BE-86 under 147gr RMR HMP-HP @ a COL of 1.115" also has good accuracy and 4.7gr BE-86 under 9mm 124 Gr. RMR Hardcore Match Flat Nose Plated at 1.110" COL is VERY accurate in my guns.
Mild to moderate recoil.

Find them here:
http://rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets-...124-gr-rmr-hardcore-match-flat-nose-plated-2/
RMR and other bullet manufacturers offer THR members a discount!
JD

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

I've been shooting 147 grain Berry's RN at 4.2 grains CFE-Pistol and a 1.130" COL. These shoot well for me and I get around 950 fps from a 4" Walther PPX.

 

[Morrey]

Morrey,
3.2gr BE-86 under 147gr RMR HMP-HP @ a COL of 1.115" also has good accuracy and 4.7gr BE-86 under 9mm 124 Gr. RMR Hardcore Match Flat Nose Plated at 1.110" COL is VERY accurate in my guns.
Mild to moderate recoil.

Find them here:
http://rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets-...124-gr-rmr-hardcore-match-flat-nose-plated-2/
RMR and other bullet manufacturers offer THR members a discount!
JD

I have been so impressed with RMR's Hardcore Match bullets, that's all I have been using. Jake at RMR is a great guy and we appreciate the THR discount. He assisted me with load data too, and suggested this HM line of bullets can follow FMJ load data.

I shot a RMR 9mm RN Hardcore Match bullet thru a bowling pin at 10 yards. It came almost out the other side and I pulled it thru with pliers. The plating was 100% intact. For all the non-believers that think plating wont hold up....this should dispel that thought.

 

[jell-dog]

I've been shooting 147 grain Berry's RN at 4.2 grains CFE-Pistol and a 1.130" COL. These shoot well for me and I get around 950 fps from a 4" Walther PPX.

CS77,
Thanks!
I'll load up a sample and try that next range trip!!
JD

 

[Dudedog]

I don't have data for Jell-dogs exact loads bu there is some chrono data here.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=791436

#18

 

[webrx]

Jell-dog (or others), any explanation for why the titegroup was 2" left?

Conceptually I can easily understand a load being high or low with a different volumes of powder on a gun that is normally accurate, but I was wondering if someone could explain why a load would go left or right?

Does it have something to do with the bullet interacting with the barrel rifling?

I'm still trying to learn

Thanks,

Dave

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

Jell-dog, just keep in mind that my load is at the Hodgdon maximum, I haven't had any problems and they shoot good.

 

[1KPerDay]

Great info, thanks. I'd personally be afraid to shoot groups to test accuracy standing, as I'd be concerned that my hold/sight alignment/trigger press wouldn't be consistent enough to really determine inherent cartridge accuracy. I shoot from a seated rest for working up accuracy. Then I never shoot from a rest again.

 

[longdayjake]

Of course you had to post this at a time we are completely sold out of the RN. I hope to have more in next week or the week after. In the next couple of months it should be a non issue. I'm currently working on bringing production in house so that we don't have this problem anymore.

 

[jell-dog]

Jell-dog, just keep in mind that my load is at the Hodgdon maximum, I haven't had any problems and they shoot good.

CS77,
Thanks for the headsup!
I always work up to suggested load data from others, as well as checking published data, as part of my "safety first" reloading habits
JD

 

[jell-dog]

Jell-dog (or others), any explanation for why the titegroup was 2" left?

Conceptually I can easily understand a load being high or low with a different volumes of powder on a gun that is normally accurate, but I was wondering if someone could explain why a load would go left or right?

Does it have something to do with the bullet interacting with the barrel rifling?

I'm still trying to learn

Thanks,

Dave

webrx,
I'm not sure what went on with that string
I saw that the first shot was off to the left, but continued sight picture at center of bullseye.
Darned if I didn't get a nice group, although it is was 2" to the left and a little high

JD

 

[sellersm]

As always, excellent write-up, pics and results! I'm about to embark on some 147gr loading, so this will come in quite handy! Now I just have to wait for Jake to get some more 147gr RN in stock!

That TG group is a bit puzzling, for sure...? Who knows, attribute it to sun spots or some other random thing.

 

[vaalpens]

webrx,
I'm not sure what went on with that string
I saw that the first shot was off to the left, but continued sight picture at center of bullseye.
Darned if I didn't get a nice group, although it is was 2" to the left and a little high

JD

I always assumed that if my reloads shoot left or right then it is probably my error, but if it shoots high or low, then it could be me or maybe low/high pressure.

In other forums I have seen discussions around the dominant eye changing from on side to the other. This could obviously change where you are aiming if you shoot with both eyes open.