9mm feed problems in AT-9 w/ handloads.

[Keeperfaith]

Hi guys, I'm not sure I can get a lot of help here but I'm just throwing this out there because I don't know what else to do (besides use factory loads in my AT-9).

I loaded some Raineir 9mm hollow point 124 grain bullets at 1.075 and 1.070 OAL (for two different powders that called for different OAL's in the data).

They fed flawlessly in my Hi-Power but jammed up every time in my Feather Industries AT-9.

I tried feeding my handloaded Raineir FMJ's roundnoses with OAL 1.100 through the AT-9 and they feed great. I tried three different factory loaded bullets through the AT-9 (round nose FMJ, flat nose FMJ and HP's. They all fed flawlessly. The factory loads were all around 1.086 OAL...

So I thought "well, my 1.075 and 1.070 must be too short". I loaded five dummy rounds with the Raineir 124 gran HP's with a 1.100 OAL. JAMMED every time w/ the AT-9. I guess I'll try OAL of 1.086 next...

So can anyone give any suggestions why my handloaded Rainier 124 Grain HP's w/ OAL of 1.075/1.070 won't function in my AT-9??
It's very frustrating, its only that bullet with THAT gun, all the other rounds (handloads and factory) feed great in the Hi-Power.

PS: a factory crimp die was used to crimp all handloads...and the AT-9 uses Uzi mags (yes they are clean and so is the AT-9).

Thanks guys

Steve

 

[FROGO207]

You do not state whether the bullets are failing to feed from the MAG or failing to slip into the chamber completely. each will have a different cause. I would try the "plunk test" with a round that feeds and a round that does not feed. If you encounter color the round and try it to see where the problem is. then correct that. If it is not stripping a round and inserting it there could be issues with the bullet to feed ramp geometry. Try feeding one slowly and see where the problem lies and then mess with depth etc. Those Rainiers are short and stubby and do not play well with tight chambers/short or steep feed ramps so I would start there. Good luck.

 

[Keeperfaith]

I'm feeding from the magazines. I did try to "plunk" test and the rounds fit in the chamber w/o ease. I had learned my lesson from not using a crimp in 45 ACP rounds...I crimp all my reloads.

thanks

steve

 

[Keeperfaith]

If anyone is following this thread I have discovered that since the plated bullets are softer than jacketed bullets and they are not able to take the "bang up" loading that the AT-9 provides to all its bullets it eats.

Therefore when I load a jacketed bullet into the AT-9, it feeds w/o any problems because the jacketed bullets wont dent or blemish. When I feed plated HP bullets into the AT-9 they get banged up, dented and deformed and get stuck before even entering into the chamber. NOW, round nose (RN) plated bullets fed into the AT-9 w/o trouble (I'm assuming because of the shape of the bullet being easier to feed that FN or HP's).

SO, DONT use plated bullets with a FEATHER IND. AT-9, use only jacketed bullets. I would assume the same goes for lead bullets (DO NOT USE IN THE AT-9).

Thank

steve

 

[FROGO207]

I don't own one, but thank you for posting your learned experience with this firearm with respect to reloading for it. I am sure it will help somebody else in the future. I would suggest dummy rounds with a shorter OAL and then loading with less propellant as a possibility of solution if you still want to try to make them work. I am one of those individuals that will often go to extremes to find an answer to make it work.

I would suggest the X-Treme bullets heavy plated for your loading if they ever catch up on demand. I have had good luck with these in the 45 ACP and 7.62X39 loadings with problem firearms and plated.