9mm lead

[jrkfantom]

At the gun show, I picked up a pack of 100 lead 9mm 125 grain round nose bullets. I can't find the load data for 125 grain. I'm using win 231 powder, and need a max and min load, and also the max OAL

I found on winchester's website a load for the 115 grn LRN. It's min is 4.3 and max is 4.8, with a max OAL of 1.100". Would that be about the same data? Also, why is the start data so much higher than the average 3. something for FMJ's?

 

[john16443]

Here's some more data for your consideration. BTW, I shoot some Dardas 124 and 125gr RN bullets with W231.

Speer info 125 gr LRN: 3.8 - 4.2 grains at 1.13" COL
Winchester info 124gr LRN: 3.3 - 4.0 grains at 1.169" max COL. Yes, the Winchester load data you found is for 115gr FMJ, and should NOT be used for lead.

A Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook may have even more information.

If your bullet has a small shoulder on it like the Dardas 125 grain shown here http://www.dardascastbullets.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=dardas&Category_Code=9 then I suggest it be inserted so only about 0.025" or about a thumbnail thickness of the straight portion of the bullet body shows above the case. Make sure whatever length thatis will droop easily into and out of your barrel (plunk test) and will feed from your magazine.

If your bullets do not have a shoulder on them, I suggest they be loaded at about 1.14" to 1.15" COL, again, making sure they pass the plunk test in your barrel.


My personal experience with 120 to 125 grain 9mm projectiles is that 3.8 grains is a good place to start, and if you need to, work up slowly from there.

 

[rcmodel]

Lyman #49 manual shows data for a 120 grain RN.
That would be a 125 after bullet lube is added.

W-231:
Start = 3.0
MAX = 4.1.

Data OAL is pretty meaningless. It's actually just a place to start.

Use the barrel out of your gun at the bench to check for fit of the load.
You need to make it just short enough the bullet isn't hitting the rifling leade when you drop on in the chamber.
And short enough all the grease grooves are covered.
Longer usually feeds better then shorter.

rc

 

[jrkfantom]

john,

Between speer and wichester, there was a .5 difference between starting loads. That is because of the different overall lenghts, correct?

 

[armoredman]

I load a lot of 9mm 125 grain lead, but with Accurate #7. My COAL for the load that works the best for me is 1.090, with a home cast Lee 356 124 2R mold. The Phantom loves 'em.

 

[Striker Fired]

Definately try some Dardas.He seems to have found a good alloy and the right hardness.They shoot great.I load all my RN with the shoulder the same as a swc.