9mm load data with imr pb

[myFRAGisFUBAR]

So the only store that sells powder within 2 house of where I live is hit or miss with powder. The only thing available at the moment is imr pb. Im looking to use this in 9mm cast bullets loads. According to hodgdon, a 125 grain lcn bullet gets 2.9-3.4 grains. Now I cast with a lee 120tc and 124rn molds. These drop about 124 and 128 respectively. Would that load data be safe to use with both of these mold designs? I was thinking start around 3.0 grains and work from there.

Any info on this powder/caliber combo would be super helpful. Thanks again everyone.

 

[1KPerDay]

I personally would have no problem using that data for your pills. Start at 3.0 as you said and watch closely for problems. That's a pretty narrow min/max so I wouldn't stray too far.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

I wouldn't hesitate to use that data for both of your bullets. With lead, listed loads aren't normally anywhere near max SAAMI pressures, so you bullets being a couple grains heavier shouldn't make much difference. The trick is, you're using 2 different bullet profiles. You'll probably want to work up a seperate load for each bullet, especially since truncated cone bullets usually need to be seated to a shorter COL and that CAN definitely effect pressures. So start at 3.0gr with whatever COL works in your gun, for each bullet, and slowly work up.

 

[TfflHndn]

I agree with the others. Generally using load data for a lighter bullet will work for a slightly heavier bullet anyway, besides lead loads being lighter than jacketed. The other way around, not so much... If you really want to be extra careful with different bullet profiles, measure the bullet A length and the COAL from a known good load, subtract the case length, and you know how much of the bullet is stuffed in the case. Start with a load length that does not stuff more of bullet B into the case and see if that plunks. Work from there, but know that it's not exact, i.e., if the contour of the base is very different, etc.

 

[UziLand]

I just started using PB (same reason you are). I've only used plated 9mm 115gr xtreme bullets. I found IMR's data to be extremely conservative. I tried their suggested load of 3.8gr and it wouldn't recycle my S&W MP. I will say that at 4.2gr on this round I found it burned clean and made for a decent "light load".
I'll say for using such small volumes of this powder (even in 38 spcl) It burns well and barks good with minimal recoil.
Good luck and proceed with caution, I don't shoot much lead but am aware of the differences.

 

[myFRAGisFUBAR]

Thanks for all of the input guys. I will head to the range tomorrow weather pending with 25 of these loaded up with 3.0 grains behind a 124 grain lead cone bullet. I will post results asap.

Rounds are cast lee 120 grain TC bullets. They have 3.0 grains with an OAL that chambers in my gun at 1.050.

 

[1KPerDay]

FWIW I'd start with FIVE rounds of a particular load, and FIVE in the next couple of steps up. I don't like pulling bullets.

 

[rskent]

I just started using PB (same reason you are).

Same here

I found IMR's data to be extremely conservative.

Same here. Their listed max load won't cycle my G19. I found that I had to go a lot higher. Even so, they seem to run fine and make a fine plinking load.
No signs of over pressure at all. I don't think I would pass up other powders to get PB but I gotta say I like it. It shoots pretty good.

Be Safe

 

[myFRAGisFUBAR]

Went to the range for a bit today. Using 3.0 grains of PB, My sig 2022 would not cycle. It would fail to eject the round. My friend using a G19 was able to cycle all of the rounds loaded at 3.0 grains. Ill load up a little more and try again. Will post results asap.