9mm +P with Silhouette

[alzo]

I usually use 5.4gr of N340 with a Zero 125gr JHP, COL=1.112. This load gives me 1145fps from a 3.8 inch barrel. I don't like to exceed published load data.

I was trying to work up a comparable load with Silhouette, and was disappointed that the velocities I achieved were on low side. Are my results typical of what can be expected with Silhouette in this application?:

5.1gr 1001 fps
5.3gr 1046 fps
5.5gr 1068 fps
5.7gr 1086 fps


I'm also not sure what the real max charge is for Silhouette. The only 124/125gr JHP data Ramshot lists is for the Sierra bullet and tops out at 5.5gr. Sierra's data for the same bullet with Silhouette goes up to 6.1gr.

 

[Walkalong]

Ramshot data does seem conservative with regard to Silhouette, and to get top velocities you have to go over it. There is data out there that surpasses the Ramshot data. Be careful out there.

 

[kcofohio]

Here is Ramshot's .pdf file for 9mm +P data.

http://blog.westernpowders.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/LoadGuide-9mmParabellum+P-update1-28-14.pdf

 

[ReloaderFred]

Ramshot's Silhouette is the old Winchester WAP (Winchester Action Pistol) powder. If you can locate some of the older WAP data, that may help you achieve what you're looking for.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[alzo]

Is there a better alternative in a non-flake powder to get to, say, 1200fps ? N340 will come close, but as we all know, it's pricey.

 

[Mad Chemist]

Is there a better alternative in a non-flake powder to get to, say, 1200fps ? N340 will come close, but as we all know, it's pricey.

Power Pistol and Autocomp can get you close but you will need to be up at max. HS6 and Longshot may get you close too but I haven't tried those powders for this application. I don't think you'll be able to get that velocity with a bbl length <4" though. The best velocity I've gotten with 124gr JHP was using 3N37, but it's just as expensive as N340. Even using 3N37, I don't think you will be able to go over 1200 fps from a short bbl without exceeding current published VV data. I have exceeded book max for this load but I won't post that data on the open forum.

 

[alzo]

I misspoke (mistyped?) when I wrote 1200fps. I'd be happy if I could reach 1140-1150fps with the Silhouette. With the plated bullets, Ramshot shows loads up to 6 or 6.1gr. I'm just not sure how that translates to my Zero jhp.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I found data for both Unique and Winchester 231 that will get you slightly over 1,200 fps with a 125 gr. jacketed bullet. The data was located on Loaddata.com, but it's a membership data resource.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Walkalong]

I'd be happy if I could reach 1140-1150fps with the Silhouette

The 9MM +P PDF linked to will get you nearly there with Silhouette.

Longshot will get you there in a 5" barrel. Or at least it did in mine.

N340 will almost get you there in a 3" barrel. Or at least in my 3" EMP. It easily gets you there in a 5" barrel. Haven't tried 3N37 in 9MM, but use it in .38 Super.

 

[Duvel]

I loaded that bullet to 1.096 over 5.0gr of Silhouette and got 1,000fps out of a 4" barrel. Wasn't thinking about upping it until now

 

[Mad Chemist]

3N37 was capable of >1200fps with a 124gr XTP from my G19. This was at slightly above max. Max load will easily hit 1140fps. But as we all know, this powder ain't cheap and it's less versatile than N340.

6.5gr of 3N37 gave me an accurate controllable load that is plenty fast enough to get adequate penetration and expansion from the 124gr XTP.

 

[Dudedog]

I have found Longshot works well for MAX vel 9mm loads.
It behaves well at the listed MAX (and above)
It is a flake but they are small flakes and meter well thru most measures.
I have never used 3N37 or 3N38 so they might be better but when I want MAX 9mm loads I turn to Longshot. Muzzle flash is less than PP, but it is loud.

 

[alzo]

Sierra's manual goes up to 6.1gr of Silhouette with their 125gr JHP, so maybe I could go up to 6.0-6.1gr. Since I'm only seeing about a 20fps gain for each additional 0.2gr of powder, that might only get me to the mid 1120's.

I don't want to push it. I've been happy with N340 for years and plan to keep using it. I just have 4lbs of Silhouette that I bought for hot 45acp loads, and I thought it would be nice to be able to use it for my 9mm loads as well. I realize that I can do that, but I was just hoping to be able to achieve the same performance with Silhouette that I am getting from the N340.

I have to say that for every application from light to heavy loads in both calibers, I've not found anything that performs as well as the Vihtavuori powders (N310, N320, N340). They always seem to burn more cleanly and deliver more velocity without going over standard pressure than other brands of powder. I'm always looking for that elusive less expensive backup, and while many powders come close, I've not found anything that completely fits the bill.

 

[Walkalong]

when I want MAX 9mm loads I turn to Longshot. Muzzle flash is less than PP, but it is loud.

Sure is.

(N310, N320, N340)

I buy these four pounds at a time. Good stuff.

AA #2 will do almost anything N320 will, and in small cases it will often match the accuracy of N310. Great for target loads in .38 Spl as well. I buy it in bulk too.

 

[Fatelvis]

I'm hearing good things about BE-86 and fast 9mm loads. I'll be loading them soon too.

 

[Mad Chemist]

Sure is.

I buy these four pounds at a time. Good stuff.

AA #2 will do almost anything N320 will, and in small cases it will often match the accuracy of N310. Great for target loads in .38 Spl as well. I buy it in bulk too.

I think that Power Pistol is almost as good as N340. The only arguable drawback is the loud report and the ridiculous muzzle flash. Both of which can be quite fun at times