9mm Target Load Question

[CoconutMilk]

Hi group, newbie here and needing help.

I am new to reloading and have some questions on a load or components of a load I would like to use. I currently shoot approx 10k rounds from a Glock 19 every month. Ammo is pricey though and I am looking to save on my shooting. Below are the components that I will be using. Can anyone verify that this would make for a good target round. Also, I am unsure of what powder weight to use and what my OAL should be to ensure full weapon cycling and that it is a safe round. Thanks for any help you can give.

Round: Montana Gold 9mm 115gr FMJ - bought in bulk from montanagoldbullet.com, 4k rds for $298.00

Primer: Winchester Sm Pistol #1-1/2 - bought in bulk from midwayusa.com, 5000 for $128.99

Powder: IMR-700X - bought in 8lb containers at $121.99 a piece from midwayusa.com

Brass: Remington -

What powder weight should I use?
What should my Overall Length be?
Other remarks?

thanks again

 

[bubbacrabb]

Well my Lyman manual states starting at 3.1 grains with that powder and a 115 grain bullet. I usually check both my Lyman and my Hornady book when I start reloading. I hope you added a book or two along with all that you bought. I buy mostly lee dies and they have load data in them also. I save em all, take notes. Just start slow, load 10 at start and 10 at .2 higher. Use the book and see where you like it. I tend to load 9mm fairly light. My glock 17 shoots pretty well that way. Its a learning experience. I cant preach enough though to not go over the max. Be careful with that powder, I havent used it. But it sounds like using 3 grains you could easily double charge the case. I like unique cause it fills the case well, and Im hoping that I would catch it if i accident double charged. Good luck

 

[CoconutMilk]

Thank you for that information. I am looking at some Unique now. I have a few manuals and came to the same conclusion as you on the powder charge. I am still not sure on the Overall length though, any ideas on a max and min OAL?

 

[CoconutMilk]

Correction to my last post.

What would be a good starting cartridge overall length?
Max and min COL?

 

[Miata Mike]

I think absolute max length is 1.69", so as I like to keep to the long side and do 1.15 or so.
Bullseye powder is very good and frugal that meters pretty good.

 

[john16443]

jlm83082 - there should be no reason to use a COL any different than what your current factory ammo is. Take a sample of 30 or so and measure them, take an average and see what you get. Use this as a starting point for the Montana Gold. Once a few dummy rounds are made at this COL, check them for functionality in your Glock barrel (plunk test) and magazines. If all is well, load up and shoot 15K per month! If not, adjust accordingly starting from there.

You may also want to consider purchasing the One Caliber/One book pamphlet from Midway or elsewhere. It contains a compilation of all data from multiple manuals and suppliers (powder and bullet) so that you can get a complete picture between different bullets and powders.

 

[1SOW]

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

You need some reloading manuals and can use powder manufacturer's internet reloading data.

IMR700X has a 'very' narrow range of load data for jacketed 115gr 9mm. A few tenths OAL change gives big changes in pressure.

The specific oals given are tested as giving 'safe' pressures with 'that' type bullet and "that" powder. You can't just start with a commercial ammo oal. Their powder is totally different than what you have bought /can buy.

Hope this makes sense.

 

[CoconutMilk]

Thank you all for your input.

1SOW I have plenty of manuals, problem is, I can't find any hard data on the Montana Gold 115gr FMJ. Which is why I was asking for everyone's opinion on a good start point for this round.

Again, thanks for all your thoughts and advice.

 

[TheCracker]

If you are looking at unique you should seriously check out universal clays. They are right next to each other on the burn chart. Universal clays meters better and is cleaner. IMO, it's a much more advanced powder and perfect for 9mm.

As far as oal goes just make batches at within the allowable published data and find what works best. I usually step up by the .01 and shoot off of bags at 20yards to find the best. In my experience it does make a difference.

Hopefully u r getting a progressive if u shoot that much!!

Also I have just started using Tula primers and can tell no accuracy or functionality difference over the cci's I was using. If u buy enough to offset the hazmat they are about 2/3 the price.

 

[1SOW]

The Hogden sight I gave you, HAS 700X under 115 gr FMJ bullets. Hogdon handles 700X.

Just select "IMR" "Cartridge" "pistol" then 9mm, then 700X---loads will appear.

 

[CoconutMilk]

Thankyou all for the info!

 

[zxcvbob]

When you ordered primers and powder from Midway, you had to pay two $20-something hazmat fees, right? (I think this is because Midway ships powder and primers from different locations) For future reference, powdervalleyinc.com will combine powder and primers in one order and only hazmat you once.

Try taking a factory round and use it to setup your seating die. Then seat one of your bullets in an empty sized case and see what you've got. Should be a good starting point.

 

[rfwobbly]

I have plenty of manuals, problem is, I can't find any hard data on the Montana Gold 115gr FMJ. Which is why I was asking for everyone's opinion on a good start point for this round.

Mr 83082 -
Welcome aboard.

With all due respect, the issue is that you haven't learned how to read the manuals just yet. We can help correct that.

• The MG 115gr FMJ will shoot very, very similar to any other 115gr FMJ. You are not looking for a brand name in the manuals, you are looking for a similar bullet weight and construction. 115gr Lead would not be of similar construction. 124gr FMJ would not be similar weight. Follow?

• When the manual reports an OAL of (say for instance) 1.090" then that is the shortest OAL you can use with that load. You can always go longer, out to the longest your barrel will accept. All bullets are different; all gun chambers are different. The longest OAL for your bullet in your gun is up to YOU to research.

• The manual gives a "starting load" because all component combinations are slightly different in their result. So you'll need to begin loading at the "starting load" and work up in small increments until you find what's perfect for your needs.


Given all this, it's easy to see that no one can advise you on your best load. That's all part of the journey. Enjoy the discovery.

 

[CoconutMilk]

bob, thanks for the info on powdervalley. I will look into that for my next order.

Wobbly, thanks for clearing that up for me. I was always under the impression of trying to find the same brnad name in the manual, which is where the confusion was comming from on the MG rounds.

Thank you all for the info.

 

[spoogie]

I think absolute max length is 1.69", so as I like to keep to the long side and do 1.15 or so.
Bullseye powder is very good and frugal that meters pretty good.

I think he meant max length is 1.169"

But, what fits in your gun depends on bullet shape, chamber/rifling, etc. Take your barrel off and drop in a dummy round (no primer, no powder) seated to your "test length" and see if it fits.

-S