AA#5 for 9mm

[MoreIsLess]

Can someone advise on some load data for 124gr 9mm cast bullets using AA#5. Accurate's website shows a range of of 4.7 to 5.4 OAL=1.050 but I have seen posts on other boards of people using 6.2 to 6.4gr of #5. The powder charges people use for #5 seem to be all over the charts

 

[NWcityguy2]

Different manuals publish different max loads. When I have used #5 for 125gr cast bullets I got powder spray in the face unless I was at max load and using a strong crimp, which tells me there is probably some upward mobility though I never tried it.

Honestly though, what are you planing to do with these bullets that you are going to need more pop than 5.4gr of #5 delivers?

 

[MoreIsLess]

Different manuals publish different max loads. When I have used #5 for 125gr cast bullets I got powder spray in the face unless I was at max load and using a strong crimp, which tells me there is probably some upward mobility though I never tried it.

Honestly though, what are you planing to do with these bullets that you are going to need more pop than 5.4gr of #5 delivers?

just shooting bowling pins. I don't need a max load. I just want something medium light but I'm wondering if 5.0 isn't to light if people are using 6.2 and up

 

[oldreloader]

When I use AA#5, 5.0 gr is my standard load with 125 gr bullets

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't know who is telling you 6.2gr to 6.4gr is an alright charge especially when Accurate is listing a Max charge of 5.4gr AA#5 under a 124gr lead bullet. A charge of 6.4gr is a full grain higher which works out to 18.5% over the Accurate Max charge. In such a small case like the 9mm that is probably a very dangerous situation especially since Accurate's 5.4gr charge is reported @34,557 PSI. (just below the Max pressure for the cartridge)

I highly recommend you do not listen to what "people" are telling you when the powder company is telling you something so different. BTW, who are these people you speak of?

Again, adding an additional 18.5% to a load that's already bumping up against the SAAMI pressure limits in a small case like the 9mm is just asking for serious trouble. (who are these people?)

 

[Hard_Cast]

I use Accurate No. 5 exclusively when loading lead 125 gr in 9mm. My mould is a Lyman 358342, lubed with BAC, and I settled on 5.5 gr as most accurate/least unburnt powder. The powder meters so well and consistently that I stuck with it, and keep about 2-2.5" groups at 25 yds with a Beretta 92. No arguments there!

I have seen data up to 6.3 gr from Accurate, but that is with plated bullets of 124 gr. The jacketed data runs up to 6.5 gr behind that weight bullet, I would assume going beyond 5.9 is treading on the risky side. At the same time, starting loads gave me accuracy problems, cycling problems, and lots of tan unburnt/partially-burnt, powder flakes that gummed up the works.

As always, work up to loads and use at your own risk!

Patrick


PS, here's the data from the mfg.

http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/accurate_load_data_3.5.pdf

 

[MoreIsLess]

I don't know who is telling you 6.2gr to 6.4gr is an alright charge especially when Accurate is listing a Max charge of 5.4gr AA#5 under a 124gr lead bullet. A charge of 6.4gr is a full grain higher which works out to 18.5% over the Accurate Max charge. In such a small case like the 9mm that is probably a very dangerous situation especially since Accurate's 5.4gr charge is reported @34,557 PSI. (just below the Max pressure for the cartridge)

I highly recommend you do not listen to what "people" are telling you when the powder company is telling you something so different. BTW, who are these people you speak of?

Again, adding an additional 18.5% to a load that's already bumping up against the SAAMI pressure limits in a small case like the 9mm is just asking for serious trouble. (who are these people?)

http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/ammo-can/123158-load-124gr-9mm.html#post2005573

It doesn't specify, but I bet it's for jacketed bullets

 

[NWcityguy2]

In Accurate's most current load data you will see max loads up to 6.5gr for 124gr jacketed bullets.

 

[squarles67]

I use 5.6g AA#5 with 125g LRN with 1.06 OAL.

Average FPS is 1069 from my CZ75B