Am I good to go with this load?

[SC_Dave]

I know this may be an adolesent question, unless you are new to reloading. Your input is appreciated.

9mm
115 gr RN FMJ
4.1 gr Win 231
Use: Skills practice on paper and steel
Glock 17

4.1 is the starting load recommended by the new Hornady book for Win 231 and 115gr FMJ. I loaded 15 to test and was satisfied the accuracy and had no troubles that I know of. Seemed to operate the slide just fine. I threw in a factory target round in the middle of the mag just to see if I noticed a difference, I did not. Is it ok to be on the low end of the recommendation? Anything else I should consider?
Thanks, David

 

[threoh8]

If it is safe, reliable in your pistol, and accurate and powerful enough for its intended use, you're good to go.

You might consider giving it a more thorough test, though, before loading up a ton of it. See if a full 50 rounds will function properly. If so, go for it.

There's a lot of fun to be had at the lower end of the power range.

 

[rcmodel]

If the gun functions 100% and always locks open on an empty mag, there is no reason it would be unsafe.

Just for comparison, Lyman #49 shows 3.5 Start and 4.9 MAX.
So using that data, you are just about dead center in the mid-range.

And thats just where I would want to be for a pleasant to shoot target load.

rc

 

[SC_Dave]

Thanks very much guys!
David

 

[Reefinmike]

id load up 10 of each from min to max in .2gr increases. ie 10 of 4.1, 10 4.3, 10 4.5 up to whatever the max is and see how they do as far as reliability and accuracy. the weakest load isnt always the most accurate! once you find a load your gun likes, then you can get to cranking out several hundred. also, once you get near the high end, track down a few pieces of brass and check the primers for pressure signs before going up to the next load. if the primer is flattened up or flattened and there is a ridge along where the firing pin struck, back it down

playing around with low loads can be fun, ive gotten my little 380 to properly cycle with just 1.7 grains of 231/hp38 when the the listed minimum is 2.9. for a 100gr lead boolit however, when doing something like this you should always be darn sure that the bullet left the barrel. I checked after each shot even though i knew it wouldnt be a problem as even just a primer and no powder can push a lead 158gr 38 down 6" of barrel and out 50 yards no problem.

4.1 grains of 231 wont be a problem and should be a nice light target round!

 

[rcmodel]

as even just a primer and no powder can push a lead 158gr 38 down 6" of barrel and out 50 yards no problem.

No it won't!

Just a primer will stick a lead .38 bullet just about every time.

Sometimes just about halfway out of the cylinder and in the forcing cone so the cylinder won't turn.

rc

 

[Reefinmike]

a winchester spp in a 38 case with zero powder WILL push a home cast lee 158gr tl swc alloy of 80%clip on ww's and 20% pure lead sized to .358 out of my 6" barrel. I do these for short range back yard shooting that wont make the neighbors mad... but only when i get an itchy trigger finger. i use a dowel rod to make sure the barrel is clear each shot. ive probably shot 100 this way

 

[45lcshooter]

Also with a low grain of powder in each case, you will prolong the life of the case. But theres plenty of brass around still forsale. Its not as much as gold yet. Haha.

 

[4895]

I load my target 9mm with 4.4 grains of W231 for the 115 FMJ and find it pleasant to shoot, affordable, clean, and accurate. My OAL is around 1.115"-1.125" IIRC.

When I get the itch to push a faster charge, I use a near max load of Power Pistol. Very fast and quite accurate.

 

[777TRUTH]

Seems light to me for a 115 gr FMJ.

But if you like it and your gun functions, go for it.

 

[1SOW]

You didn't say what OAL you're using, but with commonly used OALs that is a very light load, even for a 124gr bullet.

The above recommendation to test a larger batch was a good idea.

YMMV

A 9mm pistol will squib every time when primer only happens.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like said above, if that load is 100% reliable and will cycle the slide and lock it open on the last round in the mag, you are good to go... Sure that's a light load but so what. Nothing wrong with having some fun and enjoying shooting. Not every single round you fire has to be like factory SD ammo!

Personally, I like 124gr bullets in the 9mm better. With a 124/125gr LRN bullet I charge 4.0gr W231 and with a 124/125gr FMJ bullet I charge 4.4gr W231. Both are on the light load side but not quite as light as your rounds...

My oldest son likes 115gr bullets in his 9mm ammo and when I load ammo for him I use a 115gr Remington FMJ bullet with a charge of 5.0gr W231. (fired mostly in a Kel-Tec PF-9)