Best powder for 10MM and lead bullets

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NorthBorder

NorthBorder

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I've just started reloading 10MM using 6.0 gr Unique behind a Hornady 180 fmj. However I am stepping up to a Missouri Bullet Company 200 gr TCFP. Am looking for a more suitable powder that will push it around 1200+ fps. This will be my hiking load. Shooting a RIA 1911 w/ a 5" barrel. My reloading manuals stop around 1050 fps. Any help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance
 
I like 800-X for top end loads but it meters poorly in a measure so you have to trickle or scoop it. You could try Long Shot as it works almost as well but you use more per charge. Maybe some AA#9 would get you there as well.
 
I think you'll find 1200 fps to be a bit optimistic with a 200 gr. bullet. At least from a 5" barrel.

You have probably noticed that most of the loading manuals limit lead bullets to around 1000 fps. I believe this was not always the case. But my manuals go back to the early '90s and they still keep lead loads down in speed. They are likely trying to avoid excessive leading, although some people report good success using hard cast and/or gas checked bullets. I prefer plated or jacketed for most of my stuff.

I've gone as high as 1130 fps with a plated 200 in a Colt Delta using Blue Dot, and I wasn't pushing things. I don't really care to try to hotrod much beyond that though. I can get to around 1400 fps with a 180 gr. JHP, but that's in a 6.5" revolver. I've had best results with Blue Dot and Longshot.

My Speer #12 manual lists a max of 14 gr. AA#9 with a 200 gr. JHP at 1216 fps. Test gun is listed as a S&W1006. I haven't tried this one, but it might be worth looking in to.
 
IMO both AA#7 and AA#9 are good powders for the 10mm. Either will work well with both the cast bullets and the FMJ bullets you're now loading. If you already use either no need to buy another powder for the 10mm. AA#7 with a very well for the 40 S&W too.
 
800X IMO is a poor choice for anything but shotgun ammo. It's dirty, meters like corn flakes and is old tech. There are many equals out there so why put up with it's flaws? I'm curious why Hodgdon kept the Hi-Skor 700-X and 800-X powders but dumped the 3 much more useful SR powders, both under the IMR label.

This is all IMO of course.
 
ArchAngelCD said:
I'm curious why Hodgdon kept the Hi-Skor 700-X and 800-X powders, but dumped the 3 much more useful SR powders, both under the IMR label.
Click to expand...

I'm there with you brother! Stopping production of the wonderful single base IMR 7625 in favor of the double base replacement, which no one stocks, simply doesn't make sense. The announced reason was that the older powders were expensive to produce. But the savvy of swapping a product that sells for a cheaper product that won't sell totally eludes me. And, the new IMR "me too" replacement goes head-to-head against Alliant Sport Pistol, which clearly beat IMR to market at a lower price, and has no remarkable differentiation.

IMHO, the whole episode wreaks of a coup by Hodgdon to whittle the US powder market into a Hodgdon vs Alliant showdown. This will not be a good thing for the reloading hobby.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Power Pistol for my full power 10mm load. 175gr Lee SWC weighing in at 180gr after heavy drop and powder coat hitting 1340-1350FPs over the chrono out of the Witness Elite Match 5" barrel.
 
I use AA#9 for 10mm. It meters well and gives good results.

I've used Longshot also and it performed well.
 
I started loading 10MM shortly after dies became available. For quite a few years now, I've favored the accurate arms powders. This, because they flow through my powder measures like water, resulting in very precise charge weights and resultant consistent velocities. For heavy 10MM loads AA-7 and AA-9 have worked out very well for me, with the edge going to the AA-9 for the heaviest loads. At least within my humble experience. AA-9 has also worked out well for heavy loads in 38 Super and .454 Casull.
 
I should probably keep my yap shut since Ive never loaded 10mm.
But, when loading 40S&W with 180 gr plated, I was getting really good'n'speedy results with Herco. (lost the chrono data, and I dont have a 40 anymore).
Thought I'd mention it, since 10mm and 40 are definitely related.

I hardly ever hear Herco mentioned for anything, but IMO it'd definitely be worth trying.
 
Another 10mm/AA#9 fan here, though I rarely mess with bare lead bullets these days.
 
I saw this thread and couldn't not reply...especially considering my signature:D

Many of the powders listed here will get you top velocity in 10mm Auto. I have used Long Shot and Accurate No. 9 with great results, but Blue Dot happens to be my favorite. It can be used to send any 10mm bullet at lightening speed, and with it's loud report and bright flash, it's a real head turner at the range...just what you want to show off your 10. Be sure to stay within published load data, and work up slowly.

One thing I will say, is stay away from 800-X for this cartridge. Yes, it will get you excellent velocities, but as someone else here said, it meters like corn flakes (haha), and considering how finiky it can be near the top end, I would just use something else...there are many other great choices listed in this thread. If you do want to play with 800-X near its top end, please use caution and hand-weigh each charge. No shortcuts for safety in this hobby.
 
I use blue dot for jacketed. Unique for lead plinking loads. Clearly everyone uses different powders though
 
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