Do you Reload for specific HD guns or do you compromise?

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webrx

webrx

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Question for the knowledge base

First: I have a Kimber CDP 9mm, with JHPs it is the tightest (shortest) chamber I have, meaning for RMR (and other) JHPs I have to load under 1.1 COL in order to plunk and rotate. COL is not really the issue as Lyman shows COL (OAL) at 1.060 and I can get free rotation at just below 1.1.

My question is, in this situation would you
1. Load everything to 1.060 (lyman number)
2. Load or everything to 1.095 to fit your tightest chamber
3. Load specifically for each gun, i.e. 1.095 for the Kimber, 1.125 for the Ruger etc.

My fear in #3 is accidently dropping a 1.12 in the Kimber it's going to jam in the rifling and could cause a pressure spike.

Thoughts?

Dave
 
I load for 6 different 9’s and make 3 loads. One is my SD round for my Springfield Range Officer, one works good in 3 of them, and one load for the rest. My AR-9 eats anything as goes my Glock 17. I also load 2 different rounds in 223, one for an AR, one for a bolt. All my loads are for accuracy first, once reliability is proven.
 
webrx said:
Question for the knowledge base

First: I have a Kimber CDP 9mm, with JHPs it is the tightest (shortest) chamber I have, meaning for RMR (and other) JHPs I have to load under 1.1 COL in order to plunk and rotate. COL is not really the issue as Lyman shows COL (OAL) at 1.060 and I can get free rotation at just below 1.1.

My question is, in this situation would you
1. Load everything to 1.060 (lyman number)
2. Load or everything to 1.095 to fit your tightest chamber
3. Load specifically for each gun, i.e. 1.095 for the Kimber, 1.125 for the Ruger etc.

My fear in #3 is accidently dropping a 1.12 in the Kimber it's going to jam in the rifling and could cause a pressure spike.

Thoughts?

Dave
Click to expand...
Tightest chamber
 
Yeah, I am thinking tightest chamber as well, just measured a few jhp factory loads at 1.089 - call it 1.09 and all my guns shoot these well enough so, that is where I think I will work up my loads from.

Thanks

D
 
webrx said:
Question for the knowledge base

First: I have a Kimber CDP 9mm, with JHPs it is the tightest (shortest) chamber I have, meaning for RMR (and other) JHPs I have to load under 1.1 COL in order to plunk and rotate. COL is not really the issue as Lyman shows COL (OAL) at 1.060 and I can get free rotation at just below 1.1.

My question is, in this situation would you
1. Load everything to 1.060 (lyman number)
2. Load or everything to 1.095 to fit your tightest chamber
3. Load specifically for each gun, i.e. 1.095 for the Kimber, 1.125 for the Ruger etc.

My fear in #3 is accidently dropping a 1.12 in the Kimber it's going to jam in the rifling and could cause a pressure spike.

Thoughts?

Dave
Click to expand...
A "throater" reamer! :D
I have a Kimber Aegis Carry. A very nice gun, but sometimes a certain bullet profile would end with a short OAL. The chamber was within SAAMI specs. I would load up for this gun. But then I came across Clymer's website and ordered their 9mm throater. By lengthening the throat by .025", it made a world of difference. https://www.clymertool.com/products/

Disclaimer: User of the reamer must have a positive way of stopping the reamer depth, or too much could be cut out.
 
Blue68f100 said:
See how your load (1) shoots in all 3 guns then make a decision. You may be surprised that all guns like them. At the least you will know what to expect.
Click to expand...

That's my suggestion. I prefer to just load one load for everything, that way it can be used universally. In the happenstance one particular pistol just doesn't get along with it... you can address that if needed.
 
My load for 9mm is all 1.090 so I would be fine. My spec came from the Lyman 50th and that oal has functioned and met my accuracy needs. I uses the rmr mmw and mpr in 115 grain.
 
I pretty much load one 9x19 load although I do shuffle between 115 gr and 124 gr RN bullets depending upon what is available. They are loaded to function in all my 9x19 guns.

I go hot and cold on using reloads for home defense. I mostly stick with factory ammunition and I find a round that performs well in the gun or guns I dedicate for home defense.
 
I vote tightest chamber all things being equal. Kinda depends on why you reload. Me, function and volume. Others accuracy and consistency. Others still have a finicky gun that needs special attention.

My primary reasons for reloading handgun ammo are to smooth out these supply issues that crop up, create solid functioning loads, and save a little cash. But a second reason is some light prepping. If one of these "supply issues" turn permanent I want my ammo to work across all platforms.

Good a reason as any.
 
cfullgraf said:
I go hot and cold on using reloads for home defense. I mostly stick with factory ammunition and I find a round that performs well in the gun or guns I dedicate for home defense.
Click to expand...

I don't like handloads for my SD ammos, but given the current state of availability... here we are. Where I used to cycle my carry ammos out every 6 months, my current ammos are likely 12+ months old. Someday, maybe... :(
 
I have 2 go to loads for my 9mm; a "JIC" load and my SD load. My Masada has the tighest chamber of my 5, 9mm guns so I load to fit that gun so I make sure all my handloads fit and function in all my guns. I do have loads I like for specific guns, but for my grab and go, SD/HD type loads (and the round count of these is nearing 1,000) is a universal fit. I can easily keep loads separate, but for my 9mm and 45 ACP pistols it's "One size fits all"...

As for the "No handloads for SD", I have not heard of any reason, example or fact why I shouldn't handload my SD ammo. I have reloaded for my carry and house guns enough to refine the ammo for fit and function (can't remember a misfeed/squib or dud) so I trust my handloads 100%...
 
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westernrover said:
What are you gaining by loading the longer ammo?
Click to expand...
Probably a holdover from shooting rifles at distance. Minimize jump, improve accuracy. but I get your point I don’t shoot 9mm competitively so why do I need to load long.
D
 
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