Loading 9mm self-defense load (SIG 124 gr V-CROWN proj.)

[Alex G]

Set OAL for function, go from there.

And you have your answer.

Is there any advantage in pistol to seat as close to the rifling as possible? (Like in precision rifle?)

 

[Mark_Mark]

Is there any advantage in pistol to seat as close to the rifling as possible? (Like in precision rifle?)

NOPE!

 

[Walkalong]

Is there any advantage in pistol to seat as close to the rifling as possible? (Like in precision rifle?)

Maybe if you’re shooting Bullseye, dunno. I do know loading OAL for function shoots great.

 

[lordpaxman]

The production/SS competition crowd advocates loading as long as possible with the least amount of fastest powder possible to make PF, for the softest felt recoil. SD loads have a different criteria, as others have said, function trumps all, but you also need some measure of accuracy and precision.
In the case where published load data COL differs from what your objective is, you need to safely do your load workup with shortening COL in steps. It also helps to have the bullet in the load data be the same, but if it isn’t at least attempt to compare bullet OAL, that way you’ll have a better handle on seating depth. A chrono helps in these cases. Good luck.

 

[Walkalong]

Load them to factory OAL and they will out shoot you.

 

[Gary H]

I would shoot a box of factory defensive ammo and chronograph that. Many manufacturers are rather optimistic regarding velocity. You also will get standard deviation figures. Velocity and standard deviation will help you in developing a load close to the factory load, which will be a bit less expensive to practice with, but I would only carry a factory load.

 

[rfwobbly]

The obvious question is... If your first box of Sig SD ammo is so important to have, then why was it consumed ?

Now that you have a chrono, you can measure the velocity of 8-10 Sig rounds, then load some RMR bullets of equal weight to the same velocity. That will give you very inexpensive "practice ammo" of equivalent recoil and you won't be consuming the expensive stuff.

 

[NMexJim]

The obvious question is... If your first box of Sig SD ammo is so important to have, then why was it consumed ?

Now that you have a chrono, you can measure the velocity of 8-10 Sig rounds, then load some RMR bullets of equal weight to the same velocity. That will give you very inexpensive "practice ammo" of equivalent recoil and you won't be consuming the expensive stuff.

Yes, I agree with wobbly, and that's what I've done as well. Match my carry ammo with hand loads for practice, It took a bit of work to get the hand loads to hit the same POI as the factory ammo I carry, but that wasn't too bad.

But, you're planning on carrying your reloads, so you might not want to do that. I will tell you that I have at 500 9mm backup-ammo loaded into nickel-plated cases, and probably that many nickel-plated just hanging around. I'll look and see if any is SIG. I like Winchester brass and that's what I normally sort out, so that's what it'll probably be. But, if I got it, I'll mess with it and see what happens.

Alex, have you tried to polish out the dies? Have you checked your procedure?

 

[Alex G]

The obvious question is... If your first box of Sig SD ammo is so important to have, then why was it consumed ?

Now that you have a chrono, you can measure the velocity of 8-10 Sig rounds, then load some RMR bullets of equal weight to the same velocity. That will give you very inexpensive "practice ammo" of equivalent recoil and you won't be consuming the expensive stuff.

right, and I still have 1/2 a box of the sig defensive ammo left. My problem is having enough defense ammo to go between both my wife and I’s carry guns and spare mags. Hence the looking to load defense ammo for carry. I already have range ammo (plated 124 grain) that match the recoil of my defense ammo, that’s not an issue.

 

[Alex G]

I will tell you that I have at 500 9mm backup-ammo loaded into nickel-plated cases, and probably that many nickel-plated just hanging around.

That’s also my goal, and good point. If something were to ever come up where I need more than a mag or two of SD ammo, I want JHP’s on hand. (Hence this whole setup as well haha)

Alex, have you tried to polish out the dies? Have you checked your procedure?

What do you mean?

 

[Mark_Mark]

right, and I still have 1/2 a box of the sig defensive ammo left. My problem is having enough defense ammo to go between both my wife and I’s carry guns and spare mags. Hence the looking to load defense ammo for carry. I already have range ammo (plated 124 grain) that match the recoil of my defense ammo, that’s not an issue.

put the 124g plated ammo in the carry gun mag and then top off with 5 factory defensive loads each gun.

 

[NMexJim]

That’s also my goal, and good point. If something were to ever come up where I need more than a mag or two of SD ammo, I want JHP’s on hand. (Hence this whole setup as well haha)

What do you mean?

Ah sorry, another post going on about SIG ammo, and I lost my place and got cross footed.

 

[Alex G]

Ah sorry, another post going on about SIG ammo, and I lost my place and got cross footed.

You’re good haha

 

[Alex G]

put the 124g plated ammo in the carry gun mag and then top off with 5 factory defensive loads each gun.

absolutely not. Increasing the chance of pass-throughs, mixed ammo in the mags as a potential for legal consequences, and Point-of-Impact shift to deal with mid-mag. That’s asking for trouble, at least IMO.

 

[Mark_Mark]

absolutely not. Increasing the chance of pass-throughs, mixed ammo in the mags as a potential for legal consequences, and Point-of-Impact shift to deal with mid-mag. That’s asking for trouble, at least IMO.

dang! my bad

 

[rfwobbly]

I will tell you that I have at 500 9mm backup-ammo loaded into nickel-plated cases, and probably that many nickel-plated just hanging around.

That’s also my goal, and good point. If something were to ever come up where I need more than a mag or two of SD ammo, I want JHP’s on hand.

Then you may want to start with Berry Hybrid Hollow Point simply based on cost and ability to buy bullets in bulk.

 

[Alex G]

Then you may want to start with Berry Hybrid Hollow Point simply based on cost and ability to buy bullets in bulk.

Do they actually expand and perform as a normal hollow point would?

 

[Telum Pisces]

Do they actually expand and perform as a normal hollow point would?

I'd stick with standard HP bullets if at all possible instead of a plated HP. But who knows. I've seen gel tests and they do "decent" I suppose.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Do they actually expand and perform as a normal hollow point would?

nope! but they are sharped like HP, good training for factory HP

 

[Alex G]

I'd stick with standard HP bullets if at all possible instead of a plated HP. But who knows. I've seen gel tests and they do "decent" I suppose.

Interesting! I’d never heard of them before now. Have loaded their THP rounds, but never the HHP’s.

 

[Walkalong]

Do they actually expand and perform as a normal hollow point would?

They are supposed to, dunno, price would have to be right.