Loading Berry 9MM 115GR Flat-Point bullets...

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DFisher3112

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I just reiceved my order of Berry's Plated 9MM 115GR FP Bullets. I didn't see any reloading data on Hodgdon's website, so I gave Berry's a call.

The guy I spoke with said that the Flat-Point bullets they sell are best reloaded at 1.050-1.080 based on customer feedback. He asked what powder I am using and I told him Titegroup. He then told me to start the GR load at 3.5 and go from there.

So, my question is, Has anyone else had experience loading these bullets in a Glock? I just want to make sure I load them correctly since I don't have a chrono to test my bullets.

BTW, Im shooting a Glock 22 with a Lonewolf 40-9MM Conversion barrel and a Wolf 11LB Spring.

Thanks,
DFisher3112
 
He gave you good advice. I've used that bullet, plus their 115 gr. RN bullet for years in the 9x19, and it's a good one.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
DFisher3112,

For 9x19, I use mostly SR-7625, SR-4756 or Winchester 231. For the SR-7625, I worked up my own loads in military 9x19 brass, which is heavier in construction than commercial brass. With Winchester 231 and SR-4756, I just used published data from Winchester/Hodgdon for jacketed bullets.

I make it a practice to not post specific loading data on open forums. I wouldn't trust data posted by some unknown, anonymous poster, and I wouldn't expect anyone to use mine. Besides, there are too many opportunities for typographical errors, lapses of memory, etc.

With that bullet, you can use most of the data published for jacketed bullets of the same weight and be just fine. You don't want to run them much over 1,200 fps, and most loads will keep you under that. I've run them to 1,250 fps without a problem, but if you get much over 1,300 fps they will tumble and hit the left upright on your chronograph.......... That's not a problem in 9x19 caliber, but it is with 357 Sig, .38 Super and 9x23 Winchester, and I've used that bullet in those other calibers.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
SR-4756 burns very clean in 9MM & .40 S&W.

I too have run plated 115 Gr 9MM bullets with near max and max jacketed data with no ill effects. Most data will be under the 1200 FPS "ceiling" for Berrys bullets. They can take a little more in most cases, but 1200 FPS or less is a good cutoff for them. Of course the smoother the bore, the easier the ride, and vice versa.
 
Thanks for the information / help everyone.

I did some more searching for loading information to see what bullet macthes up closes to the Berry bullets. I came acorss Winchester 115GR. SPR GDHP bullets.

According to the Hodgdon Loading Data, when using Titegroup powder, and the Winchester bullets, I should use 4.5GR of powder which comes out at 1135 VEL.

With that, I am figuring that 4.2-4.5GR's of powder should be safe. However, will I still be fine when loading the bullets between 1.050-1.080? This makes a smaller combustion chamber and I want to make sure this will be ok?

DFisher3112
 
I would start with their lead bullet data and work up.

I use their program quite a bit, and find it very helpful. They do list
cartridge overall lengths, but for a round nose lead and, as you pointed
out, the golddot bullet.

I load Berrys bullets commercially, several thousand per week.
I load mid level loads, and keep the higher velocity loads loaded
with jhp or Hornady HAP bullets.
 
Skipjack,

Thanks for the help. What would you say the Mid-Level load would be for the bullets I am trying to reload? I'm guessing 3.9GR using Titegroup and go up from there?
 
Yes, that is the starting load for lead...you may be able to start
a little higher than that. I usually start low and work up, watching
for excess pressure signs.
 
Berry says to use mid-level jacketed data.
Hodgdon says Speer 115 Gold Dot, which is a plated bullet, & Titegroup:
Start = 4.5
MAX = 4.8.

0.3 grains between Start & Max is a very small amount.
But then Titegroup is a very fast powder for the 9mm too.

SO, I'd start at 4.5 grains, and probably stay there if it functions the gun.

rc
 
The guy I spoke with said that the Flat-Point bullets they sell are best reloaded at 1.050-1.080 based on customer feedback. He asked what powder I am using and I told him Titegroup. He then told me to start the GR load at 3.5 and go from there.

3.5g of Titegroup for 115g bullet is way too little. My load for 124g Berry's plated FP is 4.1g @1.07" OAL, and it is very mild. For the lighter 115g bullet, you would use even more powder.

SO, I'd start at 4.5 grains, and probably stay there if it functions the gun.

What he said...


...
 
Hey Everyone, I just wanted to give you guys an update on the 115GR FP Bullets that I had reloaded.

I went ahead and loaded the first 50 at 4.2GR of TG. The gun had a few stovepipes with the 11LB Spring. Im gonna say that a 10LB Spring would work well with 4.2 and function with no problem.

The next 50 I loaded at 4.5GR of TG. Gun funtioned perfectly with no jams, or stovepipes. Very light - Medium load and would work great with any IDPA Shooters who need to make the 125PF.
 
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