Loading with longshot.

[Kachok]

Ok so some time back I was asking how well longshot would perform in handgun, reviews were so wildly mixed that I was hesintent to try it at first. Now I am a believer, I load 147gr 9mm and 180gr 40 S&W to their max (4.7gr and 8.0gr respectively) and have had none of the issues others have reported, no pressure spikes, my brass is clean and bulge free, no cycling issues in any of those three pistols (2XDms and a Sig 226) and as far as the super loud muzzle blast that appears to be bogus too, fired factory rounds and max load longshot round back to back and while the note was ever so slightly different the noise level was the same. Those longshot loads are pushing some serious juice, recoil on that Sig feels like a mild load 44 magnum. Those loads are too much for target practice but they are my defense loads from now on

 

[gamestalker]

This is a topic that induldges my interest greatly, in that, I have been using Longshot for both the .40 and 9mm for a number of years. I have run those loads in a number of firearms including XDMS, various Taurus models, and Beretta 92's. In support of your findings I would like to add that when I was loading some 147 gr. XTP's I inadvertantly made an error and used max load data for 115 gr. XTP. And though I realized my error before those loads ever made it to the range, I did test them in a Taurus 24\7 only to find that velocity was only 50 fps more than estimated for the 147 gr. XTP max data. Additionally, when I inspected the brass from the 50 rounds I had fired it was in perfect condition. This was an obvious indication to me that Longshot is by far a superior powder for those who are seeking top end velocities and accuracy. This is truely a powder that appears to be incapable of spiking when used at the upper end of the data load range. But read on!

However I would also like to add that it is not a powder that does well when down loaded to below published load range or in some firearms even minimum published loads, this is when it will begin to behave unpredictably in just about every manner. So for upper end velocity loads, Longshot is a topperformer hands down, just don't attempt to down load with it unless you favor cycling issues or other undesireable performance.

GS

 

[918v]

I haven't found max loads of LS to be abusive in the 9, but he'll yes in the .40. It will tear your gun up unless you increase the recoil spring weight to compensate for the additional slide velocity. Check your slide and frame insert for peening.

 

[Kachok]

As long as it cycles perfect in testing I am not worried about long term abuse since I do no use those loads on a regular basis. Regular old 115gr hardball works just fine for practice, not seen any sign of abuse in any of those guns, though my friends Kimber is showing severe signs of stress shooting straight factory fodder. I won't work up any loads for that heap of junk, I was expecting much better from a high end gun like that.

 

[ljnowell]

I was expecting much better from a high end gun like that.

Kimber may advertise like a high end 1911, but they are far from it. Even in price.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Longshot is one of the best choices for loading the 40 S&W and 10mm to come around in a long time. Now that HS-7 is no longer available Longshot can take it's place. In the 9mm a 124gr bullet over Longshot is my son's favorite load.

 

[Kachok]

This one is their new Kimber Solo, POS jams like a Sigma, bites like a Glock, and shoots like a Highpoint. I won't buy anything they make now. As far as pistols go I only like Springfield and Sig.

 

[ljnowell]

This one is their new Kimber Solo, POS jams like a Sigma, bites like a Glock, and shoots like a Highpoint. I won't buy anything they make now. As far as pistols go I only like Springfield and Sig.

I'm not laughing at you, but that description did make me laugh. Its a shame though, at the price the ask for those that they arent more reliable.

 

[jjjitters]

I started out shooting Longshot,It always had good accuracy and didn't do anything unexpected, but with a messed up wrist, I couldn't stand it's recoil (I was shooting only .40 Xdm & 96 FS and .45 XDm&1911 at the time) .After 20 rounds I had enough, I then got into light loads of faster powders, then lead now, I am finally enjoying practicing.
I do agree that it is a good SD/HD powder and for those that can take a regular diet of the stuff, THE VELOCITY KING.