Bobson
Member
I picked up my first reloading manual, Lyman 49th Edition, a few days back. Up until now, I've been studying the chapters that preface the load data, just trying to learn the process, etc. Today I flipped over to the load data for 9mm Luger, because this is the caliber I'll be starting with. I was a bit surprised to find that the manual only has load data for the following jacketed bullets:
1. 90gr JHP
2. 95gr FMJ
3. 115gr JHP
4. 125gr JHP (125??)
5. 147gr TMJ
My first impression is that only the 115gr JHP and 147gr TMJ loads are going to be of any use at all. Who loads 90 or 95gr bullets for 9mm? I've never even heard of those offered in factory ammo, and have never seen the bullets for sale from a component manufacturer (Montana Gold, etc). Similarly, I've never heard of a 125gr 9mm bullet, whether FMJ, JHP, or anything else - before now. The manual does specifically say the 125gr JHP is Sierra #8125, so I guess I know that, but really don't see myself pursuing Sierra for one specific, obscure offering.
I've got a couple of questions.
1. Why doesn't the manual have anything for 124gr bullets of any type? Isn't that the most common (original design) bullet weight for 9mm Luger? The fact that it lists 125gr but not 124gr is borderline annoying, unless of course they're interchangeable - but I have the feeling they're not.
2. Does using the exact bullet given in the load data actually matter? For example, the load data for the 115gr JHP is a Hornady XTP. Could I use the same data for a different 115gr bullet - say, a Montana Gold 115gr FMJ, JHP, or CMJ? And does this rule apply equally to all bullets - rifle or pistol - of all weights?
I appreciate the help. Not looking to lose fingers.
1. 90gr JHP
2. 95gr FMJ
3. 115gr JHP
4. 125gr JHP (125??)
5. 147gr TMJ
My first impression is that only the 115gr JHP and 147gr TMJ loads are going to be of any use at all. Who loads 90 or 95gr bullets for 9mm? I've never even heard of those offered in factory ammo, and have never seen the bullets for sale from a component manufacturer (Montana Gold, etc). Similarly, I've never heard of a 125gr 9mm bullet, whether FMJ, JHP, or anything else - before now. The manual does specifically say the 125gr JHP is Sierra #8125, so I guess I know that, but really don't see myself pursuing Sierra for one specific, obscure offering.
I've got a couple of questions.
1. Why doesn't the manual have anything for 124gr bullets of any type? Isn't that the most common (original design) bullet weight for 9mm Luger? The fact that it lists 125gr but not 124gr is borderline annoying, unless of course they're interchangeable - but I have the feeling they're not.
2. Does using the exact bullet given in the load data actually matter? For example, the load data for the 115gr JHP is a Hornady XTP. Could I use the same data for a different 115gr bullet - say, a Montana Gold 115gr FMJ, JHP, or CMJ? And does this rule apply equally to all bullets - rifle or pistol - of all weights?
I appreciate the help. Not looking to lose fingers.