I have recently started reloading my 9mm Beretta 92s, but have a basic question that is not addressed in multiple manuals. I see in all the diagrams that there is a maximum length, but no minimum length. I have measured dozens of bullets from Remington and Luger, and the OAL's vary quite a bit. All are at, but not less than 1.10 inches. The max listed in manuals is 1.16. Is 1.10 inches considered the most accurate length to press at, and is anything smaller a bad idea to even consider firing?
Minimum Size for reloading a 9mm...
- Thread starter robertc
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Really depends on the bullet you are using, and many different lengths can be correct. 1.169" is max so that the round will fit the magazine. Going too short can cause pressure problems, but a lot of variable come into play... For example. A 115/124 FMJ round nose can usually be seated very close to the 1.169" OAL, and I seat them around 1.150". Some guns prefer a longer length, some a bit shorter and this is a big benefit of handloading.
A lot of JHP bullets and flat point bullets get seated around 1.10", and many cast bullets I use that have a long shank/short flat nose can get seated as short as 1.050". All of these are safe, work for my purposes, and accurate. If you are just starting out, it might be best to use data that specific bullets listed, and the recommended OAL to be used.
Good luck.
A lot of JHP bullets and flat point bullets get seated around 1.10", and many cast bullets I use that have a long shank/short flat nose can get seated as short as 1.050". All of these are safe, work for my purposes, and accurate. If you are just starting out, it might be best to use data that specific bullets listed, and the recommended OAL to be used.
Good luck.
RustyFN
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It depends on the gun and bullet profile. I load all 9mm RN at 1.135 and they shoot good. When I load FP I have to load some at 1.035 to get them to chamber in my CZ and the same bullet will work in my Glock at 1.12. The CZ round doesn't shoot good in the Glock so I have to load different for both guns. When I worked on the CZ round I started at the Min and worked the load up looking for signs of over pressure. My opinion is to load to a longer OAL if you can. Your manual will give you a max OAL but it should also give you the OAL that they used in their test. I would start there and adjust if needed.
Rusty
Rusty
Steve in PA
Member
I believe the Hornady manual lists the OAL for 115gr FMJ at 1.105" which is what I've been using in my Beretta for years.
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