New Powder and some new 9mm loads

[ImjinScout85]

Since I was able to pick up some VV N320 last week it was time to work up some new 9mm loads. Last night I had a chance to work up some test loads so I hope in the next couple of days I can get to the range and try them out. I did a total of 60 rounds, 20 each with 4.0, 4.2, and 4.4grs. From what I've heard this is pretty good powder so I hope everything works good. This powder really metered well in my LnL and is the first powder other than Hodgdon that I have tried loading.

 

[Phantom II]

I tried loading 9mm with N320 but couldn't get my SR9 to cycle reliably until I went up to 4.7 grains behind a 115 grain Berry's RN which is frighteningly far above the max recommended.

I was not getting any high pressure signs at that load. In fact, I was getting LOW pressure signs (scorching on the outside of the case) but being the nervous type, I didn't want to chance blowing up my gun or my hand.

So I stayed with 5.7 grains of Unique until I can find a source for some other more appropriate powder.

The N320 however works nicely on 40 S&W with 4.7 grains behind a 180 grain Berry's RS.

I have some Titegroup theoretically arriving today so I'll be able to try working up a load with that but it's still not an ideal choice of powders.

 

[Potatohead]

I have some Titegroup theoretically arriving today

Lucky you!

(theoretically- that's funny, you just never know these days.)

 

[Walkalong]

I use .1 Gr under max for a 124 Gr jacketed bullet with a 124 Gr plated and it cycles my 1911 fine. Dumps the brass right at my feet. Be careful getting up around max, it is a fairly quick powder.

 

[ImjinScout85]

Well for anyone interested I was able to get to the range and try out the new loads. First up were the 4.0grs, these were very nice and decent accuracy but didn't get slide lock on the M&P. Next up were the 4.2 much better and was able to get slide lock. The last group was the 4.4grs. and these were the best in both guns. Slide lock and very accurate and just really shot very well. I was impressed with the soft recoil with the VV as others have stated and very clean burning. I also brought some of my standard 9mm loads with 4.7/4.8 grs. of HP-38 and was amazed at the difference in felt recoil between the 2 powders. My buddy was also shooting and had him try a few rounds through his G19 and he liked it better than his rounds with titegroup.

I believe I have now found my go to powder in this N320, it is definitely what people say a very good powder. So here are the loads that I will continue with along with the guns that I tried

Berry's 115gr 9mm - 1.142 OAL - 4.3/4.4grs of VV N320 - Crimp .376/.377
Gun #1 S&W 6906
Gun #2 S&W M&P