Not real happy with my Longshot 9mm reloads

[Redneck with a 40]

I did my first box last night, 115 gr plated fmj, 5.3 grains Longshot, 1.130" OAL. The rounds cycled fine, but they were scattered all over the target and they felt like real light powder puff's. Hodgdon list's the minimum at 5 grains and the max at 6 grains, so the powder charge should be fine.

I think I'll try Unique at 6 grains on my next box, it gives a better cartridge fill and I've always gotten good results with it. I'm also going to up the crimp a little more.

 

[gamestalker]

I'm not real sure why your having problems with Longshot except that working your charge up should eliminate the issue. While switching to Unique isn't a bad thing by any means, but it is another powder simular in burn rate to Longshot and is going to probably function best above the minimum charge. I've never personally used it but I do have a lot of experience with Longshot for both 9mm and .40. With Longshot I've found it functions excellent when up at the maximum, in fact I usually find myself above the maximum published data. It's a very easy to maintain powder regarding pressures, and functions best in the upper load range.

 

[samuelcmm]

I reload 9mm with unique and ive been loading with 5 - 5.5 and have had good luck ive found 6 is quite much

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I just loaded another box, this time at 5.7 grains and a nice, firm crimp. I have a feeling these will shoot alot better. I think my first load was too light.

 

[JDGray]

Try some Power Pistol, will not disappoint

 

[LightningMan]

I really like Longshot for the .40 S&W but not for the 9mm as I really like PowerPistol for that caliber. Some powders give better performance for a given caliber than another. IMHO You can find a do-all powder for a multible of calibers, but to get the most out of a given caliber you have to pick a powder best suited for it. LM

 

[GLOOB]

Redneck: in general, slower powders are happier when you push them. Longshot might look great on paper, because "hey, I can get the same velocities as Bullseye, at lower pressures." In reality, Bullseye is probably going to be better for slower velocities. Longshot might not shine (in terms of cleanliness and accuracy) until you get it up towards the max.

There's a reason there are so many powders on the market. You can't do it all with just one.

 

[1SOW]

I did my first box last night, 115 gr plated fmj,

.......

I think I'll try Unique at 6 grains on my next box, it gives a better cartridge fill and I've always gotten good results with it. I'm also going to up the crimp a little more.

9mm plated FMJ uses a taper crimp to remove the bell. The crimp doesn't hold the bullet and can damage a plated bullet if it's any tighter than flat against the plating. This can definitely cause accuracy issues or worse.

 

[GLOOB]

^ I read a post on here from a guy that tested different levels of taper crimp over the chronograph.

The data showed that a proper taper crimp increased velocity a statistically significant amount. But going too heavy on the taper crimp made the velocites come back down towards those with no crimp. IIRC, he was testing 10mm. The results looked pretty convincing. And I'd think crimp would make the biggest difference with slower powders like Longshot.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I shot my box of 5.7 grain Longshot loads this morning, much better. They had a solid thump to them, just like my S&B factory rounds. They were fare more accurate and the powder burned much cleaner with a moderate taper crimp. I think I'll run with this load, I was happy with the results.

 

[1SOW]

Gloob:

I read a post on here from a guy that tested different levels of taper crimp over the chronograph.

Some time back I read a similar post (on another forum) using 9mm.
He had documented data that backs up the one you read. His crimps' measured at the case-mouth ranged from .360 - .380" in .005" increments.
On the other hand, he wasn't using "plated" bullets.

There is another current thread here showing hard crimps on plated bullets that didn't shoot accurately. He was asking if he could reuse these pulled (Berry's 124 gr HP) that were definitely damaged.

 

[Clark]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

Redneck with a 40 I did my first box last night, 115 gr plated fmj, 5.3 grains Longshot, 1.130" OAL. The rounds cycled fine, but they were scattered all over the target and they felt like real light powder puff's. Hodgdon list's the minimum at 5 grains and the max at 6 grains, so the powder charge should be fine.

I worked up to 11 gr LONGSHOT in 9mm with 158 gr, the case was full and I was still not getting PowerPistol level power.

But when I put 20 gr LONGSHOT in 38sp 158 gr without a work up, it split the cylinder and broke the top strap.

And when I put 12 gr LONGSHOT in 32S&W long 85 gr without a work up, it split the cylinder and humped up the top strap.

It is a shame, too, as those were two really nice Colt revolvers.

 

[Eb1]

5.0 grains Unique is a great 9mm loading.

 

[gamestalker]

I always get a good chuckle from your posts Clark. Your so honest and forth comming about your loading experiences, truely someone who enjoys the hobby to it's full extent.
I think the primary difference between our reloading style is, I don't try to blow my firearms up. I'm a hot loader as well, always pushing the envelope so to speak, but I haven't broken a firearm yet in the 3+ decades of playing with fire. Im working on one right now that seems to be the likely victim of my over the top loads, it's taken a beating!
Keep em comming Clark!

 

[bluetopper]

I've found Power Pistol, Universal, and Green Dot powders group the best in 9mm bullseye guns.

 

[FROGO207]

I have had good results with both Unique and Blue Dot as far as accuracy but the loads used were on the light side and somewhat dirty. I now load cast bullets mostly and the Unique works well still.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Redneck with a 40,
My son's favorite 9mm ammo is made with Longshot. I don't load a 115gr bullet so I can't recommend a charge weight but like you said above, your initial charge was light. I charge 5.7gr with a 124gr bullet.

 

[noylj]

One of the best general purpose powders for 9x19 is Herco.
I also like Unique, Silhouette, and WSF.