P 95 loads

[mooschi]

I am working up a load for a new p-95 and would like some input to improve my confidence a little. I am not new to reloading but the 9mm is new to me.
The last load I tried was was 115 gr copper clad round nose, 4.4 gr W-231, Federal primer, Federal brass, and OAL 1.10. I started at 4,2 gr 231 with all else remaining constant. Even at 4.4 the spent case does not eject so I obviously need a little more punch. I have loaded 10 rounds each with 4.5, 4.6, 4.7 and 4.8. Does any one see a problem with trying these loads the next time I go out. Any comments on what I should find to be the right load would also be appreciated.

 

[LiveLife]

For me, the lighter 9mm 115 gr jacketed bullet often needs to be pushed at high to near max load data to reliably cycle the slide with stiffer recoil springs of pistols like Glocks and especially with the compacts/subcompacts.

The Winchester 115 gr FMJ RN will cycle the full size slides with 4.4-4.6 gr of W231/HP38 but the subcompact will require 4.6-4.8 gr using 1.125" OAL. Since I load for several different pistols, my "proof test" is slide cycling even with me shooting limp wristed.

If you are using primers other than Winchester, this problem may get worse with some primers like PMC as Winchester primers will often produce hotter primer ignition than most other primers. With PMC primers, I usually need to use .2-.3 gr more of W231/HP38 to equal the performance of Winchester primers.

 

[kingmt]

I don't use that powder but Ruger has a fairly stiff spring. Winchester list 115 FMJ 4.9 max charge but it didn't list a OAL so it doesn't mean much.

 

[LiveLife]

Load data from Hodgdon's website:

115 gr Lead RN W231 Diameter .356" OAL 1.100" Start 4.3 gr (1079 fps) 28,400 CUP - Max 4.8 gr (1135 fps) 32,000 CUP

115 gr Speer GDHP W231 Diameter .355" OAL 1.125" Start 4.7 gr (1075 fps) 25,300 CUP - Max 5.1 gr (1167 fps) 28,100 CUP

 

[LiveLife]

I don't use that powder but Ruger has a fairly stiff spring. Winchester list 115 FMJ 4.9 max charge but it didn't list a OAL so it doesn't mean much.

kingmt, yes I did use the older 4.9 gr max for FMJ load data from 1999 for my Winchester 115 gr FMJ. IIRC, I believe the OAL used for that load data was 1.125" OAL. Here's the rest of the load data from a pdf:

115 gr FMJ W231 Start 4.4 gr (1045 fps) 25,900 PSI - Max 4.9 gr (1135 fps) 32,600 PSI

115 gr JHP W231 Start 4.3 gr (1010 fps) 25,800 PSI - Max 4.8 gr (1120 fps) 32,100 PSI

Here's their current pdf - http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Hodgdon Basic Manual.pdf

 

[FROGO207]

I load for a Ruger P89 and find it has a rather stout recoil spring. I tried the 115 GR bullets and found I got better results with the 124 GR bullets. Our local range is now enforcing an all lead bullet policy and I find myself playing around with Missouri Bullets 124's and either Bullseye or Red Dot lately. I did have some 115's but like the heavier bullets as far as felt recoil and ejecting brass in a small pile fairly close to me so far.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Two loads I've used with perfect results:

ran flawless in my P95:
Winchester 115gr FMJ bullet
6.4gr Power Pistol
CCI #500 small pistol primer
mixed Winchester and UMC brass

ran flawless in my P89 (15'+ ejection distance, FYI) and a P94:
Winchester 115gr FMJ bullet
6.3gr Power Pistol
CCI #500 small pistol primer
mixed Winchester and UMC brass

ran well in my P94, had feeding problems in my Steyr:
Berry's 124gr copper plated bullet
6.1gr Power Pistol (also had some at 5.8gr, no noticeable difference felt)
CCI #500 small pistol primer
mixed Winchester and UMC brass

The last load felt a bit weak/light. The first two felt ordinary to just slightly strong. Power Pistol is a relatively slow and high energy powder.

 

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My p95 seems to like faster powder for anything other than full power loads. I use titegroup and acc2 for my plinking loads and get reliable function.