Powder for 9mm SD load

[AnselHazen]

Looking for opinions on a 9mm SD load. At the range when I have been brass hounding I have been finding a few speer nickel plated shells in among the other brass. I set them aside figuring I could have some fun and load up some Hornady 147gr XTP in them. So far I have 36 cases nicely cleaned and CCI 500 primers in them. I made the poll list from what powders I have on hand.

 

[kcofohio]

Definitely not HP-38. Maybe Silhouette. Maybe CFE-P. I'm not familiar with the others. If you can get your hands on HS-6, that would be a good one.

Edit: I reread and seen you listed using 147 gr. bullets. My experience was with 124 gr. bullets. So the powders may have different results with a heavier bullet.

 

[Bama Drifter]

BE-86 has a flash suppressant added... other than that, don't try to use "U" powders (Unique, Universal), W231, etc for SD velocity loads. Also the Power Pistol is best suited for 10mm, .41mag, etc. There will be a stream of comments to follow from the guys with WAY more experience than me. Good Luck!

 

[papaairbear]

Using a 147gr XTP, I'd want to simulate an SD load using BE-86. Higher velocity for the bullet weight while staying at Alliant's tested maximum is my way of thinking.

 

[rcmodel]

I have no data on BE-86 without hunting it down on the Internet.

However, Hornady #6 manual says Power Pistol will give you 1,000 FPS at safe pressure with that bullet.

5.1 seated 1.100" is Max.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

Power pistol = huge flash.

BE-86 I have not used, but is probably a good choice.

I voted Silhouette, which is low flash as well. Use +P data.

 

[kcofohio]

Power pistol = huge flash.

BE-86 I have not used, but is probably a good choice.

I voted Silhouette, which is low flash as well. Use +P data.

Duh, I forgot Ramshot has +P data listed.

 

[VoodooMountain]

Silhouette. Very low flash and good velocities
Haven't used Be-86

 

[sellersm]

I've found BE-86 to be a good replacement for Silhouette, or HS-6. All 3 are my favorite for SD type of loadings with lower flash.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use either HS-6 or Longshot in the 9mm for serious business but like a few others said, Silhouette will probably be your best choice from your list.

 

[bbqreloader]

I have tried Universal, HS6 (i know 6 was not on the list but it has been mentioned) and CFE-P. I really do like CFE, loaded both 124 and 115 with but not 147. CFE has become my primary powder, HS6 is my backup. Still waiting to Chrono the CFE. Good luck with the powder choice.

 

[RPegram]

I voted for CFE-Pistol. It can give some great velocities without high pressures.

 

[Hondo 60]

My go-to powder for 9mm is TiteGroup
4.0 gr under a 125 gr LCN bullet 1.125OAL

This is a max load!

 

[JonB]

Titegroup for me as well, but I haven't loaded any 147gr bullets. 4.1gr powder for 124gr plated which is my normal load. For SD I have Hornady Critical Defense factory loads.

 

[TimSr]

Blue Dot is not on your list, but is awesome in the upper level of 9mm loads.

 

[mjtripper]

Be86 is great for 9mm and all I use anymore. According to an Alliant rep it's used in many commercial sd loads.

 

[Lafitte]

Use factory box ammo for self defense, find out what ammo your local police use and go with that. Choose any powder that you like for practice. JMHO

Lafitte

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

With 5.6 grains CFE-Pistol and a 115 grain plated bullet, I'm getting 1186 fps on the chrono, + or - 10 fps. It would be even higher with a jacketed bullet.

Max charge is 5.9 grains, so it could push them beyond 1200 fps.

 

[bbqreloader]

Ansel, please post on what you decide on though. Always on the look out for a new powder to test, part of the fun of reloading is trying new things on the side anyway.

 

[spanky1968]

I shoot WW Autocomp in my 9mm's. Nice soft shooting 1000-1100fps load. RN or JHP's both perform very well. I really like Rainier 124gr plated HP's. I do not have any of the powder you posted, so I cannot weigh in per your poll.

 

[mr wack]

I checked Silhouette, great for 9mm,,,,,

 

[RecoilRob]

HP38 (ww231) meters great and is totally adequate for 9mm loading. Not understanding why someone would consider it unsuitable? Is it because you can't find +P data for it? I wouldn't carry +P 147's anyhow and have found 3.8 231 under 147 Golden Sabers a very nice load. Accurate and full power at standard pressures while remaining subsonic...all good in my book.

 

[DudeRick]

Where is the Titegroup option?

 

[hdwhit]

What length barrel are you likely to be shooting these out of?

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

Today I got one hole accuracy out of my Taurus PT111 G2 at 15 yards, shooting 147's over 4.1 grains CFE-Pistol. Its an outstanding load.