Power Pistol 9mm Test Report

[GunAdmirer]

I recently put together some 9mm loads with Power Pistol powder based on Alliant Powder's data (the distributor of Power Pistol). I wanted to work up to Alliant’s maximum load if possible since their loading data is by far the highest of the reloading manuals I have. The maximum load range for this powder and 124-125 grain FMJ bullets from the various sources is 5.6 to 6.6 grains – quite a range!

Alliant’s Recipe Link:
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reload...&weight=125&shellid=1014&bulletid=22&bdid=400

I used:
Winchester 1X Cases
Winchester Small Primers
Winchester 124 gr. FMJ RN bullets
OAL 1.150"

I had tested loads up to 6.2 grains previously, so I worked up from 6.2 to 6.4 to 6.6 grains of Power Pistol for this testing session.

Chronograph Results:
6.2 grains: Glock 17 - 1,237 avg. fps, Beretta 92 - 1,225 avg. fps.
6.4 grains: Glock - 1,262, Beretta - 1,243
6.6 grains: Glock - 1,276, Beretta - 1,270

I was expecting 1,235 fps from the 6.6 maximum load per Alliant's recipe. I got a little more velocity, but the barrels were half an inch and almost an inch longer than the 4" test barrel listed in their data.

Make no mistake about it, 6.6 grains of Power Pistol is powerful! Recoil was stout for a 9mm even in the large-framed stock Beretta 92FS and Glock 17. The 6.6 grain load began showing slight signs of pressure on the primer, and I could hear the slide hitting the frame of the Beretta. Accuracy was very good.

The powder burned very cleanly with only trace amounts of unburned powder and no black streaks on the cases.

I will not use more than 6.4 grains for any specialty loads. No need to beat up your pistol.

Power Pistol is powerful stuff! What are your experiences with this powder in 9mm?

 

[Eagle103]

I like Power Pistol too. I've been running 6.3g for my Ruger P85 with no problems. They are powerful enough. No need for 6.7g.
Edit: This is for 115g plated so for 124g I would use less.

 

[RustyFN]

Thanks for the report. I'll have to try some when I run out of some of my other powders.
Rusty

 

[JDGray]

I've loaded 6.0gr PP with 115fmj, velt very hot! I guess it was hot, looking at your data with 124 grainers. 5.5grs felt better, when I get a chrono, I'll get some usefull data.

 

[kart racer]

That's about all I use in 9mm anymore.It's fun in 45 acp too.

 

[HSMITH]

Power Pistol is fantastic in 9mm and 40 if you want full power loads. It also makes target level loads really well. It is hard to find a powder that works better across a wide range of pressure than Power Pistol.

 

[SIRVEYR666]

I love Power Pistol, it's all that I load in my 9mm's.

4.3gr with a 147 PRN (just sneaks by the IDPA power factor, "gamer" )

 

[isitdeadyet]

any lead data with power pistol? I would like to load up some MO bullet 125 lrn using pp for 9mm.

 

[GunAdmirer]

Check the Lyman and Alliant reloading manuals. They have some lead data.

 

[atblis]

Well

You can go too low. 5.5 gr behind a 115 gr was very smokey and dirty for me. Go up to 5.8 and all is well.

6.2 gr yielded 1275 fps out of a G34. Will try the max eventually just for laughs.

 

[redscho]

I was wondering how people like the Power Pistol powder by Alliant. With powder getting in short supply I was able to pick up a pound today at the local gun shop. In looking over Alliant's loading data it seems to cover everything from 380 auto to 45 ACP. Any caveats in using it? I've been using Unique and 2400 up until now.

 

[putteral]

I like 5.6 grs of Power Pistol in a 125 LRN. Accurate in all my 9's

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

Power Pistol powder

I use it to load .380acp, 9mm Mak, 9mm Para and .45acp under jacketed slugs. with good results.
the 'hotter' loads burn cleaner.
I've read it's also good for .32acp but haven't got around to load any try in my Beretta yet.

 

[Galil5.56]

Nice report, and I got almost the exact results, using the exact same components/OAL from my Beretta M9. I considered it my M882 duplicate. Curious, are you using some version of Shooting Chrony? I ask because the data I got that matched yours, first came from a Shooting Chrony F1 master, and when re-shot over a ProChrono Digital was about 40-70 fps slower.

Re-shooting identical ammo/same lot in other calibers pretty much across the board, consistently showed the SC "fast" by the amount above. After this experience, I read of other reports of "generous" Shooting Chrony velocities, and in my experience it holds water at least for some units. And yes, the SC was set up correctly (unfolded all the way/15-20 ft away/proper lighting). Unfortunately, it also suffered from numerous other issues, and made its use a chore. Really hate not knowing which one to trust, but considering just getting readings from my Chrony was a miracle, never mind strings w/o crazy readings/err messages, I tend to think the ProChrono is more in line.