Q about switching bullet brands

[SC_Dave]

I am currently loading Hornady 9mm 115gr RN FMJ with 4.5gr of Win 231. I am using Hornady's 9th edition.

Can I use the same load data using say a Precision Delta or Rocky Mountain 9mm 115gr RN FMJ bullet?

 

[Fishslayer]

9mm can be finicky about case volume. I would measure the length of the bullets and adjust for differences, ie if the bullets are exactly the same length then the OAL would be the same, shorter bullet, shorter OAL. I've gotten noticable changes in consistency with an OAL difference of .010.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If the bullets are the same weight and have a similar profile you can use the data provided by Hornady BUT, as always, when you change a component you should drop the charge back and work back up to be safe. You should rework the load when you change any component in a recipe.

That said, if the bullets are the same weight, have a similar profile and are the same diameter you will probably end up with the same powder charge weight.

 

[BYJO4]

You should have no trouble using Hornady's starting load to begin with. However, OAL length may be an issue as Hornady bullets all seem to have a shorter OAL in their manual. I use Precision Delta bullets and set them to the same length as Winchester factory with very good results.

 

[LiveLife]

Different bullets (even of the same nose profile like RN) may have varying nose profile (ogive) with differing start of bearing surface (part of the bullet base that engages the rifling). OALs listed in published load data won't ensure they will work with your pistol/barrel.

With any new bullet, I first determine the OAL that will work with my pistols/barrels to reliably feed/chamber the finished rounds from the magazine.

Then I conduct a powder workup from start charge to determine the charges that will reliably cycle the slides and extract spent cases.

Then I monitor accuracy trends towards max powder charge and identify the most accurate charge.

If the bullet's ogive and length are comparable, you should be able to substitute bullets. If they are different, you may need to adjust your OAL/powder charge.

 

[1SOW]

JMO:
bds +1
Also Fishslayer's method is mostly correct. The FACT that they are the different lengths and have the same weight "MEANS:" they are shaped differently.
IF the bullet will feed and seat on the case-mouth properly, you can use an oal adjusted by the difference in bullet 'lengths' as long as they are the same weight and general nose-shape. With this new oal, drop down on the loading chart and work back up.

 

[45lcshooter]

Same weight and same kind of bullet, i use the same data in the manuals.

 

[cfullgraf]

Same weight and same kind of bullet, i use the same data in the manuals.

And I load a small test batch to make sure there are no surprises.

But, if you are near maximum, I would back off the charge a little and work back up. I do not load to maximum.

 

[J_McLeod]

While perhaps not the best way to go, I'll load anything 115gr jacketed with 4.7-4.8gr of HP-38/231 at 1.135" and go shoot it. Well within Hodgdon's data.