REALLY CONFUSED!!

[agd1953]

I am new to reloading and I am trying to make safe, dependable 9mm reloads for my UZI semi auto. I am using Sierra 115 grain FMJ bullets and Power Pistol powder. Alliant recommends a starting load of 6.0 grains and a max load of 6.7grains for this combination. Where the confusion comes in is that I checked Sierra's recomendation and it lists a starting load of 5.1 grains and a max of 6.0 grains. Hence the confusion. Both state not to go below the minimum load for a rifle application. Sierra FMJ bullets have the lead core exposed at the base of the bullet. Is this a factor? Velocities stated in the Sierra data are lower than for the alliant stated velocities. Now I'm nervious as to where to start. Has anyone run into this before? Has anyone used this combination before and do you have all your body parts still?

 

[LHB1]

When loading manuals disagree on a load, I either go with the lighter loads or check other loading manuals until I find a consensus recommendation. I give special weight to loads recommended by the bullet mfr. as differences in jacket composition, bearing surface, etc. can affect the pressure generated.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[The Bushmaster]

The other reason for having more then two manuals...

 

[ReloaderFred]

If you have only one clock, you'll always know the correct time, but if you have more than one, you'll never be sure of the correct time.

The reason there are differences in the loading data, is because there were differences in the testing procedures and equipment. I'm positive none of the loads tested were done in an Uzi, so my recommendation would be to start with a mid load from Sierra and then watch for functioning in the gun and signs of pressure in the fired cases. You can gradually work up to the best load for "your" gun, and be proud of the work it took to make your own load.

I use one powder in the 9mm that even the maximum suggested loads won't function in two of my guns. The load is weak. I worked up my own load, because I like the powder, and I ended up about half a grain over the suggested maximum load. I used case expansion measurements to work up the load, and didn't really pay much attention to primer appearance, though even that didn't show any signs of overpressure. Now I have a load of my own, that is safe for my guns, that has proven reliable and very, very accurate. It's MY LOAD, and I'm proud of it, but I won't share it, because it's not in the manuals.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Idano]

agd1953

The reason for the different load data is because they were created using different bullet manufactures. The size, Jacket thickness and density, and gun all play a roll in generating the actual chamber pressure muzzle velocities. I ran into the same issue using Unique and since I wasn't using a Sierra bullet (I was using Rainier 115 gr PHP) I chose to go with the Alliant load data instead because it was over 10% lower.

 

[357mag357]

I use 6.5g of Power Pistol with Winchester brass, primer and 115g FMJ bullet. I shoot it out of a Ruger PC9 carbine 16inch barrel. I don't have a chrono but that bullet is moving fast.

 

[joneb]

1953, are there differences in the primers ? are you sure it's the same bullet ? Is the COL the same ? Was there a indication of test barrel/gun used ?
In my Hornady reloading book the .44spl data is for a Charter Arms w/3" barrel. I have had no ill effects with Max. or slightly higher loads for my S&W 696 with all things be Equal, same bullet, primer and case.
PS, I worked up from the mid. range of that data.

 

[Zippy06]

1953. I agree with the other guys. You have to check all the varibles.
I have used that load. Out of a G17. I think it's a little hot. 9mm seemed more like a .40S&W. Nice kick. Big white flame. I leave the light off at the range.
There is a differeance in the lead. Lead Cast, Hard Cast, Plated(ie. Berry's and Rainier. I have shot 1000's of these. Cheaper.), Jacketed Bullets.
Be safe. Do 10-20 check them out.
Have fun.

 

[agd1953]

You guys are great. Thanks for the clarification. I think I will save these bullets for another time and use another bullet listed in the manual that might fit my application and my experience better. It's great to have a resource like this site.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Sierra almost always lists lighter loads for handgun cartridges than other manuals (but often the hottest for rifles, go figure).

Being the type of person I am, I will go with the data that shows the most. But that's me.

 

[temmi]

I start just a 1/10 gr over the Min and workup... nomatter what manual I use

 

[agd1953]

I noticed that the alliant just states a fmj and does not specify a brand just fmj. It does state that it used winchester brass and primer. It also show an OAL of 1.12 inches and it used a 4 inch barrel length. It shows a velocity of 1280 fps. I will have to recheck what sierra shows as I looked at the data at sportsman's and did not purchase the manual. However, in my Lyman book it shows data for a sierra 115 grain hollow point and in the sierra manual it shows both the 115 gr hollow point and fmj sharing the same data table. In my Lyman manual it it shows the a 9mm rifle specific chart that uses the sierra 115 hollow points, same part number, with a case length of 1.090, and a starting load of 5.9 gr and max of 6.5 of power pistol. It used federal brass and cci primer and they used a ruger pc-9 for testing. Will this help narrow it down?