Red Dot in 9mm Luger?

[Brasspolisher]

Howdy, folks:

Got a deal on some 95 gr jacketed Winchester bullets the other day and thought I'd try 'em out. I usually use Accurate #2 for 9mms, but couldn't find a recipe for that weight, only heavier.

Since I also just bought some Red Dot for making plinker loads in 7.62x54R, I looked at that next. Found this on the Alliant site: http://www.alliantpowder.com/reload...1&weight=95&shellid=1014&bulletid=19&bdid=101

Says 5.3 grains is just what the Doc ordered. I backed that off 10% and set up the powder measure, only to find that I'm about to embark on my first compressed powder load , and in a caliber that's known for being fussy about case volume! 5.3 grains filled an empty case to the level top. 4.8 leaves a little room, but still will crunch the powder down some at the recommended seating depth.

That's when I put the toys away for the night and decided to ask around instead of possibly gaining the nickname "Lefty."

Much obliged for any thoughts from folks who've been down this road before.

 

[huntershooter]

5.3 grs. Red Dot with 95 gr. fmj indicates 32k PSI. Approaching +p pressures. Red Dot is pretty fast for 9mm in my experience. I'd look to #5 or #7 in Accurate powder, HS-6, W231. In other words, a slower/medium burn range (pistol) powder. I assume your scale is accurate? 5.3 filling the case doesn't sound right to me either. Good luck.

 

[kart racer]

I use red in 45,but reload a lot of 9mm.I'll go check how much of the case 5.3 of red dot fills up-I know my scale is right.Try some power pistol 6.2-6.9 from my lymans book.I love power pistol and measures great.

 

[kart racer]

5.3 of red dot comes up to about 1/16 of inch from the top on my stuff.

 

[fecmech]

Brasspolisher--Why not give Allaiant Tech support a call, if your worried, they are pretty friendly folks. Nick

 

[Steve C]

Go ahead and shoot them and don't worry. With your 10% reduction it's a normal start load. A lot of people parrot the warning found in some reloading manuals about bullet depth driving up pressures excessively in the 9mm, however this is not a hard and fast rule for all powders and does not pertain to published loads whith seating depths used as listed. The load data provided by Alliant is generally quite conservative and can be used without worry. Many powders are properly loaded at 100% or greater compressed density without any pressure problems.

 

[BluesBear]

DANGER Will Robinson...

You're not going to find ANY modern reloading manual for smokless powder where the STARTING charge is compressed.

Something is wrong somewhere.

 

[Steve C]

You're not going to find ANY modern reloading manual for smokless powder where the STARTING charge is compressed.

Something is wrong somewhere.

Nothings wrong and the load probably isn't compressed as red dot is a fairly fluffy powder so it may initially look like it will be compressed. The apparent volume of powder will appear to reduce somewhat when allowed to settle. If the bullet is seated at no less than the minimum OAL of 1.055" as listed in the Alliant data the load is a good one. Below is a picture of what 4.8grs of Red Dot looks like in a 9mm case. It does fill the case up but that's not any thing to worry about. I've shot 4.2gr loads with Red Dot using 115gr bullets and they look like the powder would be compressed also but the load is a pleasant and very accurate target round at 1,158 fps from my Glock 19.

 

[Roadkill]

I use Red Dot exclusively for .32, 9mm,.38,.357,.44, .45 ect. My standard 9mm load is 5g with a 124g fmj. Use a heavier bullet and less powder. This works for me in a Luger, two P38s, Radom, BHP, and 9mm in a Ruger Blackhawk. I use the same load for .38s also. Double check your scale.


rk

 

[Brasspolisher]

Thanks, all! Really appreciate all the advice, and especially Steve C's photo and Kart Racer's measuring! Great idea from fecmech, too: actually talking to a person on the phone... It completely didn't occur to my Interweb-addled brain. (I tried it, but missed 'em. Did leave my addy on the voicemail for a printed loading guide, though.)

I loaded up 20 with the 95 gr. bullet. And even though my 4.8 DOES look like the photo after tapping the case a couple times to settle the powder, this exercise has given me the strength to order a scale from RCBS, and get some check weights - never have liked the arrangement for adjusting the tenths on Lee's, anyway.

More news after the weekend range trip. Thanks again!

 

[BluesBear]

The scale is the single most important item on my reloading bench.

 

[Brasspolisher]

The loads functioned well and seemed exceptionally accurate. Heading back to the bench to make more. Many thanks to all for the advice and assistance!