I previously posted pics of the 9mm barrel lead fouling I was getting with Lee 124gr TC tumble-lube: Lead fouling thread.
I took the advice, and revamped the load process. Here's the pics of the barrel after 200 rounds, two wet patches of Hoppes #9, and a dry patch:
Here's what I did to improve things:
1) Did the suggested tumble-lube procedure. Lubed with Lee Liquid Alox, sized, then lubed again.
2) Sized bullets to .3573 (previously they were sized to .3563).
3) Lengthened my COL- changed from 1.065 to 1.113. I think I'd like to go even longer, to help reduce "jump" distance.
4) Dusted bullets with mica powder before I reloaded these rounds, to help cut down on handling mess. This really helps!
5) Switched to Accurate #5 (one of my favorite 9mm powders).
So the leading was incredibly reduced- I only had small amounts on the rifling, and a teeny weeny bit on the barrel.
Here's the chrono data, which I thought was excellent:
1st 10 rounds:
Avg: 1003, ES: 19, Std Dev: 6
Next 10 rounds:
Avg: 1003, ES: 22, Std Dev: 6
Final 20 rounds (Shot 200 rounds)
Avg: 1005, ES: 29, Std Dev: 8
Accuracy was very good... the gun still shoots better than I do, but I was shooting these as well or better than XTPs. Not much smoke, the recoil was VERY smooth and had less jump than the previous load with WSF. I simply love this powder.
Next, I'd like to consider making the COL even longer. This style of bullet would allow extending out to the next lube shoulder, but I'm worried it might be a bit too long. The gun will allow for COL of 1.200, but I doubt it will load correctly. I have a feeling it will load the length I'm looking to try, but wanted your opinion. In the picture below, my original load is the first cartridge, the second is the current length that I am having good performance with, and the third is the next possible length selection. Do you think there is enough support for the bullet in the case?
Thanks for all your help and input!
I took the advice, and revamped the load process. Here's the pics of the barrel after 200 rounds, two wet patches of Hoppes #9, and a dry patch:
Here's what I did to improve things:
1) Did the suggested tumble-lube procedure. Lubed with Lee Liquid Alox, sized, then lubed again.
2) Sized bullets to .3573 (previously they were sized to .3563).
3) Lengthened my COL- changed from 1.065 to 1.113. I think I'd like to go even longer, to help reduce "jump" distance.
4) Dusted bullets with mica powder before I reloaded these rounds, to help cut down on handling mess. This really helps!
5) Switched to Accurate #5 (one of my favorite 9mm powders).
So the leading was incredibly reduced- I only had small amounts on the rifling, and a teeny weeny bit on the barrel.
Here's the chrono data, which I thought was excellent:
1st 10 rounds:
Avg: 1003, ES: 19, Std Dev: 6
Next 10 rounds:
Avg: 1003, ES: 22, Std Dev: 6
Final 20 rounds (Shot 200 rounds)
Avg: 1005, ES: 29, Std Dev: 8
Accuracy was very good... the gun still shoots better than I do, but I was shooting these as well or better than XTPs. Not much smoke, the recoil was VERY smooth and had less jump than the previous load with WSF. I simply love this powder.
Next, I'd like to consider making the COL even longer. This style of bullet would allow extending out to the next lube shoulder, but I'm worried it might be a bit too long. The gun will allow for COL of 1.200, but I doubt it will load correctly. I have a feeling it will load the length I'm looking to try, but wanted your opinion. In the picture below, my original load is the first cartridge, the second is the current length that I am having good performance with, and the third is the next possible length selection. Do you think there is enough support for the bullet in the case?
Thanks for all your help and input!
