RMR 124gr JHP & FMJ - Powder Choice?

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Saluki91

Saluki91

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Caveat - I'm still learning - A LOT! Thanks in advance for any insight you can share regarding my baby steps in load development.

I recently picked up some RMR JHP and FMJ "Match Winner". I wasn't necessarily looking for a new bullet, but tinkering is half the fun, and I'm really enjoying the learning process.

Results from the first chronograph session with these RMR bullets is attached (Walther PPQ/4" barrel from 10yd).
1 - I used this Vectan BA9 powder because I have a ton of it, and it has produced good results with other 9mm loads in the past. That being said, am I correct in concluding that there may be a better powder for these bullets?

2 - If a different powder is in order, which should I consider? In my stash, the following powders have published 9mm data:
HP38, Autocomp, AA #5, Win 244, Bullseye, 700X, Win 572, Win WST, Win WSF, Longshot

3 - The 5.3gr load produced the best group for the JHP, but it was mediocre (at best). The 5.0gr load for the FMJ showed potential. However, the best groups I shot during this range session were from my old reliable - Acme 125gr LRN. In general, should I expect jacketed bullets to outperform coated lead, or can I chalk this up to the old "archer trumps arrow"?

As always - THANK YOU for your input and suggestions!

RMR 124gr Chrono.png
 
I reload a lot of 9mm and 45acp. Bullseye for both calibers. 4.5 Bullseye under a 124gr RMR MPR bullet is by far my favorite for 9mm.
 
I’ll also be working up loads for both bullets listed in the OP. I’m way behind so it might take me a while. The 124gr RMR TC Match Winners fed and functioned well in a G17 loaded at 1.070 COAL. They chronoed 1095fps with 4.1gr Titegroup. Mostly this was just an early function test in my gun so it’s only a starting point for me. I’ll test more when I get time.
 
I loaded my first 2000+ RMR 124gr FMJs with 4.3 grains Bullseye at 1.125 at just under 1000fps. It fit all my 9mms, was accurate and economical. I tried other powders Power Pistol, BE-86, and Win 231, but really liked Bullseye.

I picked up an 8lb of BE-86 that I was using for 40sw and 10mm, and when I ran out of Bullseye, I just started tweaking my BE-86 9mm loads for economy's sake. My current fave BE-86 load is 5.4gr at 1.122 at just over 1000fps.

I admit that it's nice not having to change powder between calibers, but I would switch back to bullseye for 9mm if I could find some. It's a little dirty, but I clean after every range session, so it's not a huge deal for me.

I also have some titegroup and True Blue but I haven't tested either. I've heard good things about both.
 
I've loaded 9mm with BE-86, WST, WSF, N320, Sport Pistol, e3, Clean Shot and HP-38/231

I like HP-38/231 because I can throw 4.5grs of it under a standard weight bullet in 9mm, .38, or .45ACP and it will function in most guns and make PF for competition . I'm currently loading either Sport Pistol or N320 under te 124gr MW seated to 1.125" and ignited by a Federal SPP
 
I've tried several different powders and keep coming back to Bullseye. As mentioned above, it's a bit dirty but for my uses with either the RMR or Berry's plated it shoots just fine. I also load the same 4.2 - 4.4gr under my own cast either coated or conventional lubed. Also it gets me just north of 1500rds per pound of either 9 or 45acp or combined. I also use 4.2gr under my HG-130 185GR or 68 200gr.
 
Saluki91 said:
2 - If a different powder is in order, which should I consider? In my stash, the following powders have published 9mm data:
HP38, Autocomp, AA #5, Win 244, Bullseye, 700X, Win 572, Win WST, Win WSF, Longshot
Click to expand...
Of the powders you listed, with the bullets you have, W244 and WSF are what I run. I’m able to load them longer at 1.120” and have to make minor. I do like the faster powders, like Target, N320 and SP. Good luck.
 
I like WSF with the RMR 124gr MPRs.
4.5gr WSF @1.08 is my USPSA match load gives around 1030fps,
5gr gets you around 1100.
Since you have some I would give it a try.

The 124gr MPrs have shot very well for me in quite a few different loads.
 
bullseye308 said:
I was a huge fan of bullseye till I discovered be-86. All my different 9mm loads use be-86, and I’m on my 14th pound of it. If you can find it, it’s definitely worth a shot.
Click to expand...
Finding be-86 is on par with hens teeth around here, same with bullseye.
 
Misplacedtexan said:
Finding be-86 is on par with hens teeth around here, same with bullseye.
Click to expand...

I keep 5 years stock on hand at any given time and still stock like I was when I was shooting 16k/year. I do truly feel bad for all of you just getting into this and not being able to find components. I did that once, a few political cycles ago, and not again.
 
Another bullseye fan here. But I have this stuff called cbi that I bought a large amount of from a member here and I really like it. I use both on jacketed, plated and cast pcd bullets.
 
With a 124gr bullet in the 9mm I use a lot of W231/HP-38 or the newer W244 especially for range ammo.

I tried Power Pistol, HS-6, AA#5 and Longshot for more serious work but when W572 came out that's what I switched to. Power Pistol was my choice prior to W572.

Since you have HP-38 and W244 give them a try and see if you like them. Then try W572 and see if that is as accurate for you as it is for me with the higher velocities.
 
5.4g of Autocomp @ 1.095 for the 124 MPR works in my g26 for about 1060fps. Would love to reach 1100-1150 like some factory +p loads, but haven’t tried a published load that will do it.
 
Saluki91 said:
2 - If a different powder is in order, which should I consider? In my stash, the following powders have published 9mm data:
HP38, Autocomp, AA #5, Win 244, Bullseye, 700X, Win 572, Win WST, Win WSF, Longshot
Click to expand...

Given my druthers, I'd try the W572 and WSF... that's what I want to do, anyway. I have developed a load with W244 and the RMR 124grn PRN bullet, it works well enough, but... truthfully... it doesn't work as well as my old standby Unique, although it meters better; W572 and WSF are a little slower, and I'm wondering if that might not be The Answer I'm looking for, that is... a powder that works well with both 124grn 9mm, and 200grn .45ACP, out of short-barreled pistols.
 
I too like and use Vectan Ba9 with RMR 124gr JHP, but the Vectan does leave a lot of trash in the action.

I like Alliant Sport Pistol for target work, and Alliant BE-86 for higher speeds. Both get superior marks for metering, accuracy, etc.
 
Saluki91 said:
Caveat - I'm still learning - A LOT! Thanks in advance for any insight you can share regarding my baby steps in load development.

I recently picked up some RMR JHP and FMJ "Match Winner". I wasn't necessarily looking for a new bullet, but tinkering is half the fun, and I'm really enjoying the learning process.

Results from the first chronograph session with these RMR bullets is attached (Walther PPQ/4" barrel from 10yd).
1 - I used this Vectan BA9 powder because I have a ton of it, and it has produced good results with other 9mm loads in the past. That being said, am I correct in concluding that there may be a better powder for these bullets?

2 - If a different powder is in order, which should I consider? In my stash, the following powders have published 9mm data:
HP38, Autocomp, AA #5, Win 244, Bullseye, 700X, Win 572, Win WST, Win WSF, Longshot

3 - The 5.3gr load produced the best group for the JHP, but it was mediocre (at best). The 5.0gr load for the FMJ showed potential. However, the best groups I shot during this range session were from my old reliable - Acme 125gr LRN. In general, should I expect jacketed bullets to outperform coated lead, or can I chalk this up to the old "archer trumps arrow"?

As always - THANK YOU for your input and suggestions!

View attachment 1035077
Click to expand...

Of those powders you listed I would start with the WSF. It's my goto powder for the 9mm. I have worked up a load using the RMR 124gr HP bullets. 4.9 WSF, WSP, 1.120" Gave me the best results.
IMG_3166.jpeg

BE is 1" dia with 1/2" spaced rings. Shot using my Custom 9mm w/Kart Barrel. 2moa dot sight, brightness in manual control to only see a halo of black around BE. Shot from sand bags at 25 yrds.
 
Question...I have 3000 X-Treme 124 gr bullets...2500 RN and 500 HP's. Can I use the same loading data as I'd use for RMR 124 gr FMJ bullets?
 
Not meaning to hijack the thread, but my favorite go-to powder for 124 grain 9mm has become CFE Pistol, followed by AA#5.
I’m averaging 1150-1200 FPS out of a 5.8” HK VP9 Match barrel, and grouping around 1.5-2” at 25 yd depending on the particular load. At those velocities the CFE burns very clean, and there’s barely a trace of copper fouling to be found, even after 2-300 rounds down the bore.
 
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