Shot my first reloads!

[spelsh]

Finally had a chance to get out to the range Sunday and shoot my first batch of reloads! I loaded 4 seperate powder weights in groups of 20.

Components for all loads:

Ruger SR9 - 17 round mag loaded 10 at a time
CCI small pistol primers
Hornady 115gn FMJ RN,
W-231
Winchester once fired brass.
OAL - 1.138

I started out at 4.0gn - very soft shooting, no cycle or extraction issues
4.2 - really liked the feel of this one, no cycle or extraction problems
4.4 - no cycle or extraction problems
4.6 - no cycle or extraction probems

Overall, I really enjoyed the process. I am working on a single stage Lee machine so the process did take a while. I continually got nervous and kept triple checking that the powder dispenser was throwing the correct load, and that I was seating them ok.

Any advice, recommendations on refining these loads?

 

[JoeMal]

I am not a reloader, so take my comments with a grain of salt (pun intended)

But I think you are on the right track, working up a few different loads to see what you like, and what your gun likes. I don't think you are being too paranoid about checking and rechecking your work...especially since you are new to reloading. You can never be too safe. Keep it up and congrats.

 

[BossHogg]

Outstanding !

Nothing wrong with the way you're going about this. Which rounds did you get the best accuracy with. If they shot about the same groups then go with the one that you like recoil wise. The 4.2 sounds like you found your load.

 

[Blue68f100]

Congratulation, Good to hear a successful trip. That's part of learning and getting comfortable with your equipment. Shooting different loads to find what your gun likes. 4.2gr is the one that stands out but how is the accuracy. Your have slightly longer OAL than mine but that does not hurt anything as long as your gun feeds them just fine.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Congrats!
Stay nervous.

 

[BigN]

Feels good doesn't it?

 

[gamestalker]

I don't believe there is such thing as being too careful. Keep loading with that type mind set you'll have years of rewarding results.

 

[wheelgun6T9]

Great job Spelsh! I've been loading with a Lee single stage for a couple/few years. I like the independant steps and control. I'm in no rush. I usually check the weight to verify the powder throw - maybe every tenth case...maybe more often sometimes. I do visually inspect each one against the others before they go in for seating. That's just how I do it.

Have fun with it sir!

 

[spelsh]

Thanks guys! If did feel great.

I am struggling refine my accuracy with the Ruger. I'm slightly breaking my wrist prior to the round firing at times (i tested using a couple dummy rounds thrown in when i was shooting factory ammo). From 7 yards, everything was inside the 8 ring on a smaller target.

I was really concentrating on trying to feel and listen to the round as it went off.

Thoughts on reducing the OAL?

Bosshogg - I'm going to reload a bigger set of the 4.0, 4.2 and 4.4 and see what I liked best.

 

[Fishslayer]

Thoughts on reducing the OAL?

Being a small case, 9mm is going to be sensitive to changes in OAL.

Working up a load for 147gr Bear Creek I futzed around with a light charge and some different OAL, always checking for flattened or cratered primers. I had my wife watch the brass so I was sure I got my own to check.

Yes, OAL definitely showed a difference in consistency. I never really ran into any severe overpressure signs but I was just working up a relatively light target load.

So far I've used three different brands 115gr plated bullets and they are all different lengths. Keep careful notes on accuracy results with different charges & OAL for each brand. Sometimes a small change can be just what the doctor ordered.

As always, start light & work up.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Congratulation on shooting your first self loaded ammo!

Any advice, recommendations on refining these loads?

I would caution you on not loading too light. Hodgdon recommends a starting charge of 4.7gr W231 under a Speer GD bullet using an OAL of 1.125" with a max charge of 5.1gr. I understand a FMJ bullet will sit deeper in the case if the same OAL is used thus increasing the pressure but with only a charge of 4.0gr W231 I feel that is still quite light. With a jacketed bullet you have to be concerned with jacket separation where the core leaves the barrel leaving the jacket in the barrel with too light a load. The chance of that is probably slight but it's still better to stay close to the min charge weights.

The Speer manual I have handy (#12) lists a charge range with a 115gr TMJ bullet at 4.5gr to 5.0gr W231. They also use an OAL of 1.135" which it almost exactly what you are using. Just to be safe it's my opinion you shouldn't use a charge lower than 4.4gr W231 under the bullet you're using. (but of course that's up to you)

 

[1SOW]

Way to go spelsh!

Any advice, recommendations on refining these loads?

-Did you use multiple targets to check group size and accuracy? In addition to the way it 'feels' accuracy and consistency is a key factor.

-I recommend loading 10 max at each charge. Shoot 5 to check function and feel, and then shoot 5 controlled shots into each target. It will save you cartridge components and do the same job. Later on just 5 will probably suit you even better.

- Be sure to "log" details of your loads and the results for future reference.

Those starting loads were just a little light, and I bet your pistol was a little "sooty" after 60 rds. Win 231 is a good powder for 9mm, but needs enough pressure to get efficient combustion.

You did well, and staying "safe" is the most important part of reloading. You DID. Good job!

 

[spelsh]

I did use multiple targets. Admittedly my accuracy with the Ruger is not where I would like it to be (really struggling with the longer, non SA pull)

I started a spread sheet to track the loads that includes bullet manufacturer, weight, type, powder among other things. I also put a column in to check off for proper loading and extraction.

I really appreciate the support and good advice that is available from both new and experieneced reloaders and shooters. Thanks!

 

[paperpuncher49]

Quote:
I would caution you on not loading too light. Hodgdon recommends a starting charge of 4.7gr W231 under a Speer GD bullet using an OAL of 1.125" with a max charge of 5.1gr.

Speer lists 4.5 gr W231 as the maximum load for the GD which, to the best of my knowledge, is only available as a 124 grain bullet in 9mm. I would surely not start at 4.7 grains, and would strongly recommend checking multiple loading manuals/sources before settling on a starting load for the Gold Dot or any other bullet for that matter. It is very important to work up loads for each individual firearm. If all firearms/chambers were identical, Hodgdon's data would be identical to Speer's. It is not because they are using different test equipment. What may be safe in one firearm may be pushing the limit in another. BE CAUTIOUS, BE SAFE!

 

[1SOW]

Paperpuncher: the OP said he is reloading with:

Hornady 115gn FMJ RN

 

[rfwobbly]

Slech -
Congrats on the Splash! Your certified reloader badge is in the mail!

• I mark my load groups with masking tape. After shooting the test target, I transfer the tape to the target. Then the target has all the bullet info. I take the targets home and measure them with calipers. With 10 shots, you may wish to throw out 1 on each target as a"flier".



• You need a longer distance, like 30 feet. Then you can really see the spread. Shoot with your hands or wrists supported by a sand bag or carpet covered block. Anything that lets you steady the gun and feels fairly comfortable. Then slow fire.

• If you'll make your OAL 1.140" it's a lot easier to read on a caliper, a lot less likely to get numerically transposed, and only 1 human hair diameter longer. I think 1.130 to 1.150" is the magic range for 9mm feeding. If you go longer they can bind in the mag. If you go shorter then you might be crimping on air.

• Go back with 10 each and take 4 new targets. The best load for than gun/bullet is the lowest load that gives great groups.


You're on your way!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Speer lists 4.5 gr W231 as the maximum load for the GD which, to the best of my knowledge, is only available as a 124 grain bullet in 9mm. I would surely not start at 4.7 grains, and would strongly recommend checking multiple loading manuals/sources before settling on a starting load for the Gold Dot or any other bullet for that matter. It is very important to work up loads for each individual firearm. If all firearms/chambers were identical, Hodgdon's data would be identical to Speer's. It is not because they are using different test equipment. What may be safe in one firearm may be pushing the limit in another. BE CAUTIOUS, BE SAFE!

I got my information directly from the Hodgdon load data site. They specifically list a 115gr SPEER GDHP bullet on their site or I wouldn't have mentioned it. I also talked about the Speer book data which more closely matched the bullet the OP is using. No one but you is talking about a 124gr bullet and I didn't tell the OP to use a 4.7gr load with a 124gr bullet. In any case no one lists a charge as low as 4.0gr that's why I said something about it. :banghead:

 

[Hondo 60]

Congrats!
I remember my first trip to the range with reloads.
I think I prayed the entire way there.

 

[spelsh]

The Hodgdon site has a recommended start of 4.3 and a max of 4.7. I did start a bit low based on some other data I had read.

I am going to load up a new set tomorrow, and will keep the same OAL, but use the 4.2 and 4.4 and 4.6 throw weight and really try and shoot for accuracy when I go to the range Monday or Tuesday.

I may try a different powder in the next week or two. I was thinking about some VV, but haven't decided yet.

 

[OkieGentleman]

Records

Now go buy yourself a nice sized hard back ledger book for about $10 and keep records of what you do. Get a black sharpie and some heavy duty 1 qt ziplock bags. This lets you put your test rounds in a bag and mark the bag as to the load/bullet/powder ect. After the rounds are shot, mark the results on the ziplock bag and throw into your range bag with the fired casings and target inside the ziplock bag. This will let you examine the cases for a particular load and see if it is too hot or if you have same problem with your reload methods.

The ledger and a few pens will fit in the bottom of you range bag and entries can be written down before you leave the range. You can add comments about shooting conditions and results. Kind of nice to sit down a couple of years later and read your range diary when it is to cold to go to the range.

 

[Eb1]

Handloading is like riding a motorcycle to me. If you become complacent then your destine for a mistake.
I am loading on a single stage now, and it does take a while to load pistol ammo. I am currently saving for a turret, but think I might as well wait to buy a Dillion 550b next year. Good job on reloading. I hope it is as fun for you as it is for me.

 

[P5 Guy]

Great!

Handloading is an important part of the shooting hobby for me.
I shoot better quality ammo for econo box prices.

 

[chrt396]

Congrats!
I remember my first trip to the range with reloads.
I think I prayed the entire way there.

I agree with ya there Brother!! I did the same. I was highly anxious!!

Get to the range...
take out new shiney plastic box of 100 rounds (THAT I MADE)...
take the gun out, load up the magazine..hhmm..they went into the magazine without falling apart!! WOW!
Release the slide...hhmm..no jams??
Aim...shake a little...aim..."BOOM!"
BULLSEYE!

The range officer STILL doesn't know why I hugged him!!!

Man..I love this hobby!

 

[chrt396]

Handloading is like riding a motorcycle to me. If you become complacent then your destine for a mistake.
I am loading on a single stage now, and it does take a while to load pistol ammo. I am currently saving for a turret, but think I might as well wait to buy a Dillion 550b next year. Good job on reloading. I hope it is as fun for you as it is for me.

I just bought my Dillon 550B 2 1/2 weeks ago! Boy..was it worth it!!!

 

[popper]

Use different targets for each load. mark the load details AND shooting details ON the target as well as a notebook. Takes more time, but the mind tends to forget things when you are having FUN. Later you can go home and analyze the results.