The AoG PIF V-Crown 125gr 9mm journey

[vaalpens]

I sent snuffy a PM and he graciously agreed to do the wax-media expansion test on the new Sierra V-Crown bullets.

The bad news is that it won't happen until the spring thaw, as they really got whacked this year with snow in Wisconsin

AoG

Thanks AoG. That is great news.

Is he going to test it in 357sig or 9mm? Maybe it is time for him to buy a new gun if he does not have a 357sig.

 

[JimKirk]

Not nearly as good as Snuffy's work.... but an gel test ...

https://youtu.be/EKFu_oUiuhw

 

[Dudedog]

Nice looking bullets.

Thanks in advance to Snuffy for offering to test them.
Off thread but
Snuffy was kind enough to test some bullets (among them the RMR 9mm 125 HP) for me and I really appreciated it.
Here is a link to his test of the RMR 125HPs hedid for me in 9mm.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=793096
Thanks again Snuffy.

Nice shooting vaalpens.

 

[vaalpens]

Nice looking bullets.

Thanks in advance to Snuffy for offering to test them.
Off thread but
Snuffy was kind enough to test some bullets (among them the RMR 9mm 125 HP) for me and I really appreciated it.
Here is a link to his test of the RMR 125HPs hedid for me in 9mm.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=793096
Thanks again Snuffy.

Nice shooting vaalpens.

Thanks Dudedog, and thanks to Snuffy for the testing offer.

I think it was a good shooting day. I was actually shooting my SP101 the same day. So when I got to the P229 357sig, the sights on the P229 just seemed much clearer compared to the SP101. It helped.

 

[snuffy]

Geese I blinked and 10 new posts on this thread!

Umm, yes I do have a 357 sig barrel for my M-22 glock, after market drop-in conversion. I could, well I WILL do both. AoG, thanks for the PIF offer, but I will simply buy a box from Midway. That way I can have as many as I need to load for an accurate load AND do an expansion test with both 9mm and 357 sig.

That video of the gel test with the 10 mm auto was very impressive. It only lost .2 weight? Slow mo showed it went into the first water jug, but it didn't show him recover it, the guy running the camera failed to show it.

Yeah, we've got over 16" of snow now, but it MAY get above freezing today, but certainly tomorrow. Spring can't come soon enough for me. I'll hurry it along by planting some onion seeds today to get started on this years garden. That should break the cabin fever!

 

[snuffy]

Bullets came in the mail Saturday, now I just have to get my lazy butt back to the loading room to load them up.

They really look nasty, um like mean, ready for action. While I was at it, I ordered some 357 sig brass, Starline. That looks really good as well.

If my ship comes in, I'll buy an actual 357 sig pistol. It would be good to have, maybe a Sig Sauer.

The last 4 days has been above freezing, and we got some rain. The snow is half as deep as it was, maybe I can test sooner than I thought!?

 

[Artofgolf]

...They really look nasty, um like mean, ready for action. While I was at it, I ordered some 357 sig brass, Starline. That looks really good as well...

Thanks for taking-on the tests, Snuffy I like the design of those V-Crowns ~ curious on the results.

 

[vaalpens]

Bullets came in the mail Saturday, now I just have to get my lazy butt back to the loading room to load them up.

They really look nasty, um like mean, ready for action. While I was at it, I ordered some 357 sig brass, Starline. That looks really good as well.

If my ship comes in, I'll buy an actual 357 sig pistol. It would be good to have, maybe a Sig Sauer.

The last 4 days has been above freezing, and we got some rain. The snow is half as deep as it was, maybe I can test sooner than I thought!?

snuffy, Thanks again for taking he time to test these bullets in wax.

I have the Sig P229 in 357sig and is very happy with it.

I have only tested these bullets with BE-86, but they performed very close in velocity to other JHP's, so I assume you should just be able to use your favorite powder. Sierra sent me the attached pdf with 357sig load data. The specific bullet is not listed but they said I could use the data for the listed 125gr bullet.

 

[snuffy]

Vaalpens, thanks for the load data.

But now I'm confused,(That don't take much), Sierra has 2 bullets , 9924 and 9925 124 and 125 grains respectively. Someone alluded to there was 2 bullets, one for 9mm and another for 357 sig.

https://www.sierrabullets.com/products/bullets/handgun.cfm/brandID/9

They don't specify that the heavier bullet is for the 357. Neither does Midway;

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/722297/sierra-sig-sauer-v-crown-bullets-9mm-355-diameter-125-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-100

The #9924 that I have LOOKS like it may have enough major diameter shank to allow it to be seated deep enough to have the mouth to crimp into the full diameter of the shank. I'll try it to see for sure. Otherwise the #9925 looks to have a longer shank, might work better. The new starline brass should have max bullet pull/neck tension and I have the lee collet FCD for a firm crimp.

 

[vaalpens]

Vaalpens, thanks for the load data.

But now I'm confused,(That don't take much), Sierra has 2 bullets , 9924 and 9925 124 and 125 grains respectively. Someone alluded to there was 2 bullets, one for 9mm and another for 357 sig.

https://www.sierrabullets.com/products/bullets/handgun.cfm/brandID/9

They don't specify that the heavier bullet is for the 357. Neither does Midway;

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/722297/sierra-sig-sauer-v-crown-bullets-9mm-355-diameter-125-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-100

The #9924 that I have LOOKS like it may have enough major diameter shank to allow it to be seated deep enough to have the mouth to crimp into the full diameter of the shank. I'll try it to see for sure. Otherwise the #9925 looks to have a longer shank, might work better. The new starline brass should have max bullet pull/neck tension and I have the lee collet FCD for a firm crimp.

snuffy, The bullet I tested was the #9925. i don't know if it is specific to 357sig or 9mm. I just assumed that it was probably for 9mm, so I made my target velocity around 1290fps.

I'm not sure if the shank length will make any difference, as long as you have enough shank for the length of the neck, taking your COL into consideration.

I just tested these bullets for setback to make sure it will work, and decided on the 1.125" COL based on the bullet shape and length. The standard 1.135" COL should work since there is enough shank length.

 

[Artofgolf]

For a while Midway was offering these bullets for a really good price. I regret not picking up more... Sadly they are now selling for a lot more.

Looks like Natchez is offering the V-Crown for a reasonable price
https://www.natchezss.com/125-gr-jhp-v-crown-100-rounds.html

Just placed an order for the 90gr V-Crown ~ gotta try 'em in the Wharf-Rat

 

[Radz68]

Hi folks new to the forums and first post here.
I was searching for load data on the 90gr Crowns andean across this thread. I must say it's refreshing to find a community and thread where ideas are shared without all of the negativity of brand opinions!
I have been reloading for about 5 years now and am a retired Army Medic with about 5 years experience as a Brigade level (where many of the major weapon repairs are made along with minor fabrication of parts) armorer.
I look forward to read more threads in this community and expanding my knowledge of reloading from all of you!

I am loading these for my wife to test out in her 380 Sig.

Radz

 

[vaalpens]

Hi folks new to the forums and first post here.
I was searching for load data on the 90gr Crowns andean across this thread. I must say it's refreshing to find a community and thread where ideas are shared without all of the negativity of brand opinions!
I have been reloading for about 5 years now and am a retired Army Medic with about 5 years experience as a Brigade level (where many of the major weapon repairs are made along with minor fabrication of parts) armorer.
I look forward to read more threads in this community and expanding my knowledge of reloading from all of you!

I am loading these for my wife to test out in her 380 Sig.

Radz

Welcome to the THR forum. Looks like you are in luck since member dudedog just started a new thread looking for a favorite 380 load.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=799649

 

[snuffy]

Range road closed

Arrrggghhh! Spring has really gotten going, BUT that means the melted snow and rain has softened the poorly constructed gravel road to the outdoor range. That causes it to be closed until it firms up. So we'll wait for some better weather so it re-opens.

On another note, I got banged up when riding my 3 wheeler to get the mail. I take my 115 pound golden retriever with me with one of those spring re-wind leashes. He saw a cat, cat took off, so did Arrow the GR. It happened so fast I didn't let go of the leash before it hit the end of the 20' cord, Tipped me and the bike over, I landed on my floating ribs on the asphalt roadway. Ouch!!! Hurts pretty bad, but I'm sure it's not cracked, certainly not broken. So I couldn't test the V-crowns if I wanted to.

On another note, I ordered a box of the 125 grainers, #9925. They definitely have a longer straight shank than the 124's. I will load some in that nice new starline brass to test along with the others.

 

[Artofgolf]

...Just placed an order for the 90gr V-Crown ~ ....

Came in the mail today. . Verrry nice! Will PIF a few in THR Thank You.

 

[Dudedog]

Snuffy,
hope your ok.
I have two dogs and 99% of the time they could care less about squirrels in my back yard, but the other day one saw a cat and zoom off she went as fast as she could go.
(small dog, probably no idea what to do if the cat didn't run )

 

[snuffy]

Ouch!!! Hurts pretty bad, but I'm sure it's not cracked, certainly not broken. So I couldn't test the V-crowns if I wanted to.

Yeah,right!

Good thing I'm not a doctor, especially for myself! After a terrible night, unable to find a comfortable position, I gave up, went to the local ER. this afternoon. Turns out I have a fractured 11th rib, left side.
Not much they can do, just rest, limited activity, and lots of pain meds. They prescribed a Lidocain patch, a local anesthetic. Seems to work well in concert with percocet.

So those waiting anxiously for my tests, sorry guys us olde farts ain't built like kids anymore. I suspect 3-4 weeks I'll break outa jail and do those tests.

 

[snuffy]

Well the stars aligned today, nice sunny weather, hit 60 deg. mid afternoon. The new CED chrono even co-operated to record some velocities. I didn't really concentrate on the targets, for one thing I forgot the target box, so I had to patch up some old ones. More important was the expansion test and velocity.

My gosh are those some beautiful expanded bullets! The front of the mushroom is sort of sculpted, like a six point star. the copper jacket has six perfect petals.I recovered two bullets, one from my CZ 9mm, the other from the glock 357 sig aftermarket barrel in my M-22 glock. Both bullets shed NO WEIGHT! Total retained weight. Penetration was better in both cases, almost went through the 7" wax, penetrating 4.5 inches the 9mm expanded to .575, the 357 sig was .600

The petals on the sig bullet are wrapped around the sides of the bullet more, show more expansion caused by higher velocity.











The one marked with an "S" is the 357 sig bullet, Both are the 124 V-crown. I have a box of the 125's but have not loaded any yet. I'll post this so far, return tomorrow with the velocity readouts still stored in the CED's brain. My brain is plenty tired, must sit gum estray.

 

[vaalpens]

snuffy, thanks for sharing your test results. Those are really some good looking bullets. It will be interesting to see what velocity you saw with these bullets. Can you also share your load data? It would be interesting to see how your data compare to what I have seen.

Thanks again for taking the time to test these bullets for expansion. I am impressed.

 

[snuffy]

Vaalpens, thanks for the kudos! I suspect you're more interested in the 357 sig numbers. I loaded the 357's using the data you provided from Sierra, I ended up at HS-6 at 8.9 for their top load, I started @ 8.3.

Velocity was considerably over what Sierra said would be 1300, I got 1397.2 av for 5 shots. Empties looked good, no pressure signs. That brand new starline brass is some tough stuff, so maybe a thinner rem case would show pressure signs. I loaded 10 at the top level so I would have at least 5 for target and velocity readings. Good thing I did, the chrono missed 2 bullets!

The CED chrono seems to be very sensitive to varying light conditions. It was partly cloudy, when a cloud was overhead, it read fine but gave strange/error readings in full sun. Caused me to delete a lot. I'm still getting used to it, I'm sure it's just my inexperience with it.

As for accuracy, the target showed a group of about 4 inches @ 25 yards.

Next test is with the 9925 bullets just in the 357 sig. Now that it's springtime (I'm holding my breath that it stays spring for a while), don't need the summer heat for a while.

As for the 9's, I don't have much to say about the loads or velocities. I forgot my target box, it also has my note pad, pen, and other stuff I use to keep track of which string is what load. I have all the strings downloaded from the chrono, but can't remember what is which. (or witch). There's gotta be a way to take this laptop with me while I'm shooting so I can name a string for what is being tested. A lot to learn for an olde geezer like me.

Oh well, more to come--------------------.

 

[Artofgolf]

Nice job, Snuffy!

?..My gosh are those some beautiful expanded bullets! The front of the mushroom is sort of sculpted, like a six point star. the copper jacket has six perfect petals...

Reloader Fred mentioned that the V-Crown's were something special; you've shown us the real results. Thanks again, Snuffy, for a fantastic run of pics for this test. l'm impressed with the performance of the V-Crown

 

[snuffy]

Artofgolf, I agree 100%. That kind of weight retention and complete expansion is what HP bullets are all about. I could care less what the frontal appearance looks like, but I'm impressed with that look!

Lets see if the 125, does the same in 357 sig. For once I don't have a Dr. appointments all next week! Maybe I can get some load testing done!

I may try to put some old denim jean fabric in front of one to see if they'll plug up, fail to expand.

 

[vaalpens]

I have finally been able to test these V-Crown bullets for expansion, and I am impressed.

The load I tested was the following:

357sig
COL: 1.125"
Sierra, 125gr, JHP, BE86, 7.8gr, CCI500
Average: 1288
ES: 28
SD: 11.4
Force: 460
PF: 161
Velocities: 1271, 1295, 1295, 1299, 1284
Testing medium: 1gal water jugs
Bullet recovered: 3rd water jug
Recovered bullet diameter: .7020" (95.75% increase in diameter)
Recovered bullet weight: 123.2gr (1.36% decrease in weight)

Following are some pictures from the recovered bullet:

I am very impressed with these V-Crown bullets and I will probably purchase a few of these for protection against zombies.

Thanks again to AOG for the generous PIF and getting this testing thread started.

 

[Artofgolf]

I have finally been able to test these V-Crown bullets for expansion...I am very impressed with these V-Crown bullets and I will probably purchase a few...Thanks again to AOG for the generous PIF and getting this testing thread started.

You're welcome, vaalpens
Fantastic photos showing the expansion of those fine bullets! ReloaderFred made a few comments on the construction of the V-Crowns that also deserves honorable mention.
My indoor pistol range here doesn't allow tests like this, so your additional effort is appreciated. Well done!

 

[ReloaderFred]

That's impressive performance from that bullet in water. Great photography, too!

Fred