9 mm loads

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9 mm loads

Post by Poppop »

Hi everyone-I'm new here.
I am now reloading .38 spec with good results. I'm beginning to reload 9mm now. I cannot find a recipe using Unique (the only powder I was able to get) and 115 gr Win FMJ-HB. I get close with 115 gr FMJ recipe @ 5 gr. I did weight it.
When I look inside the shell it looks about 80% full. Should it be that full??
Thanks :?
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Re: 9 mm loads

Post by Ranch Dog »

Poppop wrote:Hi everyone-I'm new here.
I am now reloading .38 spec with good results. I'm beginning to reload 9mm now. I cannot find a recipe using Unique (the only powder I was able to get) and 115 gr Win FMJ-HB. I get close with 115 gr FMJ recipe @ 5 gr. I did weight it.
When I look inside the shell it looks about 80% full. Should it be that full??
Thanks :?
Welcome to the forum Poppop!

You guess on the case density is very accurate, QuickLoad says that it is 84%. Different powders have different densities and will not necessarily fill a case. The main thing that I look for in a handgun cartridge is that the case is filled at least to 50%, that really reduces the chances of a double charge.

If you could use your calipers to measure the length of those bullets and tell me what your cartridge overall length is going to be, I would be happy to see what the QuickLoad software has to say.
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Re: 9 mm loads

Post by 62chevy »

Welcome Poppop, Ranch Dog will get you headed in the right direction.
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Re: 9 mm loads

Post by akuser47 »

Welcome, you are in the ball park I would not exceed 5.2g in powder you will be close to compressed load. As stated it takes up alot of space because of this type of powder. Keep us posted +corn
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Re: 9 mm loads

Post by Poppop »

First of all-Thanks for the quick replies.
I have not completed the loading yet because I sent away for the 9mm dies. I was just experimenting with the powder.
It seems to me that using my arithmetic and bullet dimension specs that there will be a fraction of an inch of space after the bullet is seated to specs.
As soon as I get the dies and load/shoot a few, I'll let you know how I did.
In the meantime you guys confirmed my thoughts on the powder load. :D
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Re: 9 mm loads

Post by gwpercle »

Unique is a very versital powder, excellent in 9 mm Luger. Lyman Reloading Handbook , 46th Edition, lists the following for 9 mm, Unique, 115 gr. JHP ( same data is OK for JHB):
starting load- 4.4grs @996 fps - 20,600 c.u.p.
Maximum Load- 5.8 grs. @ 1233 fps - 30,700 c.u.p.

Start with 5.0 grs and check feed, fire and functioning. If all works well and accuracy is good you are in business. 5.0 grains was the load I settled on years ago. 115 grain bullet either cast or jacketed worked just fine in my pistols. 5.2 grains would also be a good load, I've used it before and it is not over max.
I tend to load for economy so would use 5.0 grs. just to make the powder go farther.
Good shooting,
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Re: 9 mm loads

Post by Poppop »

I recently purchased one of the very few handgun powders available-IMR SR7625 for 9mm. I figured I would try it along with loading Unique. I will try your Unique recipe too. I made a few different loads with 7625 beginning with 4.2 up to 4.8. got better accuracy with the 4.8gr but had a few FTE's. May be because gun is brand new. Also 7625 is much cleaner than Unique.
Well-thanks for the recipes and I am going to the basement and load some now.
I'll post my thoughts later in the week
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Re: 9 mm loads

Post by Model 52 »

This is depressing.

I am critically short of SR 7625 and Unique and can't find any, but have lots of other suitable 9mm powders.

An unfortunate side effect of the overall shortage is people taking what ever they can get even if it's not what they want, and in turn sucking up stuff other people need.
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Re: 9 mm loads

Post by Poppop »

Don't be depressed. I was just at the right place at the right time. A new delivery of powder was at my local reloading store. They had cases of IMR powders. The owner suggested that I try a pound for 9mm
Keep looking--you'll find either one soon
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