9mm reload assistance needed

[Mule700]

Hey everyone I have some 135gr and some 147gr fp bayou bullets and am using either W231 or WST powder.
I am looking to find out if anyone has any good recipes for either of these rounds. I am having some difficulty finding a good accurate load for the 9mm. I just recently acquired a 1911 9mm and just looking for accurate loads for the range.

I have had great success loading .45acp with both of these powders, and was hoping to be able to use these for my 9mm.

I am wondering if I need to branch out and try some different powder for the 9mm. I am open to suggestions if anyone has any input. Thanks for your help.

 

[JBP55]

PM these gentlemen beauxdog, ToddRod, Vigilante Sniper.

 

[beauxdog]

JBP,

We've already talked. The 9mm to my knowledge is not as accurate as the .45 round. If anyone has an accurate load it's Darrel. He would be the one to know.

Beauxdog

 

[Sugarbug]

Just give Donnie a call. He should at least be able to get you started.

 

[Mlapor3]

I'm very interested in the results of this thread too. I picked up some 124 gr from Donnie and I'm about to start working up a load with the same powders as the OP.

 

[DBMJR1]

Mule:

Those are some heavy rounds for 9mm, (heavier for a given caliber equals longer.).

Most people load either 115gr, or 124gr for the 9mm.

I could find no data at all for the 147gr using the two powders you listed. I think you'll have to expand your powder base to cover that projectile.

For the 135gr projectiles, . . .

I'd start at 3.3gr of W231, loaded with a COL just short enough to pass the 'plunk test'* in your barrel.

Work your way up in 1/10th grain increments, keeping an eye on accuracy, performance, and signs of pressure. I'd stop at about 4.2grs.

*Take the barrel out of your firearm. Back out your crimp die so that it does not contact the case. Seat a bullet so that it is just inside of the case mouth. Try it in your chamber. It should be too long. Keep seating it a bit deeper, a little at a time, until it drops into the chamber with a 'plunk'. Stop there. If it fits in your magazine then that's the max COL for your firearm. Make note of that length for future use. Later you can experiment with shorter loads if you are having function problems. Just keep in mind that shorter loads result in less usable case volume. That increases pressure. That means that you should start over with your load testing, starting at your minimum powder weight, working your way up, looking for signs of pressure.

You should consult several load manuals before doing anything.

Somebody else's pet load may not function well in your firearm. Develop your own loads, using proven data. That way you'll eek the most out of your 1911.

 

[Vigilante Sniper]

For 147 FP Bayou's with 231 powder I use 3.4 gr. OAL is 1.145". For 135's with WST 4.0 gr @ 1.150" or 3.8gr of Tightgroup (this is more accurate (2" 10 shot group @ 25 yds PF is 140). I also like 3.9 gr of AA2 on the 135's. I prefer to shoot 135's out of my Shadow, not as snappy as 124's and not as sluggish as 147's. If you send me your email through PM I can send you a spreadsheet with all the Bayou bullets I have tested to date. (Best in country and local too!) Also what gun are you using? WST isn't a great powder for accuracy in 9mm. If you want accuracy I'd go with the 125gr TC's with 3.5 gr of Bullseye at 1.070" That load gives me 1.5" at 25 yds. in my Shadow. Make sure you don't overcrimp these bullets use .379-.380 for your crimp.

 

[Mule700]

DBMJR1 and Vigalante Sniper first off thanks so much for the explanations. I have learned something new today especially about safety. I do have 4 reloading manuals I refer to often, and have scrolled through every page on this reloading sub forum. Vigalante I did find your spreadsheet on here, and I have it saved on my iPad. That is one hell of great job you did there and I'm sure it is helping a bunch of members including me, so thanks for providing us all of your info and hard work.
I will be taking a bunch of reloads to test and see if I'm getting closer to what I'm looking for. I will keep you guys posted.
BTW do you guys shoot at Nicks or any other local ranges? Thanks again.

 

[Vigilante Sniper]

I created a new pdf file for all the 9mm bayou's I've tested but it won't let me upload a pdf file so if anyone wants it pm your email and I'll send it to you. I uploaded it to Brian Enos forum, and was going to attach a link to it here, but I'm a work and the won't let me go to Brians forum.

 

[noylj]

You couldn't get an accurate load using 231/HP38 for .45 Auto? That is the best powder I have found for my .45s, followed by Bullseye, AA2, and Red Dot.
Bullet Weight Powder Weight Velocity Notes P.F. COL
L-TCBB 135 231/HP38 3.5 935 126 1.142
L-RN 135 231/HP38 3.7 969 131 1.150
L-RN 136 231/HP38 4.5 1084 147
Precision L-RNFP 147 231/HP38 3.0 870 128 1.100
Lead 147 231/HP38 3.2 Start 0
L-RN 145 231/HP38 3.3 786 Start 114
L-FP 147 231/HP38 3.3 865 Start 127 1.169
L-FP 147 231/HP38 3.5 905 Max 133 1.169
Rainier FMJ-RN 147 231/HP38 3.7 892 Max 131
Rainier P-HP 147 231/HP38 3.7 890 Max 131
L-RN 145 231/HP38 3.8 956 Accurate 139
L-CP 147 231/HP38 3.8 800 118 1.125
L-CP 147 231/HP38 4.0 850 125 1.125
For WST, start at 3.4gr for both and work up.
If you want accuracy with the 9x19, I really recommend Power Pistol, Silhouette, or True Blue. With availability what it is, though, you have to use what you have.