Herters 164 for 9mm

[rmcc]

Does anyone have any data for Herters 164 shotgun powder and 115 FMJ in 9mm? I have 3 cans a friend gave me and right now I have about 4 K of shotgun shells so don't plan on setting the shotgun loader up for awhile! Thanks in advance!!

Rich

[Rocky Raab]

As near as I can discover, 164 was Herter's slowest "magnum" shotgun powder. Based on that and on some loads quoted on other website chat boards, I would guess that 164 is close to Blue Dot.

I'd test a few shots loaded as if it were Unique and check the velocity you get. If the speed comes in slower than what Unique should get with that charge, you can assume that 164 is a bit slower. Therefore, try a few Start loads using Blue Dot data and again compare velocity.

You'll soon nail down the approximate burn rate with that bullet in that cartridge. You'd have to start over with any other combination, of course.

[Farmer&shooter]

In an old Herter's loading manual, I found the following data FOR SHOTGUN USE of Herters 164:
31 grains of Herters =10,400 LUP
32 grains of Herco =10,225 LUP
24.3 grains of Unique=10,391 LUP

That sounds like the speed is just a little faster than Herco, but quite a bit slower than Unique.

Eight grains (OF MY POWDER) behind a 135 grain, plain base, .309 in a .30WCF made a great plinker.

BUT NOTE: Herters had a significant recall of their powders at one time, and not all got turned in, so I started much lower. Also, that powder is at least forty years old, so smell it, look at it, and don't use it if anything looks bad. Mine had been unopened and carefully stored. It still shows no sign of deteriortion, but yours may not be so.

[Loudenboomer]

Old thread but I may have a little useful info. I'd agree Herters 164 burn rate at about Herco or Blue Blue dot. With careful work up it should prove useful in the 9mm. I have not tried it in that cal.
Loads I like with cast boolits and Herters 164 are:
10.5 gr. 38-55 255 gr pb (Marlin 93)
11.0 gr. .44 Mag. 200 gr PB (Smith 629)
17.0 gr 45-70 340 Lee Drilled HP (my 86 win Deer Load)
All loads are mild accurate and safe for my guns. Your mileage could very.

[Farmer&shooter]

Loudenboomer: Thanks for the tip on the .44 Mag. load. I'll start at ten grains and try it.

[rmcc]

Thanks a TON guys!!!! I set the shotgun press back up, ran into a bunch of hulls and wads, so will see if I have the bushing to make those loads work!! Again, thanks!!

rmcc