PB Checks On The 9 MM Boolit

[timberhawk]

I want to get in on a group by that has a 97 FN grain boolit cast for the .380 and 9mm. The hollowpoint version would run +/- 87 grains. I'm getting this for my .380s, but would also like to load it in the 9mm.

I have other molds for the 9mm casting heavier boolits and understand the pentration issues with the light boolits, but it would be a great varmit/fun to play with load.

I have an order in for a PB Checkmaker, but it hasn't been delivered and I haven't played with it.

The question is will a PB Check made of .006 aluminum (Miller Lite screw top aluminum cans) let me push this boolit with full power 9mm loads, or do I need to just get the GC version.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.

[terminal gravity]

ive heard bad stuff about aluminum... mcmaster carr sells some copper stuff that might work..http://www.mcmaster.com/#shim-stock/=lr3rki

[PatMarlin]

Go to my website:

www.patmarlins.com and click on the Checkmaker™ link and about mid way down you'll find links on PB die performance, and info about the myth that Aluminum harms bores. It doesn't.

Of course some folks have even said PB checks are dangerous... LOL. :mrgreen:

[fcvan]

Timberhawk, I have a few of Pat's treasures, including the 35 PB. As far as 9mm goes, I have been putting soda can checks on the Lee 356-125 2R, 356-120 TC, and the 356-102 1R. I cast with range scrap and size to .358. With respect to the 102, mine casts at 105 grains and with a check weighs about 109. I loaded some up with 6 grains of unique for 1200 fps. Very zippy and very fun!

Alliant calls for 6.1 grains for a 115 grain jacketed boolit as a max load. There were no undue pressure signs. The groups were very tight and the brass patterned in a small group albeit a few feet further than the lighter loads I worked up. I generally run 125 grain loads but I just had to try the lighter boolit with a plain base check and crank them up a bit. Good fun!

[reloader28]

I shoot at max loads in 9mm and 357mag and the pop/beer can PB checks work great.
Thats the reason I bought Pats PB check maker. Other wise why bother?

[tchepone]

I have not heard this about aluminum. Is this true? I have used it and have found no problems. Please back up your statement "bad stuff about aluminum" with some detail and facts.


ive heard bad stuff about aluminum... mcmaster carr sells some copper stuff that might work..http://www.mcmaster.com/#shim-stock/=lr3rki

[timberhawk]

Guys,
Thanks for the feedback. I checked Lyman's Reloading Manual and they show velocities over 1100 fps in the .380 and over 1,400 fps in the 9mm with thier 90 gr. lead boolit. I think this time I'm gonna go with the GC version. I've got several other GC molds for my .38 Spl. and .357 Mag and this will give me a reason to get Pat's GC Checkmaker.
Thanks again!

[PatMarlin]

I just finalized a deal on my 4th CNC Hardinge "Super Precision" Tool Room lathe...!

Will be picking it up and getting it online soon. Dare I say I may actually be able to keep stock? Maybe not at the rate of demand, but I see orders leaving even sooner.

...:drinks:

[beagle]

No trouble at all using Pat's .35PB in four different 9mms. Really helps with accuracy and no leading at all. Just received my .44PB set and I'm in production on .44PB checks. Finally a 429421HP GC'd bullet for the Rugers and my Win M94 .44 Mag./beagle

[Gunslinger1911]

I've used alum pb checks in 454 Casull, 10mm, 357 mag among others - no worries !

I have the Lee 105 g 380 mould, have a 35pb CheckMaker on order and a boat load of Coke cans; plan on really hot rodding in a 9mm and 38 super.