generic 9mm load

[docmagnum357]

I was hoping someone might chime in on the most generic 9mm load they know of. I have a Lee 125 grain 2r round nose mold that I like, and I just got a 120 grain TC mold from Lee because of the bigger lube groove and bevel base. I use Winchester 231 because I can use it in my 45 acp, 38 special, 380, and the 9mm as well.

I know how to work up accurate loads, I know how to work up a load that works for a specific pistol or revolver, but what I am trying to do here is work something up that will work in a Keltec or a Kimber, no hiccups, no problems.

I have the final size or factory crimp die and that helps a lot. I am sizing .357. I have some pure lead, some apparent Lyno, and wheel weights. At this point I wished I could get a darn gas check! [smilie=b: SO far I have been stymied at every turn, although the 120 TC is looking good in most all the guns I and my friends have. I have even dabbled with Cream of Wheat filler with some success. Does anyone know much about the plastic buffer for shot shells? Will it also clean a bore? I know it would seal a bore and prevent blow by. It ought to really help with leading. I also thought of using used tumbler media. It ought to seal and somewhat scrub the bore.

[Larry Gibson]

Try 4 gr of Bullseye if that is available of 4 gr of the 231 if not.

Larry Gibson

[Grump]

"I use Winchester 231"

How????

I haven't seen any of that stuff on a shelf anywhere for more than six months.

Anyway, my Dad and I used to load 4.4-.6 gr WW 231 under an RCBS 124-gr gas check bullet using RCBS lube. Was close to max, went something like 1174 fps from a 4-inch semiauto and grouped rather nicely for our guns--2 inches at 25 yards.

Now I'm eventually going to test these without a gas check.

With 115-gr Jaxteted bullets we had to go up to 5.1-.2 gr of 231 to get the same speeds.

[docmagnum357]

Larry,
I am using 3.9 of 231. It seems to work well, I just want to make sure it is as "generic" or " universal as possible. I guess I was smarter than I thought.

Grump,
I got 231 from a supplier because they didn't have Tight Group. I used the three pounds I got from them and I scored 8 pounds from my local dealer. Turns out I really like the stuff. Tight Group is a little thriftier but 231 seems cleaner by a little than Bulls Eye or Tight group and not as smoky in the 9mm. I don't have much experience with the 380 but I have fond a load it likes, too.
S.F.

[Larry Gibson]

If the 231 load works (no reason it shouldn't) then you're good to go.

Larry Gibson

[quilbilly]

4.6 gr of Unique works well for me

[454PB]

Be careful using that factory crimp die and .357 boolits......they've been known to size seated boolits.

[jaysouth]

4.0 - 4.4 grs 231/HP38 works for me under a 124 commercial cast bullet. Several years ago Brassman had some Meister 124 TCs that he was closing out. $35 per K delivered. That was ten years ago and I am still sitting on a small mountain of them.

This load works in Glocks, Berettas, Sigs and 1911s. Probably on the low side but reliable and accurate. If I go hunt elephants with a 9mm I will buy some factory +P+ loads.

[docmagnum357]

I shot about 40 rounds this afternoon in my Cz75b. Great accuracy ( as usual for the Cz) . I haven't cleaned the barrel yet but it looks dirty but not fouled. I will try to GLOCK tomorrow, but it looks like I am GTG

[Low Budget Shooter]

With the Lee 358-125-2R bullet, 3.7 grains W231 / HP38 is the lightest load that works all of our 9mm pistols. 3.4 grains works some but not all. LBS

[Rainier]

Larry nailed it - 4grs of either BE or 231 works all day everyday. I've been successful with as little as 3.8gr of BE in my wife's CZ75 - my Glock 19 doesn't count it seems to cycle anything and everything including CCI "ratshot"