9mm Mold

[Tumtatty]

I just got a match barrel for my Glock and want to start casting for 9mm.

What mold is best for plinking? I'm looking for a 6 cavity mold that won't break the bank.

Also, what is a good powder to use with these boolits? Will Alliant 2400 work? How much?

[9.3X62AL]

For a Lee 6-cavity mould, take a look at their 122-125 grain truncated cone design. This is not a tumble-lube boolit, it has conventional drive bands and lube groove. Seat it with about .025" of the front drive band outside the case.

2400 is far too slow a propellant for the 9 x 19. With castings, I've used powder speeds from Bullseye/231 through Unique/Herco. It is a little hard to find, but the RCBS Cast Bullet Manual has pretty comprehensive loading data within its text. Another good cast boolit data resource is the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook.

The 9 x 19 is NOT a "beginner caliber" for the handloader. Bullet seating depth is CRITICAL, and once a good overall-length for feeding reliability is established you need to start low and go slow when it comes to powder weights.

You did yourself a favor getting that aftermarket barrel. Most 9mm groove diameters run larger than nominal .355", and have far too fast a twist rate.

[robertbank]

Watch Ebay for a four cavity 124 gr truncated bullet mold or go with Lee in the same weight range. I think 2400 would be to slow for the 9MM. Better powders for the 9MM are Unique, Win 231 or HS 6 to name three.

I use Win 231 only because it meters well out of my Dillon Powder Measure very consistantly. 4.1 gr under my 125 gr boolits meets IPSC and IDPA power factor. Very accurate and pleasant shooting. I size my boolits .357.

Take Care

Bob

[mooman76]

Lee has a 105g SWC that is a great plinker and works well in the 38 and 357 also!

[59stude]

Lyman 356402 120gr. with 5.5gr Vihtavuori N340 or 4.8 - 5.0gr Vithavuori N330 gives good acuracy (sp) also in my guns.

59stude

[Rick N Bama]

I've found Power Pistol & AA7 to be good for use with my 147gr cast loads.

Rick

[lv2tinker]

I would try one of these Lee moulds first to see if you like casting boolits without having to spend money on a Lubesizer, Sizing dies etc. Just get a bottle of ALOX and Tumble Lube them.

Lee 2-Cavity Bullet Mold TL356-124-TC (356 Diameter) 124 Grain Tumble Lube Truncated Cone

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=366607&t=11082005


Lee 2-Cavity Bullet Mold TL356-124-2R (356 Diameter) 124 Grain Tumble Lube 2 Ogive Radius

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=141131&t=11082005

You would be suprised at how many boolits you can turn out with a 2 cavity mold and you won't break the bank.

For Powder I use 4.3 gr WSF. Gives 1063 fps in my CZ's
Tried W-231 and Tight Grouip but was to smokey for indoor range shooting.
4.3 gr Unique gave me 1054 fps. Most accurate in my CZ's.