Best powder choice for the 9mm

[lonewolf5347]

I have on hand
bull eye
unique
win: 231
Clay's
copper coated extreme 9MM bullets weights 115 threw 147 grains
I was thinking starting with bull eye 3.8 grains in all to see which bullet the gun likes
The gun Ruger sr9

[bangerjim]

Refer to the load data of the mentioned powders.

[tazman]

Any of those powders will work in 9mm given the appropriate charge weight.
Like bangerjim said, check the load data for each of the powders. There is data available from the manufacturer online.

[FergusonTO35]

I would use Unique with the 147's as it burns more slowly than the others and this is a pretty heavy bullet. What kind of velocity do you want? I find Bullseye is best for 1000 fps or less. Over that and accuracy tends to go down, I think BE has pressure spikes with higher charges. Out of all those mentioned I think you'll like 231 the best. That one and Titegroup (very similar) have always done best for me with jwords or plated.

[str8wal]

Titegroup

This has become my favorite for 9's, 38's, 45's and the like.

[bangerjim]

This has become my favorite for 9's, 38's, 45's and the like.

TG is an EXCELLENT powder for all those cal's! Seems to be truly non-position sensitive as they advertise.

Also ETR7 is an excellent powder that is very economical and generally easily attainable. I use it all the time in all my cal's. Cleanest powder I have ever used!

bangerjim

[Thumbcocker]

Not on your list but I love me some power pistol.

[pretzelxx]

Whichever you have the most powder of is probably your best bet. Unless you want a tack driver, then go after a load you personally built up for that gun. That's how I see it.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

i like Bullseye or RedDot in my 9mm

[xacex]

I use a good amount of red dot for mine just because it is economical. Subs and supers, but my subs are 125 grain not 147.

[lonewolf5347]

Guys how does this sound 3.8 grains bull eye powder with .356 dia: 147 gr. extreme R.N. at 1.145 C.A.O.L.
My load data books go back to the late 60's and early 70's so looking at the internet I think this is a safe load to start???

[Vann]

Win 231 and red dot are my powders of choice for standard loads. When I want to turn up the heat I go to blue dot and Hs6

[FergusonTO35]

I would back that off to around 3.4 grains to start. The heavy bullet takes up a fair amount of space in the case. It should function just fine. 3.5 grains Bullseye/Lee 356-120-TC was my favorite load in the SR9C I used to have.

Remember, powder compositions and burn characteristics do change over time. It's best to use data that is close to when your powder was made. I'll look in my Lee manual for you when I get a chance. You can get the 231 data free from Hodgdon's website.

[pretzelxx]

I like the above. Load up 10 with two tenths grain increase and see if they work well before the 3.8 grain. Even now lot to lot differences could mean a fraction of a difference so work it up before going for a full load. Better safe than sorry! And besides if you shoot 5 and they're a little light skip ahead and then go back and pull the bullets.

[Bzcraig]

Lyman's 4th has a starting load of BE @ 2.8gr and max of 3.5gr with OAL of 1.058 using a Lyman 356637 147gr boolit.

[GaryN]

Guys how does this sound 3.8 grains bull eye powder with .356 dia: 147 gr. extreme R.N. at 1.145 C.A.O.L.
My load data books go back to the late 60's and early 70's so looking at the internet I think this is a safe load to start???

You also have to make sure the OAL will chamber in your barrel as well as fit in your magazine.

[bobthenailer]

From my experience with the 9mm & 38 super I have generaly gotten my best accuracy with med burning speed powder , Power pistol is excellent ! the faster powders like BE & TG work well but not quite as accurate im my pistols.
Your 3.8 gr load of BE with a 115 should work ok ! it does with a 125 gr bullet in the 9mm.

[btreanor]

My experience with 9mm powders is similar to bobthenailer's above. With regards to accuracy, I have had better experience with the medium burning powders like Power Pistol and Unique than with the faster burning ones.

[captaint]

I've gotten good accuracy from (old IMR) 7625. Both 124 and 135 gr boolits. Great stuff. A shame, they are supposed to be discontinuing it.