jonk
01-29-2017, 02:02 AM
Been ages since I posted a new thread here, but here we go.
I've had a Llama Extra chambered in 9mm Largo for some time. I always meant to work up a load with it that was enough to cycle the action but mild, given the Spanish steel in question. Finally this weekend I got to it.
I wanted to use Bullseye, as it's my "go-to" pistol powder, and economical. Thing is, load data for the 9mm largo is non existant save for a few websites, and they don't really cover Bullseye. So I started with 2.0 grains, a load well below start load for the 9mm Luger and 38 ACP.
I worked up several bullets with this powder. The best results were kind of surprising.
Best was a Lee 158 gr SWCGC design, shot without GC, tumble lubed in LLA and sized to .356, over 2.7 gr of Bullseye. Dropped the cases at my feet, and shot a good 6" group with a pistol rest at 20 yards. Given the pitting in the bore of the gun, that's fine by me.
Close second was the Lee 105 gr SWC, also sized to .356 and tumble lubed. Both loads were using ACWW.
I think that both of these were successful due to the large bearing surface of the bullet, and low velocity- something that I wanted for cast loads in a 9mm case, as my trials with more conventional designs often lead to leading.
Now, I don't see a reason why these wouldn't make a fine plinker load for 38 ACP or 38 Super as well.
In general, I've been having some really good luck with the Lee 158 in 9mm rounds, including the 9mm Luger. While a rather heavy bullet for that case, 2.7 gr seems to work great there as well, in my surplus guns at any rate. Good for military oversized bores. It does great in my P-1 Walther, and my P08 Luger as well- though it does sometimes fail to cycle in the Luger.
Of course, all this is at your own discretion, as to use it or not.
I've had a Llama Extra chambered in 9mm Largo for some time. I always meant to work up a load with it that was enough to cycle the action but mild, given the Spanish steel in question. Finally this weekend I got to it.
I wanted to use Bullseye, as it's my "go-to" pistol powder, and economical. Thing is, load data for the 9mm largo is non existant save for a few websites, and they don't really cover Bullseye. So I started with 2.0 grains, a load well below start load for the 9mm Luger and 38 ACP.
I worked up several bullets with this powder. The best results were kind of surprising.
Best was a Lee 158 gr SWCGC design, shot without GC, tumble lubed in LLA and sized to .356, over 2.7 gr of Bullseye. Dropped the cases at my feet, and shot a good 6" group with a pistol rest at 20 yards. Given the pitting in the bore of the gun, that's fine by me.
Close second was the Lee 105 gr SWC, also sized to .356 and tumble lubed. Both loads were using ACWW.
I think that both of these were successful due to the large bearing surface of the bullet, and low velocity- something that I wanted for cast loads in a 9mm case, as my trials with more conventional designs often lead to leading.
Now, I don't see a reason why these wouldn't make a fine plinker load for 38 ACP or 38 Super as well.
In general, I've been having some really good luck with the Lee 158 in 9mm rounds, including the 9mm Luger. While a rather heavy bullet for that case, 2.7 gr seems to work great there as well, in my surplus guns at any rate. Good for military oversized bores. It does great in my P-1 Walther, and my P08 Luger as well- though it does sometimes fail to cycle in the Luger.
Of course, all this is at your own discretion, as to use it or not.