Let’s talk about my 9mm load/chronograph data

[Bashby]

I’m still learning and would like some input on some data I gathered today.

Gun: Polymer80, Glock17 size
274923

Load 1:
3.5 gr Unique
132gr FRN cast PCed sized .356
AV 850
ES 180
SD 44

Load 2
3.5gr Unique
132gr FRN cast PCed sized .357
AV 855
ES 114
SD 34

Load 3
3.8 gr Unique

132gr FRN cast PCed sized .356
AV 947
ES 98
SD 34


Load 4
3.8gr unique

132gr FRN cast PCed sized .357
AV 929
ES 156
SD 47

Load 5
4.2 gr Unique
132gr FRN cast PCed sized .356
AV 1039
ES 70
SD 20


Load 6
4.2 gr Unique
132gr FRN cast PCed sized .357
AV 1038
ES 101
SD 29


I had 2 FTFs on the first 2 loads and did not lock the slide back on the last round. The rest worked 100%. My goal is a light recoil and 100% function. I was shooting off hand so I couldn’t tell if any were more accurate, maybe I should have rested on something?? This is my first time collecting and analyzing data and I’d like some input/ guidance. My spreads seem high to me but not sure.

[Bashby]

Here’s the boolit I’m casting. Accurate 35-125PZ
274926

[Dusty Bannister]

Matched head stamps?
Do different colors result in different cartridge OAL?
Left out powder charge data on a couple of loads but those listed are well below suggested starting load for Unique resulting in poor ignition. Switch to a faster powder to get the burn going. Probably have a lot of powder flakes left in the barrel.

[LinotypeIngot]

Small charges of unique (large flakes) might not be metering accurately, which would explain your huge velocity spreads. I'd recommend something with finer granule size such as CFE Pistol or BE-86. Accuracy testing for handguns is difficult because it's highly skill dependent; most people can't really shoot them accurately enough to reliably tell the difference. Using a rest definitely helps though.

[Bashby]

Matched head stamps?
Do different colors result in different cartridge OAL?
Left out powder charge data on a couple of loads but those listed are well below suggested starting load for Unique resulting in poor ignition. Switch to a faster powder to get the burn going. Probably have a lot of powder flakes left in the barrel.

Edited post to add charge weights. Mixed headstamp. Different colors seem to make no difference in OAL. I used blue for light, white med, and red for “hot” loads. I do have unburnt powder.

[Bashby]

I’ve got most of an 8lb jug of unique left, so I’d like to stick with that. Open to suggestions though.

[DAFzipper]

It's a pistol. Shoot the ones that function. Accuracy testing will tell you more. High ES with unique for me is common. But my 9mm semi auto loves them and it's, was cheep. For target loads who cares.

Sent from my SM-T713 using Tapatalk

[Bashby]

It's a pistol. Shoot the ones that function. Accuracy testing will tell you more. High ES with unique for me is common. But my 9mm semi auto loves them and it's, was cheep. For target loads who cares.

Sent from my SM-T713 using Tapatalk

Yeah, I might be overthinking this.

[charlie b]

When I load for pistols I only look for a few things.

100% function
No leading in barrel
Reasonable accuracy (for me that is around 6" at 25yd)

I do not load to max. Semi-auto loads are a bit above what it takes for good function. Revolver loads are usually medium level (I don't hunt and do not shoot competition).

[metricmonkeywrench]

Control the things you can control

same lot brass- (not just head stamp) hard or soft-effects crimp/neck tension, same case length
Bullets- what was your +/- on weight for a cast bullet, generally sized to .357/358 for 9mm Slug barrel to be sure
Powder, Unique may “work” but not be the best for performance. For chrono work you may want to weigh each charge.
Gun, well I’ll leave that’s it a Glock alone, but it may not ever shoot well with your specific desired load combination

[P Flados]

Several items of note:

Unique is on the bulky side for the 9mm. Using web data & quickload, it looks like Alliant is willing to go for 112% load density (12% compression).

Your loads look pretty mild compared to the data on the Alliant web page.

Random mixed headstamp 9mm is going to have high volume variations. I found I could significantly improve my ammo consistency with just a little extra effort. I found that using just Blazer, Fed and CCI brass seemed to help a lot.

[WebMonkey]

+1 on all the above.

i'll also +1 the idea that if you really want to make your 'numbers' look better, it will most likely take a different powder.

i've posted my 'numbers' with a g26 and ruger pcc comparing winchester white box vs my titegroup loads.
the titegroup were great functioning and had good 'numbers'.

i'd not worry 'too' much over the numbers if the loads are functioning. (like said before)
:)

good luck!

[fcvan]

My go to 9mm load has been 5 gr of Unique under a Lee 356-125 2R sized at .358. This has worked in a S&W 459 and 639, multiple Glocks, some with drop in Lone Wolfe barrels, some chambered in 9mm, a number of other makes I did not own, several AR 15 carbines, 1 Marlin Camp 9.

I have cast my own for 36 years, lubed with Javalina, powder coated for 9 years? I never had leading even with pretty soft lead from a range that only saw swaged hollow base wadcutters. Fit is king, every gun preferred larger than .357 diameter, .358 has always been king.

I have also used this load/sizing for the Lee .356-102 RN and the Lee 358-125 RF.

[gwpercle]

Unique is not the best for light loads . With 124 gr. cast TC 4.7 grains and 5.0 grains of Unique work better . Unique is on the flakey side which might explain the spread ... which isn't bad for Unique so you're doing a decent job of measuring powder .
But for the best light loads you need to go to a faster powder ...Bullseye and Red Dot are somehat flakey but fast and Accurate Arms #2 is fast and flows like water . HP-38 and Titegroup will also make accurate and light loads .

My 9mm light load for an old WWII Walther P-38 is Lee 105 grain SWC sized .357 over 4.7 grains of Unique ... the light boolit and 4.7 gr. charge of Unique give 100% function , 1 1/2" 15 shot , 1 ragged hole groups and shoot to the P-38's fixed iron sights plus the load doesn't batter the old war horse .

Gary

[Bashby]

Maybe I’ll pick up some faster powder when (if) supplies ever normalize. I wish there was a reloading supply shop nearby, closest decent one I’ve found is about an hour away. There’s a couple 20-30 min away that sell a little powder and dies, but the one an hour out is a Dillon dealer with bigger inventory in normal times.

[tomme boy]

Unique does not burn right till it is almost max load. And it still doesn't fully. Don't shoot with the wind in your face. You will find out real fast how poorly it burns. BUT, I have shot some of my best groups in 9mm and 45acp with it.

My 2 glocks I have to run 0.356" Anything bigger and the slide won't fully seat on some rounds.

[Bashby]

I have a Lone Wolf barrel on mine, it has a generous throat, I could load a .357 to where it’s barely in the case and it will chamber. 275013

[JeffG]

Unique is my go to powder for 9mm. 4.4 grains behind a 124 grain TC cast bullet, sized .357. Just works and meters just fine in my Hornady powder measure with case activated linkage.

[Cherokee]

WST and 231/HP38 are my powders for 9mm practice; HS6 for top end; Power Pistol and AutoComp also work. I use AA7 for some jacketed bullet loads. Unique was a fizzle for me.