HS-6 in 9mm

[Kraschenbirn]

Anyone loading HS-6 for their compact 9mm? For years, I've used 6.0 gr. under a 125 gr. cast in full-size 9mms...a Gov't Model and a Hi-Power...with good results but, putting it bluntly, that load doesn't shoot worth doggy do in my SIG365. Offhand, at 15 yards, I can consistently shoot the X out of a B-27 target and, off a rest, print 2"-3" at 25 from the Colt but can't even get what I'd consider a 'group' with the SIG plus getting a keyhole now and then.

Beginning to wonder if my load's a bit on the light side; Lyman Cast Handbook shows 6.2 gr. max but the Hodgen data shows 6.8 as top end so any first-hand advice would be appreciated.

Bill

[Larry Gibson]

I've pressure tested 6.2 gr of HS-6 under the Lee 356-120-TC bullet (123 gr with the alloy used). I pressure tested that load with 7 different SP & SPM primers. Pressures ran 34,400 psi to 35,000 psi. Given the SAAMI MAP for the 9mm cartridge is 35,000 psi it appears that 6.2 gr is a maximum load as listed.

[243winxb]

I used Speer HS-6 data for my Lee356-120-TC sized to .356" Gun Taurus G3C. Accuracy not great at 25 yards. https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?media/albums/taurus-g3c-9mm-luger.317/

Tries 3 other powders, no help. Unique, Bullseye & 700X powders.

[243winxb]

I've pressure tested 6.2 gr of HS-6 under the Lee 356-120-TC bullet (123 gr with the alloy used). I pressure tested that load with 7 different SP & SPM primers. Pressures ran 34,400 psi to 35,000 psi. Given the SAAMI MAP for the 9mm cartridge is 35,000 psi it appears that 6.2 gr is a maximum load as listed.

Great to see some pressure readings. I been using WSPM. Thank you for the info.

[1006]

If the barrel is made with the same characteristics as my P226, I think you need to reduce the velocity. My P226 won’t shoot lead unless it is loaded light. The 1 in ten twist is too hard on the bullet. Once you slow it down, you may prefer the faster powders.

[Tripplebeards]

I loaded up a a random load of either 5.2 or 5.3 grains of HS-6 and a lee Lee TC with a BH around 14.5. It shot just as accurate as jacketed ammo out of my Ruger P85. I’ll be trying them out of a DB9 Gen 4 when it arrives this week. Figure I had to try a $250 13 oz 9mm out. Been eyeing up the P365 on and off till I picked one up the other day. The grip to me feels like the diameter of bratwurst. Way to small to hold onto. The S&W CSX I can get a good grip on. Had a beretta nano and sold it off. I could get a good grip on it but can find a replacement nano to buy again so the DBP gen 4 will get a work out when it comes in. Hopefully it will be reliable. I think your about a grain over what I would consider loading my 9mm up at.

[Tripplebeards]

Guess I won’t be trying them in a DB9 generation 4. It came in today and looked like someone took a dremel tool and file to the barrel. It had a bunch of gouges in the exposed action. Came from diamond bskc brand new that way from what I was told. I left it at the LGS. Will have to rethink between a P365, G43, and S&W CSX.

[fredj338]

One thing I have learned over the eyas of reloading, not all guns like all loads. I had a BHP that would not shoot my 124gr LTC with any charge of W231. Other guns fine, but the BHP would be double the group size. I switched to Unique, it cut the groups easily by half.

[Tripplebeards]

Think I might grab up a p365 and try it out instead. Debating on trying to find a stainless version or one with a safety. Seems like the P365 a Glock 43 is about the way to go. Sold some gun parts the other day so my extra “gun toy” fund fun money kitty has enough in it to buy one or the other. If I grab a P365 I’ll be shooting cast so I’ll let you know how mine shoots.

[Kraschenbirn]

1) For Tripplebeards: I have fairly large hands and the P365XL initially felt kinda 'small' to me but that was easily fixed with a Pachymr Grip Sleeve. I don't recall exactly which one I've got but IIRC it's the same as for the P320.

2) Problem solved!! Switched to 5.9 gr. AA#5; same PC'd 125 gr TC, same OAL, and, suddenly, the little rascal is right on the money...dropped only one of the first ten shots outside the X-ring of a B-27 @ 12 yards (and that was my fault anticipating the trigger break.). The same charge of AA#5 under a 124 gr RF (also PC'd) grouped even better. Shot from the barricade and kept eight of ten inside 10-ring @ 25.

I've been loading for awful lot of years and I've never had a simple change of powder make this much difference in the same gun. Thanks to everyone for their inputs.

Bill

[Kraschenbirn]

Duplication of previous post.

[Tripplebeards]

I do have large hands. The grip on the P365 does feel small to me. I wanted something in a micro 9mm. I had a nano and sold it. I like the feel of the S&W CSX’s big grip but apparently there are trigger issues with them. The other pistol I’m looking at is the Glock 43. Just want something I can fit in my pocket 9mm. I still like the DB9 gen 4 but My gut tells me there is going to be reliability issues with it. Even looking for the silver limited run slide on the P365 and or the manual safety model. I just don’t feel comfortable packing a semi auto with one in the chamber and no manual safety.

[ACC]

I used Speer HS-6 data for my Lee356-120-TC sized to .356" Gun Taurus G3C. Accuracy not great at 25 yards. https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?media/albums/taurus-g3c-9mm-luger.317/

Tries 3 other powders, no help. Unique, Bullseye & 700X powders.

Well I use 4.2 grains of HP-38 and get the same velocity from a greater amount of HS-6.

My 9mm has a 3.21 length barrel.

ACC