Preferred powders for 9mm?
by rob 
, Monday, February 23, 2015, 13:39 (3550 days ago)
I've been wanting to load 9mm for years. I finally ordered the dies and a box of 115 XTP's. I've got a decent selection of powders. Probably Bullseye, Unique, Titegroup, Red Dot, 231 and HS6 would be the best powders I have for the job. I can use the books and work up loads but wondering which powders tend to give the best combination of accuracy and velocity with the higher priority on the former. Also, I may gravitate to 124 grain bullets so one powder that works well for both might be preferred. Thanks in advance,
rob
Preferred powders for 9mm?
My favorite 9mm powder is Blue Dot, which I've been using for years. For me it produces high velocity with extremely good accuracy. My Hi-Power GP Comp shoots 115 grain JHP with Blue Dot into 5 shot groups that run 3/4" at 25 yards, and several of my lugers will produce groups that run an inch or under. My Sig 226's usually produce 5 shot groups that run around 1.25" top 1.5" at 25 yards. I also use Blue Dot with 124 grain FMJ and JHP bullets with excellent results.
Most people tend to choose powders that are really too fast for the 9mm. I've found that all of my 9mm's function better with slower powders. The fastest powder that I use in the 9mm is Unique and I prefer powders that range from Accurate Arms #5, Blue Dot, and Accurate Arms #7 (which was actually developed specifically for the 9mm.).
The other key to good accuracy is the overall loaded length (OAL) of the cartridge, with longer usually producing better accuracy. Many of the loading manuals have very short OAL that can cause functioning and accuracy problems. If you are loading for a luger, this is especially important, but the rest of my 9mm's function better with longer OAL.
JD
Preferred powders for 9mm?
by Cherokee , Medina, Ohio, Monday, February 23, 2015, 15:32 (3550 days ago) @ JD
I found HS6 to be the best for me using 122 gr cast TC and good with verious jacketed bullets. AA7 has done very well for me with Hornady 124 XTP, running 2" at 15 yd from my XDM 5". AA5 works great with Hornady 115 XTP, 2" at 25 yd from PT92. Bluedot worked fine with Sierra 115 JHP, but I saved BD primarly for 38 Super use. Power Pistol also works fine, but has lots of flash & bang. 231 is also good in my guns. OAL should be as long as you can make it for your gun and removable feeding devices. In the end, your gun will tell you which one it likes...have fun.
Preferred powders for 9mm?
by rob , Monday, February 23, 2015, 15:54 (3550 days ago) @ Cherokee
Sounds good...I have a good bit of 231 as well and a lot of HS6. Between you and JD I've got a pretty good idea where to start. I appreciate it,
rob
Preferred powders for 9mm?
by rob , Monday, February 23, 2015, 15:51 (3550 days ago) @ JD
Excellent, I have some Blue Dot and I'll give it a try. I originally bought it for the .357 after reading one of Paco's articles years ago. It worked pretty good in the .357 for that matter but I've pretty much settled on 2400 and Lil'Gun in the .357. I'm shooting a Glock and P226 for now. This will give a good use for that Blue Dot that's just sitting there. I really appreciate your input,
rob