dkiesey

thank you, Bkruetz and 11287. As you know, I don't have access to tested loads other than for you folks and yes, I think I'll start at 6.5gr. and work up .1gr. increments. I need to get off my butt and start using the chrono with the work up. 170 PF is my target but expect I should also take COL into consideration along with the bullet configuration during the work-up....all would be 124gr. but I've noticed that the published factory loads range quite a bit depending on the bullet manufacturer :-). Thanks again. Dan

I just purchased a can of AutoComp and am planning on 7.0gr. at 1.140 COL with 124gr. Hornady RN....supposedly a 170 PF load. I'll admit to be a little more attracted to HS-6 than AutoComp since it's a little slower powder but don't ask me for a scientific reason :-) I'm on the fence re SRP versus SPP. My SPP (Federal) are pretty flat and suspect the SRP would help that problem but then the risk of breech pitting? I'm going to switch from Federal to CCI SPP to see if the "harder" CCI shows less distortion . Appreciate the help. Dan

I'm assuming you mean 124 grain and 1.14 not 1.4? Pretty sure you do. I think you just got a hold of some bad brass that blew out on you. If you reduce the load when you reduce oal you should also reduce pressure. I have run 1.15-1.168 in my loads with 7.8 WAC and 115's for a year and they have all been fine(knock on wood). Boy do I need to proof read my "typing" :-( You're correct on both accounts and I also think bad brass was the problem. But do think I'll experiment a little with powder reduction when loading to 1.140 COL. Appreciate the help. Dan

I'm using 8.1gr. HS-6 with a Hornady 124gr. RN. I have found that I have to load to a COL of 1.144 or less for my Czechmate to chamber completely. My question is loading to 1.140 increasing my pressure beyond what is reasonable for the cartridge to be reliable and safe? I ask that because I have blown the base off one brass and also destroyed one magazine. I'm changing to being much more particular about my brass selection and no. of times loaded! And if so, I would assume modifying my chamber to handle 1.165 is an reasonable fix?

Any estimated brass life expectancy with 170 pf 9mm loads (8.1gr. HS-6)? I use StarLine brass. I'm not against spending time inspecting the fired brass but would prefer to pitch the brass before splits/ruptures occur.....and I can appreciate that wouldn't be an exact science but prefer to error on the safe side.

If you're shooting minor I suggest 95/100gr bullets and 9gr of HS6, it should be around 155pf, super soft and flat. If you're going to shoot 124s, you'll make major with ~7.7gr, it'll shoot flatter ~8 and anything less won't work the Como very well. Don't stress out about shooting major in the CM, it's built like a tank . With no holes in the barrel, 9 major is no problem. Your recommended "major" 124 load (I used 8.1 gr.) worked very well, and after I got over the size of the 100 gr., the 9 gr. load was very accurate and flat. Sure appreciate the help.... Dan

Used your recommended load and it works great, thanks.....saved me a lot of time!

Tyshoots and Kneelingatlas......sincerely appreciate the help, don't have shooters with 9mm open experience in my local. I'll get started today, pretty excited ! I am remiss in not referencing USPSA, which is my current discipline.

I'm planning on being in between the minor and major PF ...... enough powder to get the Czechmate compensator to help but not a full major load, if that's possible? My Czechmate is not something that I want to stress (old man on fixed income) and I'd rather give up the "Charlie" point shooting minor but sure would like to have the compensator functional. I plan on starting with the 124 gr. Berry at 6.6 gr. HS-6 and work my way up. I welcome any suggestions or comments, positive or negative :-)