Dirty Brass

[Dama]

Hi everyone.

Today I shot one batch of 9mm that I reloaded recently and noticed some of the brasses are covered (almost top half of the case) with black powder residue (?) after being fired.

I believe this is a sign that the pressure is low, but not quite sure.

My load data is as follows, but does anyone have any suggestion?

- Ramshot Sihouette 5.5 gr, CCI #500, 115 gr FMJ/RN, COL: 1.155"

If it's caused by low pressure, I was thinking of decreasing the COL slightly say from 1.155" to 1.150".

I just started reloading and any comment or suggestion will be appreciated.

Thank you!!

[G-ManBart]

Hi everyone.

Today I shot one batch of 9mm that I reloaded recently and noticed some of the brasses are covered (almost top half of the case) with black powder residue (?) after being fired.

I believe this is a sign that the pressure is low, but not quite sure.

My load data is as follows, but does anyone have any suggestion?

- Ramshot Sihouette 5.5 gr, CCI #500, 115 gr FMJ/RN, COL: 1.155"

If it's caused by low pressure, I was thinking of decreasing the COL slightly say from 1.155" to 1.150".

I just started reloading and any comment or suggestion will be appreciated.

Thank you!!

That can be caused by low pressures, but not always. Some of our practice ammo does that consistently, but it's not really a problem.

If you want to see if it will go away with a bit more pressure, add powder (you're below book max by half a grain now). Don't change the OAL if the gun is running reliably. It's not a reliable way to increase or decrease pressure set amounts. Set the OAL on what fits in the magazines, what feeds in the gun, and what isn't shorter than the loading guide you're using shows for that bullet/powder combo. R,

[Dama]

Hi everyone.

Today I shot one batch of 9mm that I reloaded recently and noticed some of the brasses are covered (almost top half of the case) with black powder residue (?) after being fired.

I believe this is a sign that the pressure is low, but not quite sure.

My load data is as follows, but does anyone have any suggestion?

- Ramshot Sihouette 5.5 gr, CCI #500, 115 gr FMJ/RN, COL: 1.155"

If it's caused by low pressure, I was thinking of decreasing the COL slightly say from 1.155" to 1.150".

I just started reloading and any comment or suggestion will be appreciated.

Thank you!!

That can be caused by low pressures, but not always. Some of our practice ammo does that consistently, but it's not really a problem.

If you want to see if it will go away with a bit more pressure, add powder (you're below book max by half a grain now). Don't change the OAL if the gun is running reliably. It's not a reliable way to increase or decrease pressure set amounts. Set the OAL on what fits in the magazines, what feeds in the gun, and what isn't shorter than the loading guide you're using shows for that bullet/powder combo. R,

Thank you for your comment and that makes sense. I'll add 0.2 gr or so and test at the range.

[Sarge]

It could be a combination of things like the low pressure you mentioned. Some powders are dirtier than others as well at certain pressures. Regardless of what causes it, if things are working well and you are making PF it tumbles right off.

[TonyT]

Hi everyone.

Today I shot one batch of 9mm that I reloaded recently and noticed some of the brasses are covered (almost top half of the case) with black powder residue (?) after being fired.

I believe this is a sign that the pressure is low, but not quite sure.

My load data is as follows, but does anyone have any suggestion?

- Ramshot Sihouette 5.5 gr, CCI #500, 115 gr FMJ/RN, COL: 1.155"

If it's caused by low pressure, I was thinking of decreasing the COL slightly say from 1.155" to 1.150".

I just started reloading and any comment or suggestion will be appreciated.

Thank you!!

I have always seen more soot on the case from the slower burning powdsers and also with Titegroup. I tend to use American Select in my 9mm loads. VV N-320 is also a very clean burning powder.