Load for 147gr 3" Barrel?

[polizei1]

Hey guys, some of you probably read my recent information in some threads about 9mm. Right now I'm shooting USPSA with my 3" SA EMP.

Right now my formula is this:

Precision Delta 124gr RN FMJ

CCI #500 SPP

4.5gr Win 231

1.140" OAL

Mixed Brass

This seems to be a pretty accurate load in my gun, but with all this talk about 147gr, I figured I'd give them a try, so I picked up a 100rd sample pack. Being a 3" barrel, my gun has quite a bit of flip, so I'm curious to find out if I like the feel of the heavier bullets.

My Speer #14 has no load data using Win 231, and my Lyman #49 states a min. of 3.5gr, max of 4.1gr with a OAL of 1.115" Does anyone have some good data with my components shooting a 3" barrel? I'm not worried about the powder because I plan on building it up slowly like you should, but what I'm not sure about is the OAL. Since the 147's are longer than the 124's, should I start shorter like 1.11, 1.12? Right now my 1.140" are pretty much extended as far as they can within my mags.

Curious for some insight...I only have a 100 round sample pack, and will make 10 round batches, so I have a maximum of 8 samples, devoting 20 rounds to put up against my current load to compare.

I'm running out of bullets and haven't ordered any for this season until I find out whether I want to stick with 124's or move to 147's. I have enough to make it a few matches, but would like to get this dialed in before I run out.

Edited February 21, 2012 by polizei1

[polizei1]

Dang, no bites! I figured most people don't use 3" barrels.

Oh well, I decided to make some anyway and I'll see how they shoot. I'm using 3.6gr, 3.8gr, and 4.2gr of 231. OAL is set at 1.11, 1.12, 1.14, and 1.15. I'll report back when I have time to shoot them.

[Hi-Power Jack]

using Win 231, Lyman #49 states a min. of 3.5gr, max of 4.1gr with a OAL of 1.115"

what I'm not sure about is the OAL. Right now my 1.140" are pretty much extended as far as they can within my mags.

Polizeil, different decisions here.

1. What is good OAL for the 147's. I'd try one at 1.140" and see if it chambers properly. If it does, I'd leave it at 1.14".

If it's too long for the mag or chamber, I'd try 1.13", etc etc until I find the OAL that your gun likes.

2. Right amount of powder - looks like you can't load a few and chrono them easily, so try the 3.2 and 3.6 and see how they go.

Just try 5 of each to get an idea.

3. I'd try more than 100, then you'll have plenty of ammo to try out - I bought a box of 500 to play with. You might save some

$$$ by buying a box of 1,000 - they don't go bad, and you can always use them for something.

Good luck with your experiment - I think you'll find less muzzle flip with 147's than with the 124's.

Jack

[polizei1]

I made some last night, lengths of 1.11-1.15 and all passed the chamber test with ease. They also all fit into the magazine just fine, and none of them have excessive case bulging. Can't wait to try them! Hopefully I'll like them more, my EMP is set up with a white surround/night sight front sight, so tracking it can be rather difficult, especially while shooting fast. Looking forward to my first full season.

Here's what I have made so far

PD 147gr RN

CCI SPP #500

Win 231 3.6gr

Mixed Brass

5 rounds of each length: OAL - 1.11, 1.12, 1.14, 1.15

PD 147gr RN

CCI SPP #500

Win 231 3.8gr

Mixed Brass

5 rounds of each length: OAL - 1.12, 1.14, 1.15

PD 147gr RN

CCI SPP #500

Win 231 4.2gr

Mixed Brass

5 rounds of each length: OAL - 1.12, 1.14, 1.15

That gives me 50 rounds to test. After the initial test of these rounds, I'll pick the most accurate/lightest recoil and then match that against my current USPSA load. Hopefully I'll be able to tell if I like one weight or the other.

Unfortunately, I can't afford, nor do I have access to a chrono, nor a range to use a chrono. So, I'm out of luck judging the PF. I've never been chrono'd before, but I only shoot level 1 local matches anyway.

Edited February 26, 2012 by polizei1