What bullet would you use?

[Classic1911]

Hello All. I have a 9mm 1911 that has a barrel that measures .357" (I have slugged it more than once). I have two questions.

1. What diameter plated bullet should I use? A .357" bullet seems right as opposed to a .355" bullet? And,

2. What diameter should my cast bullets be? I think they should be around .001" to .002" over groove diameter, in other words, .358" to .359".

The trick is I live in South Africa and I am using Frontier CMJ bullets. I also load on a Dillon SD-B so my powder funnel is a 9mm funnel...

Thanks for your advice in advance!

[dave33]

Bullet to barrel fit is one of the most important things for accuracy. If it was me I would try .358 plated, definately .358 cast and you may even be better off with .359 cast.

[FlightMurse]

I'd recommend giving this this a read, your question should be answered in chapter 6.

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Contents.htm

[bowenbuilt]

All very good and informative answers above. If it were me though I would be looking for a barrel with a groove diameter closer to the caliber. I have some 9's that measure .356 and shoot .357 diameter bullets with some careful loading, anything larger than .357 in a 9mm is going to be more trouble than it's worth.

[Classic1911]

Thanks for the response guys!

I tried both .355" and .357"...The larger bullets beat the smaller ones hands down (4.5" to 1.5" groups at 25 meters!!). Now the trick is to not mix them up with my other 9mm ammo. BIG PROBLEM!!!