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Top three powders for 124-147gn 9mm accuracy loads?


gzig5

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I'm just getting started loading for 9mm.  Just picked up a used US made Sig P210 Target that doesn't look like it has been fired.  I've wanted one of these since I lived in Switzerland in 1991 and had the opportunity to handle and shoot a real Swiss military version.  Hope to shoot some local three gun, bullseye or other competition that I can find around here but for now it will just be a range queen for 25 and 50 yard plinking.  I need to work on my shooting glasses prescriptions because I am not seeing the sights and target well, but that is another topic I'll get to later.  I've been reloading for various rifle and pistol/revolver cartridges for over thirty years but this is my first foray into 9mm.  I've read where the P210 likes the heavier bullets so I hope to limit my scope to the 124-147 range.  I'll be casting my own most of the time but will purchase cast or jacketed bullets if I can't come up with a suitable substitute.  I currently have an NOE? mold for a 130gr RNFP that has no lube grooves and is powder coated.
Sorry for the long introduction but I try to give as much information as possible so pertinent advice can result. I'd like to poll the group as to what the top three powders might be to work with this weight range of bullets and my sort of squishy application information.  Not too concerned with making a velocity/power level, just what might be most likely to be accurate and compliment the potential of the pistol.  I've already got over 20 types of pistol, shotgun, and rifle powders and want to limit how many more I add to the bunker.  Thanks.

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Vihtavuori N320......do you currently have that in your stable?

 

If you have 20 powders already, then you likely have an acceptable powder already on hand.

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I will second N320.  I have used it with cast, polymer coated, and jacketed bullets, all with excellent accuracy.  N330 is another good powder for 9mm.  There are several options and it might depend on availability for some powders.  
 

My solution for aging eyes and fuzzy or multiple front sights was a red dot and lately a green dot.  I don’t know of a way to mount one on a P210 but you have an excellent pistol.  

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I'm sorry to break it to you but the P210 Target is nothing like the original Swiss-built P210s...

 

That said, the load I use with my 1968 P210-6 is a 125gr flat nose polymer coated bullet, loaded with 3.8gr of N320

 

I have also loaded it with 4.5gr of N340 behind a 124gr JHP which should theoretically be more accurate at 50m but I couldn't tell the difference with my level of shooting.

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I'm good with N320 too. I use it in my semi-autos and just started with it in my revolvers and really happy with its accuracy and cleanliness. I just shot a revolver match at 340 rounds and really just needed to wipe it off. 

I load 124 grain Precision Delta FMJ HP for semi autos and FMJ RN in revolvers.

Edited by Speedwagon
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I’ve not observed discernible accuracy differences between most fast(ish) pistol powders at USPSA distances. I think proper speed for your projectile is more important than powder selection (ex 135 PF seems more accurate than 125 PF). I’ve had good luck with Titegroup, Sport Pistol, and N320. I use N320 today but have no issue switching to SP or TG when/if N320 dries up. 

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32 minutes ago, MNshooter said:

I’ve not observed discernible accuracy differences between most fast(ish) pistol powders at USPSA distances. I think proper speed for your projectile is more important than powder selection (ex 135 PF seems more accurate than 125 PF). I’ve had good luck with Titegroup, Sport Pistol, and N320. I use N320 today but have no issue switching to SP or TG when/if N320 dries up. 

this,,, pick what you can get.. Tightgroup was a bit smokey with old school cast bullet lube, not so much any more. American select is a little flakey and may not meter as well depending on your brand of measure, aa2, cleanshot, e3,  320, 244, 231, HP38,  I have used over the years trying to chase the latest greatest, I dont recall ever having accuracy issues with any of them as mentioned its usually a matter of bumping velocity and in my old Brownign and walthers would tumble 147's at less than about 135 pf. But shoot dimes at that.. IIRC I was using tightgroup.. My modern plastic guns dont have the issue.  I am pretty happy with the AA#2, but thats mainly because I got 15lbs from an estate sale, switched to it, kept my eye out for it, and picked up some more.

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One of the keys to accuracy is to use max or near max SAAMI loads.  For 130ish PF, that means fast powders.  I stopped using e3 because I haven't been able to buy any for at least two years.  I'm saving what I have left for 45 ACP bullseye loads.  

 

I was allowed to buy a lot of Sport Pistol at the beginning of the latest scarcity.  That changed quickly.  4.2gr under a 124 plated was the cat's meow.  3.2 under a 147 for falling steel was great.  When that finally ran out, I switched to AA2.  4.4gr under the same 124 plated duplicated the SP load.  Of the two, I 'think' I have a slight preference for SP.

 

Couldn't find any SP or AA2 but lucked into a 4 lb. jug of N320.  So far, I like it a lot. For various reasons, I'm not fond of any of the other powders I tried for 9 minor.  Too hot.  Too smokey.  Meters poorly.  Bad SDs.  Etc.  If you try one of these three, you'll be happy with the results.

 

Added later:  these loads are for pistols.  Don't try using them in a 16" PCC.  I finally chrono'd them in my PCC.  130 PF out of a 5" pistol.  164 PF from SP out of a 16" barrel.  167 PF for AA2.  Huge surprise.

Edited by zzt
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3 hours ago, MNshooter said:

I think proper speed for your projectile is more important than powder selection

This ^^^

 

23 hours ago, gzig5 said:

just what might be most likely to be accurate and compliment the potential of the pistol. 

Each gun likes different things. 

If you don't have a chrono get one and work up a load to match your desires. 

 

The accuracy at sub-sonic levels isn't so much about the profile as it is with the amount of bearing surface stabilizing the bullet. Additionally for the most consistent accuracy, bullet weight should be very close to each other and use a single head stamp for brass (consistent case volume).

 

If it's just about the lowest recoil, the faster/more dense powders are the way to go.

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For 50 yard accuracy it is easier to get 115 jhp to stabilize at around 1150-1180 FPS.  Most accurate powder is VV 330/340, W231, Titegroup, and VV320.  Crimp .377-.378.

The same powders will do wonders with 124 JHP at 1060 - 1100 FPS.  Pick an OAL that works in your guns then make up some loads so you can do a bracket and find out which load works best in your gun.

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Looks like I need to get some VV320 or 330 to try and maybe some Titegroup.  Seems to be consensus favorite.  Right now for handgun type powders I have available Bullseye, Unique, Power Pistol, 700x, H110, 2400, AA#9, AA#7, Longshot, and Blue Dot.  Use to use 231 for 45 ACP but I seem to be out.  Over the years, I've mostly been playing with 357 Mag, 44 Mag, 10mm, 45 ACP, 45 Super, and 460 Rowland.

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On 10/28/2024 at 4:37 PM, Blackstone45 said:

I'm sorry to break it to you but the P210 Target is nothing like the original Swiss-built P210s...

 

That said, the load I use with my 1968 P210-6 is a 125gr flat nose polymer coated bullet, loaded with 3.8gr of N320

 

I have also loaded it with 4.5gr of N340 behind a 124gr JHP which should theoretically be more accurate at 50m but I couldn't tell the difference with my level of shooting.

I'm quite aware what the current P210 Target is and isn't in regards to the originals.  In the mid-late 90's when I was actively trying to find a Swiss P210 in the US, everything I ran across seemed to be $3000+ and I couldn't afford that.  If the current gun was made to with the original tooling and methods I'm sure they would run $5000 or more.  I'm quite happy with the example I have acquired and doing so at 50% of MSRP makes it even more palatable. Fit and finish seem to be excellent and the trigger exceeds anything I've used outside the original P210 I used way back when.

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On 10/29/2024 at 9:16 AM, MNshooter said:

I’ve not observed discernible accuracy differences between most fast(ish) pistol powders at USPSA distances. I think proper speed for your projectile is more important than powder selection (ex 135 PF seems more accurate than 125 PF).

 

Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner!

 

Currently my most accurate powders are HP-38/W231, Titegroup, and WST. Why? Because that's what I currently have on the shelf. 

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I wouldnt bother,, Aliant is shut down and you wont be able to get more,, based on its burn rate it would probably do good at the upper range

 

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Yes, I have/do load Unique. It's accurate, but no more than pretty much any other powder. Unless the OP is shooting bullseye competitively, then chasing accuracy through powder selection is pretty useless. Almost every usable powder will be very accurate at some point throughout the charge weight window, usually near the top for most.

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A well-known bullseye smith shared some load data with me, and it's almost exclusively Power Pistol. N330 also appears. This is for shooting 50yd groups, not USPSA. I have not tested it yet.

 

My general understanding is that 9mm gives better accuracy at higher velocities, so the usual 125-130 PF loads with fast powders are not where you want to be.

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With my P210A, I found that mine preferred 147gr bullets by a good margin at 50yds.  Along with that, it very much wanted medium to slower powders.  I am using the old profile RN Zeros.  I will try the newer conicals when these are gone.  Velocity is low.  I doubt that it cracks 900fps but off sand bags I can get groups of 2.3 inches.  I'm using 4756 because I still have 4 pounds.  To me that would indicate that your Blue Dot and Longshot would be worth trying.

Edited by blackhawk44
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