max OAL in 9mm mag STI vs. SVI

[banger]

I did a search but could not find the answer.....

I understand the STI mags need a spacer to run 9mm where as the SVI mags do not.

What is the maximum OAL of FMJ that can be loaded in the STI with spacer and SVI without spacer?

thanks in advance.

[TeamGE]

Hi banger,

I recommend 1.175" OAL for a STI mag with spacer plate installed.

For the SV or SPS mag tubes without spacer plates, you can run as long as you want or can get away with for 9x19 cases (I use the same length as stated before, 1.175"). Recommended max OAL in these mags with .38 will go to 1.225" for a HP/FP, and 1.235 for a RN.

(edited to add answer for second part of question)

Edited March 25, 2008 by TeamGE

[Flexmoney]

Beven, do you have a particular style/shape of bullet that you like?

[TeamGE]

Flex,

I use a 124g JRN. I see a much more consistent feed with a round nose, due to higher hits on the feed ramp (because of the inherent bullet shape design). Though it is no problem making a HP/FP bullet work also, I just don't see any benefits in function or accuracy from using a HP/FP, and usually you save money on a round nose.

[Kingman]

I am loading 1.190 with the MG 121 grain bullets. Using SVI mags. I could load to 1.120 but that leaves VERY little base and had problems with the bullet sticking a bit if extracted by hand.

[banger]

Thanks for the info. One more question. Why does the STI mags require a spacer but SVI runs fine without them? What's different between the two?

[Kingman]

SVI have large flat indentations.

STI has two ribs that are indented.

the large flat allows the 9mm case to ride up better. The front rib on the STI mag will not hit the case of a 9mm without the spacer.