I am switching from 115 gr to 124 gr Montana Gold bullets for all my 9mm Sigs. No good reason except I wanted to try something new. Lets me play with new powders. Currently 231 for 115gr 9mm and Bullseye for 200 gr .45. Which raises a question. Why do you load the bullet weights you do? 115, 124 or 147 in 9mm? 185, 200, 230 in .45? How does the choice of bullet weight affect your choice of powder? TIA.

In service pistol rounds, bullet wt. has no affect on powder type. I alsos started shooting 115gr in the 9mm but as JHP tech. advanced & more companies bnow load 124gr, I have switched to match. In 45, pretty much 200grlswc or 230grRN. Back in the day, the 200grLSWC was THE bullet for all practice ammo & 230grLRN matches ball ammo well.
I'm not sure why you switch from W231 to BE, the 45acp runs great on W231. Another good choice for both is WST.

quote:

Originally posted by hawk in wy:
I am switching from 115 gr to 124 gr Montana Gold bullets for all my 9mm Sigs. No good reason except I wanted to try something new. Lets me play with new powders. Why do you load the bullet weights you do? 115, 124 or 147 in 9mm? 185, 200, 230 in .45? How does the choice of bullet weight affect your choice of powder? TIA.

I load for fpe primarily which usually means lighter bullets driven faster. The exceptions being 45 where I have pretty much decided on 200 grains and 9mm 115 rather than the 90 being the goldilocks options, just right. I have pretty much settled on Power Pistol and Long Shot as they generally provide more velocity at lower pressures acroos the bullets weights. The lighter bullets are easier on the gun and easier on you, generally.

I am also using the Montana Gold 124 FMJ RN bullets in my 9mm reloads. I like to use 4.1 or 4.2 grains of W231 and seat the bullet to 1.155" nominal depth. It is a light shooting load and very comfortable if you like spending long hours at the range.

Thank you. That's the information I needed.