My searches came up blank, so...

I've been using 4.5 or 4.8gr loads of W231 under Precision Delta 115gr FMJs for the past several months. Both my CX4 and P226 work great with the load, but it take me forever to clean them after - usually about 300rds between them.

I've also tried titegroup, but my loads with that were less accurate. So, from a plinking standpoint - what's the absolute cleanest burning powder/load you know of for 115gr FMJ 9mm?

I've only been reloading the 9mm for a few months now and have had great results with Power Pistol. Seems very clean to me, measures very accurately. I use quite a bit of W231 but mostly in the .45 ACP, sort of surprised you think it's dirty as in the .45 it's really clean. Maybe(?)you need to get the pressure up just a bit in the 9mm. Gerry

I also use W231, I never found it to be to dirty, but then I usually only shoot a hundred-two hundred per range visit.
Bought a pound of WSF to try in 9mm, I've read on other forums that it's the best thing since sliced bread.

I've been using 5.3 grains of 231 with a conical 124-grain bullet I originally purchased for the .357 SIG. It doesn't seem particularly dirty.

Are you talking about carbon buildup or something else?

quote:

Originally posted by barndg00:
My searches came up blank, so...

I've been using 4.5 or 4.8gr loads of W231 under Precision Delta 115gr FMJs for the past several months. Both my CX4 and P226 work great with the load, but it take me forever to clean them after - usually about 300rds between them.

I've also tried titegroup, but my loads with that were less accurate. So, from a plinking standpoint - what's the absolute cleanest burning powder/load you know of for 115gr FMJ 9mm?

Probably doesn't exist but I like WST for light to std. vel. loads.

I always swore by AA#2 till I tried tightgroup. It would be a toss up for me, if I could'nt get 1 I'd go for the other.
Kenny

Look at the Solo thread,if you can find it its the cleanest powder I ever shot when I shot 9-mm.

Pick up a pound of Hodgdon Universal Clays next time you're out. It's pretty much all I use for .38, .40, .45ACP, .44Mag. I'm buying 8 pound jugs now- 4 pounders don't last long enough. It's the cleanest powder I've ever used.

quote:

Originally posted by GSPKurt:
Pick up a pound of Hodgdon Universal Clays next time you're out. It's pretty much all I use for .38, .40, .45ACP, .44Mag. I'm buying 8 pound jugs now- 4 pounders don't last long enough. It's the cleanest powder I've ever used.

The only thing about Universal I have noticed, is if you run @ lower pressures, it seems to leave unburned powder. Run near max. it does burn pretty clean though.

Titegroup??

That's what I am using under copper jacketed 124's.

I hear if you're shooting lead pro-jo's Solo 1000 is the way to go, it is less smokey.

So is Winchester Super Target (WST), so I have heard.

I used Power Pistol and have been amazed at how clean it is. WWB/Blazer Brass/UMC were all way dirtier.

With the Power Pistol, there was far less to clean up.

What specific bullet type and load are you using?

My manual says to use starting load of 5.2 grains of Power Pistol with 115 gain FMJ bullet. What OCL are you using for the bullet seating. Crimped?

Have you tried other loads and found one to be the most accurate?

TIA

Dick Davis

115gr FMJ
1.125-1.135 OAL
6.0gr Power Pistol (can go to 6.7 but no need to)

Same load of 6.0gr works fine for 124gr FMJ as well but at 1.155 OAL.

I keep meaning to dramatically dial down the loads to the bare minimum, but they shoot plenty soft to me.

For the crimp, I use a factory crimp die. You only need to straighten the sidewall. I check this to the measurement of factory rounds at the crimp with my calipers - it is usually within 1 thousandth of it.

Would you be using a Lyman manual ? I find the Power Pistol recipes in it to be considerably toned down. I go by the Alliant load data and cross reference it as best I can.

Yes, I use the Lyman Manual.

Appreciate the update about the same load for 124 FMJ bullet as well.

Although the COL you mention is 1.155, where do you seat the bullet and measure on a consistent basis. White Box Winchester 9mm with 115 FMJ average 1.160 on my calipers.

TIA

Dick Davis

I measure OAL the entire length, from the primer side to the tip of the bullet. I do not refer to factory ammo for this. I usually expect about +-0.005 variation in a progressive press. The Alliant site gives the absolute minimums. Add in your own extra bit of margin for the bullet type that most closely matches.

I use the factory ammo as a reference for the diameter of the case across where the bullet is inserted. Basically this is where the taper crimp is applied to the belled mouth. Right off the top of my head, I believe this measures around .376-.377"

Also note that lead and FMJ have different recipes, and hollow point OAL can vary considerably between brands.

I usually start a recipe at -10% the max grains for FMJ, even less for lead.

Also, different powder manufacturers recommend different OAL's for their powder.

If you keep your loads down in the -10% of max range and your OAL above the minimum, I doubt you will have any problems. When you wanna max things out, get a chronograph.

I've found WSF does a good job for me. Burns clean...

147gr Berry's
3.7gr WSF
1.169 COL

I have been using Titegroup with 147gr jacketed round nose. Has been very clean for me.

I use Bullsye, WSF, VV N-320 and VV N-330. They all appear to burn clean with jacketed and plated bullets.

VV 3N37 very clean and loads the best of any powder I have used