Autocomp and 9mm help

[Casey9mm]

Picked up 1 pound of auto comp today and want to use it with my Xtreme 115gr rn plated bullets but cant really find any data. Never used plated bullets before so im not sure if i should use the lead recipe or jacketed.

Only info i could find published is for 115GR SPR GDHP with a COL of 1.25 and 5.1gr=1078fps and 5.6gr=1161fps

And

115GR LRN with COL 1.100 and 4.4gr=1002fps and 5.1gr=1145fps.

Any info would be appreciated on which of the 2 recipes to use.

[hardhead]

I'd start with 4.9gr at 1.11 oal. You should be under 1100 FPS.

I've only loaded autocomp under 124 plated RN. I'm at 5.2gr at 1.13 oal. Seems to burn better on the heavier side.

[Pablo5959]

Ok,
You can go with anyone of the responses you get from this thread you started.

Or, or you could call Xtreame and get your OAL for the projectile they make.
They should also give you help with the powder charge but you can work that up yourself from starting load.
I would hope you have more data resources other then just Holgon's web site.
Just my .02 worth
Pablo

[hardhead]

There are a ton of threads in different forums on this subject. There just isn't enough published data. Give this a read..

http://www.tannersbrass.com/winchester-autocomp.aspx

[noylj]

I always used lead data for plated, and kept velocities under 1200 fps. Looking at my load compilation, I would start at 4.4gn and work up to 5.5gn.
You could check the manufacturer's site and see what they say. Per X-treme:
Load Info

Our Copper Plated Bullets can be run at mid-range jacketed velocities or higher end lead velocities. We recommend keeping velocities to less than 1500 FPS (Feet Per Second) and using only a light taper crimp

Any velocities over 1200 FPS we recommend either our Heavy Plate Concave Base or Hollow Point products for superior accuracy. We recommend keeping velocities to less than 1500 FPS (Feet Per Second) and using only a light taper crimp
Note: this does NOT mean to START at jacketed mid-range or high-end lead loads, or at least I would certainly not like to be their lawyer if that is what they mean.
You could simply start at the lowest starting load, to be safe, and work up like any other load.
You could get Richard Lee's #2 Load Manual and look at the plated bullet loads in it.
The Gold Dot is a plated bullet, but it is plated as thick as a jacketed bullet, so it uses jacketed data.

What makes anyone think that any manufacturer could tell you what COL is best for your gun? They can tell you a minimum COL that their data applies to and, possibly, a COL that might work in most guns. However, COL is as much related to the gun as the bullet.
Per Ramshot:
"SPECIAL NOTE ON CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH “COL”
It is important to note that the SAAMI “COL” values are for the firearms and ammunition manufacturers industry and must be seen as a guideline only.
The individual reloader is free to adjust this dimension to suit their particular firearm-component-weapon combination.
This parameter is determined by various dimensions such as
1) magazine length (space),
2) freebore-lead dimensions of
the barrel,
3) ogive or profile of the projectile and
4) position of cannelure or crimp groove.
• Always begin loading at the minimum "Start Load".
• Increase in 2% increments towards the Maximum Load.
• Watch for signs of excessive pressure.
• Never exceed the Maximum Load."

Your COL (OAL) is determined by your barrel (chamber and throat dimensions) and your gun (feed ramp) and your magazine (COL that fits magazine and when the magazine lips release the round for feeding) and the PARTICULAR bullet you are using. What worked in a pressure barrel or the lab's gun or in my gun has very little to do with what will work best in your gun.
Take the barrel out of the gun. Create two inert dummy rounds (no powder or primer) at max COL and remove enough case mouth flare for rounds to chamber (you can determine this by using an empty sized case, expand and flare, and remove the flare just until the case "plunks" in the barrel).
Drop the inert rounds in and decrease the COL until they chamber completely. This will be your "max" effective COL. I prefer to have the case head flush with the barrel hood.
You can also do this for any chambering problems you have. Remove the barrel and drop rounds in until you find one that won't chamber. Take that round and "paint" the bullet and case black with Magic Marker or other marker. Drop round in barrel (or gage) and rotate it back-and-forth.
Remove and inspect the round:
1) scratches on bullet--COL is too long
2) scratches on edge of the case mouth--insufficient crimp
3) scratches just below the case mouth--too much crimp, you're crushing the case
4) scratches on case at base of bullet--bullet seated crooked due to insufficient case expansion (not case mouth flare) or improper seating stem fit
5) scratches on case just above extractor groove--case bulge not removed during sizing. May need a bulge buster.

[uechikid]

This is from the Hornady reloading manual 9th edition.

[uechikid]

Extreme bullets says this about their plated bullets.

Our Copper Plated Bullets can be run at mid-range jacketed velocities or higher end lead velocities. We recommend keeping velocities to less than 1500 FPS (Feet Per Second) and using only a light taper crimp

[keshishian101]

I've been using 5.2 gr of auto comp with american reloading 115 rn. Col is @ 1.155. Works in my xd, ria 1911, tp9sa, cz 75 shadow, and my dad's glock 17 and kimber 1911. Work your loads up from start data and see how it goes. I use this load because it's clean, works well in all my 9mm guns, and measures good through the lee auto disk. Good luck.

[uechikid]

I started at the low end and had stove pipes, even at 4.9gr in a S&W M&P. 5.1gr, no stove pipes but I can't speak to the accuracy because I was with a friend that distracted me a bit. I have had the same problem OP.
Hope this helps.

[mbauer67]

I have also used 5.2 gr's with 124gr plated extremes, at 1.135 OAL. I would reccomend using the longer load when possible

[David-K]

Ok,
You can go with anyone of the responses you get from this thread you started.

Or, or you could call Xtreame and get your OAL for the projectile they make.
They should also give you help with the powder charge but you can work that up yourself from starting load.
I would hope you have more data resources other then just Holgon's web site.
Just my .02 worth
Pablo

Pablo, in theory that's a great idea. Unfortunately for me, anyway, each time I've called them for any kind of load data, my call is sent to voicemail and no one ever returns it.