How fast should I push this heavy pill

[Donny1]

I just started developing a load for a 147gn RN Hi-Tek coated 9mm for the Ruger PC9.

CFE Pistol, OAL 1.125, very light crimp.

3.8gns 983 fps avg.
4.0gns 1038 fps avg.

They function reliably and were a much smoother "push" feeling than some 124gn I loaded that were shooting at 1200fps.

Since I have no way to measure actual pressure I'm wondering how far to go as this is not intended for "range" ammo, rather possibly stopping a threat at a medium distance in a worst case scenario. I'm sure they would do the job right where they are at now as they were destroying some thick lumber compared to the 124's at 50 yards. I don't feel these are very "hot" as I've had some WWB 115gn shoot in the high 1200's in this barrel but I don't have experience with heavier bullets and how they effect pressures.

I'm getting to like this powder for the longer barrels, 5" XD and 17" PC9, not so much in the 9mm Shield or .380.

[capo602002]

Personally, I never go for max velocity. 147gr at 1050 fps seems pretty good in my book.
Hodgdon manual is 3.7 to 4.2 for XTPs at a max speed of 963.

[Beelzy]

Accuracy before Velocity.

[Donny1]

Personally, I never go for max velocity. 147gr at 1050 fps seems pretty good in my book.
Hodgdon manual is 3.7 to 4.2 for XTPs at a max speed of 963.

I did see that and that's what I used for my starting point. I imagine out of the pistol they would be right in that range so I likely won't go up any more on charge.

[ironhorse1]

Did you chronograph your load from the PC9 carbine?

I was getting 969 fps max out of a Beretta 92. I have read that there is a 200 fps increase from a carbine.

When loading any bullets in 9mm OAL is very important. Speer recommends 1.130" for 147 grain.

irh

[Donny1]

Accuracy before Velocity.

You're right, time to load up some more and get a little more detailed on POI/groups. I was able to bust clay pigeons a 60 yards standing with either one and I changed nothing since I sighted it with the 124's so they are decent but I'll see what kind of group they will shoot from bags next time.

I only loaded 20 of each due to SPP rationing Looks like I will be shooting a bit more 45's than normal since I have plenty of LPP's, not the worst problem to have

[Donny1]

Did you chronograph your load from the PC9 carbine?

I was getting 969 fps max out of a Beretta 92. I have read that there is a 200 fps increase from a carbine.

When loading any bullets in 9mm OAL is very important. Speer recommends 1.130" for 147 grain.

irh

These numbers are from the Carbine. Brazos Hi-Tek RN

[ironhorse1]

Thank you I just wanted to clarify that those were carbine numbers.

I did a quick check and apparently 147's gain the least amount of velocity in a carbine.

Check here for a comparison chart. https://rangehot.com/pistol-vs-carbi...e/#lightbox/2/

It's good to refresh my memory. It's been awhile since I tried the 147 grainers.

irh

[Donny1]

Thank you I just wanted to clarify that those were carbine numbers.

I did a quick check and apparently 147's gain the least amount of velocity in a carbine.

Check here for a comparison chart. https://rangehot.com/pistol-vs-carbi...e/#lightbox/2/

It's good to refresh my memory. It's been awhile since I tried the 147 grainers.

irh

Thanks for the link, interesting.

Just FYI, I can add some comparisons for 124gn that I just did a few weeks ago. Didn't see any in the chart. I may try this comparison with the CFE Pistol and 147gn, it's slower and seems to like the longer barrel. The 124's are gaining around 200.

xtreme 124gn CPFP, 5gn CFE Pistol, 1.060
Shield 1035
XD 5" 1148
PC9 1266

xtreme 124gn XDEF HP, 5gn CFE Pistol, 1.130
Shield 1006
XD 5" 1102
PC9 1216