9mm Load Data and Testing Question

[tsname]

Hey all, I was paper testing some loads and was wondering what distance do you usually test? I went with 15 yards and got some fairly good groups.

Second, I'd like to verify a load I found in a Hodgdon loading book. I was getting ready to fire it but thought twice since the COL and powder charge seemed to be a bit excessive.

124gr FMJ COL 1.090"
HS-6: 6.4gr/1131fps min 6.8gr/1169fps max

[TestPilot]

I don't use HS6 but it's a tad slower than VV N340 where the COL is 1.142 for 124gr FMJ RN

N340 4.5 331 1086 5.1 360 1181

[J-cat]

Test at the longest distance your eyes will allow to aim precisely.

Hodgdon's data mimics Sierra's data. Keep in mind people use HS-6 to load the 9mm to Major power factor, stuffing more than 9 grains under that bullet. You won't blow yourself up using Hodgdon's data.

[Waldog]

Test at 25 yards with a machine if possible (Ransom, etc.). If that's not available, then a steady pistol bench rest of some sort.

[SirLoki]

HS6 is a slow burning powder so you would have to load more to make the same power factor as a faster burning powder, slower burning powders are in a sense safer because it will take a lot of powder for it to reach "unsafe" pressures.

[tsname]

Well, that makes me feel better about using that load. Right now I have a load that I really like, no smoke, no smell, barely any flash. I'd like to try out that hotter load I posted as well since it would work for IDPA if I ever get into it.

No ransom rest here, but I use a sandbag and my best attempts at not flinching.

[SirLoki]

Well, that makes me feel better about using that load. Right now I have a load that I really like, no smoke, no smell, barely any flash. I'd like to try out that hotter load I posted as well since it would work for IDPA if I ever get into it.

No ransom rest here, but I use a sandbag and my best attempts at not flinching.

i personally use HS6 and it works great if you want something a little hotter then minor. In fact i use HS6 for my major load when i shoot open class in USPSA. i have used it in making major 40sw for limited class.

When i shoot IDPA i have loaded some 115 gn and 124 gn JHP when i want a "+P" feel (PF around 140) and they work great. When you load a minor load, HS6 tends to be too slow to really see any benefits, plus the gun becomes pretty dirty. As the powder charge increases on HS6, the gun gets cleaner.

[Al Norris]

Warning: Load data used in this post exceeds published maximums and may damage your gun and you. User assumes all risk. What works in my guns, may blow yours up! Always work up your loads, watching for over-pressure signs.

My KelTec P11 really likes the higher end loads of HS-6. But it's a little finicky about COL. For this gun, I've found that anything from 1.125" to 1.135" is the magic number. My Ruger P89, simply eats anything I feed it. I load for the P11, as it is my everyday carry gun.

I use Winchester brass and CCI small pistol primers.

Because of this, I've found that using 124gr Federal EFMJ with a charge of 7.0gr of HS-6 and a COL of 1.125" puts me just short of +P performance (increased volume in case, lowers peak pressure). MV = 1136fps out of the P11 and 1150fps out of the P89.

The summer of 2008, I stumbled across several thousands of Rem 125gr Golden Sabers. Golden Sabers are unique, in that they have a driving band. You seat these just at the end of the band, which will give you a COL of 1.128" (+ or - .001"). Working up the load, I settled on 7.2gr. of HS-6. MV = 1140fps out of the P11 and 1176fps out of the P89. This is a definite +P load.

Since I carry what I load, my practice drills are from 5ft out to 100ft. I practice with using both hands and single hand (both strong and weak). Standing, crouching, over and around cover, and on the move.

[dmaverick]

Hey all, I was paper testing some loads and was wondering what distance do you usually test? I went with 15 yards and got some fairly good groups.

Second, I'd like to verify a load I found in a Hodgdon loading book. I was getting ready to fire it but thought twice since the COL and powder charge seemed to be a bit excessive.

124gr FMJ COL 1.090"
HS-6: 6.4gr/1131fps min 6.8gr/1169fps max