newb 9mm reloading question

[$P-Ritch$]

hey all,

i'm all set up and just about have it all figured out to reload my first batch ever, but there is one problem. I have hodgdons universal pistol powder and I can't find out how many grains I'm supposed to use. The bullets are 115 grain CMJ Cast(copper plated) by Frontier. I figured that they would use the same load data as 115gr FMJ, but I can't even find that. In my Lyman reloading manual they only have 115gr Speer GDHP data and on the hodgdon data site they only have LRN and Speer GDHP for loads at 115gr using universal powder.

So, where could I look to find the proper load data for the bullet and powder I am using?

Apologies if this is an extremely stupid, newby question. I just want to make sure I am 100% so that I don't make some horrible mistake.

Jon

[XDRoX]

hey all,

i'm all set up and just about have it all figured out to reload my first batch ever, but there is one problem. I have hodgdons universal pistol powder and I can't find out how many grains I'm supposed to use. The bullets are 115 grain CMJ Cast(copper plated) by Frontier. I figured that they would use the same load data as 115gr FMJ, but I can't even find that. In my Lyman reloading manual they only have 115gr Speer GDHP data and on the hodgdon data site they only have LRN and Speer GDHP for loads at 115gr using universal powder.

So, where could I look to find the proper load data for the bullet and powder I am using?

Apologies if this is an extremely stupid, newby question. I just want to make sure I am 100% so that I don't make some horrible mistake.

Jon

If you're new to reloading I would only load rounds that you have data for. Because as you see sometimes it can be hard to find exact data for certain components.
According to their website:

100gr FMJ = 4.8 - 5.3
115gr LRN = 4.0 - 4.5
115gr GDHP = 4.5 - 5.0
125gr FMJ = 4.3 - 4.9

Since you have 115gr plated I would use the 115gr LRN data and up it a little bit. Most plated bullet companies tell you to use lead data anyways.
In my (very limited) reloading experience, plated data pretty much falls right in between jacketed and lead.

My guess is if you try 4.0gr it may be a little light and may not cycle the gun. So you'll probably have to go a little higher than the lead data (above in bold). You really need a chorno or at least some factory rounds to compare the recoil to, to know if you're rounds are OK.

Hope this helps.

[XDRoX]

BTW, I'll check my manuals when I get home from work for you.

[Chief-7700]

Start Loads Maximum Loads
Bullet Powder Grains Vel. P.S.I. Powder Grains Vel. P.S.I. Max
OAL
115 gr RN Alliant Bullseye 3.5 943 24,100 Alliant Bullseye 4.5 1143 34,000 1.169
Alliant Unique 4.3 934 19,300 Alliant Unique 5.3 1092 27,100
Hodgdon HS-6 5.9 1013 24,100 Hodgdon HS-6 6.8 1159 31,200
IMR 700X 3.1 874 19,500 IMR 700X 4.3 1126 31,000
IMR SR 4756 5.0 929 20,000 IMR SR 4756 6.4 1150 27,700
IMR SR 7625 4.0 889 19,700 IMR SR 7625 5.4 1113 30,200
Winchester 231 3.3 832 19,900 Winchester 231 4.5 1089 33,800
Winchester 540 6.3 1063 26,100 Winchester 540 7.0 1182 33,800
Winchester 571 6.8 1003 24,100 Winchester 571 7.8 1157 31,100

The above is the reloading data from Rainer Plated bullets. Use at your own risk.

[$P-Ritch$]

Awesome, thank you.

[Chief-7700]

Here is another for you:

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp

[Sunday]

A reloading manual is good money spent.