Would you shoot this 9mm 147gr load?

[Cyclepath]

I loaded 20 147gr lead with Power Pistol today. According to Lyman 49th edition, it specified a 1.058" OAL. Due to variations with the lead bullets I was using, I measured 1.039 to 1.067 variance on the OAL. I loaded 10 with a start grain of 4.1gr and 10 at 4.3gr. I just don't feel safe with such a short OAL length of 1.058". It sounds like a kaboom waiting to happen.

I was thinking of pulling all of them and following Lyman specs of 1.115" OAL for 147gr TMJ with a start of 4.5gr for Power Pistol. Lee has 1.140" with start gr of 5.2 for 147gr XTP. My goal was to keep them under around 1000fps to prevent leading.

Any advice? Thanks.

[Wrangler John]

The cartridge OAL can vary for many bullets because of differences in bullet tip shape. This is especially true of bullets cast from multi-cavity molds. Even boxes of commercial jacketed rifle bullets have considerable variation of length due to being made in several different dies sets, and being mixed together in packaging. The actual ogive to shank diameter, the point where the bullet first contacts the rifling lands, is the more important number. This can only be measured with a comparator. Usually, this dimension is more accurate even when the tips are off a bit. This is why they invented the plastic tipped bullet, each tip is the same. OAL can also effect function through the magazine.

Although it should be borne in mind that some bullet shapes will not properly function is some pistols, depending on throating dimensions. Those designed for the specific pistol cartridge are most likely to work.

The more important dimension with a rimless pistol cartridge is case length, as the cartridge headspaces on the case mouth. Too long and the barrel may not go into battery preventing the pistol from firing. Too short and the firing pin may not hit the primer with enough force to ignite the round, or if it does, the case may rupture - kaboom. Too much crimp, or a roll instead of taper crimp, can cause the same condition.

Another consideration is the sized diameter of the cast bullet. If too large it may not release easily from the case raising pressure, or fail to chamber. Too small and it won't be held by the brass and may be pushed back into the case during cycling, also raising pressure, or jump forward from the case slightly and jam. Be certain that the bullets are of the correct diameter.

So, if your load is from a published source you should be okay (meaning I have no way of knowing without inspecting the ammo or pistol) but always wear safety glasses.

[DRAB_81]

I have loaded 147gr Berry's from 1.135-1.155, and they all functioned fine in my GEN 4 G17. From what I've read, 1.125-1.135 is considered on the short side for 9mm reloads.

I would just put them in a puller, smack it once or twice, and take it out before the bullet was completely removed. Then reseat them to your desired OAL, and crimp. That way you don't have to start all over with the powder charges. I did this for a batch of 10mm reloads, and it worked perfectly.

[r3dn3ck]

without hesitation... at .060" difference I just can't see that being the thing that compresses the powder. If you were using hollow base bullets I might thin about raised pressures but not KB level pressures. Apart from that you're on the low end of the charge spectrum since you're using lead bullets. My quick look at the loads taped to my die box says I can use 5 grains of power pistol with a 147gn jacketed bullet and still not be into +p pressure territory.

[Bill Steele]

The amount of powder you have is quite low, if you are sure the amounts were 4.1gr and 4.3 grs you are good to go.

Next time, load your 147gr bullets out to more like 1.130-1.140", you will likely have fewer feed problems and will have a little more margin when you decide to bump up the charge weights closer to max.

[stretch64]

I load the Bear Creek 147gr LFP to 1.120 OAL with 4.3gr of Power Pistol for 922fps from a 4" M&P, and 944fps from a 5" M&P.

I've had problems with the bullet tumbling when loaded shorter than 1.095 OAL.

1.120 OAL seems to be the sweet spot that runs well in every gun I've tried them in.

[Cyclepath]

I load the Bear Creek 147gr LFP to 1.120 OAL with 4.3gr of Power Pistol for 922fps from a 4" M&P, and 944fps from a 5" M&P.

I've had problems with the bullet tumbling when loaded shorter than 1.095 OAL.

1.120 OAL seems to be the sweet spot that runs well in every gun I've tried them in.

That's good info. Thanks for the reply.