replicating 147 gn 9mm HSTs

[1nickatnite1]

Like the title says, I'd like to replicate 147 gn 9mm HSTs for practice. I have clays, w231 and alliant 2400 powders. Does anyone make these already and can let me know if any of these powders work? If not, what's a better powder? I'd like to get the load as close to the factory round as possible so recipes are super appreciated.

Thanks!!

[16in50calNavalRifle]

Hmmm - I was thinking of asking the same question, but substitute 147gr Gold Dot HPs. Preferably with 231/HP38. Without a chronograph, it will be hard to duplicate velocity - but it's overall feel and recoil that are more important. I assume we both are looking to practice using something that shoots like our primary self-defense round.

[Bill Steele]

The book on the 147gr HST is 1000fps (P9HST2), the 147gr +P HST is 1050fps (P9HST4).

There are a number of powders with manufacturer supplied loads that will get you to 1000fps (i.e. Blue Dot, Power Pistol, Longshot, VV-N350, etc.) and a subset that will get you to 1050+. Unfortunately, Clays and W231 are not in this list, both are little too fast for this weight bullet. Someone might have a Major PF load with W231 or Clays and 147's that will get you there as well, but I probably would approach loading and shooting this kind of load in a stock gun very cautiously.

2400 might get you there as most of the powders that are good candidates for this application are on the slower side, but I think you will be in the position of developing a load from scratch as I doubt you will find many 9mm Luger loads for 2400. I would not recommend doing this unless you are a very experienced loader. There is likely a reason there are no 2400 9mm Luger loads floating around. Spending $25 or less to get a pound of the right powder seems like pretty cheap safe and sane fun. There are a few VV powders that will give you excellent coverage in these velocities, tend to burn pretty clean, meter well, fill the case, etc. One of these would be my starting point.

As far as replicating the exact feel of the HST's, that will be pretty hit and miss. For instance, Power Pistol will give you more muzzle flash than you will see with the HST's, etc. FWIW, I think picking powders that get you really close to your target "book" velocities when approaching max loads will be you best bet. If you pick a powder that gets you to 1000 fps at start load levels, you will likely have a load that does a relatively poor job of simulating the commercial equivalent (i.e. cleaner burning, similar flash, similar slide action and felt recoil, etc.). In reality, I think the commercial ammo is made with powders not available to you, so any simulating you do will be kind of pot luck. YMMV (a lot).

Good luck, have fun.

[1nickatnite1]

Wow thanks Bill for the great response! Will definitely take your advice and go pick up some new powder to test. Thanks again!