Need advice on questionable 9mm recipe

[offdutyalot]

I did search and could not find a recipe for my components.

I just got my first press today. It's a Lee Pro 1000 set for 9mm (I can't afford a Dillon right now) and have searched high and low thru threads on multiple sites and multiple manual recipes. I found so many different recipes it became overwhelming so I asked a long time hand-loader/gunsmith/local shop owner and this is what he suggested for what I was able to find locally in stock:

Glock 26

Bear Creak 115 gr round nose (I know all about lead and Glock barrels)
Unique up to 6 gr (I'm looking for a much lighter load, I'm thinking 4.5-5?)
Winchester cases (never fired)
Winchester small pistol magnum primers

Here's my concerns:

Safety is first! I don't want to hurt anyone else, myself, or my weapon.

Different recipes/manuals/experimental loads start from 3.5-4.1gr and max at well over 6 gr (and I saw some way higher). I need a load to cycle my G 26 without a Kaboom.

I am just loading for paper out to 25 yards max and I don't want to lose accuracy by using lead with the wrong load from a factory Glock barrel.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[gotglock99]

I use win 231 4.6 grns, on a 115 grn RN plated or Fmj with a C.O.L of 1.150. Great round, also shot out of a G26.

[offdutyalot]

I use win 231 4.6 grns, on a 115 grn RN plated or Fmj with a C.O.L of 1.150. Great round, also shot out of a G26.

Cool. I might start with Unique 4.5 gr and increase by .1 up to 5 gr on 10 rounds each and see how that does.

But, before I get to that point, I have to dial in the press. Hopefully it cooperates with me and I don't end up being a guy with a Lee Pro 1000 in my driveway and a sledgehammer in my hand.

[CalTeacher]

Cool. I might start with Unique 4.5 gr and increase by .1 up to 5 gr on 10 rounds each and see how that does.

But, before I get to that point, I have to dial in the press. Hopefully it cooperates with me and I don't end up being a guy with a Lee Pro 1000 in my driveway and a sledgehammer in my hand.

Start low and work up. Make sure your cases drop in your barrel with an audible clank. Consult published data from multiple sources before you begin.

And if you decide you hate your press, give it to me instead of bludgeoning it to death.

Wait, why magnum primers?

[offdutyalot]

Start low and work up. Make sure your cases drop in your barrel with an audible clank. Consult published data from multiple sources before you begin.

And if you decide you hate your press, give it to me instead of bludgeoning it to death.

Wait, why magnum primers?

OK it's yours if I get mad.

Magnum primers because that was what was in stock and (from some data) show no difference in regular loads and give a faster ignition to slower burning powders. This is coming from a report/review done by a guy on a reloading site performed on about 20 different loads and multiple calibers. But, standard primers definately sucked on mag loads. So, hopefully the always correct interweb is accurate.

[jimmykan]

If you get lead fouling in the barrel, it could be caused by the use of magnum primers.

[CalTeacher]

OK it's yours if I get mad.

Magnum primers because that was what was in stock and (from some data) show no difference in regular loads and give a faster ignition to slower burning powders. This is coming from a report/review done by a guy on a reloading site performed on about 20 different loads and multiple calibers. But, standard primers definately sucked on mag loads. So, hopefully the always correct interweb is accurate.

I just thought that there was a specific reason why you chose them over standard spp, but abailability sounds like a good enough reason to me. Just be sure to start low, work up, and look for signs of pressures. Be sure to report your results!

[Bill Steele]

My Lee 2nd Edition says 5.5gr is max for a 125gr Lead Bullet loaded at 1.150" OAL, so you can use that as a conservative max for your 115gr bullets. You may fine cycling issues if you go down as far as 4.5gr to start, so don't make a ton of them at each level first time out.

If you are going to use the magnum primers, it will be good to start low and work up slowly, 4.5gr sounds like a good starting place.

Good luck, have fun.

[Revoman]

"4.5gr sounds like a good starting place."

I agree, my load ended up with 4.8gr Unique with a 115gr BC Moly, WW case and WW-SPP. Shot out of a S&W 952-2 with stock recoil spring. Function is fine.

I started with a little less powder, but too little and it burns way dirty and not all of the powder will ignite, leaving much unburnt all around. Thus, I settled on 4.8.

[johnny1290]

just my 2 cents-I like 3.8 grains of bullseye or wsf.

I just make up 10 or 20 rds of a powder at maybe 10% below recc. start. Once I get it to cycle reliably, I make up 100 to see if I like it.

for me, that hard recoil is no longer a goal. I thought it was cool or something.

I shoot better and have more fun with lighter loads

my first press was pro 1000. ittook me forever to figure it out. I thought id smash the thing, but really it was all my lack of experience, not the press.

good luck. get someone to show you if you can. believe me you can save yourself headaches!

[offdutyalot]

"4.5gr sounds like a good starting place."

I agree, my load ended up with 4.8gr Unique with a 115gr BC Moly, WW case and WW-SPP. Shot out of a S&W 952-2 with stock recoil spring. Function is fine.

I started with a little less powder, but too little and it burns way dirty and not all of the powder will ignite, leaving much unburnt all around. Thus, I settled on 4.8.

I loaded 30 with 115 Bear Creek molys, ~4.4gr Unique, WW case, WW spm, OAL 1.140. I ran them in my G26 with factory barrel without issue.

I had 1 FTFire. The other 29 ran smooth. Nice snap, light recoil, very fast follow up with improved accuracy compared to factory WW 115gr.

I think (keep in mind these are my first loads) the magnum primer may have helped ignite all of the light shot. I did have more residue on one side of the spent case than with factory. Too light? I loaded 70 more with the same load so I will see tomorrow how they do before I increase the shot. I really liked the feel.

The Pro 1000 did great for me. I loaded one at a time for the first 30 to get familiar with the operation. I loaded 70 progressively today without the case feeder. I had 3 not prime and the last 10 or so I put light, downward pressure in the primer feeder with a small allen wrench (I'm sure you guys have seen the trick on YouTube with the paperclip) and it went well.

So, I'm happy with my first loads and the press. My dad has a Pro 1000 in .223 being delivered to my house so I can start trials with .223 next week. Since I'm off work waiting for my second back surgery, I got designated to the loading duties. I'm not complaining one bit.

[CalTeacher]

Good to hear your results. If you get cases with soot on them that is usually a sign that your load is light because there isn't enough pressure to properly form a seal with the brass in the chamber. But if this load shoots good and reliably cycles in your gun then shoot away.

[offdutyalot]

Good to hear your results. If you get cases with soot on them that is usually a sign that your load is light because there isn't enough pressure to properly form a seal with the brass in the chamber. But if this load shoots good and reliably cycles in your gun then shoot away.

Gotcha....I think that's why Revoman increased to 4.8gr Unique. I have 70 to send down today and my next 100 will be 4.8-5.0 gr. I'll see if that takes care of the "soot" and still gives me a nice snap without the hard recoil.

Thanks all for your input.
My issue is finding the right hole in the auto disc on the Lee. The .53 hole was suppose to give me 5.0 gr (if I was reading the chart correctly), but it only put out ~4.4gr.

I have an FMK "Front Sight Edition" 9mm on the way and I can't wait to shoot it. I don't think the FMKs have octoganal barrells so I don't have to be concerned with leading my Glock barrel (although plenty of shooters have no issue). I have 400 more BC molys and then I think I'll go with plated or FMJ 115gr. I'm sure I'll load some 124s and 147s too

This is a lot of fun, it's relaxing, and I just take my time and get however many loads I am in the mood for (or until my back starts hurting).

[Bill Steele]

...My issue is finding the right hole in the auto disc on the Lee. The .53 hole was suppose to give me 5.0 gr (if I was reading the chart correctly), but it only put out ~4.4gr...

The Lee data on the density of Unique is waaay off.

My notes say .66 hole yields 5.2gr, .53 hole yields 4.4gr, jives with your experience.

[skibuff]

If you want to be stay safe you are NOT even close to using the right components for your Glock. Lead or plated are proven to not be safe as you noted. I would get some FMJ for the Glock and save the Lead for NON Glocks.

As far as dirty Unique and lead are probably the dirtiest combo I've ever use. I doubt increasing your loads is going to resolve that.

Be careful with those Magnum primers stay away from the max loads, the case pressure is increased considerably by using Mag primers.

Shorter OAL length also increases case pressure quick so use caution with how deep you seat you bullets.

There is nothing wrong with Unique just dirty, you might wanna try Win231 next it is much cleaner and more forgiving powder to learn with.