9mm 115gr plated and unique

[09cs]

Today my powder and primers finally arrived to start loading 9mm and of course im out of town But while I've been away I've been looking for load data for 115gr plated bullets and unique, and haven't found much. I'll check my manuals when I'm back home, but until then, anyone have any leads or anything? I read I can take a FMJ starting point, and reduce that by 10% for a starting point for plated. I found 5.5 to be a starting load for unique and 115gr fmj, but not sure if that 10% thing is true.

Would appreciate any starting points!

[Mot Mi]

You can just to be safe but I would look for lead data as that is what plated bullets mimic. Better to be safe than sorry. Look for published data. I wish I was at home, I would get you data but at work right now so I cant be much use.

[peekay331]

I load the same combo of bullets and powder. I go anywhere from 5.5 to 6.0. 5.5 works well and cycles fine in my P226, G19, and XD9.

[dstiltner]

I use the same combo. 6.0 grains but I load them long compared to the published Alliant load data at 1.150" instead of 1.120". I get ~1300 fps on the chronograph out of a 5" 1911.

ETA: When developing this load several years ago, I did start at 5.5 grains and worked up to 6.0.

[09cs]

So from this, (after I compare to my published data) would assume 5gr at ~1.12" would be a safe starting point?

[09cs]

You can just to be safe but I would look for lead data as that is what plated bullets mimic. Better to be safe than sorry. Look for published data. I wish I was at home, I would get you data but at work right now so I cant be much use.

Would you mind posting when you get the chance?

I'm not going to be home for a while, and just want to get a jump start

[Mot Mi]

Speer #14 says, unique at 5.6 (1166 velocity) to 6.3 (1244 velocity) for both GDHP and TMJ RN at 1.125 COAL. I've tried these loads with xtreme plated on 124 rn bullets to the tee and never had any problems. I've used the following powders with plated bullets with no pressure signs or any problems whatsoever: Blue Dot, AA#9, Unique, AA#7, Power Pistol, Titegroup, AA#5, 700x, Bullseye, and W231/HP38.

this is published data for full metal jacket bullets so please use with caution. Like ive stated I have used these data for 45, 38/357, and 9mm xtreme plated bullets with no problems.

[the86d]

I started with the same combo (4# of it, as it was readily available when I started).

Work up, but I did notice that if I used over a certain amount, (I think it was like 5.4 or greater, but I can't remember that it was 115gr, or 124gr) I got powder-flake-splatter all over when shooting the M9 (4.9"), and SR-9 that appeared partially-burned (all over my arms, and I don't know why), so I reduced charge to a kosher cycle QTYs. (I document better now...)

[09cs]

Thanks guys,

forgot to mention they are Rainer plated bullets if that matters

[dstiltner]

I have used the same load with Berry's, Rainier and Xtreme plated RN bullets without any issues.

[09cs]

I have used the same load with Berry's, Rainier and Xtreme plated RN bullets without any issues.

Good to know! I think I'll start a little below 5.5, around 5 and work up. Not looking for precision loads just plinking ones so if it cycles reliably etc i'll be happy

[09cs]

Ok I got home for a little and looked in my manual, but the only load listed using unique was 115 XTP bullets, nothing for lead or plated.

Thankfully it had the load listed for unique and the bullet weight I'm using for 45 acp

I found a thread on another site where the guy EMAILED Alliant and for 115gr LEAD bullet using unique, 4.5 starting load, 5 max according to them

So my question is, those who said they were using 5.5, seeing any pressure signs etc.?

should I go with the Alliant email and suggested load?

[ireload]

09cs I use this load for my Ruger P-95 and Beretta 92:
Berry's 115 grain plated flat point C.O.L 1.045"
Berry's 115 grain plated round nose C.O.L 1.135"
6 grains Unique, mixed brass trimmed at .748", small pistol primer.
Cycles well in both handguns and a buddy of mine has also used it in his
Sig 228.

Start at 5.6 grains (min) and 6.3 (max) per Speer Manual #13 or #14. Speer used an actual handgun (S&W M5906) and not a pressure barrel for the listed loads they have for the 115 grain bullet.
The reason why Alliant suggest 4.5 grains of Unique is plated bullets is close to bare lead bullet. The lead itself is soft and it's swaged then a very thin plating applied afterwards. If you go check the plated bullet manufactures websites time they will tell you to use a "light crimp" on their plated bullets. You can still go with Alliant's powder weight recommendation but keep in mind that depending on the pound rating of your recoil spring in your specific handgun it may cause it not to cycle the slide fully. I would load maybe 10 rounds initially to test.

[09cs]

09cs I use this load for my Ruger P-95 and Beretta 92:
Berry's 115 grain plated flat point C.O.L 1.045"
Berry's 115 grain plated round nose C.O.L 1.135"
6 grains Unique, mixed brass trimmed at .748", small pistol primer.
Cycles well in both handguns and a buddy of mine has also used it in his
Sig 228.

Start at 5.6 grains (min) and 6.3 (max) per Speer Manual #13 or #14. Speer used an actual handgun (S&W M5906) and not a pressure barrel for the listed loads they have for the 115 grain bullet.
The reason why Alliant suggest 4.5 grains of Unique is plated bullets is close to bare lead bullet. The lead itself is soft and it's swaged then a very thin plating applied afterwards. If you go check the plated bullet manufactures websites time they will tell you to use a "light crimp" on their plated bullets. You can still go with Alliant's powder weight recommendation but keep in mind that depending on the pound rating of your recoil spring in your specific handgun it may cause it not to cycle the slide fully. I would load maybe 10 rounds initially to test.

Thanks for the suggestions!

And that was the plan!

[ireload]

09cs let us know the result of your test.