29 replies to this topic

[coorsleftfield]

Finally making the jump from factory ammo to reloading, and want to standardize on 147gr bullets for IDPA since many report the heavier bullet has softer recoil and better for steel.

Trying to find a good powder, some basic requirements.

1. Must be readily available in bulk, 4/8 LB cans. - Eliminates VV320
2. Clean burning

I've been using titegroup for 124gr, but seems to be too fast a powder for 147gr, even though I did find some load data for it.

Popular options seem to be;

WSF
PowerPistol
Universal clays
Solo 1000
231/HP-38

[ETexPops]

I've had good luck with WSF and 147 gr lead bullets. Currently running 3.8 gr laoded to 1.135ish. PF of 133, good accuracy, and gun functions well with this load. Tried some lower charges and seemed to be waiting on the slide. I've run these loads in both M&P 9 Pro and STI Spartan.

On a side note; WST might not be the best to use with 9mm due to lack of published data; but, I have tried 3.5 gr with the 147's and liked the way it ran. Kinda feel the WSF is a safer bet.

[The_Vigilante]

VV N320 does come in 4-lb jugs.

[Marv Z]

I've loaded hundreds of rounds with 147MG and 3.6gr Titegroup with no problems and good accuracy. Also used to use reg Clays at 3.2gr and it ran well also. Gun is a 4.5 inch XDM

[Hi-Power Jack]

I've used only the WW231, and think it's great.

Haven't compared it to anything else - but I
hear the N320, 330 or 340 are supposed to be
"better".

Jack

[All-Gator]

+1 on 3.1 Clays

A-G

[lugnut]

I've used a bunch of N320 and 231... like them a lot. 231 in my 9mm loads seem great!

[DWFAN]

are you shooting Lead or jacketed?

[coorsleftfield]

Buying plates bullets.

[coorsleftfield]

VV N320 does come in 4-lb jugs.

Yes, but good luck finding it in stock anywhere local.

[DWFAN]

Titegroup would be good for plated.

[coorsleftfield]

Titegroup would be good for plated.

And I have some titegroup. My only concern was the amount will be way down around 3.1gr for a 147gr bullet. Way cost effective, but not much room for error, and probably a bit snappier than a slower powder.

[DWFAN]

IMO, Titegroup and 147 CMJ's are softer than Titegroup and 124JHP's both montana golds.

Solo1000 is another good choice, but not much published data out there. I use it for my 14gr Moly BBI loads.

Edited by DWFAN, 18 April 2011 - 07:02 PM.

[njl]

I like Universal, but to make minor PF, you may have to push it all the way to or even slightly beyond Hodgdon's published max load. It makes a super soft minor 147gr load though...and is nearly impossible to double charge. Mix some in with factory ammo, and you'll think you had a squib.

[huskerlrrp]

VV N320 does come in 4-lb jugs.

Yes, but good luck finding it in stock anywhere local.

I think you can pick it up at CZ Custom/Ghost Products (Mesa) if you are interested...

[98sr20ve]

Titegroup would be good for plated.

And I have some titegroup. My only concern was the amount will be way down around 3.1gr for a 147gr bullet. Way cost effective, but not much room for error, and probably a bit snappier than a slower powder.

Your just going to have to deal with that. Your also wrong about the faster powder being snappier. Power pistol will be much worse then TG. I load Solo 1000 at 3.2 grs. It's not only about the grs but about the bulk of the powder. If you have a chrono I would get some Solo 1000 and work it up to power factor and see how you like it. It will have a lot more bulk, it's very soft shooting it just requires a chrono to properly work it up.

[twodownzero]

+1 on 3.1 Clays

A-G

That's way over max. 2.7 is max for Clays and 147s in the Lyman Pistol and Revolver manual. I feel like I'm beating a dead horse, but I've said many times on this website that I don't think Clays is safe in 9mm with heavy bullets.

[Boxerglocker]

I used TG and Solo for 147g. TG is better in my opinon.

I gave up chasing the PF floor and opted for 124g FMJ's with TG at 135 PF. I'm moving onto Moly bullets for my Spartan 9mm using WST and a 115g RN.
Like it alot chronoed some loads and settled on a 4.0g at 1.150 OAL makes 133PF with a SD of 3.2. Very accurate too.

[TonyT]

I have used both Bullseye and WSF with 147 gr. plated and jacketed bullets at ca 900 fps.

[Gary H.]

I've been using Tightgrout, 3.2 Berrys 147 CMJ or 3.3 MG 147 CMJ or 147 Zero depending on the bullet.. but I'm tired of the filthy gun! I'm switching back to N320. I like the softer recoil and the fact that I can load lead with it too without too much smoke.

[Red Ryder]

I have used Tightgroup, N320, and IMR SR7625. I like the latter two. The N320 is expensive and hard to get at times. So I stick with the 7625. TG is only good with CMJ bullets otherwise it smokes a bit, at least that's what I heard.

[ben b.]

Solo1000 and 147 gr lead/moly/plated/jhp works pretty dang well

[Boxerglocker]

Anybody running a Bear Creek 147g FP in a 9mm 1911? What OAL are you using?

Edited by Boxerglocker, 04 September 2011 - 01:17 AM.

[aholliman]

I'm loading Bear Creek 147's over 3.2 of solo 1000 at 1.25". Last 5-shot chrono averaged 877 fps with SD of ~10 out of a 5" barrel. 85 degrees, ~800' MSL.

[RePete]

I'm using 3.9gr/Unique under the 147gr Frontier Plated.

Getting 137000 PF and a comfortable shooting load.