7 replies to this topic

[MauserKAR98K]

I was referred here from a forum I frequent a lot about a problem I am having with 115gr plated reloads out of my HK USP 9mm. I am having a key holing issue after loading up this 115gr plated rounds, using Bullseye at 4.5 grs. I am using data from a Sierra book, pretty recent publishing. Also, after firing these same rounds through my Browning HP, I have noticed different felt recoil, which indicates to me a inconsistent powder charge. All reloads are done from a Dilion XL 650 with the spring under the ball bearing shortened, and also with a bearing kit installed over the shell plate (yet I can still see some powder jumping out).

I also have had one or two failure to ejects from these loads.

[mlmiller1]

whose plated bullets are you using? I've had trouble in my glocks in 9mm & 40 with keyholing/tumbling bullets from Berry's & in .40, Extreme bullets. They say it can be your crimp & the charge but I worked hard trying everything I could (without changing powders) & couldn't get it to stop in Berry's. The extreme bullets just didn't work for me at all. Gave up & sold all my plated bullets.

MLM

[Youngeyes]

Welcome. There are numerous posts here on your problem. Start out by checking your crimp. With plated bullets they may have an inconsistent effect. This can also cause your felt recoil issues. Can you try loading with different type of bullet(fmj) and see if you still have problems? Make sure your powder throws are accurate. Also,as others here have mentioned, are you sure these are keyholing? If you are using a paper target it may just be the paper ripping. Search here under keyholing to find more info. I got 147 hits when I tried.

Edited by Youngeyes, 28 May 2012 - 09:11 AM.

[MauserKAR98K]

Done the searching, but wanted to see if there was something different, if anything, about the USP.

My crimp is good; not to extreme or light. Just enough to have a smooth round chamber. My initial reaction is that I don't have enough powder charge with the rounds and was thinking of moving on to Unique powder.

I got the plated 115 from Rocky Mountain reloading, but will be looking into Precision Delta in the future. Funny thing is, the plated 45ACP I get works great in my S&W M&P .45. I mean stupid accurate.

[DWFAN]

FTE could be a sign of low charge.

What velocity are you getting with the rounds? Bumping up may help.

[sroe3]

+1 for the low charge. Tumbling bullets and cycling issues could both be pointing to low velocity. What are the measurements for your crimp and chrono?

[Coleman]

I am using Montanna gold 115gr fmj with 4.8gr of unique out of my 9mm USP. Not any signs of key holing. Unique is a dirty powder, use frog lube and the carbon wipes off. I finally cleaned my USP after 1600rnds, i wanted to see how long it would take to jam up, but i couldnt stand to see it so dirty.

[MauserKAR98K]

I am using Montanna gold 115gr fmj with 4.8gr of unique out of my 9mm USP. Not any signs of key holing. Unique is a dirty powder, use frog lube and the carbon wipes off. I finally cleaned my USP after 1600rnds, i wanted to see how long it would take to jam up, but i couldnt stand to see it so dirty.

I'm going to try and use unique next loading session and bump it up a little. I understand it gets dirty, but I have some good solvent to fix that.

I do not have a chrono, and I couldn't tell what the length of the crimp is. But I can tell you that the crimp is light but noticeable.