9mm 115gr COL

[keninger]

I am using VihtaVuori N320 powder and a 115gr FMJ RN bullet.

I am using their provided load data, but the gun would not eject or would not cycle sometimes even with higher loads.

I set the COL to the max, so I am aware it results in lower pressures and that's what's causing the issues here, but wanted to ask what everyone runs for COL with a 115gr FMJ RN projectile. I have seen the Hornady catalog recommend a MIN of 1.100"

I used Gordon's reloading tool and it did show low pressure, does anyone have experience around how much pressure is required for a Glock to cycle and eject properly?

 

[jepp2]

does anyone have experience around how much pressure is required for a Glock to cycle and eject properly?

There are so many variables, I'm not sure someone can answer this that will help you. But at this step, either change your recoil spring to a reduced power spring https://www.gunsprings.com/GLOCK ®/All Models/cID1/mID5/dID116#117

or bump up your charge until your pistol functions reliably. 9mm is extremely sensitive to bullet seating depth (which is why setback is an issue) and you know you are loading long. I haven't used GRT, but I know in QuickLoad, it isn't very good for straightwall handgun cartridge predictions.

but wanted to ask what everyone runs for COL with a 115gr FMJ RN projectile.

Take your barrel off and measure the length where the bullet contacts the lands. This is your max OAL. Load to what suits you.

 

[keninger]

Take your barrel off and measure the length where the bullet contacts the lands. This is your max OAL. Load to what suits you.

I appreciate your help! I am mostly after Min COL, my max COL is longer than magazine length, but my pressures are low anyway, so wouldn't want to go longer.

 

[Sandstorm]

either change your recoil spring to a reduced power spring

Like mentioned...this may help, or load a little hotter to cycle reliably.

 

[Charliemac]

How does factory ammo work?

 

[6bra1k]

plated bullets or jacketed ??
1.1 is too short
you did not list your load,
i try for a load that is atleast 30kpsi
try 1.14 to 1.155

 

[keninger]

How does factory ammo work?

Factory ammo functions perfectly so no problems there.

 

[keninger]

plated bullets or jacketed ??
1.1 is too short
you did not list your load,
i try for a load that is atleast 30kpsi
try 1.14 to 1.155

N320 3.9gr + 115 gr ALSO FMJ RN Bullet

COL: 1.15

This is what I calculated with Gordon's Reloading Tool and feels right. Low pressure.

I did a ladder testing and 3.9 gr was by far the most accurate, this is why I am trying to keep this powder charge (this is the powder manufacturers starting load by the way)

This is why I am wondering if it's a good solution to start decreasing COL until I find high enough pressure to eject and cycle.

 

[6bra1k]

why go low pressure..it will not reflect self defense ammo so practice will be useless.
YOUR PRESSURE IS TOO LOW
so yes start adding 2 tenths and when it cycles and ejects go 2 tenths more
norm is over 30kpsi you are at 20...like a 38 spcl

 

[Rsadams]

Your charge is to low.... I seat 124 Berry bullets out to 1.150 and now they actually want them at 1.160.... I never made the change because I use lead data and load 2tenths under max charge.... This allows for screw ups if the powder dropper drops a little heavy.... I would rather seat 9mm a little longer than to short for sure... You need to find some other data , it's out there....

There is no reason to change anything on your Glock... I have ran tens of thousands of reloads and factory through Glocks with no problems..... The fact factory ammo works fine and your reloads don't tell you all you need to know.... I see your post further down saying your COAL is out to 1.155 which is way out for 115gr bullet... If you don't have reloading manuals I suggest you pick up about three for reference....

My favorites are SIERRA , HORNADY and SPEER but those choices are up to you.... You will find out fast that not one matches another each book is different but that's why their reference..... As 6bra stated above your way under powered if the gun won't even cycle.... Reloading is safe but you have to do it correctly to low can be more dangerous than a LITTLE hot , you can easily get a squib.... If your going to reload I suggest picking up a chronograph....

 

[drop_point]

Way too many variables. Depends on bullet shape, bullet design, the gun, how its sprung, your sizing process could always be suspect as well.

 

[Ray123]

My Viht manual says, your way low on powder charge 9 mm Luger
115 gr Hornaday XTP N320 4.1 gr min max 4.6 gr
115 Ranier RN N320 4.1 gr start max 4 5 gr
Both loaded rounds are the same overall length of ....1.142"
I personally shoot my Glocks at max to 2 tenths under, and sometimes a tenth over max in some loading manuals...and for me tend to be flawless at the higher pressure levels...tried loading them down to a slightly moderate charge ...not the minimum, ...had to run a hundred rounds cycling the slide by hand...never again, for me, I run max manual loads in my Gocks.

 

[SDDasher]

I use 4.2 grains of N320 with plated RN 115 grain bullets seated to 1.100 OAL. Feeds across all my 9mm’s flawlessly.

 

[6bra1k]

I use 4.2 grains of N320 with plated RN 115 grain bullets seated to 1.100 OAL. Feeds across all my 9mm’s flawlessly.

you are shooting a softer bullet at a similar length with more powder but still on the low end of velocity for the weight

 

[keninger]

I use 4.2 grains of N320 with plated RN 115 grain bullets seated to 1.100 OAL. Feeds across all my 9mm’s flawlessly.

I loaded up groups of 10s from 1.150 to 1.100 COL stepping down in small increments, will report back where it started cycling reliably.

 

[keninger]

I have a brand new Glock G34 and non of the cases ejected or cycled properly, not even 1.100". I also have a G45 which I have put 12k rounds through and it loved anything at and below 1.15.

I will have to step up the powder charge for the G34 because for high enough pressures I would need to decrease COL way past what I would want to with the current charge.

 

[markm87]

As mentioned, a good way to know if your bullet is seated deeply enough is to use the barrel as a drop in gauge. I remember loading my first pistol ammo to spec OAL, and it wouldn't chamber. The OAL was based of a FMJ of a different shape.

 

[keninger]

As mentioned, a good way to know if your bullet is seated deeply enough is to use the barrel as a drop in gauge. I remember loading my first pistol ammo to spec OAL, and it wouldn't chamber. The OAL was based of a FMJ of a different shape.

My issue isn't really chambering. My issue is not ejecting and stovepiping. Which still indicates a low-pressure problem.

 

[markm87]

My issue isn't really chambering. My issue is not ejecting and stovepiping. Which still indicates a low-pressure problem.

Very likely. The two problems I've ever had in auto loading pistol are too mild of an output charge and working of a dial caliper instead of making the round fit the chamber.

 

[Zero333]

I used to use N-320 in the 9mm Para.

3.9 gr with a 115 gr RN is very light load and once the pistol gets caked, it will not eject with authority.
I used 4.4 gr N-320 with the 115's...
but mostly shot 147's with 3.6 gr N-320.

Now I prefer Titegroup in the 9mm Para with all bullet weights.

That's all with plated bullets. With 115's I aim for 0.200" of bullet below case mouth.

Just measure the length of the case and the bullet and subtract 0.200"...
0.755 + 0.540" - 0.200" = 1.095"
just a rough guideline.