Velocity data and loading decision

[asquared19]

OK. First off, please note these questions are from a very newby level loader. I have done a handful of starter loads for my 3 pistols and finally got a chance to try them at the range. every load I ran cycled just fine in my 3 semi auto pistols. Ultimately, I'm trying to determine what powder grain charge weight I should select in order for my bulk loading as all seem to function fine. I'm guessing I should lean towards the upper level since speeds are so low.

loads done were 380 ACP, 9mm, and 45ACP.

380 was 100 grain CP Round Nose and Hollow point, with CCI 500 and Bullseye (older 2lb can).

1. round nose:
   1. 2.3 grain bullseye
      1. min - 561fps
      2. max - 613fps
      3. avg - 594.2 fps
   2. 2.5 grain bullseye
      1. min - 637 fps
      2. max - 682 fps
      3. avg - 657 fps
2. Hollow Point:
   1. 2.3 grain bullseye
      1. min - 541 fps
      2. max - 623 fps
      3. avg - 593 fps
   2. 2.5 grain bullseye
      1. min - 627 fps
      2. max - 636 fps
      3. avg - 632 fps

 

[asquared19]

Here is the load data for 9mm. all bullet weights are 124 grain, and powder used was Accurate 2 with Federal 100 primers. For reference sake, I did also shoot a few rounds of factory ammo as this pistol was new, and I wanted to function check it. Factory Blazer - 1024, Factory Defender - 1135

• round nose:
  1. 3.6 grain Accurate 2
     1. min - 547 fps
     2. max - 602 fps
     3. avg - 577 fps
  2. 3.8 grain Accurate 2
     1. min - 682 fps
     2. max - 824 fps
     3. avg - 757 fps
  3. 4.0 grain Accurate 2
     1. min - 898 fps
     2. max - 935 fps
     3. avg - 921 fps
• Hollow Point (Hornady XTP):
  1. 3.3 grain Accurate 2
     1. min - 508 fps
     2. max - 655 fps
     3. avg - 576 fps
  2. 3.4 grain Accurate 2
     1. min - 548 fps
     2. max - 730 fps
     3. avg - 607 fps
  3. 3.5 grain Accurate 2
     1. min - 615 fps
     2. max - 741 fps
     3. avg - 680 fps
• Hollow Point (Xtreme XTR HP):
  1. 3.3 grain Accurate 2
     1. min - 317 fps
     2. max - 398 fps
     3. avg - 358 fps
  2. 3.4 grain Accurate 2
     1. min - 365 fps
     2. max - 437 fps
     3. avg - 396 fps
  3. 3.5 grain Accurate 2
     1. min - 431 fps
     2. max - 487 fps
     3. avg - 447 fps

 

[asquared19]

an finally load data for 45. all 45 was 230 grain projectiles, with Bullseye powder and CCI 300 primers.

• round nose:
  1. 3.6 grain Bullseye
     1. min - 478 fps
     2. max - 567 fps
     3. avg - 521 fps
  2. 3.8 grain Bullseye
     1. min - 494 fps
     2. max - 515 fps
     3. avg - 510 fps
  3. 4.0 grain Bullseye
     1. min - 546 fps
     2. max - 571 fps
     3. avg - 557 fps
• Hollow Point (Hornady XTP):
  1. 4.0 grain Bullseye
     1. min - 655 fps
     2. max - 699 fps
     3. avg - 676 fps
  2. 4.5 grain Bullseye
     1. min - 654 fps
     2. max - 698 fps
     3. avg - 678 fps

 

[asquared19]

This is all my data for now. really hoping for some insight on where I should go next. I'd like to start putting together some loads in batches, but want to make sure I select the right load to build off of.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

To me your speeds are way way too low. I would work on speeding things up and get close to basic factory ammo speeds.

 

[6BRA]

Leave the bullseye...imo... powerpistol, unique, herco...

 

[SecondsCount]

Like others have stated, you are shooting powders that is on the faster side. Be very careful not to double charge a case.

I have no experience with 380 but shoot a lot of 124 grain bullets in 9mm. In order of preference-

1. VihtaVuori N320 - Very accurate
2. Winchester Super Field aka WSF - Good accuracy with mild recoil.
3. Ramshot True Blue
4. Ramshot Silhouette (I've obtained some high velocities with this powder combination)
5. Winchester 231

 

[Scott-ak]

wow, you've done some good experimenting. My loads are based on use and the vast majority are for action pistol sports shooting a few hundred rounds a week. So IMO decide what you are loading for and develop a load to suit.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

I'm not sure what's going on, but 3.7g of Accurate 2 should be giving 931 fps according to Hodgdons Data. There are better powders for the 9mm anyway, but I guess you use what you have. I would be checking scales and chronograph.

 

[divingin]

You should be in the 900-1000 fps range (assuming you're trying to get somewhere near "standard" ammo performance.) Reduced loads are fine if you're just punching paper or ringing steel or want less recoil (and has the advantage of making your powder last a bit longer.)

Function in an autoloader depends on a lot of variables, and won't necessarily correlate with load suitability apart from just that: function.

So, what load you choose depends on what you're trying to do.

 

[asquared19]

To me your speeds are way way too low. I would work on speeding things up and get close to basic factory ammo speeds.

This was my concern exactly. Loads seemed way low. As stated, I am loading with what I was able to get my hands on. Hoping to fine tune with what I have in order to maximize investment. Loads were loaded with a lee auto fill drum and then double checked with a Hornady pocket scale regularly. Chrono is an Alpha Chrony Master that was loaned to me. Intended use is just target practice/recreational. I want to be close to factory speeds/recoil, but want to ensure I'm not missing something and then doing something wrong or that the chrony is just way off.

 

[asquared19]

You should be in the 900-1000 fps range (assuming you're trying to get somewhere near "standard" ammo performance.) Reduced loads are fine if you're just punching paper or ringing steel or want less recoil (and has the advantage of making your powder last a bit longer.)

Function in an autoloader depends on a lot of variables, and won't necessarily correlate with load suitability apart from just that: function.

So, what load you choose depends on what you're trying to do.

I do want to be closer to factory speed/recoil. I was going to download GRT and try to enter some data to see what info I get. The bullseye is one of the older 2lb tins that was given to me unopened. I did purchase the accurate 2 and some unique, but don't get a ton of range time to trying to tune one thing at a time.

 

[asquared19]

The bullseye I have is the old Hercules brand stuff by the way.

 

[divingin]

The bullseye I have is the old Hercules brand stuff by the way.

Bullseye was sold to Alliant in 1995. Prior to that it was made by Hercules from 1913. A bit of a range wherein your powder could have been made.

 

[asquared19]

So I ran GRT tonight (also a first). For the .45 ACP, using the 4.0 of Bullseye (alliant only in the DB, not hercules) and the 230gr XTP, it spit out a velocity of 623 fps, which is pretty darn close to my average of 676fps.

 

[asquared19]

now for the 9mm, using the 3.5 of Accurate No2, along with the 124 grain XTP, it gave me an estimated velocity of 860, which is substantially higher then my average velocity of 680fps.

 

[powderbrake]

I am an old guy, so Bullseye is my choice for accuracy pistol loads.

9mm 115gr round nose jacketed or plated 4.5 gr Bullseye

45ACP 200gr SWC Lead, 3.8 gr Bullseye target load.

45 ACP 230gr FMJ 5.0 gr Bullseye ( IDPA)

Forget the velocity, let the target tell you the best load, assuming you dont overpressure, but the manuals can tell you the limits.

 

[BigBolt]

Here is a good site for reloading just about every caliber.

Shooter's Reference Cartridges

shootersreference.com

 

[asquared19]

Here is a good site for reloading just about every caliber.

Shooter's Reference Cartridges

shootersreference.com

Thank you. Lots of good info to review.

 

[asquared19]

been thinking about this too since my time between loading and shooting is usually fairly long..and it gives me time to overthink things. Is there any chance that COL could play a factor?

Here are the lengths I loaded to:
45ACP - Xtreme RN = 1.270
45 ACP -Hornady XTP = 1.233

9mm - Xtreme RN = 1.161
9mm - Hornady XTP = 1.110
9mm - Xtreme HP = 1.120

380 - Xtreme RN = .9750
380 Xtreme HP = .9635