WST in 9mm...

That's what stopped me from using it in anything other than light lead loads.
No mention of compression in the data that I have, but it sure looks like anything over 4.2 or so is going to compress with my 124/125's.
Compressed loads are usually indicated in the data.

Depends on which lead bullet and how deep you have to seat it.

I've loaded a loooooottttt of WST under 124 plated RN at 4.6 and at 4.2. Both work great and I could never decide if one was more accurate so I mostly go with 4.2 now. If you have a chrono and are worried about power factor then be sure to confirm.

NOTE: These are not published loads. Use at your own risk. The high road is not responsible for the use or misuse of this information. Consult a lawyer and a gynecologist and a rabbi

Disclaimer: Following post lists loads not published by Hodgdon. Use them at your own risk.

Texas10mm said:

WST ... Can someone confirm that 4.6 gr is a compressed load AND correct for a 125 gr lead bullet

Click to expand...

Depends on the OAL/COL used. If you can load longer like 1.145"-1.150", I would consider that to be max.

But why start out at max?

I normally load "stepped" pointed nose profile lead 124/125 gr RN to 1.125" and prefer 4.0 gr of WST with RN plated bullets (Note longer OAL used for testing in below picture). Cycles the slide well and produces accurate groups.



If you can load longer to 1.130"-1.150", you can venture out to 4.3 gr without compressing powder charge with most FMJ/RN bullets.

I follow Brian Enos member CocoBolo when it comes to experimental loads without load data as he has likely shot plenty of them - https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/144946-wst-for-9mm/?tab=comments#comment-1626833

Disclaimer: Following post lists loads not published by Hodgdon. Use them at your own risk.

Texas10mm said:

Can someone confirm that 4.6 gr is a compressed load AND correct for a 125 gr lead bullet.

Click to expand...

OK, did some max case fill calculations for Z-Cast 124 gr "stepped" lead RN - https://www.jacobeagle.com/product-page/9mm-124-grain-rn-500-count


Measured some resized WIN cases and I got .747" as average resized case length and 9mm 124 gr "stepped" Z-Cast lead RN measures .610" for longer bullets.

So using OAL of 1.125" I typically use with this bullet, max case fill is:

OAL - Bullet length = 1.125" - .610" = .515"

So I subtract max case fill from average resized case length and I get .747" - .515" = .232"

I used the end of my FA dial caliper to mark the inside of case and filled with WST to mark and weighed the charge - 4.3 gr.

So for .747" length 124 gr lead RN loaded to 1.125" OAL, max charge of WST before powder compression is 4.3 gr.

Disclaimer: Following post lists loads not published by Hodgdon. Use them at your own risk.

And here's max case fill calculations for MBC 124 gr Hi-Tek RN (Small Ball) - http://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=208&category=5&secondary=8


9mm MBC 124 gr Hi-Tek RN measures .560" for longer bullets.

So using OAL of 1.050" I typically use with this bullet, max case fill is - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...with-short-leade-barrel.835033/#post-10804116

OAL - Bullet length = 1.050" - .560" = .490"

So I subtract max case fill from average resized case length and I get .747" - .490" = .257"

I used the end of my FA dial caliper to mark the inside of case and filled with WST to mark and weighed the charge - 4.0 gr.

So for .560" length 124 gr RN loaded to 1.050" OAL, max charge of WST before powder compression is 4.0 gr.

Disclaimer: Following post lists loads not published by Hodgdon. Use them at your own risk.

For reference here's max case fill calculations for RMR 124 gr FMJ RN - https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets/pistol/9mm-355/9mm-124-gr-rmr-full-metal-jacket-round-nose/


9mm RMR 124 gr FMJ RN measures .598" for longer bullets.

So using OAL of 1.135" I typically use with this bullet, max case fill is:

OAL - Bullet length = 1.135" - .598" = .537"

So I subtract max case fill from average resized case length and I get .747" - .537" = .210"

I used the end of my FA dial caliper to mark the inside of case and filled with WST to mark and weighed the charge - 4.6 gr.

So for .598" length 124 gr RN loaded to 1.135" OAL, max charge of WST before powder compression is 4.6 gr.

This is my 1 handed nra bullseye load for a full sized nm 1911 chambered in 9mm.


The bullet used for that target above is the green bullet. A home cast 125gr hp.


Page #547 of the Hornady 4th edition reloading manual volume #1 has reloading data for
wst and all their 124gr bullets. They are using 4.8gr to 5.4gr of WST with all their 124gr bullets. It's easy enough to cross reference because they also have bullseye/reddot/ww-321/unique/aa#2/aa#5/aa#7 data listed for the same bullets also.

A link to a downloadable version of the Hornady reloading manual #4 volume #1
http://marvinstuart.com/firearm/Man...tridge Reloading - 4th Edition - Volume 1.pdf