9mm OAL

[ADAMH]

one more question....

I have started to reload 9mm using 124gr round nose, cci primers, 5.8gr of HS-6

the lyman book says the overall length when the bullet is seated should be 1.075

which seems really short? all of the other factory ammo that I have is around 1.14 - 1.15 OAL

the lyman book has the maximum length at 1.169

I have been seating them to 1.14

what should I be doing?

 

[ChazHollywood]

What brand of bullet are you using? The safest bet is to use the bullet manufacturer's data for their recommended charge and OAL.

 

[gamestalker]

Hello again Adam. I'm having difficulty understanding your question. You said the Lyman book says use an OAL of 1.075", and then just below that statement, your said Lyman shows a maximum OAL of 1.069"? Please provide some more information about the bullet you are using also. Is it a jacketed bullet or other.? It is absolutely necessary to clarify those facts in order to advise you.
A couple of things here. It is not advisable to use factory ammunition as a guide or comparison unless the bullet in the factory round is the exact same brand and type you are using. This is because different bullets may have a different base and or bearing surface as well olgive location and nose characteristics, which determines how much of the bullet needs to be in the case. This can have an impact on magazine fit and more importantly pressures.

 

[ADAMH]

using BDX 124gr round nose FMJ

lyman has a 1.169 MAX for the 9mm

been making them 1.14

book calls out to make them 1.075 (which seems really deep and short)

 

[gamestalker]

First of all I would like to extend a "good job" regarding your cautious approach.
124 gr. FMJ RN should be fine at 1.40". But I would recomend taking the barrel out of your gun and making sure the bullet isn't contacting the lands. Also check magazine fit. Something that may help you in the future regarding OAL is, making sure the bullet is not seated deeper than necessary, doesn't contact the lands, and will fit the magazine. When you come across listed OAL's remember those are the shortest pressure safe OAL's and not the maximums. In general, the maximum OAL for a cartridge, is determined by your chamber and magzine fit.
One last word on OAL. According to Speer #10 1979 edition. Bullets for the 9mm seated .030" deeper than SAAMI approved caused test pressures to go from the desired 28,000 CUP to 62,000 CUP. With any metalic cartridge, deeper means higher pressures, how much higher the pressures depends on various elements including bullet weight and style, specific cartridge being loaded (9mm, .40 S&W, and so on), powder type used, and all other relative elements. Enough said, I don't want to over whelm you with more than is necessary at this time.

 

[Shmackey]

using BDX 124gr round nose FMJ

lyman has a 1.169 MAX for the 9mm

been making them 1.14

book calls out to make them 1.075 (which seems really deep and short)

You're fine. I usually do 1.15" for 124-grain round nose.

 

[Twmaster]

I'm using 125 grain hard cast. I've hand loaded more than 1000 of these exactly like this:



My OAL is 1.160

Never had an issue feeding or firing these in a Hi-Point Carbine.

My Lyman book makes the same recommendations as yours. When I seated these to those specs they appeared to be waaay too short.

 

[Uniquedot]

I'm using 125 grain hard cast. I've hand loaded more than 1000 of these exactly like this:

What mold are those from? Also is it just the picture or are those rounds over crimped? They actually look like they are roll crimped.

 

[Beancounter81]

using BDX 124gr round nose FMJ

lyman has a 1.169 MAX for the 9mm

been making them 1.14

book calls out to make them 1.075 (which seems really deep and short)

If I'm looking at the same thing in Lyman 49, the 1.075" COAL is for a Sierra jacketed hollow point, not a FMJ-RN. I seat my 124 gr FMJ-RN's at 1.15".

 

[Twmaster]

What mold are those from? Also is it just the picture or are those rounds over crimped? They actually look like they are roll crimped.

No idea what mold the caster uses. I buy these from J-K Bullets in Moore, Oklahoma.

No, they are not over crimped or rolled. It just looks that way somehow in the photo. The edge of the case is nice and square. You can feel the sharpness of the edge of the case against your fingers...

Cannot tell now. Those 3 bullets have dispatched some Paper Bad Guys.

 

[1SOW]

Hi Adam, you say you are loading 124 FMJ RN. I'm not familiar with "BDX" bullets, but 1.14 should work fine with a 124fmj.

I don't have the Lyman book handy. I would double check your "Lyman guote for oal" and make SURE you looked at 124 FMJ RN data. The 1.075" you mentioned would be common with HP or FP 124gr bullets.

 

[ADAMH]

Hi Guys,
THANK YOU firstly for quick and great answers...just starting out reloading there is a overload of info to remember..and some of the info in the books is not very clear

1=ok will leave at 1.14 OAL the gun seems to like that length

2= "BDX" is a Canadian bullet maker I figured I might as well support my own country when buying stuff when I can.

3= yes I have to improve my process, I am going to get a bunch of reloading blocks so I can easily set out the ammo and keep it organized

I have a Lyman t-mag press with the turret that spins at the top, so far it seems great...it does take some time however to produce bullets.

 

[spelsh]

I seat 115 fmj RN at 1.138.