Anyone have a 9mm Corbon-like Load?

[Stealthfixr]

I've searched the archives, and I've not seen any reference to a specific powder for a Corbon-like load. I am looking to use either 9mm 124-gr or 115-gr Hornady XTP bullets with new Starline brass. Has anyone worked up a similar load? What powder did you use, and at what weight? Thanks!

 

[444]

Not sure what you are looking for. What is a "Cor-Bon like load". What bullet weight and velocity ?

Ok, you made me get up. I have a single box of Cor-Bon 115 grain 9mm+P which states a velocity of 1350 fps.
No, I have never worked up a load to that velocity. I quickly checked a couple powder mfg. websites and they don't come anywhere near that velocity with their published loads.
I also know that those are legitimate velocities because I have chronoed a few rounds from this very box of ammo.
Out of a 16" AR15 I got a two shot average of 1463 fps
Out of a Ruger P89 I got a two shot average of 1354 fps
And out of a Kel-Tec P11 I got a two shot average of 1266 fps

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I've had extremely good luck with Hornady's 124-gr. XTP loaded over 6.0 grains of Unique in various cases, but usually Winchester or Starline, ignited by either a Federal or Winchester small pistol primer. I do apply a light taper crimp and load to LOA of 1.11". Average velocity is something like 1244 ft/sec. The load groups well and has been used on quite a few critters.

I've shot thousands of these with zero problems in CZ75's and Browning Hi Powers and other pistols, but do not advise going hotter.

Corbon's old listed velocity for their now-discontinued 124-gr XTP was 1250 ft/sec, but when I chronographed it from a Hi Power, it was generally about 30 ft/sec faster. The handload mentioned is NOT as fast, but it's close enough for me.

Best.

 

[Mylhouse]

I've used a max charge of VV N340 under a 115gr XTP with great success. Very precise and accurate, low flash, and a muzzle velocity of 1,290fps out of my Glock 26 (well over 1350 out of a CZ75).

 

[FireInTheHole]

Take a look at the VihtaVuori line of powders. 3N37 and N340 are great powders for high velocity rounds. My manual lists 6.9 grains of 3N37 as the max load with a published 1322fps.... I dont have a chrony, but I have shot both corborn and max load 9mm reloads and the "kick" certainly feels very similar.

Another candidate would be alliant's power pistol. I dont remember the charge for a 115gr FMJ off hand, but the max velocity is ~1280fps.... alot of flash though.

Keep in mind that barrel length plays a very important role in the amount of speed a projectile will pick up with different types of powder. If you have a 5" gun go with the N340... the 3N37 supposedly performs better from compacts... if you can tolerate the muzzle blast. (which is moderate with VV powders to begin with)

Oh, and another advantage of these powders is that they completly fill the cartridge. You double charge and you will know it!

 

[WESHOOT2]

I SPIT ON COR-BON -- PTOOIE

E-mail direct with intended launch platform(s) and specifics of loading equipment and expertise level.

All very dangerous.

 

[Stealthfixr]

Not sure how to email you ...

My intended launching platform is my CZ 75BD. I am reloading with a Dillon SDB. I've been shooting for 30+ years, and reloading (actively) for about 2 years. I've been reloading about 500 rounds 9mm a month, and 100-200 rounds 357 Mag a month. I would like to try VV powders, but they are not carried around here (somewhat rural NM).

I've used Alliant PP and Accurate #7 before, and AA#7 was my favorite. AA#7 can get a 124gr to 1190fps with published maximums (8.0gr) out of my CZ--certainly fast, but not quite fast enough. PP published maximums are about the same. Pressure wise, my CZ shoots published max's all day long without a single over-pressure sign.

And, those who want to grouse over "why do you need to shoot such a high-powered load and abuse your gun ... blah, blah, blah" can just stop now. This is not a load I would shoot every day.

Bottom line: it seems I should not be paying Corbon $15 for 20 rounds when I can probably make them much cheaper! They've obviously found a safe combination of pressure/powder/bullet that works in 99% of guns, safely. So common sense tells me "what combination would get me (115gr to 1350fps, or 124gr to 1250fps for so) similar results, safely?" The lawyers prevent Lyman and such from publishing 9mm+p loads in their books, but I am sure someone out there has found a recipie that comes close without pressure concerns. Maybe AA#7 is the ticket--anyone tried? In any case, whatever "receipie" someone could provide, I would work up to it slowly to ensure there were no problems with my gun & procedures--don't worry there. Thanks all.

 

[HSMITH]

LOL@WESHOOT2, PTOOIE cracked me up!!

Power Pistol is a good start and the VV powders publish higher pressure loads than domestic companies do in a lot of cases.

This WESHOOT2 guy is a really good resource when you want a special load. EMAIL him off the board and see what he has to say, he won't give you anything he has not done himself.

 

[WESHOOT2]

ACTUALLY

These folks e-mail me, I give them insane advice, then they e-mail me back with the load that blew up their gun(s), then I got more data!

Cool, huh?

(sounds of insane laughter still echoing..........)




(still.................)

 

[WESHOOT2]

OKAY, SERIOUSLY

Cor-Bon ammo is in the top four.

Buffalo Bore
Cor-Bon
Garrett
Pro Load

 

[JohnK]

In my 5" Taurus I was able to get 1,350 fps with a Winchester 115gr JHP. I used an OAL longer than specified by SAAMI but still easily fit and functioned perfectly in my magazines.

over max data use at your own risk
OAL 1.23"
Win 115gr JHP
Win standard SP primer
8.3gr HS6

IN MY GUNS this load has worked fine for years, no pierced primers, no blown or buldged cases but it's above any standard pressure HS6 load I've seen published.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Stephen Camps loads are hot but safe and reliable. The 124 will out perform the 115 in the 9mm every time and place its tried.

But you asked for a 115gr load. So here they are. These are in fact listed max loads for the 115 and in my S&W Perf. Ctr. guns they give the same velocities as the Corbon, though they are slightly slower than the "Claimed" velocities for the Corbon.

Also be advised that Corbon dosen't always use Sierra bullets for its loads, however, these loads do use the 115 Sierra JHP.

Sierra 115 JHP Bullet
Seating depth 1.050"
Case: Winchester or Starline or Federal
Primer: WSP, do not substitute a magnum or Federal primer (Feds are thinner and have produced pierced primers)
Powders:
1. Hodgdon Tite-group 4.8gr Velocity 4" 1275
5" 1315
6" 1330
I load 4.4 for accuracy loads for competition and see little difference in terminal performance.

2. Winchester Superfield 5.7gr 4" 1265
5" 1290
6" 1335
I use 5.3gr for both 115gr and 124-5 gr loads for indistinguishably different performance except better accuracy and longer case life.

3.Clays Universal 5.4gr 4" 1255
5" 1285
6" 1320
I recommend using 5.1 gr. Very clean burning for those to whom it makes a difference.

This is based on my guns and the particular lots of powder I had on hand at the time of development, and may not be indicative of the actual results you get.
The Corbons I chrono'd were a slight bit slower than the cataloged velocities, but not enough to make any discernable difference in the "REAL" world.
I suggest that you follow the above load recipes and have Fail Safe -"SAFE" loads as I've had loads with 9mm that were within recommended powder charges cause high pressures and pierced primers. A 50fps gain is not really going to make a significant difference with the 9mm with a 115gr HP already 1275-1300 fps. However, going to a 124 JHP at 1250 give one essentially .357 Magnum revolver performance with .38spl recoil and muzzle blast. Just what you want a 9mm to do !!!

The above loads have been tried using the Hornady 115 XTP, and I used the Hornady recommended 1.095" OAL. Pressures and velocities were within the standard deviations of the Sierra loads at this OAL.

 

[KP95DAO]

My 125 gr JHP load clocks 1350fps out of my Ruger KP95s. Over the years I have sent about 3000 of them down range. But, there are those here who would still question its safety. That's what makes a horse race.

I use Federal cases, CCI 400 primers, just about any 125 gr JHP (primarily MG or Hornady), and the powder is 10 grs of one of my blends.

 

[FireInTheHole]

Might I ask what constitutes a "blend"?

I thought that if I mixed powders the devil himself would claim my soul or some such...

 

[Clark]

I like 158 gr XTPs with Power Pistol for 9mm, .380, and 9x23.
For the longer 38sp and 357 mag, I like 158 gr XTPs and LIL'GUN.
Sometimes I use 158 gr LSWC.

I have lots of 90 gr, 115 gr, 124 gr, and 147 gr bullets gathering dust.

 

[Wil Terry]

I DO!!!

Huh...sorry, I can resist everything but temptation.

 

[Dave R]

I'll bet you do, Terry!

For those that don't get the joke...Mr. Murbach works at Cor-Bon...

 

[HankB]

According to the Speer #8 reloading manual, a maximum load of 7.0 grains of Herco behind a Speer 125 soft point will produce a muzzle velocity of 1251 ft/sec out of an S&W M39's 4" barrel.

According to my Sierra manual, 7.2 grains of Herco behind a 115 Sierra JHP will produce 1400 ft/sec, and 7.0 grains of Unique will give 1350 ft/sec. Sierra used a Colt Mk IV Gov't with a 5" barrel. Both are listed as maximum loads.

Note that 9mm case capacities vary considerably among brands, so if you're redlining your loads with one set of components and make a switch, you may get in trouble.

This data came from old manuals. Over time, components - including powder - can and do change, so I strongly advise cross checking these loads against a current manual.