Beretta 92F won't feed 147 gr XTP

[Spade5]

I have an older 92F not an FS and I cannot get it to reliably feed my 147 grain XTP reloads. They feed fine in my XDS but not the 92.

The 124 grain feed fine and I have no other issues with the gun.

I have tried slightly changing the seating depth but it doesn't seem to make any difference.

Sometimes it is the first round in the magazine and other times it will be the second or third.

It is not an obsession as I am fine with the 124 but it bugs me.

 

[eldon519]

You could try a different magazine or a new magazine spring. The heavier rounds provide more weight and inertia for the spring to work against when trying to lift the column to be be picked up by the slide. The fact that it also seems to happen to you with mostly-full mags would also tend to support this idea.

Just an idea to try if you really want to make those 147s feed.

 

[1KPerDay]

I assume you're plunking them?

 

[BSA1]

92F is a old gun. Have you replaced the recoil spring?

 

[gamestalker]

Exactly what are they doing, or not doing?

Are they not getting picked up as the slide closes?

Sounds like a weak magazine spring, rather than a bullet related issue. I've yet to experience a problem with them in any pistol, including the FS.

The nose is the same profile as that of the 124 gr. XTP, so they should feed nearly identical. The only real difference between them and the 124's, is that they weigh more, and have a boat tail.

GS

 

[Schwing]

I assume you're plunking them?

This is where I would start. If you are not familiar with it, do a youtube search for "plunk test" and you will see how to do it. It is very simple and is a surefire way to ensure reliability for a particular bullet at a particular OAL.

I would guess that you are following the recommended OAL from the manual instead of using the plunk test and they are probably too long for your gun.

While I am not advocating disregarding the manual, you are almost always better off using the plunk test to determine the longest reliable OAL for your bullet and then start at the very bottom of the listed load data and watch for pressure signs as you work up the load.

 

[kcofohio]

I agree in starting with the plunk test.

The 147 gr. XTP bullet has a long bearing surface. And if you're seating them at 1.100", where Hornady recommends. There could be a good chance that the bullet is touching the lands, before the gun can go into full battery.

 

[gamestalker]

Kcofohio, since it's a boat tail, doesn't the 147 gr. XTP have less bearing surface? Not more? I may be wrong.

I might have one laying around, if I do I'll take some measurements to get some idea, and to compare to a standard profile JHP.

GS

 

[kcofohio]

Kcofohio, since it's a boat tail, doesn't the 147 gr. XTP have less bearing surface? Not more? I may be wrong.

I might have one laying around, if I do I'll take some measurements to get some idea, and to compare to a standard profile JHP.

GS

Sorry, yes, maybe. I should have stated more bearing surface outside of the case.

With the 147 gr. XTP bullet seated at 1.100", there is about .080-.085" of the bearing surface beyond the case mouth.

Any barrel chamber made to SAAMI specs, may not go into full battery, once the bearing surface exceeds about .040" past the case mouth. Granted, there are tolerances that will determine each barrel to cartridge match-up.

It seems most gun makers open these tolerances up for reliable feed/chambering. Some don't.

 

[Spade5]

Thanks for the responses

The round chambers fine when it makes it up the ramp. Plunks fine.

Sometimes it feeds and sometimes it does not. Two magazines and both do the same thing.

I doesn't seem to matter if it is a full mag or only a couple of rounds loaded.

I am not going to loose any sleep over it but it sure seems odd. I bought the gun new in 85 and have never had any issues with any other round.

Thanks again

 

[Katitmail]

Button is more "round" and not pointy. Does it hang on a ramp?

 

[Reloadron]

Plunk Testing, we have a thread devoted to it. That is where I would start.Only because you have to start somewhere. Has good pictures too!

Ron

 

[rsrocket1]

I bought the gun new in 85 and have never had any issues with any other round.

30 year old guns might need a new recoil spring.
It doesn't matter whether the spring is stored extended or compressed for a long time, what wears out springs is cycling so if the gun wasn't shot much in 30 years, you may be OK, otherwise try a new recoil spring. The good thing is it won't go to waste and they are very inexpensive.

 

[Spade5]

Thanks again for the replies

I ordered the locking block kit and a stainless guide rod and spring from Beretta. I was surprised that the prices were reasonable.

The plunk write up that Walkalong did is really cool.

When the parts get here I am going to give the old girl a good cleaning starting with the magazines.

A lot of people find fault with the 92 series. I mainly bought it for the safety features and it turned out to be a great shooter. Sure there are newer guns that are lighter and have more features and I own a couple.

I am not fond of the rear sight but can't bring myself to change it. Same with my commercial 1911. They are both big and heavy but a hoot to shoot.

 

[Nordeste]

I have a 92FS and have found it a bit picky with the kind of bullet you use. Looks like she prefers RN over TC. As it is a service pistol and I have also found it to be less tolerant to mild charges (stovepipes) and think it can be due to a stiffer recoil spring, designed for handling hot 9 mm rounds (NATO spec, in particular). The barrel has a short ramp, perhaps that has to do with it not liking certain kind of bullets.