Best 9mm Missouri Bullet?

[Olympus]

I'm looking to make a big initial purchase of some 9mm bullets from Missouri Bullet Company. I'm new to reloading and I'm just looking to begin stockpiling some general plinking ammo. The bullets will be used for my Hi Power and my SR9c. Should I go with the 115gr "Parabellum" or the 125gr "SmallBall!"?

Also would like recommendations on a good initial powder to use for these. I'd like to load these 9mm shells just about as mild as possible since my wife likes to shoot a lot too. What is a good powder and amount to start with? My Lyman 49th Edition doesn't have any load data for a 115gr lead bullet.

 

[rcmodel]

Just use the same data Lyman #49 shows for both of the 120 grain lead bullets.
Pick the one that most closely matches the shape of whatever 115 MB you end up buying.

The differance between a 115 and 120 cast bullet in powder charges is meaningless.

You can get more bullet weight variation then that by changing the alloy blend you cast them from.

rc

 

[Olympus]

What's a good powder to start out with? It looks like Bullseye is pretty popular. I'd like to get one powder that I can use for both 9mm and .45 which is all I'll be loading for now. Suggestions?

 

[zxcvbob]

I haven't bought from MO Bullets yet, but I use a bullet that looks just like their "IDP #8". 135 grains with a long round nose. Works great with a generous charge of Bullseye powder. Should work just as good or better with WSF powder. (Published load data is a little hard to find for that weight)

Bullseye is a classic powder for .45 ACP

 

[LiveLife]

Depending on the pistol you are shooting out of, you won't have to push the heavier 125 gr bullet as hard to cycle the heavier recoil springs of newer semi-autos.

If you are making a substantial purchase, I would say go with the 125 gr SmallBall as they have reliably cycled all the pistols I have shot them out of using mid to high range load data (this will give you more reloading options in regards to leading too). Depending on how stiff your SR9c recoil spring is (compacts have stiffer recoil spring rate than fullsize), you may need to push the lighter 115 gr at high range load data.

Bullseye and W231/HP38 are both good powders for 9mm and 45ACP, but W231/HP38 will give you less snappy recoil. I use them both.

 

[gilly6993]

I use the parabellum's.....

 

[Quoheleth]

I use the 125gr LRN with the starting charge of Win 231, per the Lyman manual, in my SR9c and it's incredibly soft. The gun basically deposits the brass at my feet. (edit to add: I just pulled my Lyman pistol & revolver manual - starting charge is 3.0gr Win231; I actually use about 3.2, as that's what my Lee disc throws.)

I've also used Bullseye, but it seems snappier. I like Universal and AA#5 as well as the Win231.

Be aware that the 125gr Smallball has a more round profile and might not chamber at a "regular" OAL. Those of us who shoot this in a CZ (and some other guns, too - not sure about the HiPower) have to shorten the OAL a bit. Not a problem - just make a few test rounds and check for chamber fit before running up a whole box.

Either bullet is great. Check Brad's "Bullet Bundles" for some savings on shipping.

Q

 

[rfwobbly]

I'm looking to make a big initial purchase of some 9mm bullets from Missouri Bullet Company. I'm new to reloading.....

Mr Pus -
Hate to rain on your parade, but you may thank me later. As a "new reloader" what you're saying is sending me big red flashing lights. (And of course this is all predicated on exactly how new is "new".) Here's why I say this....

• Lead bullets may be inexpensive, but don't confuse "inexpensive" with "easy". Lead bullets are a larger diameter and may need special loading practices or lengths. While you are getting used to your press, dies and scales, do you really need to throw in another headache? Wouldn't it be simpler just to place a screaming baby or barking dog in the reloading room with you?

May I suggest some Berry plated bullets for your first efforts? At least until all your adjustments are made.

• Not all 9mm bullets shoot good or even fit in all 9mm guns. If you don't know which bullets shoot best in your gun, then why would you make a "big" order. That's a great way to end up with lots of bullets that DON'T fit your gun. That sounds like something I'd do.

May I suggest instead that you order 100 of all the different types they make until you find out which one you like best.

Hope this helps!

 

[RandyP]

Another factor is indoor or outdoor range? My LGS range does not allow bare lead ammo, so I only reload plated or FMJ

 

[LiveLife]

In years past, I wonder what new reloaders did when all they had were lead bullets?

Use of jacketed/plated bullets will make it easier to produce functional reloads but I do not believe you must start out with them to learn how to reload properly.

I help set up new reloaders from time to time and although jacketed/plated bullets are often used to get them started out in 9mm/40S&W, for 45ACP, hard cast lead bullets are what I start them out with. The extra considerations to factor are:
- Use lower powder charge lead load data for larger diameter lead bullets
- Adjust OAL/powder charge to provide proper obturation (bumping of bullet base on firing) to minimize gas cutting and leading
- Flare the case neck a bit more to not shave the side of the bullets
- Taper crimp flat to not shave the side of the bullets
- Check/clean dies more frequently for lube build up

Not all 9mm bullets shoot good or even fit in all 9mm guns. If you don't know which bullets shoot best in your gun, then why would you make a "big" order. That's a great way to end up with lots of bullets that DON'T fit your gun.

IIRC, I do not believe we have any confirming reports of MBC 115/125 gr bullets not working in Ruger SR9c or Browning Hi-Power.

OP:
I'm just looking to ... some general plinking ammo. The bullets will be used for my Hi Power and my SR9c. Should I go with the 115gr "Parabellum" or the 125gr "SmallBall!"?

Olympus, both 115 gr "Para" and 125 gr "SmallBall" will make good plinking ammo shot from both of your pistols.

I'd like to load these 9mm shells just about as mild as possible since my wife likes to shoot a lot too. What is a good powder and amount to start with?

It is for this reason why I suggested that you go with the heavier 125 gr SmallBall. Being able to use lower powder charge but still reliably cycle the slides will make for milder recoil for your wife. As others posted, run some test loads to determine which lower charges still reliably cycle the slides for your wife (you may want to test even below starting load from 3.8-4.3 gr). My wife likes 4.1-4.3 gr of W231/HP38 depending on the OAL used (1.100" vs 1.125") for her Glocks and I also load lighter loads for her in 40S&W, 45ACP and 38 Spl.

Another factor is indoor or outdoor range? My LGS ranbge does not alloow bare lead ammo, so I only reload plated or FMJ

More and more indoor ranges are switching to chopped up tires for backstop to allow for lead bullets. So ask the range staff to be sure. I sure was happy to see "shooting of lead bullets allowed in this range" sign at my indoor range.

 

[Olympus]

Whoa! Information overload...

I think maybe some clarification on my part as to what I'm calling a "big" initial purchase. I'm thinking of 2K bullets. To me, that's a pretty big purchase. It may not be for others.

Sounds like I should go for the 125 gr "SmallBall" bullet.

I don't shoot any indoor ranges. It's all outdoor, so I'm not too concerned about not being to shoot lead bullets.

Would it be beneficial to get about 250 or 500 plated bullets to start out with until I get proficient with my Load Master? I don't mind to go with the plated bullets, but there's a pretty good price difference between cast lead and plated bullets.

 

[Olympus]

BDS - I took your advice and went with 1500 of the 125 grain Small Ball. Also went with the HP38 and got some Winchester primers. I haven't gotten my Load Master completely set up yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for all the help.

 

[orrwdd]

BDS - I took your advice and went with 1500 of the 125 grain Small Ball. Also went with the HP38 and got some Winchester primers. I haven't gotten my Load Master completely set up yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for all the help.

You made good choices. Good luck and have fun.

Welcome to the world of reloading.

Bill

 

[LiveLife]

You are welcome!

The components you got will give you a very good starting point for reloading.

It's a fun and a great hobby.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

BDS - I took your advice and went with 1500 of the 125 grain Small Ball. Also went with the HP38 and got some Winchester primers. I haven't gotten my Load Master completely set up yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for all the help.

Exactly the advice I would have given you if I got here soon enough. I like HP-38/W231 in the 9mm, especially with lead bullets. I think you will too.

 

[GLOOB]

Get ready for the smoke!

Just be prepared for the smoke! I started out with a box of 500 for my first purchase of lead bullets, 6 weeks ago. So far, I have shot about 20 of them. I don't mind paying more for plated or jacketed bullets.

 

[Jeff H]

I just finished loading 700 of the 125gr over 4.1gr HP-38. Its my favorite for 9mm. Just make a note that while you can get away with a resonable length in the SR9c, they won't fit all guns if the OAL is longer than 1.1" or so. At 1.1", I can shoot them out of my brothers XD as well as my guns.

 

[Olympus]

I'm thinking about going with a OAL of 1.07 starting out since a lot of the ammo is going to used for my HP.

 

[LiveLife]

I'm thinking about going with a OAL of 1.07 starting out

If you want to reduce leading, longer OAL will help with gas cutting.

If you are reloading for just one pistol, I would recommend the longest OAL that will feed/chamber well from the magazine. If you are reloading for more than one pistol, I would select the shorter OAL that will feed/chamber well for all.

 

[rbernie]

While SmallBall shoots well, I have also found that it may need to be mo' deeply seated than expected to fit into certain 9mm chambers. My Sigs and M&Ps and so forth swallow it loaded to a max OAL, but my CZ and BHPs will not.

 

[zxcvbob]

Just be prepared for the smoke! I started out with a box of 500 for my first purchase of lead bullets, 6 weeks ago. So far, I have shot about 20 of them. I don't mind paying more for plated or jacketed bullets.

The smoke comes mostly from the bullet lube, but some powders are worse than others about smoking the lube. Titegroup really makes a lot of smoke with some cast bullets, and it's pretty clean with plated bullets. Red Dot and Green Dot are not too smoky with either.

 

[LiveLife]

Just be prepared for the smoke!

My indoor range allows lead reloads and smoke from MBC bullet lube and W231/HP38 is fairly light and probably lesser than other powders. Light smoke cloud drifts forward and never obscures the target. Shooting them at outdoor ranges in brighter light becomes almost insignificant. Most of my W231/HP38 loads are mid-high range.

Yes, Promo/Red Dot and Green Dot bullet lube smoke is not bad also.