Ever run Clays in a 9mm?

[Cliff6]

And do you use a chrono, or are you simply going by "feel" ?

Just wondering.

I did chrono a couple years ago. Lost the data, but speeds were on the low end with the pistols and low to mid with carbines. I just don't load for high ends at all.
I do weigh EVERY charge with Clays at this low level though. These aren't shotgun loads. Off just a little is off quite a bit at low weights.

 

[Cliff6]

BTW, I'm NOT saying that your results will be the same as mine. I AM saying that this load is middle of the range load data and that I have had great luck with it. I did try 3.0 gr and that also worked well. Before that, I tried 2.8 gr and had a couple non-ejects. I didn't have my chrono when I tested those loads. I always use published and tested data and recommend that others do also.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

It's the only pistol powder I have, and no other powder of any kind is or will be available-at any price-at least for the foreseeable future.

Powder Valley has 3N37. You'll get MUCH better results with that than Clays.
https://www.powdervalleyinc.com/product/vihtavuori-3n37/

 

[D.B. Cooper]

Found this data today (dated 2016) with 115gr in 9mm...



Time wise, 2016 was just after Hodgdon switched production of Clays from Australia to Canada. You'll want to check the back of your can, there are variations between the 2 sources.

Interesting. I didn't know about this. It was early 2018 that I started reloading, and this powder is from earlyy to mid 2020.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

My only complaint is that I pretty much have to weigh each charge since Clays meters rather inconsistantly at these small amounts.

I have no problems with Clays at loads above about 4 gr, however, I load 9mm at 3.2gr and it doesn't meter as well as I like at the level

I do weigh EVERY charge with Clays at this low level though. These aren't shotgun loads. Off just a little is off quite a bit at low weights.

Thanks for the input. I don't relish individually weighing 1k rounds, but it is what it is. The smallest charged of Clays I've ever loaded was 3.5.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I load 9mm at 3.2gr and it doesn't meter as well as I like at the level.

My experience has been a bit different.

I use 3.2grs of Clays in my .38Spl loadings under a 170gr polycoated bullet for competition and it meters pretty well. I do use a Powder Check die on my Hornady LNL and I'll catch one every now and then that is a little heavy. I just pull it, dump the powder, and run it around the shellplate again.

I don't use Clays in 9mm anymore only because Sport Pistol seems to run better in my competition 9mms. (3.2grs vs. 3.6grs; under a 124gr RMR MW) Clays is an excellent powder for light .45ACP loads (3.0grs)

 

[JEBruns]

Interesting. I haven't felt the need to do anything extra with Clays. I use a Lee auto drum and it seems to work well. It had fits trying to measure Unique, however which is why I went to Clays in the first place.

Me either. It runs very consistently through my Dillon 1100 and 650 presses.

 

[rfwobbly]

Interesting. I didn't know about [Hodgdon moving Clays production from Australia to Canada]. It was early 2018 that I started reloading, and this powder is from early to mid 2020.

Yes you need to be careful with older (pre-2016) Clays. The burn rate is similar, but there is a variation in the density.