After a few weeks of research and some trial and error, I finally got to the range to try out my reloads.
For 9mm (Glock 19 with XS Big Dot), I loaded the following:
124 gr Berry's RN with Power Pistol
5.2 gr = OAL 1.145 (#3), 5 rounds
5.3 gr = OAL 1.13 (#5), 5 rounds
5.3 gr = OAL 1.135 (#2), 5 rounds
115 gr Xtreme RN with Power Pistol
5.7 gr = OAL 1.135 (#2), 5 rounds
5.8 gr = OAL 1.15 (#1), 5 rounds
For .38 Special (Ruger Security Six):
158 Xtreme Copper Plated SWC with Power Pistol
4.6 gr = OAL 1.455
After firing some factory rounds, I did a few Hail Marys, loaded up the .38 Special, and pulled the trigger...
The only thing I can say is that it was beautiful. The .38s were so soft-shooting that I let my lady friend shoot them all because it was her first time to the range and the factory 9mm was too snappy for her. And the 9mm? Every single load of mine was more accurate than the factory loads, including a .75 inch group (I was shooting offhand at 7 yds.) Here is the damage:
I am a pretty good shot, but I had no idea how much factory loads were holding me back. One group was rather spread out, and another stringing, but 3 out of the 5 will require more testing. I am right handed but left-eye dominant, hence the reason I pull to the left. I was trained to shoot Weaver but I am trying to switch to Isosceles to improve that.
Anyway, I want to thank y'all for your advice. I have lurked here for many years (the search button is my friend) so I haven't posted too much until recently with all my off-the-wall questions.
For 9mm (Glock 19 with XS Big Dot), I loaded the following:
124 gr Berry's RN with Power Pistol
5.2 gr = OAL 1.145 (#3), 5 rounds
5.3 gr = OAL 1.13 (#5), 5 rounds
5.3 gr = OAL 1.135 (#2), 5 rounds
115 gr Xtreme RN with Power Pistol
5.7 gr = OAL 1.135 (#2), 5 rounds
5.8 gr = OAL 1.15 (#1), 5 rounds
For .38 Special (Ruger Security Six):
158 Xtreme Copper Plated SWC with Power Pistol
4.6 gr = OAL 1.455
After firing some factory rounds, I did a few Hail Marys, loaded up the .38 Special, and pulled the trigger...
The only thing I can say is that it was beautiful. The .38s were so soft-shooting that I let my lady friend shoot them all because it was her first time to the range and the factory 9mm was too snappy for her. And the 9mm? Every single load of mine was more accurate than the factory loads, including a .75 inch group (I was shooting offhand at 7 yds.) Here is the damage:
I am a pretty good shot, but I had no idea how much factory loads were holding me back. One group was rather spread out, and another stringing, but 3 out of the 5 will require more testing. I am right handed but left-eye dominant, hence the reason I pull to the left. I was trained to shoot Weaver but I am trying to switch to Isosceles to improve that.
Anyway, I want to thank y'all for your advice. I have lurked here for many years (the search button is my friend) so I haven't posted too much until recently with all my off-the-wall questions.
