WTK: 9mm 115 FMJ

[Dane R. Marley]

I have a Freedom Ordnance FM-9 and I want to reload some 9mm for it. I have never reloaded 9mm.
The Uppers like 115 gr. FMJs best.

Any suggetions on a powder to start a load ladder with using 115 FMJs?

 

[horseman1]

Hi Dane,

I've had good luck with CFE Pistol and WSF with 115gr FMJ.
I have read there are many good ones and I recall seeing posts with crono data for several combinations.

 

[Dane R. Marley]

I heard CFE Powders are very clean burning. Since this is a belt fed upper I want a clean burning powder so I don't gum up the upper.

I will look into CFE Pistol. I was planning to try it for my 556 ARs whenI run low on my current stock of rifle powders.

Thank You.

 

[WestKentucky]

A simple suggestion that I’m sure you already know... Running up near max load is the cleanest way to load. A lot of powders are dirty at low pressure, some are worse than others. I like bullseye and titegroup for 9mm and have them near max for my guns.

 

[horseman1]

West Kentucky wisdom right there. I had neglected to mention that.

 

[Blue68f100]

I use W231 for the 115gr pills in 9mm. I prefer WSF for the 124gr.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I've only tried one load so far, but it worked well. 6.5gr of HS-6 with Sierra 115 jhp is giving me 1240fps. This is 1/10th grain over max according to Hornady but 2/10th less than starting load according to the 2021 Hodgon manual. I followed Hornady and started at 5.9 gr.

 

[horseman1]

Like Blue mentioned,(after looking at my past load data), I also had good luck with W231/HP38 as well with 115gr bullets.

 

[BOISE BADWOLF]

I like win231 for my 90g xtp loads, but i cant say enough about accurate #5 for 9mm 115g 124g and 147g. I also like #7, performs amazing with 115g Berrys with 6.5g at 1.100 and 147g Berrys also at 6.5g at 1.160. I recommend trying #5 and see what ya think. I started with 231 and only use it for my 90s now after using #5 and #7.

 

[DMW1116]

The differences in sources for data is frustrating. I'm running a low charge of CFE Pistol under Berrys 115 gr Plated Round Nose. Hornady has a wider range of charges and goes considerably higher than the data I got from Hodgden's web site and my 9mm blue book of load data. Hornady is listing loads for their FMJ bullets instead of plated. It's probably between 1000 and 1100 fps and is more accurate than I can shoot it, for now. I'm closing in though.

 

[lordpaxman]

Any suggetions on a powder to start a load ladder with using 115 FMJs?

Right now any powder you can get your hands on. And that only works if you can get primers.
Seriously, if you consult enough published data, you’ll find Uber fast powders like Tightgroup or Target down to Uber slow powders like AA7.
If you’re new to 9mm, and you have a variety of powders, pick something midrange from 244 to WSF and you’ll most likely be pleased with the results. After that you can play with faster or slower powders. The midrange powders let you dial in the COL which is just as important. Make sure you check setback.

The differences in sources for data is frustrating.

Indeed. So is their test setup, and the fact a lot of us don’t have the exact bullet or COL. It’s very similar to going to a DR with a cough, there’ll be a variety of diagnoses and prescriptions, it’s called practicing medicine for a reason. We’re just practicing reloading. Good luck.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I like W231 for hot 115 FMJ (and most everything else in 9mm).

Very clean.

 

[Average Joe]

W231 works for me.

 

[Skeptic13]

I use 4.9 gr of Universal with 115 gr bullets. It has worked well for me. I usually get my bullets from Everglades Ammo. They are fairly reasonable and have fast shipping and good customer service.