XD Talk

Marc82much · 10-19-2011, 06:51 PM

I am new to reloading. I have a Redding Turret Press with Redding dies. I only shoot one caliber...9mm Luger. I have a Springfield 9mm XDM 5.25 barrel, competition model. I shoot IDPA and USPSA and sometimes steel targets. I have purchased 4 pounds of VV N320. I have 1,000 bullets coming from Bayou Bullet. They are poly coated lead cast bullets, 147 grain.

Don, the owner says that cast lead bullets may have a little different load data. Checking the VV chart, cast lead is not a bullet option.

Can anyone suggest a minimum/maximum load recipe to try?

zWarlord · 10-19-2011, 07:02 PM

I don't have any loads for that combo, but a good place to start will be not to drive lead bullets much aster than 1100Fps.

XDRoX · 10-19-2011, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zWarlord

I don't have any loads for that combo, but a good place to start will be not to drive lead bullets much aster than 1100Fps.

Why do you suggest that ZW

I shoot my 357 loads over 1250fps all the time. Never had a problem. I know that with cast rifle loads well over 2000fps is normal.

**ETexPops** · 10-19-2011, 08:09 PM

I've shot Donnie's 135 gr bullets with N320 but have no data for his 147's. Load data for lead 147's is not in my load book for 9mm or on the VV website. Try the 9mm reloading sub-forum on Brian Enos. Once you find the data; work up slowly and don't worry about leading the barrel. Bayou's just don't lead the barrel; at least at IDPA or USPSA power factors.

If I get a chance later I'll look on Benos for you and see what is available. Better yet Fred may be along with the answer in a bit.

Marc82much · 10-19-2011, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XDRoX

Why do you suggest that ZW

I shoot my 357 loads over 1250fps all the time. Never had a problem. I know that with cast rifle loads well over 2000fps is normal.

Don, who makes the Bayou Bullets also said to be careful going over 1,000 FPS with cast lead bullets. I don't exactly know why, I am new at this.

Keltyke · 10-19-2011, 08:29 PM

Get a couple of good reloading manuals, like Lyman's #49 and "The ABC's of Reloading".

zWarlord · 10-19-2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XDRoX

Why do you suggest that ZW

I shoot my 357 loads over 1250fps all the time. Never had a problem. I know that with cast rifle loads well over 2000fps is normal.

Every loading data i have read for pistols (not looked at rifle) has said keep lead (and plated) at 1100 or less. This includes bullet and powder manufacturers.

To go above that i have always read you need gas checks to prevent the lead from getting too soft from the pressure/temp and severely leading the barrel. (I have never had need to go faster than 1100 so i cant speak to experience, its all from reading load data.)

I can take an image of said data if you like.

Marc82much · 10-19-2011, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keltyke

Get a couple of good reloading manuals, like Lyman's #49 and "The ABC's of Reloading".

I ordered Lyman "Cast Bullet Handbook: 4th Edition". Will check into the other. Thanks.

**ETexPops** · 10-19-2011, 09:40 PM

Good idea to have several reloading books as has been suggested. Problem is that it's gonna be hard to find data to support loading 147 gr bullets (lead or otherwise) with VV N320. Kinda like trying to find load data for WST and 9mm. It's not there but doesn't mean it can't be done if you work up the loads carefully. I found several references in reloading forums suggesting 3.2 gr of N320 as a starting load (I don't think that will get you to minor but a good start to finding what will). Provided you have a chrono and can check the bullets and know what high pressure signs to look for you should be able to find a load that works. Lots of folks out in the comp world running N320 and WST without published loads. If you hadn't already bought 4 lbs of N320 (ouch; that had to hurt) I would suggest WSF; plenty of data available, cheap, and readily available.

fredj338 · 10-19-2011, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zWarlord

Every loading data i have read for pistols (not looked at rifle) has said keep lead (and plated) at 1100 or less. This includes bullet and powder manufacturers.

To go above that i have always read you need gas checks to prevent the lead from getting too soft from the pressure/temp and severely leading the barrel. (I have never had need to go faster than 1100 so i cant speak to experience, its all from reading load data.)

I can take an image of said data if you like.

Ahh, experts, gotta love em. The general rule for 1000fps lead bullets has applied to soft swaged commercial bullets for years. There really is no realistic vel level you can not drive a properly sized, correct alloy for the pressure & well lubed lead bullet. There are rifle guys doing 2200fps+ w/ good accuracy & no leading. I routinely load medium hard cast bullets to as high as 1600fps in my 45-70 w/ good results & 1400fps in my 44mags w/ no gc.
To the OP, I am not a fan of moly bullets, but you treat them like any lead bullets. Bayou are cast, but w/ no lube to seal the bore, be careful not knicking or breaking the moly. You can run them like any lead bullet, your results may vary. Go to the VV site & use the starting data for 124grLSWC. Products - Lapua You'll note they run them well in excess of 1000fps. Most plated are good for about 1250fps before accuracy goes to crap. They are a vry soft swaged lead bullet w/ thin copper plating, why they are loaded like a lead bullet.
Using moly bullets puts down a film of moly in the bore. Switching to a plain lead or jacketed bullet messes up you accuracy unless all the moly is cleaned out & vise versa when going back to a moly bullet. Way too much trouble for me, so I shoot plain acst lead bullets in all my revolvers & most semiautos too, from 800-1400fps.