New reloader, working up first 9mm load

[rjss]

Hey guys, I've finally got my press and everything set up and need some advice on my first load. I bought all my components which are WSP primers, WSF powder, and oregon trail lasercast 115 gr. lead-silver alloy RN. Actually bought the bullets thinking they were FMJ but had a brain fart and they don't take returns on open ammo. Anyways, I can't find any load data using the WSF powder. I made one dummy load with an OAL of 1.160 and it wouldn't load, found out the OAL had to be 1.111 to chamber properly. Anybody have any info on how much powder to use to start with for these loads? They are only for plinking and I really really don't want any leading of my barrel. Just want a nice safe load. Sorry but I don't have a chrono to check speeds. Any other tips for a beginner would be appreciated.

[Bearcreek]

Hey there... Welcome to the reloading world!!

I actually use an OAL to be at 1.100-1.109... I had some get into the 1.11 range and they were a little long.
FMJ is listed at 4.9 -5.7 grains....In looking at the 124gr FMJ vs LRN The LRN is 4.0-4.7 and FMJ is 4.7-5.3; so what I would do is make about 10 rounds and I would start at 4.6gr, and see how they perform.

I personally use Winchester 231 powder with 115gr LFP and use 4.4gr. It is a very light load but enough to cycle the slide consistently and it shoots accurately every time.

This is solely my opinion and my logic... use at your own risk.

[Bidah]

I see a max load of 4.7gr of WSF for Lead 125gr bullets, and 5.7gr for 115gr FMJ.

[rjss]

Thanks for the welcome and very informative reply. I forgot to mention I contacted Oregon Trail and they are supposed to be sending load data in the mail. I'll probably use your OAL recommendation to make sure they'll all chamber, it freaked me out a little when I made the first one and it wouldn't load. I plan on taking it real slow and cautiously; I want to work up to find a good pet load and stick with it. I'm making a trip to Cabela's on Monday where I'm going to pick up some winchester FMJ 115gr. RN and maybe I'll use those and come back to these LRN when I'm more comfortable.

[Bearcreek]

What is your reasoning in getting the powder you got? I am fairly new to reloading as well and 231 is what my mentor started me on and so that is what I have been using thus far. It is a small flaky kind of powder that meters very well and consistently. My random powder checks are within .1gr of my target.
What kind of press do you have? As a new reloader, take it slow and QA quite a bit. I have only been reloading for about 6 months. and I check 2 powder checks (3 consecutive per check) per 100 and after every 100, I pick 10 random and check OAL.
I also put them in the 100 round boxes with primer side up and do a visual check to make sure primers are seated flush and none are installed upside down. I have had 2 primers that got installed upside down.
Hope these pointers help you out!

[Doc 3773]

I, use X-treme 115gr plated RN, 5.6gr Power Pistol and AOL of 1.142-1.145. Shot about 500 with no problems. Don't know why AOL changes length.

[AZXD]

50 thousandths shorter on the OAL means your internal volume is being reduced and thus pressure will increase. I'd wait for the load data, start on the low side, and I'd also buy a Chrony regardless of what bullet/powder you are using.

[rjss]

Originally Posted by Bearcreek

What is your reasoning in getting the powder you got? I am fairly new to reloading as well and 231 is what my mentor started me on and so that is what I have been using thus far. It is a small flaky kind of powder that meters very well and consistently. My random powder checks are within .1gr of my target.
What kind of press do you have? As a new reloader, take it slow and QA quite a bit. I have only been reloading for about 6 months. and I check 2 powder checks (3 consecutive per check) per 100 and after every 100, I pick 10 random and check OAL.
I also put them in the 100 round boxes with primer side up and do a visual check to make sure primers are seated flush and none are installed upside down. I have had 2 primers that got installed upside down.
Hope these pointers help you out!

I got the WSF powder because from what I read it is a very clean burning powder that is good for many different handgun loads, is pretty potent so you get more for your money, and is right in the middle as far as burning time. I think it doesn't have as much data because it is newer. I probably should have gotten the 231 as it's been around forever, but I don't think it will make too much of a difference. I have a Lee Classic 4 turret press w/ auto indexing. Didn't get a progressive since I wanted to take it slow and do a lot of QC.

[rjss]

Originally Posted by Doc 3773

I, use X-treme 115gr plated RN, 5.6gr Power Pistol and AOL of 1.142-1.145. Shot about 500 with no problems. Don't know why AOL changes length.

Do you mean OAL?...that is the overall length

[rjss]

Originally Posted by AZXD

50 thousandths shorter on the OAL means your internal volume is being reduced and thus pressure will increase. I'd wait for the load data, start on the low side, and I'd also buy a Chrony regardless of what bullet/powder you are using.

You're right but the loads will be light and I did find a min OAL of 1.0xx somewhere so I believe I will be fine. However, I do plan on waiting for the load data to get here. A chrony would be nice and is on my xmas list, but that won't really tell you the internal pressures, it will only give you the velocity, correct? (truly asking, not trying to be a jerk) Also, isn't the problem with getting towards max loads that as you increase powder the velocity goes up but the pressure skyrockets?