Clays and 9mm Reloading

[DWARREN123]

Check out Hodgdons load data site.

[sjmclean]

Recently I loaded 100 rounds in 20 round groups. They ranged from 3.1 to 3.7 gr. The 3.5 and 3.7 grouped in the center of the black at 50ft with a six o'clock hold. The 3.5 loads just make 125 PF in my service model and the 3.7 loads are close to 130 PF. The 3.7 loads have the edge in accuracy with the tightest group of the series. All groups were shot from a pistol rest from a bench.

Some folks are concerned about fast powders getting people in trouble. This can happen with an accidental double charge of powder. In this case 3.5 or 3.7 grains of Clays take up 2/3 of the case. A double charge spills powder over the top of the case and is an attention getter.

When I tried a slower powder e.g. HS-6, the top charge of 6.8 which was the most accurate by the way, did not fill 1/2 the case. A double charge could go unnoticed and cause a catistrophic failure.

I'm happy with Clays using 124-125gr fmj and lead bullets. If I want to use 147gr bullets I will need to change powders.

I use Clays for 12ga, 38spl, 9mm, .44spl, and .45acp. I buy it in 4lb and 8lb canisters. It is very economical and makes mistakes at the loading bench less likely. Now I am looking for one rifle powder that will work in .223, 30-30, and .30-06. This may be more difficult to pull off. Candidates are: Varget, H335, Win 748. Any ideas?

[Bultx1215]

Originally Posted by sjmclean

I use Clays for 12ga, 38spl, 9mm, .44spl, and .45acp. I buy it in 4lb and 8lb canisters. It is very economical and makes mistakes at the loading bench less likely. Now I am looking for one rifle powder that will work in .223, 30-30, and .30-06. This may be more difficult to pull off. Candidates are: Varget, H335, Win 748. Any ideas?

I'm looking at the same thing with the exact same calibers. My Hornady book doesn't list the same powder for all three. I did look at my dad's old Sierra manual from '78 and it has loads for all three based on those three powders. I was waiting for my new boks to arrive before I made a trip to the store.....but they are stuck in the ice in Jonesboro Arkansas right now. I can get H335 and Varget locally ...748 is eluding me at present, so I spose I'll do what I can see.

[jtprevatte]

www.handloads.com I think you will enjoy that sight....word of caution though, the OAL listed is the minimum....it does not clearly state that. I always cross check the info with my Lee manual...

When you go to the site, look at the top left...that is the links for the loading charts. You can look at loads by weight, or powder brand / type.

[RobFMJ]

Originally Posted by luvmy45

I have used the other powders, 231, WST and compared to Clays they are dirty.

huh... all the loads I made up with Clays were dirtier than S&B factory fodder, while HST is the cleanest burning powder I've yet to use...