Help Choosing 9mm Starting Loads - Berry's Bullets

[CraigAPS]

Bullet Mfr	Bullet	OAL	Starting Load	Starting Velocity	Max Load	Max Velocity	Pressure	Source
Speer	115 CPRN	1.135"	N/A	N/A	6	1217	N/A	Alliant Website
Speer	115 TMJ	1.135"	5.6	1166	6.3	1244	N/A	Speer Website
Nosler	115 JHP	1.100"	5.1	1000	6.1	1120	N/A	Loadbooks USA
Sierra	115 TMJRN	1.100"	4.9	1000	6.6	1250	255-399 ft*lbs	Loadbooks USA
Speer	115 TMJ	1.135"	5.6	1166	6.3	1244	N/A	Loadbooks USA
Lyman	115 Cast	.997"	4.5	1025	5.7	1210	22,200-31,500 CUP	Loadbooks USA
Speer	115 GDHP	1.125"	N/A	N/A	6.3	1244	N/A	Loadbooks USA Alliant Section
Hornady	115XTP HP	1.090"	4.4	996	5.8	1233	20,000-30,700 CUP	Lyman 50th

Okay. So, I'm trying to work up my load for 9mm. I have CCI SPP, Berry's 115 CPRN, and Unique powder. As Berry's doesn't have load data, I've been compiling from different sources I have access to (Internet, Lyman 50th ed., and Loadbooks USA One Book, One Caliber). Berry's website just says to use lighter FMJ or heavier lead data. Originally, I had thought to use 4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.2, and 5.4 grains (5 rounds of each) and check for accuracy and reliable function (shooting out of a Ruger SR9). Now, I'm thinking maybe just cut out the 4.6 gr load and do four test loads. Am I way off base here? The only bullet that is close to Berry's CPRN would be the Speer version, which I can only find data for on Alliant's website. Should I just go there and start at 10% below the max of 6 gr (5.4 gr)? That seems awfully high compared to the FMJ charges. Plus, from Google searches, I've found forum posts on here and a couple other gun forums where people are using 5.0-5.1 gr of Unique with Berry's. Again, this points to 5.4 gr starting load as being too high.

Also, how do I know what OAL to use? If I were to go with the Lyman cast OAL of .997", wouldn't that compress any charge of Unique in a 9mm case? Wouldn't that ramp up pressure and velocity?

 

[straight-shooter]

From my research the 1.135 oal is spot on for that bullet. Make sure to do the barrel plunk test to insure proper chambering. Also from my research on Unique and that particular bullet, 5.0 to 5.6 is ideal. This is where a chrono would come in handy and with plated i normally look for the 1,100 fps ballpark and the balance of the best SD and results on target without any pressure signs.

 

[CraigAPS]

From my research the 1.135 oal is spot on for that bullet. Make sure to do the barrel plunk test to insure proper chambering. Also from my research on Unique and that particular bullet, 5.0 to 5.6 is ideal. This is where a chrono would come in handy and with plated i normally look for the 1,100 fps ballpark and the balance of the best SD and results on target without any pressure signs.

I would love to use a chrono. Of all of the places I've shot, I think one would even allow me to use one. Although, before now, I never thought of using one. Are there ranges that have chronos that one can rent/use?

 

[warren5421]

I have Rainier Ballistics Reloading Data:

Max OAL: 1.169

Bullseye .................3.5 gr-4.5 gr
Unique ...................4.3 gr-5.3 gr
HS-6 ......................5.9 gr-6.8 gr
IMR 700X ...............3.1 gr-4.3 gr
IMR SR 4756 ..........5.0 gr-6.4 gr
IMR SR 7625 ..........4.0 gr-5.4 gr
W231 .....................3.3 gr-4.5 gr
W540......................6.3 gr-7.0 gr
W571 .....................6.8 gr-7.8 gr

 

[Slapstick]

I've loaded thousands and thousands of rounds using Berry's 115 gr projectiles using Winchester and CCI SPP and Unique. I settled on 5.3 g of Unique for that combo as it gave the best general performance across all the 9mm's I shoot. A good starting point would be 4.8 and work your way up from there but don't go over 5.5.

EDIT: As always you're responsible for your loads so start low and work your way up. The load I listed works for me but maybe not for you so be careful.

 

[DadSmith]

What I do is load up one rd dont put any crimp on it take the barrel out of my handgun then drop the rd in the barrel and check to see if it is where it needs to be. I load long then adjust the seating die until I find what my barrel likes. Usually it is loaded a little longer than the book calls for. However, I find it does improve accuracy for that firearm.

I have 3 9mm now. So I now take the shorter of the 3 and load it at that col. So they will fit in all 3 without problems.

When unsure do what I do and start low on powder and work your way up.

 

[Dentoro]

Following this thread. I like Berry’s. I use 100 gr bulets to load 9 and 380 (heresy I know).

 

[Fixer]

If you are looking for just target rounds your charge weight isn't going to be critical as long as it's not over pressure. Most of my target stuff runs in the middle of the road. Different brands of cases will have more of an effect on fps standard deviation then anything. Loading them close to the lands as possible for your barrel will result in the best accuracy. This makes much more of a difference than charge weight, especially at 7-25yd distances. Try not to over complicate it. Unless you are shooting bullseye with it, you probably won't notice much of a difference.