Load to approximate HST 124gr +P for practice

[BehindBlueI's]

My department just switched to 124gr +P HSTs. I've always used 147gr standard pressure. Any recommendations for a load for ball 124gr for practice that would approximate the new duty load?

[GJM]

I would look at Lawman 124 TMJ.

[BehindBlueI's]

I would look at Lawman 124 TMJ.

To clarify, while I appreciate the suggestion I'm asking about load data, not factory options. I know a lot of folks probably just click the "new posts" and might not notice this is the reloading sub-forum.

[willie]

The Lyman 4th edition Cast Bullet Handbook lists 5.0 Unique and a 125 gr cast bullet at 1150ish. I think this number is higher than you might obtain. Just a gut feeling. 6.0 grs Unique will bulge cases. Nosler has listed higher than 5.0 grns. with this weight bullet, but I would not go there.

Unique is my favorite powder. However, it meters poorly. Overall length, if not correct, will send pressures sky high if bullet is seated too deep. The Federal round has a 1200 fps velocity. In my CZ pistols +p ammo is louder, but I do not notice that recoil is significantly higher.

Leading can be an issue with lead bullets in 9mm, but this can be alleviated certain practices. I prefer coated bullets to plated ones when avoiding leading. That and using .357 or .358 bullets. Few if any 9mm barrels are .355.

[5pins]

At 1150fps average velocity for the HST load, I would start with Winchester 572 at about 5.4 grains with any 124gr FMJ bullet. Longshot, CFE Pistol, and AutoComp will also easily get you there but I like 572 the best.

[Oldherkpilot]

I used 7.9 grains of Blue Dot with a Speer 124 grain Gold Dot for an average velocity of 1140 fps from my Hi Power. Like all the "Dot" powders, Blue Dot meters poorly and the variance in velocity was almost 100 fps. Factory Gold Dots averaged 1217 fps. They varied only 25 fps. While not quite +P, the Blue Dot load worked well enough. K have a note in my book to try Accurate Arms No. 7. My Speer manual gives a range of 8.1 - 9.0 grains with a 124 grain bullet and that should get to 1200 fps. Note: Speer's data tends to run a good deal hotter than Hornady and Sierra, so I approach their top end cautiously.
Good luck on your quest!

[revchuck38]

5.8 grains of BE-86 under a 124-grain FMJ with OAL at 1.12" (max standard pressure load according to Alliant) runs 1170 fps from my PX4. So does Winchester NATO-spec hardball. 124-grain +P HST runs ~1180 fps from the same gun.

[Pit]

My department just switched to 124gr +P HSTs. I've always used 147gr standard pressure. Any recommendations for a load for ball 124gr for practice that would approximate the new duty load?

Off the subject a bit. Was a problem / issue identified with the 147gr standard pressure loads to call for the switch to the 124gr +P HST?

JW

[BehindBlueI's]

Off the subject a bit. Was a problem / issue identified with the 147gr standard pressure loads to call for the switch to the 124gr +P HST?

JW

No, no problem. I don't know why the change now, but it was one of 3 options originally tested and approved. May be a simple as availability or cost on the most recent purchase.

[Pit]

No, no problem. I don't know why the change now, but it was one of 3 options originally tested and approved. May be a simple as availability or cost on the most recent purchase.

Same as my department. Just checking. Thanks. Be Safe.

JW

[Ivantheterrible]

Using either Xtreme 124g plated bullets (preferred due to cost), or standard 124g FMJ, I prefer 5.5-6.0g of Alliant Power Pistol. PP is a little hard to find right now and I am experimenting with Shooters World "Major Pistol". It is supposed to be the equivalent to AA-7 but the load data varies slightly. So far, it seems to work okay but I just still prefer PP when I can get it.

[Rick R]

5.8 grains of BE-86 under a 124-grain FMJ with OAL at 1.12" (max standard pressure load according to Alliant) runs 1170 fps from my PX4. So does Winchester NATO-spec hardball. 124-grain +P HST runs ~1180 fps from the same gun.

This ^
BE-86 meters well and is allegedly flash suppressed, I have a Little Dandy rotor that drops a very consistent 5.7gr load that I’ve used is several pistols. Recoil and accuracy are similar to the 124gr +P HST and Gold Dot factory rounds.

[Nightvisionary]

5.2 grains of Universal gets with CCI 500 primers gets me 1210 FPS in a Glock 19 using 124 grain Gold Dots. It should do the same with FMJ.

[ranger]

My department just switched to 124gr +P HSTs. I've always used 147gr standard pressure. Any recommendations for a load for ball 124gr for practice that would approximate the new duty load?

What powders do you have available? I believe that there are many powders that will work so it depends on what you have on hand or available along with some 124 projectiles.

[Sal Picante]

Look at Titegroup too ... I think 4.2-4.3 of TG might do the trick.
Obviously, work up ...

[BehindBlueI's]

What powders do you have available? I believe that there are many powders that will work so it depends on what you have on hand or available along with some 124 projectiles.

Off the top of my head, I know I have:

CFE-pistol

AA #5, #7, and #9

Unique

Blue dot

I might have Titegroup, will have to check.

[Wayne Dobbs]

Off the top of my head, I know I have:

CFE-pistol

AA #5, #7, and #9

Unique

Blue dot

I might have Titegroup, will have to check.

5.8 - 6.0 Unique is great, but it sucks to measure consistently.

[revchuck38]

Off the top of my head, I know I have:

CFE-pistol

AA #5, #7, and #9

Unique

Blue dot

I might have Titegroup, will have to check.

I've had good luck with CFE-P in .40 S&W, that'd be my pick of the powders you listed. I think TG would be too fast-burning to make the velocity you're seeking.

[Wayne Dobbs]

I've had good luck with CFE-P in .40 S&W, that'd be my pick of the powders you listed. I think TG would be too fast-burning to make the velocity you're seeking.

Correct. TG is great for lower power factor loads, but won't get into the higher velocity related pressure ranges without getting overpressure. It also makes a pistol downright HOT during extended shooting sessions. It meters beautifully and is priced attractively. I use 4.0 - 4.2 with a 124 grain FMJFP and it's a great practice load.

[BehindBlueI's]

I've had good luck with CFE-P in .40 S&W, that'd be my pick of the powders you listed. I think TG would be too fast-burning to make the velocity you're seeking.

CFE-Pistol would be my first choice but I can't find any published loads for "+P" or the velocity I want.


Correct. TG is great for lower power factor loads, but won't get into the higher velocity related pressure ranges without getting overpressure. It also makes a pistol downright HOT during extended shooting sessions. It meters beautifully and is priced attractively. I use 4.0 - 4.2 with a 124 grain FMJFP and it's a great practice load.


I used to use it for wadcutters but it is hot and I've read it flame cuts the top strap faster then many other powders, so I haven't been using it very much for awhile. I think I still have some, though.

[ranger]

https://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/WPHandloading-Guide-7.0-Web-REV.pdf

AA5 and AA7 are both listed with +P loads and 124s

[BehindBlueI's]

https://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/WPHandloading-Guide-7.0-Web-REV.pdf

AA5 and AA7 are both listed with +P loads and 124s

I might as well try some #7 then, I've got plenty of that.

[DocSabo40]

I worked up a similar load a few years ago using the powders that I had.

Pistol: SIG P229
Bullet: 124gr Berry's Plated
OAL: 1.135"

Average of 5 shots:

CFE Pistol
5.4gr---1122
5.6gr---1163
5.8gr---1192

Power Pistol
5.6gr---1050
5.8gr---1081

At this point the wind at Ben Avery blew my chronograph over and I wrapped it up for the day. I settled on 5.6gr of CFE Pistol and it worked well for many rounds.

[JAD]

7 grains of HS-6 is about on the money.

[LtDave]

6.0 of Power Pistol should work, approximately 1250 fps.

[Wayne Dobbs]

6.0 of Power Pistol should work, approximately 1250 fps.

That was my recommendation, too. Power Pistol is great stuff.

[4given]

I use 6.0 grains of AA#5 with a xtreme plated bullet.