I recently reloaded some 9mm ammunition using 147g FP lead bullets and 3.2g of Bullseye. Went out to the range today and got good results-some real nice groups. My question: I would like to increase the powder to 3.8g of Bullseye to see the results at that load. Lee's 2nd Edition Modern Reloading shows a starting load for 147g XTP of 3.9g not to exceed 4.2g. No load for Bullseye is shown in Lee's manual for 147g lead. Lyman's 3rd Edition of Pistol and Revolver Handbook shows a starting load for Bullseye of 2.8g not to exceed 3.5g for a 147g #2 Alloy. Am I going to be OK increasing the powder to 3.8g for the 147g FP lead bullet given the information provided above? Thanks
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My first question would be why the increase in powder? If your loading a target load then keep the powder light for lower recoil and more loads from your powder; enough power to reliably cycle the action and a get good group.

The XTP is a jacketed bullet and is harder to drive down the barrel and it's also a sturdier bullet. Driving a cast bullet too fast results in deformation and loss of accuracy. Generally with a cast bullet you are trying to keep velocity near or below a 1000FPS.

With out a manual in front of me right now I'd go with the 3.5 max load from Lyman.

My second question is why 3.8 grains? Just seems a little random. I'm not picking a fight, I'm just asking.

Are you using a Star reloader???

Reason I ask is that 3.2 and 3.8 gr of Bullseye are common powder charges for 45ACP target loads.

None of the reloading books I have show Bullseye with 147 gr bullets.

Usually, if a powder charge is safe for jacketed bullets it is also safe for lead bullets. There is a chance as Sam states, your accuracy might not be up to par, but I do not think it would be unsafe with the lead bullets.

Most people say lead bullets will not shoot good in a Glock, but I shot several thousand of them with no problems and good accuracy.

Safe thing to do is to load some at 3.5, 3.6 3.7, and 3.8 of BE, checking pressures on the way up.

4 gr would be a very hot load. I've found that keeping a 9mm loaded down a bit really helps accuracy.

10 years ago in a load work up, I shot 5.6 gr Bullseye 147 gr 1.169" 9x19 Luger RP primed brass, chamber with case support over feed ramp at .190" from breech face.


Generally the speed-density product of Bullseye is to low to get pressure trouble with 9mm with the case full.

Power Pistol [once called Bullseye 84] looks and smells just like Bullseye, but has a higher density. The most power I can get from 9mm is with Power Pistol and 158 gr bullets.

quote:

Originally posted by tnekkcc:
10 years ago in a load work up, I shot 5.6 gr Bullseye 147 gr 1.169" 9x19 Luger RP primed brass, chamber with case support over feed ramp at .190" from breech face.

Please do NOT follow any of this "data". It may work for tnekkcc, but you are likely to have disasterous results.

"likely to have disasterous results"