Loading for 9 Major

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  • diverjes06

    Sharpshooter
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    Jan 9, 2010
    597
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    GREENWOOD
    I've been considering an open gun in 9 Major. I'd like to get suggestions concerning loads for 9 Major. I have been unable to find anything that would generate sufficient velocity in the loading manual I have. I assume jacketed bullets would be necessary, but what weight? Are certain powders better than others?
    Don't want anyone to give away secrets, but any information would be appreciated.
     
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    34   0   0
    Feb 23, 2010
    957
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    Converse Indiana
    You won't find any in loading manuals. 9mm major loads are a little tricky as they are above the SAAMI specs and are not designed for your over the counter 9mm pistols. hS6 and autocomp are 2 of the more popular major powders.
     

    Tomt

    Plinker
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    Jul 26, 2010
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    7.8 grains of Vihta Vuori N37 with Montana Gold 124 Gr. JHP. works for me in my STI gun with a KKM barrel. Whether this recipe works for anyone else is pure conjecture
     
    Last edited:

    Lunati

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    Dec 28, 2012
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    Warsaw
    I would be careful recommending major loads publicly. Please take caution and work your way up. A chrono is a must.
     

    Leo

    Grandmaster
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    Mar 3, 2011
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    Lafayette, IN
    My only exposure to the 9mm Major was from a customer. He would buy 9mm brass 5000 or 10,000 at a time. He shot major with a custom gun. He said he didn't trust the brass more than 1 time. That seems kind of to be an indication of something that really should not be done.
     

    Lunati

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    Dec 28, 2012
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    My only exposure to the 9mm Major was from a customer. He would buy 9mm brass 5000 or 10,000 at a time. He shot major with a custom gun. He said he didn't trust the brass more than 1 time. That seems kind of to be an indication of something that really should not be done.

    That seems fairly common with 9 major loaders, most only use the brass once.
     

    Tomt

    Plinker
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    Jul 26, 2010
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    Actually the 7.8 grains does not always meet major power factor so I have factored in working up the load. Reloading ammunition must always include the safety factor. Using Vihta Vuori N37 is almost self limiting since the case is usually totally full and the powder is being compressed. Information and the accumulation of data is always the responsiblity of the reloader. If the reloader is not willing to do the necessary research and steps to safe loads I suppose reloading should not be considered. Your point of recommending major loads is well taken and I will change my recommendation to " 7.8 grains of Vihta Vuori N37 with Montana Gold 124 Fr. JHP works for me and should not be considered to be a recommendation for anyone else to use this setup"
     

    Vespid_Wasp

    Plinker
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    Oct 13, 2009
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    That seems fairly common with 9 major loaders, most only use the brass once.


    Is it fair to question the ethics of a person who leaves 9mm brass laying on a range that has been loaded to major? They don't trust it to shoot again themselves but it almost invariably winds up in someone else's brass bag.

    True, most people aren't loading major and subsequent loadings might be fine. But I find it to be irresponsible.

    With all the problems I hear about 9mm major, is it really worth it? Why not 40 or 9x23?


    Perhaps I am being overly cautious.
     

    Snizz1911

    Marksman
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    Mar 8, 2013
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    I'm sure I've picked up and loaded plenty of brass that was shot 9 major. I think you answered your question though, the concern would likely be loading it to 9 major again and it doesn't seem those guys do that much or at all, although I can't really speak to it not shooting open.

    For my puny production loads I've never had a problem. But I also inspect cases as I'm loading. IMO in would be more irresponsible not inspecting your cases or checking them as you load.

    Id assume 40 equals less mag capacity and 9x23 equals more expensive.


    Is it fair to question the ethics of a person who leaves 9mm brass laying on a range that has been loaded to major? They don't trust it to shoot again themselves but it almost invariably winds up in someone else's brass bag.

    True, most people aren't loading major and subsequent loadings might be fine. But I find it to be irresponsible.

    With all the problems I hear about 9mm major, is it really worth it? Why not 40 or 9x23?


    Perhaps I am being overly cautious.
     

    rvb

    Grandmaster
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    Jan 14, 2009
    6,396
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    IN (a refugee from MD)
    With all the problems I hear about 9mm major, is it really worth it? Why not 40 or 9x23?

    This is why I thnk the 9mm being so much cheaper than .38 super argument may be a bit overstated. I'll load my super brass a half dozen times, and that's just because I've usually lost it at a match or I would be comfortable loading more; I've not seen any signs of excessive pressure, eg flat or popped primers or loose primer pockets. All I need is 3-4 loadings and it actually works out cheaper than buying once-fired 9mm and using it only once.


    As sv40sw45 points out, I'm sure there are 9mm loads that have reasonable pressure, but back when I bought my open gun, I saw all these problems with 9mm reliability (mainly mags/spacers and oal issues) and folks only using brass 1x, so went super and never looked back...


    :dunno:

    -rvb
     

    Lunati

    Sharpshooter
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    Dec 28, 2012
    615
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    Warsaw
    Is it fair to question the ethics of a person who leaves 9mm brass laying on a range that has been loaded to major? They don't trust it to shoot again themselves but it almost invariably winds up in someone else's brass bag.

    True, most people aren't loading major and subsequent loadings might be fine. But I find it to be irresponsible.

    With all the problems I hear about 9mm major, is it really worth it? Why not 40 or 9x23?


    Perhaps I am being overly cautious.

    Isn't that a downside to picking up range brass? How is it the shooters fault?
     

    CB45

    Expert
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    20   0   0
    Mar 29, 2010
    845
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    Indianapolis
    Is it fair to question the ethics of a person who leaves 9mm brass laying on a range that has been loaded to major? They don't trust it to shoot again themselves but it almost invariably winds up in someone else's brass bag.

    True, most people aren't loading major and subsequent loadings might be fine. But I find it to be irresponsible.

    With all the problems I hear about 9mm major, is it really worth it? Why not 40 or 9x23?


    Perhaps I am being overly cautious.

    Is it fair to question the ethics of a person who draws conclusions based on things they hear?

    The way I see it, bulged Glock brass is dangerous. I question the ethics of all shooters have unsupported chambers and don't pick up there brass.

    I can't figure out how to do purple text, but that should be in purple.

    :draw:
     
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