Danger, Will Robinson, Danger, nobody hand loads to +P!

[Oldbear]

Just remember though that most time the “hottest” loads are NOT the most accurate.  Couple that with potentially dangerous pressure levels and I’m of the group that thinks maybe you’d be better off just running a hotter caliber to start with.  Instead of a hot rod nine, how about just moving up to a 10mm, instead of a .38 special, just get a .357.   I shoot a lot of .44 Mag and .357 Mag.  In both cases, I typically download the rounds to warm to hot .38 Spcial or .44 Special.   A worthwhile challenge is to find a full house Magnum load you like, then play around with milder loads till you find one with same POI  at 25 yards (typically a good bit lighter slug).  That way you have a nice target round that you can play with while getting more and more skilled with a given weapon.  I saw a guy convert a nice S &W revolver to scrap metal by shooting overly hot reloads, and I’ve no desire to experience that situation personally😳

[SoCal]

Another overlooked IMHO is powder selection.

From VV web site gives a max load of N-320 @ 4.1 grs. yielding 1070 FPS.
                          while a min load of 3N37   @ 4.7 grs. yielding 1014 FPS.
Less peak pressure but almost the same velocity, and at max load with 3N37 you get 1148.
Still not as good as just going to a larger caliber but if you want to get flatter shooting rounds go to a slower powder.

[newageroman]

9mm Major Power Factor - competitive shooters that have comped guns, need gas to run the comp, have to make 165kPF for major(USPSA). I have only loaded to minor PF, for limited. Looking to upgrade components and start loading for open major soon(ish). May need to have barrel chamber reamed to seat bullet longer and stuff more powder in to work the comp. I'm looking at a 6" barrel and have it threaded for a comp - hoping the longer barrel will make vel and run the comp with lower pressure. May need a slower burning powder considering the longer barrel.

From what I gather (as a moderate loader, completely new to 9Maj.), most 9major shooters load (or start) with HS-6 or similar, and some of the published loads are above major PF. I don't know how the +P, +P+ and major/minor PF correlate to each other, I know its related, but not a direct correlation. Anyone can shed light on that please chime in.

I also have a Ruger PCC but I don't know if they run PF classis in PCC, if so, running same bullet in that will be another benefit I would guess.

Semi-related rifle rounds:
Long distance - hotter rounds have less drop at distance which can be a determining factor. May have better LD grouping in terms of ED and SD (which don't matter as much in pistol shooting)

For me, the LD rounds if < 750yds I use my rainbow round, which is a very mild round, but is cheap and accurate, best groups, saves barrel etc. I don't mind running the scope up a bit and putting more hold for windage. If > 750 yds I switch to hot loads of a lighter bullet with different powder compressed into the case. Not as good at 100 yds, but the distance targets are easier.