Testing some new 9mm minor powders

[wdfwguy]

My normal load for the last couple of years has been 124gr coated, and PD 124gr JHP bullets, with Alliant Sport Pistol powder.  Unfortunately, SP is the one thing I wasn't stocked up on, and my last jug isn't running low.  So, I thought this would be a good time to try some new powders.

I started out with my normal SP load, and then loaded rounds with N320, AA #2, Shooters World Clean Shot, and Winchester 244.

Aside from powder, I used Win headstamp brass, Eggleston .356 124gr TC bullets, and Fed SPP, loaded to 1.10 OAL.

I started out with the chrono, just to make sure I had a ~128-130pf load.  My initial results were;

Powder   Charge  Vel   ES   SD

SP - 3.8gr   1050   32   11

N320 - 3.7gr   1052   24   7
N320 - 3.8gr   1064   23   7     

AA #2 - 4.1gr   1032   36   10
AA #2 - 4.2gr   1052   32   9

CS - 4.1gr   1018   35   10
CS - 4.3gr   1045   39   11

244 - 3.6gr   1017   22   7
244 - 3.8gr   1048   12   4         

[wdfwguy]

I then shot groups using the powder charges that were closest to the velocity I wanted.

For each load, I shot a pair of 8 shot groups at 25 yards, wrists resting on a sandbag.

                           25y groups         Mean radius 
 
CS 4.3gr            2.19"/3.28"         .80"/.82"

AA #2 4.2gr      2.70"/2.57"         .90"/1.09"

N320 3.7gr        3.54"/2.93"         1.32"/1.00

244 3.8gr           2.94"/2.48"         1.10"/.97"

SP 3.8gr             2.55"/2.43"         1.05"/.91"


The group sizes look similar, but the Clean Shot was noticeably more accurate than the others.  And I realize the difference in accuracy is too small to make any difference in a match.  But it was so accurate that it would give me a lot of confidence. 

I'd welcome any comments, or suggestions on improving testing in the future.

[Wobbly]

Great info.

Although it did take me awhile to figure what "CS" was. I live in the "Chicken Capital of the World". "CS" means something entirely different here. Spelling things out in the first post might increase your audience attachment and appreciation.

 

[wdfwguy]

Thanks, and I'll keep that in mind the next time I'm referring to chicken sh**, or Clean Shot.

Any suggestions on tweaking my testing procedures?

Great info.

Although it did take me awhile to figure what "CS" was. I live in the "Chicken Capital of the World". "CS" means something entirely different here. Spelling things out in the first post might increase your audience attachment and appreciation.

 

[Wobbly]

If you'll use the template we have, then you won't be leaving anything out. I have a passing curiosity about the brass and primers, but that's just me.