Cast Bullets for CZ's

[George16]

My powder choice from my USPSA days was Hodgdon Titegroup, although I've been using Hodgdon Longshot lately as my Titegroup is depleted. Anyone else have a favorite 9mm powder?

Sport Pistol, N320 and Winchester 231/HP 38 in that order.

[Earl Keese]

What George16 said. All of these are far superior to T.G.

[nasarna970]

For your question about traditional cast versus coated cast bullets, it really depends on the specific bullet and the tightness of your CZ chamber. Some traditional cast bullets can create leading/deposit issues that lead to FTF/FRTB, while others may not have as much of an issue. It's always best to test out different types of bullets and see which ones work best for your specific gun. By the way, if you're looking for high-quality ammo, I highly recommend checking out https://midcitygunshop.com/product/44-40-winchester-ammo-for-sale/. They have a great selection of ammo for all types of firearms and their prices are very competitive.

[tdogg]

Holy thread resurrection batman!

Welcome to the forum!  Please introduce yourself in the welcome section.  There is plenty of info you should review in the stickies at the top of the forum.

Back on topic:

Just for reference, I run a Hitek coated 125gr RN sized at 0.357 with zero issues in any of my numerous CZ chambers.  My next batch is only sized to 0.356 but same 125gr RN Hitek coated. 

Cheers,
Toby

[Wobbly]

• Coated will always have less leading and smoke than lubed-lead.
- Plated and Jacketed will always have zero leading and much lower exposure to lead fumes.
- When you get proficient with your reloading, and start shooting on a regular basis, you may find that (like many of us, that) while Lead bullets are somewhat cheaper, they are simply not worth all the trouble. I predict at some point you'll buy 3000 JHP and pronounce yourself "done with lead".

• Definitely do not use the Lee Factory Crimp Die ("FCD") with lead bullets.

• I would stop playing with bullet shapes. I know you're
- The SWC are merely to punch a clean hole in NRA targets, but they do not go up the feed ramp smoothly and your OAL may need to go through several gyrations before you find an OAL that feeds reliably in your pistol. And that OAL may only work in that one pistol. Save the SWC for the revolver.
- RN or FMJ are always going to feed easier and better in an auto pistol.
- Conical JHP (like Precision Delta JHP) and the round-end JHP (like Rocky Mountain Reloading JHP) are where you want to end up. Both are sold in bulk.

• Definitely drop the TightGroup. It's really too fast for 9mm. Instead look for some Alliant Sport Pistol or Winchester 231, which is also sold as Hodgdon HP-38. If you want to get really fancy, maybe even some VihtaVuouri N320 or N330. All of these are much more forgiving, run cooler, and have better 'case fill' than the TG.

Hope this helps.

[Ron IL]

Wobbly is right on.  I learned all of this on 9mm back when I got an EMP 3".  It had a very short chamber and my reloads were too long.  I use Brazos bullets and found the 115 grain bullets were too fat and hit the rifling and wouldn't chamber.  I tried the 125, 135, and 147 grain bullets.  The 125 hit too but the 135 and 147 did not.  I had a Beretta 92 and it didn't care what I put in it.  It had a very generous chamber and barrel.  With 115 and titegroup powder it leaded so bad it took 30 minutes to clean after just a few rounds.  Brazos told me to go to a bigger bullet and toss the titegroup and go with a slower powder like Unique.  I got some .358 bullets and had the Unique powder.  I could shoot 100 in it and it looked like I just cleaned it.  Those loads work in all of my stuff.  I recently switched to 135 for economy.  They are just as good and actually like HP38//231 really well.  And if you double charge the powder it will fill the case to the top.  I can toss a clay pigeon on the 25 yard berm and wipe it out plus all of the little pieces and easy to clean.  I still have a few titegroup loads in 38 that after a dozen rounds the barrel is smoking hot.  My new CZ P01 omega is a tight chamber and the barrel measures .356.  So I use .357 bullets.  Load only about 10 and test.  Then you can make adjustments as needed.  I do use the Lee 4 die set and the way I have things set the factory crimp die rarely touches anything.  Once in awhile I can feel it rub a little.  I have pulled bullets and checked and no downsizing of the bullets.  For me reloading is part of the fun of shooting.  I am only 3 or 4 miles from the range and go blast a few 4 or 5 days a week.  When you have a problem you analyze it and fix it.  I really enjoy testing powders and bullets.  I am retired and that keep me and my brain busy.  If you are a city working guy then reloading would just be a chore and not much fun.