115 vs 124 vs 147GR in a Compact

[Bushwack]

Regarding either a CZ 75D (PCR) Compact or P-01 (those with an alloy frame), is there any reason NOT to use 147GR ammo (i.e.: American Eagle)?  All the CZ manual states is to use rounds that are SAAMI or CIP compliant.

[1SOW]

Hi Bushwack,

All three you listed will run fine with some exceptions.  Are you talking about typical "commercial ammunition",  or do you reload your own?

CZs have a little shorter chamber than other makes of pistols like Glock,  Sig and more.  Eastern European Pistols are geared toward NATO Round Nose ammunition---most 124 gr.  CZ and XD are two with shorter chambers.

This doesn't mean that the longest SAAMI approved lengths won't fit.  The nose shape can be an issue.  Some available "lead" or "coated lead" bullets are oversized in diameter and may not fit.

147gr are usually the longest bullets and can have nose-shapes that won't  fit the chamber.  This usually shows up with Hollow Points , Flat Nose and those with "Conical Nose shapes".    The same "can" be true with 124gr and even a few 115gr.

"Wobbly",  here on the reloading forum,  has been our guide to choosing bullet weights, lengths and nose shapes to fit our pistols.
 I'm borrowing one of his excellent cartoon pics to show why this is true:


Asking members here on the forum about specific brands, weights and nose shapes will likely be able to help you know the few that won't fit..

Hope this makes sense.

[Bushwack]

Good info - thanks.  The 147s I'm referring to are from either (Federal) American Eagle or Winchester.

[painter]

Most RN ammo will run fine.

As Mr 1SOW stated the trouble usually comes from HP or FP rounds due to bullet shape.

If the bullet is shaped like the center illustration you should have no problem.

[Wobbly]

Welcome aboard !

For SD ammo, obviously you'll want to test it for many things before buying a pile. With 147grn ammo, since the bullet is longer, it's more likely to get you into trouble with the chamber, as per the graphic. There's only so deep you can seat a 9mm bullet into the case, so the extra volume (weight) has to occupy some additional space in front of the case mouth. That's when you get into trouble with the barrel.

You can test for barrel fit before buying by simply taking your barrel with you. (NOT the whole gun, just the barrel.) Then do what we call the "plunk test". That is, drop several rounds into your naked barrel, and while the muzzle is pointed down, try to turn the round. If there is engagement of the bad kind, then the round won't turn. But if there is clearance, the round will rotate about like a key rotates in a lock; not easily, but smoothly. Try several rounds this way since factory ammo can have a huge length variation.

That would be a good first test. If the round doesn't "plunk", then the slide won't go into battery, and the weapon won't even fire.

Secondary tests, after that would be feeding and point of aim.

Hope this helps. 

[Noobie75b]

Thanks Wobbly for the pic and 1SOW for posting it...

Looks like i'll be adjusting my 147g XTP OAL a tad.

[Wobbly]

Thanks Wobbly for the pic and 1SOW for posting it...

Looks like i'll be adjusting my 147g XTP OAL a tad.

I love the way the XTP shoots, and the factory loads seem so do well in CZ's. But if I remember correctly, the stated OAL in the Hornady manual is longer than what the factory uses. And that smidgen longer gets you into trouble with the CZ.

Yes, do the "push test" and determine your Max OAL. Then use a flat (Hornady, Dillon) or hollow (Redding) seating anvil to get consistent OALs coming off your machine.