Author Topic: New Load-new bullet-new powder.  (Read 10077 times)

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Offline 1SOW

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New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« on: November 03, 2011, 09:58:52 PM »
My heaviest bullet loaded previously had been the 125gr Zero JHP.  I only had "12"Berry's .356" 135gr rn from a sample pack just sitting there looking at me, so I gave them a try today.  I needed more bullets for a good test, but wanted to play.

I had also bought a pound of  AA #5 just to see how that would load/perform. 
I checked the "revised Accurate Powder" data and found it to be a lot lighter loads than Lee and other older data showed.  I had heard about changes with AA powders, so I basically went with the "Accurate Update" data which only gave data for 124gr and 147 gr bullets.  I "interpolated" (yeah guessed) at where 135 gr fell between the two.

I loaded 3 different loads using 4 rds each load.  I stayed conservative  due to the fairly narrow load range and high pressures given.
I used a C.E. Pro-Chrono Digital to check performance.

1st load:  4.9grs AA #5 @ 1.136", WIN case, FED SPP.   
906'/sec avg, ES-35, PF 122.3

2nd load:   5.1grs AA #5 @ 1.136", WIN case, FED SPP.
912'/sec avg, ES-18, PF 123.4  I expected a little more increase looking at the load range data.

3rd load::  3.6grs Viht n320 @ 1.136", WIN Case FED SPP.  I had to try my go-to powder. I needed to see the results of the two AA#5 loads before increasing the load to 5.5 and didn't have bullets to spare for more AA loads.
928'/sec avg, ES-13, PF 125.3  Just barely made minor PF.

FindingsAA #5 powder has way small "ball" particles, noticeably smaller than Win231/HP-38..  My LEE Pro Disc system leaked a lot during the test loading. It does not present a problem leak with 231 or n320
This powder is very dense (AA5 container is 1/2 the size of a n320 container). With 5 grs, I could drop THREE TIMES IN ONE 9MM CASE AND NOT OVERFLOW THE CASE.   Loader be aware.

Shooting:  With these loads using the Berry's 135gr bullet,  recoil 'felt' less snappy with all three powder loads.  I would want 130PF+  and more less-rigid shooting before making a final judgement on this.
The groups were all equally higher than my normal POI.  About 1 1/4" higher at 11 yds.  Again more tests are needed for conclusions.
I shot seated but two-hand unsupported (through the Chono) and the three groups were good (for me) at about 1" with two 'flyers'. at least three bullets made one elongated hole.  5.1 grs of #5 and 3.6grs of n320 were the tightest groups, but not enough shots to mean anything.

Conclusion-  Judgement is still out on the powder and the bullet.  Future tests would have to convince me to like the sawdust-fine & very dense #5 powder.  I think I would like to try the 130gr .356 bullet from Berry's for more thorough testing with AA#5, n320 and maybe another powder.
That 135gr Berry's bullet would do the job on steel.

This doesn't tell YOU much at all, but maybe it'll provide some background info useful in the future. 
« Last Edit: November 04, 2011, 10:13:43 PM by 1SOW »

Offline Berrys MFG

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #1 on: November 04, 2011, 04:16:32 PM »
It's been a long time since I've used the AA5, Accurate powders shows some 9mm data for our bullets but not the 135gr
Jay R. Phillips
www.berrysmfg.com

Offline Wobbly

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #2 on: November 09, 2011, 01:16:03 PM »
I needed more bullets for a good test, but wanted to play.

You must think this is some kind of "hobby" or "tinkering" forum.   ;D



The VihtaVuori site was the only source I found that had loads listed for bullets between 124 and 147gr. So I loaded my 130gr trials with N340.

I have 1000 bullets on the way [got to pay for Jay's Christmas bonus   ;D] so maybe I'll pick up where you left off.

 ;)
« Last Edit: November 09, 2011, 01:21:53 PM by Wobbly »
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Offline Berrys MFG

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2011, 06:40:10 PM »
1SOW,
Sounds like you need more for testing, sorry it took a wobbly ball-peen hammer to rouse me.  Contact me
Jay R. Phillips
www.berrysmfg.com

Offline Wobbly

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2011, 08:28:18 PM »
Oh sure. Play favorites!   :o
In God we trust; On 'Starting Load' we rely.

Offline 1SOW

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2011, 10:20:00 PM »
Quote
The VihtaVuori site was the only source I found that had loads listed for bullets between 124 and 147gr. So I loaded my 130gr trials with N340

I saw that data too.  I was actually surprised how well the 135gr ran with n320.  What's a mere 5grs amongst friends? :-\
I've got the AA#5 and a "good supply" ( ;D) of n320.   I am an optimist, so I would really like to find a 'friendly' non-Vit substitute  for the n320--maybe just a skosh slower..
« Last Edit: November 09, 2011, 10:25:28 PM by 1SOW »

Offline Wobbly

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #6 on: November 10, 2011, 10:55:45 PM »
The 2 that I keep seeing mentioned by people who know are: Power Pistol and SR-7625.  I have never tried either.
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Offline 1SOW

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #7 on: November 10, 2011, 11:17:18 PM »
I've got just enough spare shelf space to hold another 1#bottle.

Offline painter

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #8 on: November 11, 2011, 04:58:15 PM »
The 2 that I keep seeing mentioned by people who know are: Power Pistol and SR-7625.  I have never tried either.
I need to pick a 'next victim'.

After HP-38/3231 of course. ;)
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Offline 1SOW

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #9 on: November 11, 2011, 08:28:21 PM »
For 124g/125 gr, spring for n320 to provide a big smile.  Only problem is it get sold out about as fast as it hits the shelf , and it's a "little" more costly/rd, but not that bad on a per rd basis  if you buy the 4# jugs at PV..   Can be/ often is hard to find locally.  That's why I'm looking for a "substitute" that performs as well as n320.

Offline painter

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #10 on: November 11, 2011, 08:36:11 PM »
For 124g/125 gr, spring for n320 to provide a big smile.  Only problem is it get sold out about as fast as it hits the shelf , and it's a "little" more costly/rd, but not that bad on a per rd basis  if you buy the 4# jugs at PV..   Can be/ often is hard to find locally.  That's why I'm looking for a "substitute" that performs as well as n320.
That's the plan. ;)
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Offline Cesar

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #11 on: November 11, 2011, 10:57:55 PM »
I really like Clays with 124gr RN Berry's bullets. If your powder measure is picky - go with TG, both are about as 'soft'.

Offline Wobbly

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #12 on: November 11, 2011, 11:41:29 PM »
I have 1000 bullets on the way so maybe I'll pick up where you left off.

 ;)
New arrival in the family....

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Offline 1SOW

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #13 on: November 12, 2011, 12:56:03 AM »
Excellent!  Those sure are pretty bullets. 8)

What powder(s)??  Power Pistol/7625?  Is 7625 a single-base powder?  Will it meter better than it's brother-800X?   ;D

Cesar,  I know shooters who use or have used TG, and I have trouble getting past it's shortcomings.  They all like the way it 'shoots', but many also move on to something else.
If the Lee disc system will handle clays accurately ,  I might just try some.  Got a spare 'Cup-Full'?  ;)
« Last Edit: November 12, 2011, 01:09:24 AM by 1SOW »

Offline johnnyrees

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Re: New Load-new bullet-new powder.
« Reply #14 on: November 12, 2011, 02:11:58 AM »
Ive just loaded a couple of hundred(on me new dillon) using AP50 which is Australian....they do make and supply a lot of powders to Hodgdons..and apparently it is  rebadged as HP38...who knows..didnt have the gonnads to even load it to 3.9 grains...seems to take up way more space than my older slower burning powder...new batch of projjies made for an even shorter OAL in my 75b. Ah well will chrony them first thing tomorrow morning..and then if they are safe my nipper can do his IPSC training with them...hmm gotta buy another pistol....Jay pull your finger out and get those copper plated beauties down under.....why should Wobbly be the only one to sit in his lair gloating ???

 

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