Bullets & Brass
9mm Luger +P+ Loads, Accuracy in My Winchester Model 1894, A Substitute Powder Pistol in the 44 Special
column By: Brian Pearce | June, 25
9mm Luger +P+ Loads
Q: I’m looking for high-performance handloading data for 9mm Luger. Specifically, can you provide me with +P and +P+ loads? I’m trying to get top velocities from either the 115-grain Hornady XTP or the Speer Gold Dot bullets. I can’t seem to find any data in any of the reloading manuals. I have the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, Tenth Edition, the Speer Reloading Manual #14 and the Nosler Reloading Guide 9. None of these lists any +P or +P+ data. Any help that you can provide will be appreciated.
John R., Richmond VA
A: The industry maximum average pressure for the 9mm Luger is 35,000 psi, while +P pressures are established at 38,500 psi. However, there are no industry guidelines for +P+ loads. In other words, +P+ is proprietary, and pressure is established by the ammunition company. So, no, I cannot provide +P+ data.
Regarding +P data, it should always be used exactly as listed, as changes in bullet manufacturer, cases, primers and overall cartridge length can significantly change pressure. For example, seating a bullet just .040-inch deeper than the tested length can jump pressures by 6,000 to 8,000 pounds per square inch (psi), which is significant. This comment, however casual it may sound, is important to understand, as pressure spikes are further compounded when using +P data. So, loads are offered here with some degree of hesitation.
First, the following loads were developed in Starline cases, which are not only strong but often give less pressure than cases made by other manufacturers. Several powders will give impressive +P velocities and accuracy. However, I will suggest four that seem to be readily available on dealers’ shelves. Using the 115-grain Hornady XTP bullet seated with an overall cartridge length of 1.075 inches, try 6.5 grains of Ramshot Silhouette powder for 1,275 feet per second (fps), or 6.2 grains of Hodgdon Longshot for nearly 1,300 fps, 8.6 grains of Accurate No. 7 for 1,300 fps or 6.0 grains of Hodgdon CFE Pistol for almost 1,350 fps. Again, loads should be assembled in Starline cases, a taper crimp applied and ignited with a CCI 500 small pistol primer.
Where Can I Find 450 Marlin Cases?
Q: I have been trying to find 450 Marlin cases without success. Hornady no longer lists brass as a component or in factory loads. My cases have been reloaded many times and are essentially worn out. Do you have any idea where I can find more cases? Also, for what it may be worth, I would love to see a “Pet Loads” on this cartridge.
Tim W., Weatherford OK
A: Yes, it has been a dry spell for 450 Marlin shooters, and I have received many inquiries about where they can get brass. Bertram is now offering cases as a component but are not selling directly to individuals. However, Buffalo Arms (BuffaloArms.com or 208-263-6953) carries a full line of hard-to-find cases, bullets, etc. By the time this is in print, they should have 450 Marlin cases in stock and ready to ship. As a side note, Hornady currently has 450 Marlin ammunition listed on their website, but it may take time for factory loads to ship again. Yes, at some point, I will do a 450 “Pet Loads” article.
Accuracy in My Winchester Model 1894
Q: I have a Winchester Model 1894 rifle chambered in 30 WCF and manufactured in 1899. I know most of its history from about 1915 to date. It was a genuine frontier rifle that served in the hands of a lawman and later a cowboy and hunter. It shows a fair amount of wear and tear, but the bore is shiny. The problem is that it’s not shooting very well. Actually, accuracy is bad with 50-yard groups around 4 to 5 inches. Fired cases have an unusual appearance just forward of the head. They are not really shiny, like they are stretching or separating, but have an almost dull appearance. Primers protrude about .025 inch from the head after firing. My handloads are not hot, as I’m using the 150-grain Speer FN bullet with 28.0 grains of Hodgdon H-4895 powder. Any suggestions on what to do?
Dick M., Burns OR
A: Your rifle has all the symptoms of excessive headspace, which will rob accuracy regardless of the shiny bore. Your options are limited. The barrel can be set back, which is not recommended as it is rather costly on a levergun and will actually decrease its value. The action can be rebuilt by replacing worn parts, including a new breech bolt and locking bolt, but those parts are very difficult to find. A qualified gunsmith would be expensive for this work. The 30-30 Winchester headspaces on the rim, and it’s doubtful that you could neck size cases in an attempt to get positive headspace off the sloped 15-degree shoulder, although it might help to some degree, but not enough to fully correct your problem.
My suggestion is to put the old girl into semi-retirement, as it sounds like she has earned it.
A Substitute Powder for Power Pistol in the 44 Special
Q: I have read Handloader for nearly 20 years and learned much from the detailed content. One of the earliest articles that really hit home with me was your standard pressure 44 Special handloads that contain 8.2 grains of Alliant Power Pistol powder with the 250-grain Keith cast bullet for about 1,000 fps. I began using this load and found the performance level to be a great blend of power, accuracy and manageable recoil. I use that load in a Lipsey’s Ruger New Model Blackhawk and a Smith & Wesson Model 24-3. However, I have not been able to find Power Pistol powder for sale. Can you make other powder suggestions that will give the same type of performance?
William R., Thief River Falls MN
A: There are several other powders that will easily produce the same velocities, but generally they will give higher pressures and will slightly exceed SAAMI maximum 44 Special pressures of 15,500 psi. However, both of your guns are strong and will easily handle the higher pressures. Using the 250-grain Lyman Keith 429421 cast bullet, try 8.6 grains of Hodgdon Longshot, 8.2 grains of CFE Pistol, 10.0 grains of Accurate No. 5 or 9.7 grains of Ramshot True Blue. These powders and loads will reach 1,000 fps and produce good accuracy, so you should be happy with the overall performance.