New load

[Maverick]

Trying different things….Speer fired brass. CCI 350 primers, 230gr eXtreme plated HP
over a moderate charge of HS-6. Will see what the Chrono says next time I get out.

 

[Mobuck]

The plated HP seems to have made significant improvements lately. At one time they were not recommended for SD use but now both Xtreme and Berry's are saying they have met the challenge.
I'm coming into the home stretch of loading 3K of the Berry's HYBRID HP 9mm. Videos of gel tests are impressive as long as velocity is held to recommended levels.
I loaded to velocity by simply loading 5 and shooting them over the Chrony until I was in the zone. When I ran out of the powder I was using, I started over so all loads are within the bullet maker's recommendations--sort of like the big name loaders.
One thing I did notice-those bullets are really 'soft'. I assume to promote expansion and the reason for the velocity limitations.

 

[contender]

That ammo looks good!

You mentioned a "moderate" load of HS-6. Since you didn't define it,, I'll throw in a little knowledge with an eye for being cautious.
Remember,, plated isn't the same as jacketed. Plating can strip off at velocities meant for jacketed bullets. Be sure to check your bore after about every 5-10 rounds for build-up.

 

[Maverick]

They seemed to load up much easier than the FMJ with exposed base I just loaded, was getting a good bit of bullet bulge with them. Maybe it was the small primer cases? Anywho, these loaded up real nice, I always liked Speer nickel cases.I had no trouble with plunk test this time.
Starting at 7.4gr HS-6
1.23OAL/CCI 350LP

I was getting 835fps with 8gr of HS-6 under a EB FMJ out of my 4.25in Lt Wt commander. Was a little stout, backed off to 7.8gr for 820fps and left it there.

 

[Maverick]

That ammo looks good!

You mentioned a "moderate" load of HS-6. Since you didn't define it,, I'll throw in a little knowledge with an eye for being cautious.
Remember,, plated isn't the same as jacketed. Plating can strip off at velocities meant for jacketed bullets. Be sure to check your bore after about every 5-10 rounds for build-up.

That load was a 230 gr plated over 7.4gr HS-6. I was getting 795fps out of a full size Colt 1911. So actually a light load.

Today I headed to the range after I loaded up some 185gr JHP with 8.4gr of HS-6. .2 under minimum in my Lee 2nd Edition. ES was high but they shot well out of my brothers Colt 1911 w/target sights and also his Taurus TH 45acp. This is off bench/sandbags at 50ft.

The old man was nice enough to give me some W-231 so I plan to see how low I can go…maybe even purchase a lighter recoil spring. No failures of any kind today though. The 185's are JHP's not plated HP as written on the paper plate on the right

 

[contender]

"That load was a 230 gr plated over 7.4gr HS-6. I was getting 795fps out of a full size Colt 1911. So actually a light load."

Yes,, a moderately light load. In USPSA terms,, (power factor) it has a PF of 182.85. For USPSA to make it a "major PF" it has to be at least 165 PF. My light loads in USPSA,, from my .45 acp,, has a PF of 168-169. No problems with plating stripping there.

And of course,, your 185 JHP's should be just fine.

 

[Maverick]

"That load was a 230 gr plated over 7.4gr HS-6. I was getting 795fps out of a full size Colt 1911. So actually a light load."

Yes,, a moderately light load. In USPSA terms,, (power factor) it has a PF of 182.85. For USPSA to make it a "major PF" it has to be at least 165 PF. My light loads in USPSA,, from my .45 acp,, has a PF of 168-169. No problems with plating stripping there.

And of course,, your 185 JHP's should be just fine.

Thank you for your input Contender. Much appreciated. At this point my only concern was the high ES number for the 185gr FMJ's.
They were accurate enough however for fun time at the range. I think I'm gonna try the W-231 with them and start w/min charge. It would be the first time I used anything but HS-6. Even w/.2gr under min of HS-6 was giving me 920fps and was fairly snappy. I'm looking for something a little milder.
Up until now I have never used anything but HS-6 for 9mm, 38spl/357,44spl/44mag with the exception of H-110 for my 44mag hunting loads. But for very mild 45acp it looks like I'm gonna have to go try this fresh jug of W-231….agree.