I just purchased Winchester Auto Comp powder for reloading 9mm, using the Hornady 9th edition it lists 4.7 grains of this powder for a light load with the 115 FMJ's I am using, doing the math, this comes out to .370 CC's of powder. My question with this is; when using my Lee powder measure, weighing it on a beam scale it fills the case less than 50% and I have been told (not sure of credibility) that you usually cannot double charge a 9mm case, which I can. I have not yet loaded any rounds, have more been getting used to measuring, weighing and pouring powder. Any input would be appreciated if anyone has used this powder for this round. Thanks!
Yes, you can double charge a 9mm case, don't believe that you can't. If you use a powder such as Bullseye, you can probably triple charge it.
The manual does say 4.7 grains of powder so that is what I would use. I, personally, would not worry about the CC measurement at all, if you are using a scale. Before you seat the bullet, look down into each case to visually inspect them to make sure none are double charged.
I'd suggest trying not to over think or recreating anything. I've never heard of powder ever being measured in CC's. Just follow the directions and pay attention to what you're doing. I like to take a flashlight and look down the cases to make sure I haven't double clutched one. Also. as gdmoody stated, you can double or even triple throw most pistol loads. Heck, I load 3.5 grains of Unique in my .357 with HBWC's. I could probably fit 5 X's that. Can you say KABOOM?
I use Bullseye for 9mm, mainly because it's the only pistol powder I could find 9 months ago and I haven't found a single pound of any pistol powder for sale anywhere since. I'm almost out and getting nervous, but I'm glad I got lucky the first time I bought pistol powder and picked a good one. I'd really like some more, if anyone has a line on a supplier... {hint}
It is easy to double charge a 9mm with this powder, though there's no room for a triple. I charge all of my primed cases before seating a single bullet, just so I can visually inspect the whole lot for a consistent powder level before I even rotate the turret to the seating die position. It's easy to double-charge a case, but it's even easier to spot one so charged among a group of charged cases. It will stand out dramatically!
If your powder measure produces loads that your scale confirms are acceptable for your chosen load, stick with it. But if you really want to play reloader for serious, dump the measure and believe in your scale. Few of the tools we take for granted are as inherently accurate as the plain balance beam scale. It should be awarded a medal for being one of the earliest and most valuable of human inventions.
I'd suggest trying not to over think or recreating anything. I've never heard of powder ever being measured in CC's. Just follow the directions and pay attention to what you're doing. I like to take a flashlight and look down the cases to make sure I haven't double clutched one. Also. as gdmoody stated, you can double or even triple throw most pistol loads. Heck, I load 3.5 grains of Unique in my .357 with HBWC's. I could probably fit 5 X's that. Can you say KABOOM?
Also check each charged case for NO powder. It's easy to do and if you dont catch it before you seat the bullet, you may not see or recognise a squib when you fire. If you try to fire another round down that plugged barrel, well, Can you say KABOOM again? A primer can have enough power to lodge a bullet an inch or three down the barrel.
Thank you all for the input. I have not yet loaded any rounds and do not even have all of the equipment, budgets really suck... but as I have bought different components needed I have used them to try to fully understand each step. I am sure I will have many more questions and really do appreciate you all taking the time to help guide me and share different experiences. This is by far the best forum I have seen/read/joined between all my different hobbies!!
All sound advice. Only thing that I could add is what my reloading mentor tried to instill in me. Pick a powder that fills the case about 2/3 of the way full. That way a double charge is unmistakable. You've got powder everywhere! Another is to have a bright light shine directly down into your case after the powder charge. No charge is also unmistakable. Last is to never reload when there are distractions. Wife, kids, dogs, all a bad deal when you need to concentrate on the task. Be safe and have fun.
I just purchased Winchester Auto Comp powder for reloading 9mm, using the Hornady 9th edition it lists 4.7 grains of this powder for a light load with the 115 FMJ's I am using, doing the math, this comes out to .370 CC's of powder.
What are you using as your conversion formula? CC is a measurement of volume and grain is a measurement of weight. You can't simply multiply by a predetermined factor to make the conversion; you have to know the volume per weight for each specific powder.
If you want to use CCs, you need to get data in CCs--and probably a set of Lee dippers for measuring. I prefer to stick with grains as my unit of powder measure, since all three of my manuals provide data that way.
4.3 of Promo darn near fills the case.Could never double charge it. Supposed to be the same as Red Dot and it is a bit smoky compare to my other powders but it works for me.
What are you using as your conversion formula? CC is a measurement of volume and grain is a measurement of weight. You can't simply multiply by a predetermined factor to make the conversion; you have to know the volume per weight for each specific powder.
If you want to use CCs, you need to get data in CCs--and probably a set of Lee dippers for measuring. I prefer to stick with grains as my unit of powder measure, since all three of my manuals provide data that way.
I am using the Lee perfect powder measure which dispenses in CCs, Lee has a multiplier for each specific powder from most manufacturers on their website, that is where I have gotten my info from, poweder funnel dispenses per CC and scale weighs it out per grain... it has been a little confusing....
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Firearms Forum
2.2M posts
71K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to all firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!