9 MM Pistol Powders

Elric

Well-Known Member

Click on each Powder picture to see detailed explainations, video, load data, shot groupings and more! We tested over 30 powders that can be used for 9MM.

As always, I saw this on the internet.
 

Elric

Well-Known Member
Always nice to feel better about the Kaleidoscope of powders on my shelf. Though I can't recall any Vectan or new IMR stuff.

Might have some Alcan, stuffed in the back. Got some good smelling 700x left over.
 

Winelover

North Central Arkansas
I have use about half of them listed. Don't agree on their AA#7 findings. Cleanest burning. :rofl: I shoot that powder in my 9mm carbine and get plenty of unburned particles in the action. Can fit up to 12 grains in a case. Maybe so, but my notes tell me not to put more than 8 grains in a case, using Lyman's 120 TC. Why? Bullet tends to walk forward, just waiting on the crimp (I always crimp separately).
I put up with this powders flaws, because it produces good groups. However, the current 8# jug is significantly different than the one purchased before. Had to rework the loads.
 

Charles Graff

Moderator Emeritus
I don't load much 9mm ammo, but when I do, I use AA5. IIRC it was designed as a 9mm powder and I am very pleased with it.
 

Winelover

North Central Arkansas
I load more 9mm than any other cartridge. Have a half dozen firearms, chambered in 9mm. As far as Accurate powders go, tried AA#7 first, then AA#2, haven't gotten around to #5, yet. Unique is my standard, then Bullseye. Use to burn up jugs of Bluedot.......mostly, in 357 magnum. Occasionally, in 9mm with RCBS 125 RN bullet. Power Pistol, I've tried. Won't purchase again. Nothing special about True Blue, either. Probably, burn that up in 44 Special.
 

JonB

Halcyon member
I prefer mid weight cast bullets in 9mm. Unique burns pretty clean at loads near max with those mid weight bullets...so that's how I load 'em.
that's my 2¢
 

CZ93X62

Official forum enigma
Hard bullets that fit well. soft lubes, and slower twists than the insane 1-10" or 4 turns/meter that 9mm usually comes with. I've run a number of powders in 9mm, WW231 through Blue Dot. They all do decently. An aftermarket barrel might be the single-best upgrade you can give any 9mm, Glock or otherwise.
 

Cherokee

Medina, Ohio
HS-6 has been my top choice for full power loads for many years. I use WST for lighter practice loads. Interesting comparison information.
 

Elric

Well-Known Member
Once upon a time [my favorite story!] Bar-Sto made barrels for the P85. Now THAT is a ship I'd like to see dock!
 

CZ93X62

Official forum enigma
A few months ago, Bar-Sto had listings for Glock 9mm pistols......30 Luger swap barrels. The ONLY reason I didn't opt for one of those is that I have a Ruger P-89X that offers 9mm/30 Luger swap barrels already. It comes with 2 recoil springs, a lighter one captive on a guide rod for the 30 Luger as well as the two-piece 9mm critter. Tell ya what--I've run some #311419s to 1500 FPS+ using the 30 Luger barrel and 9mm spring. No "smilie" on the brass, the Ruger chamber fully-supports the case. AA-7 is The Magic Pixie Dust for 30 Luger, 30 Mauser, and 7.62 x 25 Tokarev--from mild to wild.