Need a 9mm luger bullet

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  • Last Post 11 November 2017
R. Dupraz posted this 22 October 2017

 Ruger LC9s Pro

500 + rounds of factory and reloads, Jacketed, plated, round nose and hollow point, three different weights, with seven different brands of once fired 9mm brass and two different breeds of factory so far without a hiccup. Including a few WWC Nato. Save for two  failure to chamber that were my fault. Trying to bend the bell back with a roll crimp die. Taper crimp die will be coming. And, shoots to the sights.

Didn't intend to shoot cast but have changed my mind. Looking for a 9mm PB cast bullet mold design that will work and shoots well for general practice on silhouette combat type targets only. Preferably bevel base.  I intend to tumble lube. Least amount of fiddling  around. Don't have time for that any more. 

Throat measures a strong .358" via a small hole gauge. Looking at some NOE designs.

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GP Idaho posted this 22 October 2017

Richard;  I'm a big fan of the Noe moulds also.  That being said I also own a Lee six cavity mould that is a favorite.  The 356-120-TC  Mine drops bullets at .358 with COWW This can be ordered with a standard lube groove or the tumble lube version.These six cavity moulds rain a lot of bullets in a hurry and are under $40. Gp

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frnkeore posted this 22 October 2017

This is a 9mm mold that I designed for NOE. It is designed to fit the SAAMI. 9mm Luger throat, perfectly. It cast large, as that was what was requested, at the time and has a beveled base.

NOE bullet

It's a heavier bullet but, can be had with a hollow point nose, to reduce weight. They are called RG molds and weight 147 gr.

Frank

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Ken T posted this 22 October 2017

I like the old Lyman 356402 mould.It works well in P08's.It is flat base though.The only bevel base mould I have is the Lyman 356637 HP.I bought it is use in a .38 Super.I have not tried in a P08 yet.I don't own any modern 9mm pistols at the moment.

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David Reiss posted this 22 October 2017

Both the Lyman 356402 and the Lee 356-115-TC are great bullets. They feed in all my nines flawlessly and are pretty accurate. Great practice bullets.

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

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Ed Harris posted this 22 October 2017

I've been using the Accurate 35-120H with great results in the .380 ACP.  Others use it in the 9mm with good results.

73 de KE4SKY In Home Mix We Trust From the Home of Ed's Red in "Almost Heaven" West Virginia

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j35nut posted this 23 October 2017

Hi I don;t have a mold recommendation for you, but wanted to ask you what sights are those on your pistol?

--------J

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R. Dupraz posted this 23 October 2017

j35nut:

 

Three dot fiber optic. My first experience with these. After using these sights, I am definitely convinced that these were invented solely for us old farts who can't see irons any more. Even after having the lenses replaced in the eyes. I have had handguns over the years with the three white dot sights but they don't even compare with these. All you have to do is to line up the three easily seen bright sharp little "LED's"

I am a believer. 

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lotech posted this 23 October 2017

I've tried many cast designs in several 9mm pistols over the last thirty years. The most accurate bullet I've found so far is cast from an obsolete Lyman .38 Special mould, #358212. I don't have any on hand right now that are unsized, but as-cast diameter using WW alloy is either .359" or .360". Cartridges so loaded feed reliably in the three 9mms I have.

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R. Dupraz posted this 23 October 2017

Thanks for all the replies. The one thing that was keeping me from trying cast bullets in that 9 mm are all the horror stories about leading when shooting cast in the 9mm that have been posted on the net.

But, think I'll try it anyway. Find a mold that casts big enough and size to throat dia, of .358" for starters.  

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Ken T posted this 23 October 2017

I have a four cavity Lyman 358212 i picked up used.I haven't tried it yet but it would excellent for the 9mm and the .38 Super.I bought it for the .38 Super.

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frnkeore posted this 23 October 2017

I addressed the leading issue on my design by making the lube groove wider and by making the bevel to a minimum size. Most of the bevel will iron out when the bullet fully engraves.

Frank

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6thtexas posted this 23 October 2017

I have been using the NOE 135FP in both a CZ85 and S&W 3914 with very good results.  The bullet also makes a great lightweight for the .38 Special as well.  I size them .358 and they work in everything.  I also use the Accurate 35-122T in the 9mm though most of these wind up in the .380s

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BigMan54 posted this 24 October 2017

I grew up shooting the LYMAN #356402 in P-08,P-38 & S&W 39. It feeds in every "modern" pistol I've tried it in. That said I've been shooting the LEE  #356-125-2R cast out of a 6cav, sized .357 in a GLOCK, P-4, P-1 & B-92FS for the past year without a problem of any kind. Hate bevel base bullets, but really interested in hearing about those sights.

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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John Alexander posted this 24 October 2017

BigMan,

What is it you hate about bevel base bullets.  Thinking of buying one of these new self loading pistols.

John

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David Reiss posted this 24 October 2017

Bevel base bullets are really nice when loading on a progressive press, helping to speed up the process. Loading them on a single or turret press they don't give you much of an advantage. However they do not lead when properly sized and I have never experienced any accuracy issues. I would not hesitate using a bevel base either way, if the mold was available. 

In fact I own about 15 various 9mm autos (Glock, S&W, Taurus, Springfield, Star, Browning, Astra, Beretta, Rock Island, Canik, EAA)  and bullet selection is seldom an issue. Most autos now days are very forgiving when it comes to ammo, all being very reliable and accuracy at defensive ranges more than acceptable. 

I have also used bevel base design CBs in .45 acp, .40 S&W, 10 mm and .380 acp with no issues. Sized to throat diameter of WW alloy will give no leading with the shallow rifling on most autos.  

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

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R. Dupraz posted this 24 October 2017

BRITE-SITE TRITIUM FIBER/OPTIC (GREEN FRONT/GREEN REAR)

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j35nut posted this 25 October 2017

I see said the blind man, thanks------J

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RicinYakima posted this 25 October 2017

The problem with bevel base bullets is that you have to have the lube and sizer adjusted correctly. Plus you have to have the proper height of nose punch.  Otherwise the lube leaks under the base and makes a mess.

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David Reiss posted this 25 October 2017

To get around the bb lube issue, just use LA. It works well for 9mm velocities. 

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

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BigMan54 posted this 25 October 2017

 GEEZ, GUYS.

John asked ME the question. So please allow ME to answer it.  #1 they don't stay standing straight up in the case as you raise the ram to seat them, they fall over, so ya hafta hold 'em all the way into the seating die. #2  it does take a lot of extra fiddling with the adjustment of the Lubi-Sizer to keep the bases from being coated with lube.  #3  I just plain don't like 'em. Growing up i watched my Dad & Uncle cast the big 8-10cavity H&G molds using a ladle over a 50lb Plumber's Pot. I know they switched to the #69SWC .45cal & #50WC .38cal because the got better fill-out on the FLAT bases. Neither one of them cared for bevel based bullets at all.

Of course I haven't cast any bullets with my Dad or Uncle since I left home in '71.  I guess I just inherited a deeply ingrained prejudice against BB bullets. And I bought some commercial cast BB .44's from a MAGMA mold when I started COWBOY SHOOTING; leaded the bore & couldn't keep them in the black at 25yds. That was 1988, I was 34yrs old, didn't need glasses and could put 5rds of .44SPL in the X-ring at 25yds with A COLT NF using the LYMAN #429421 sized .428 over 7.5grs of UNIQUE. I can't shoot like that anymore, but I'm too old to change my mind now. Guess that's why all my molds are flat base.

But those sights LOOK GOOD. Guess I'll save up and get a set for one of my GLOCKS to try 'em out.

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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R. Dupraz posted this 25 October 2017

Another 100 rnds today, Old Hornady 115 grn. HP. 7.5 grns. of Unique. 15 shots. Two hand standing. Seven yds. Still getting aquainted and trying to fix that right hand pull to the right.   

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M3 Mitch posted this 25 October 2017

In my experience, a Lyman "M" die will not only bell the case mouth a little, but it makes a short cylindrical section on the mouth that lets the bullet enter far enough that it will "stand up" on it's own as you cycle into the seat or seat/crimp die.  That should work as well for a bevel base as a flat base, with the bevel base going into the brass a little further to start with.

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BigMan54 posted this 25 October 2017

I've LYMAN M-dies for every Handgun Cartridge that I load for. I grew up using them. They work better than any other expander die out there. I've M-dies for every caliber rifle that I load cast bullets for too. Make that case hold that flat base bullet upright like no other die can do. 

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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comprschrg posted this 28 October 2017

 

I too am looking for an appropriate mold for the aforesaid wonder of lead launching fodder.

Mine needed a few refinements that helped placement of galena.

I got lucky with the first time glob of epoxy under the slide stop. ( my thumb kept locking the slide open)

Also first attempt of adding layers of painters tape / electrical, then a layer of anti-skid. With three coats polyurethane. Much needed to reduce red liquid from leaking from upper dermis. Tape created much needed extra width, Which made it much more enjoyable to shoot!

Then I removed the inner frame, and filed plastic in mag well front, so the mag wouldn't hang up when inserting.

Jammed correct thickness of a piece of wood to spread mag well open more. It was rubbing on magazine. Now it ejects perfect.

used jack knife to remove sharp plastic in trigger slot. (Not more trigger finger skin sheering.)

With different sights, I think it will be complete though.

It does shoot good though.

The only loads it hasn't liked is 90 grain sinfire frangible at 100 yards. They have a 20 foot spread.

Everything else shoots Very well. And Not one jam with lots of different loads. Very happy.

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Starmetal posted this 28 October 2017

I feel one of the best cast 9mm bullets is the one Mihec makes designed by 45 2.1.  I got the four cavity mold hollow point. You have a could of pins you can use that Mihec provides with the mold. There are two hollow point pins, one being traditional coned and the other pent point coned. The third set of pins is for making solids.  Don't fret about getting the bullets to release as the molds are a thing of beauty, you just tap the hinge pin, open the mold and most the time they fall off the pins without any help. If not a light tap and they do.  The bullet cast .359 so is good in a lot of different applications. It's very very accurate. I should it out of all my many 9mm's, many 38 Supers, and my 38-45. I've even shot them out of my 38 Specials and 357 Magnums.  Here are some pics of the bullet. Oh the hollow point expansion is devastating. 

 

Expanded into test media

 

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OU812 posted this 29 October 2017

Thinner Winchester brass will allow you to size bullet larger and allow easy chambering. Remove barrel and check fit between loaded round and chamber...slight resistance is good...too loose isn't. Under size bullets will lead barrel easier.

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GP Idaho posted this 29 October 2017

BigMan54; To each their own on expansion dies. I have no real complaint with the Lyman M-die but you can get much closer to the custom neck tension fit you want with the Noe expansion plugs that fit the Lee universal expander and the expansion plugs are $6.50 instead of + $20. I'm selling my M-dies since converting to the NOE system. Gp

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R. Dupraz posted this 02 November 2017

Ruger LC9s Pro

Top group -- 15 yds. standing two handed unsupported, 10 shots, final 10 of 40 total, no cleaning, no leading, High shot last round,

                      relaxed grip, shifted in recoil. #8 was aiming point. 

                      Lee 356-120-TC, 

                      Sized -- .3575"

                     4.4 grns. unique

                    

 

Bottom group -- 10 yds. BR, over bags, 15 shots, no clean, no leading.

                       Lee 358-125-RF

                       Sized - .3575",

                       4.4 gns. unique

                      center hold

Two separate targets, one over the other in order to get both in one photo, Center shot out of top one.

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GP Idaho posted this 02 November 2017

Good shooting Richard!  Your hands are obviously more steady than mine. I find that Lee 120 TC bullet pretty hard to beat in the nines we shoot in my family. That, and the mould is under $40 too. Gp

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R. Dupraz posted this 02 November 2017

Thanks GP. Thanks to you and another forum member, I had a variety of Lee 9mm castings to try. Once in a while things seem to work out and best of all I got to do all the shooting. What keeps us going.

Incidentally, those powder coated bullets worked through the Ruger just fine and shot well too. 

And add, I might still have a bit of an edge, maybe. I taught this kind of thing for 25 years and am just glad that this old fart can still hit the paper.

Mold decision time........... 

 

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BigMan54 posted this 05 November 2017

GP Idaho,

I can no longer shoot well enough that It matters that much to me. I'm at a "physical" stage in my life that the only thing that can improve my shooting is new glasses or better sights.  Ammo that functions reliably & safely is my biggest concern.

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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gregg454 posted this 11 November 2017

Keep them fat as will feed. as others have told.

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R. Dupraz posted this 11 November 2017

Cataract surgery, fiber optic sights and bullets that fit did it for this old washed up pistolero. 

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gregg454 posted this 11 November 2017

I looked up the mold I used. Lyman 356242 119 gr flat base size .358. .. worked fine in my S&W and a old china tok 214.

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