Ok, I'm not currently in the reloading game, but I have friends that are starting out. They are loading for short barrels- Springfield EMP 9mm and Kimber micro-carry .380. I don't know what they're using right now, but there has to be something cleaner burning-( terrible fouling and residue after only a few mags) Any suggestions? Thnx, JB
I'd find out what they're using for ammo, because there should be no way decent factory ammo or even marginal reloads will crud and foul up a gun in as few as three mags. Watered down reloads so to speak? I've played around with lighter reloads or not quite there powder choices, where the powder isn't hitting it's optimum burn/pressure range, and that's when I've experienced gross guns. Clays and Titegroup burn well and fairly clean with mid to max loads with jacketed bullets in 9mm. something like Unique probably never would burn real clean in 9mm.
Saskatchewan is spot on. Any powder can be filthy if they are loading them lightly. Alot of powders clean up as the pressure increases. This is by no means a reason to go past max load! Win 231 or hp38 (same powders in different jugs) is what I'd recommend. Titegroup is good, but the difference between min and max load on a 380 is gonna be something like .3 grains. I never recommend titegroup to beginners for that reason alone.
Like bocefus78 says. Win 231 or Hp38. They are the same powder in different packages... meters real well and is pretty good in most non magnum pistol rounds....
Don't load for those 2, but I have clean results from W231 in .38 special and medium range .357 loads.
I'll add to my above statement. What happens when any cartridge gets loaded around the minimum level, using any powder, is this: When it goes bang, the brass doesn't fully expand against the chamber walls allowing hot gasses and filth to travel thru out the gun rather than like on a normal pressure load, the case fully sealing against the chamber and directing the gasses and filth down the barrel to be burnt and blown out. The tell tale sign on an underpowered load is sooty case exteriors basically showing you where it didn't seal in the chamber. This is not normally all the way around the case. The attached pic is my mouse fart load (minimum load) for 124gr 9mm. It clearly shows the soot I described. 4.0 win 231 1.10oal 124gr rn extreme Mixed brass S and b primer
I had this issue with 9mm until I hit 4.3gr of 231 with 115gr and winchester primer. Found 4.3 to be the money spot if memory serves....
They say a picture is worth a thousand words...... and here you have it. I will advise them accordingly. Thanks, JB
Definitely NOT unique. I like tight group but like said the difference between min and max is NOT much. I been loading bullseye and it seems to burn pretty clean in the 357 and 380 I shot it in. But it burns about as fast as titegroup so you have to pay attention. If your a begging and not sure of what your doing and not attentive don't use it. Well inattentive should not be said with reloading . But even a beginner who is meticulous and pays attention can still load them you just have to be sure of your equipment and scales and check what you do.
