The last time I loaded for the 9MM I was having good results with PB and 700X. I have a fair amount of powder that covers the burning range from bottom to top; Red Dot, Bulls Eye, WW231, AL-5, AL-7, AL-8, Unique, and 800X.
The primary reason I selected the two powders was I wanted to use those powders up and create space in the powder box. In fact I stumbled on two very good powders for range ammunition. After a lot of research I found data that indicates 800X gives top velocity and low pressure. If that proves true, and there are no functioning issues 800X could prove to be an ideal choice. I am currently loading 124-grain cast, and 124-grain FMJ for range loads. Should 800X work out in my pistol in producing accuracy along with top velocity I will invested in 500-HP bullets to stop charging water jugs. Without a doubt this will require sunshine and the Chrony.
Again I am loading plinking/practice ammunition and not self defense ammunition. I have factory 9MM+P for defensive purposes.
I have not fired factory or my reloads across the Chrony but I believe the loads I created using 700X come close to duplicating 115 and 124 grain factory velocities. PB is about fifty feet per second slower than 700X.
The 9MM is a fun cartridge to load and shoot but it is not my first choice as a defensive round. Having said that I have tumbled over a thousand pieces of once fired 9MM brass the last couple of days. Most of it will be set aside for future loading, but some will get filled with PB and 700X, with another fifty each getting test loads of Unique and 800X.
