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Author Topic: 9 mm handloads for Llama semi-auto  (Read 451 times)

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Offline DickelDawg

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9 mm handloads for Llama semi-auto
« on: July 22, 2010, 07:13:47 AM »
I have this Llama 9 mm Parabellum semi-auto pistol that belonged to my Dad and I've just started reloading rounds for it. I have reloaded pistol, rifle, and shotgun shells for many years but never for a semi-auto(didn't own one 'til I got Dad's). The problem is FTE's. Around 50% of the rounds fail to extract. I tried some factory loads and no problems. So....my reloads are the problem. Anybody got some ideas of where to start troubleshooting. Is the OAL critical? Are my reloads not hot enough? Is it possibly the type of bullet I'm using? Any suggestions would certainly be appreciated because right now I'm definitely on the wrong end of the learning curve.
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Offline HAMMERHEAD

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Re: 9 mm handloads for Llama semi-auto
« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2010, 08:19:34 AM »
My first suspect would be underpowered handloads not generating enough slide velocity to eject the rounds properly.
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Offline DickelDawg

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Re: 9 mm handloads for Llama semi-auto
« Reply #2 on: July 22, 2010, 12:09:21 PM »
Thanks for the info, Hammerhead. I failed to mention the bullet I'm using is 125 gr. FMJ
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Offline tc scout

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Re: 9 mm handloads for Llama semi-auto
« Reply #3 on: July 22, 2010, 12:49:37 PM »
If factory loads work fine, I would say your loads are too light. OAL is critical in some guns also, but is usually a problem of feeding not ejection.
Check some good reloading books for 9MM reloads. Even starting loads can be a problem some times.
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Offline cybin

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Re: 9 mm handloads for Llama semi-auto
« Reply #4 on: July 22, 2010, 06:56:03 PM »
If you have a 9mm Llama that actually works with factory ammo---you are the first person I have heard of who has the 9mm that is a good one. Most of theones I have heard about had issues of one sort or another. The Llama .45 and the .380 seemed to always work well--I even own a .380---but never heard of the (mm working

In the "American Handgunner" magazine for the March/April edition there is a small article on reloading 124 grain hard cast ammo for the 9mm. Using 4.3 grains of Hodgon's HP38--it also works for a 115 or 124 grain Hornady FMJ roundnose.  If you believe Mike Venturino's writting--you might want to try it--but I'd work up to the load slowly.

Good luck

cybin
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Offline DickelDawg

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Re: 9 mm handloads for Llama semi-auto
« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2010, 11:05:36 AM »
Thanks again, gentlemen. And yes the factory loads worked quite well. 2" group at 7yds.
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Offline HAMMERHEAD

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Re: 9 mm handloads for Llama semi-auto
« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2010, 07:28:56 AM »
What load are you using?
Is it a near maximum charge?
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Offline DickelDawg

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Re: 9 mm handloads for Llama semi-auto
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2010, 11:58:26 AM »
The load was 125 gr. Sierra FMJ over 4.8 grs. Bullseye. Should not have been a fulll power load according to my reloading info but not a starting load either.
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Offline JustaShooter

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Re: 9 mm handloads for Llama semi-auto
« Reply #8 on: July 25, 2010, 05:13:02 PM »
I don't have a current Sierra manual, but Alliant shows 4.4gr MAX Bullseye for a 124gr Speer GDHP, as does the Speer manual.  Hornady also shows 4.4 MAX Bullseye for their 124gr jacketed bullets, and Lyman's 48th shows 4.5. I think you are over max, and need to back off considerably.

Just a Shooter
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Offline DickelDawg

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Re: 9 mm handloads for Llama semi-auto
« Reply #9 on: July 26, 2010, 05:57:06 AM »
OK, I'll check my manuals again but the recoil certainly didn't indicate anything out of the ordinary and neither did the spent shells.
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