My son just bought a Springfield XD in 9MM. I have some 231, but notice there is precious little data for that powder in combination with a 115 Gr FMJ bullet.

I would appreciate some powder suggestions. This forum really came through with the same question regarding the 38 Special. Still use HS6 it that application.

Thanks.

I show 231 loads in my new Sierra manual. Starting grains of 3.8 and max at 5.3. The show the accuracy load being 4.2 grains of Titegroup going 1100fps. And a huntind load of 5.3 grains of Am. Select going 1150fps.

These were tested in a High Point C-9, 4" barrel, with a 1-10 twist.

Hope this helps.

My son just bought a Springfield XD in 9MM. I have some 231, but notice there is precious little data for that powder in combination with a 115 Gr FMJ bullet.

I would appreciate some powder suggestions. This forum really came through with the same question regarding the 38 Special. Still use HS6 it that application.

Thanks.

If you have HS6 on hand you could try 6.7gr with a 115gr FMJ, its supposed to be good for 1188fps, do not exceed 7.0gr at 1234fps. Win 231 4.3gr at 1010fps, do not exceed 4.8gr at 1120fps. That is from "Modern Reloading 2nd Ed". The trade-offs are that HS6 is going to be slightly peppier, but a bit more expensive to shoot than Win 231. There have been rumors that HS6 was going to be discontinued like HS7, but I believe those rumors to be false.

FWIW, my load for 9mm is 5gr of Alliant Bullseye under a 115gr. Supposed to be good for 1169fps. It is an inexpensive load to shoot as I buy Bullseye in 8lb jugs and also use it for .45ACP.

Here is the Data straight from Winchester. Shows 4.7 starting grains and 5.7 max. of 231

http://www.wwpowder.com/data/handgun/9mmlug.php

HS-6 works great in 2 9mm's I've loaded for, but burns mighty dirty. Probably the filthiest I've ever used. It's also dirty in the other calibers I've tried it in, so it's not peculiar to the 9s.

My max load was 5 gr with 125gr cast lead bullets. Both pistols showed every hi-pressure sign in the book above that, despite what the loading manual says the max load could be.

I load 4.5 to 4.7 gr. Bulleye with 115 gr. Winchester FMJ bullets for my wife's SIG P228. An equivalent load with W231 would be about .5 (half) gr. more. Due to the limited case capacity of the 9mm, the faster burning powders work well with this cartridge.

5.0 grains of WW231 makes a great load for the 115 grain bullets. AA#2 also works well and I use it for heavy (160 gr ) lead loads.

If you're looking for a powder just to be used in the 9mm, there are two I would recommend. Power Pistol will give you better velocity at sane pressure if you're looking for max bullet speed, and Herco will also come close with great load density. Your gun will tell you what it likes. I'm burning a LOT of Power Pistol, I use it in 38, 357, 40, and 44. It is THE powder for maximum poop in the 40, you ought to see what it does to bowling pins! :eek:

Papajohn

Unique, Power Pistol, Universal, Herco, & HS-6 are all in the medium-speed category. The 2 pistols I load for both like this speed better than the fast powders such as Bullseye or Clays.

The medium speed powders cycle the actions more smoothly to give more reliable ejection & feeding, and the felt recoil seems less sharp, so is easier on the hand. They also seem to have a wider range between a minimum load "enuf to cycle the action" and onset of pressure signs.

W231 is a great powder. 9mm, .45acp, 10mm, very consistant from batch to batch, very good accuracy. I use it for everything from lead, to FMJ.

I LOVE 231 in my .45! Gotta try it in my 9…