Preferred powders for 9mm?

by JD, Western Washington, Monday, February 23, 2015, 14:25 (3501 days ago) @ rob

My favorite 9mm powder is Blue Dot, which I've been using for years. For me it produces high velocity with extremely good accuracy. My Hi-Power GP Comp shoots 115 grain JHP with Blue Dot into 5 shot groups that run 3/4" at 25 yards, and several of my lugers will produce groups that run an inch or under. My Sig 226's usually produce 5 shot groups that run around 1.25" top 1.5" at 25 yards. I also use Blue Dot with 124 grain FMJ and JHP bullets with excellent results.

Most people tend to choose powders that are really too fast for the 9mm. I've found that all of my 9mm's function better with slower powders. The fastest powder that I use in the 9mm is Unique and I prefer powders that range from Accurate Arms #5, Blue Dot, and Accurate Arms #7 (which was actually developed specifically for the 9mm.).

The other key to good accuracy is the overall loaded length (OAL) of the cartridge, with longer usually producing better accuracy. Many of the loading manuals have very short OAL that can cause functioning and accuracy problems. If you are loading for a luger, this is especially important, but the rest of my 9mm's function better with longer OAL.

JD