When reloading 9mm, how "full" is the shell when dropping the powder?

Question

I'm a newbie when it comes to reloading. Although I measured and checked every other 9mm shell before I drop the powder, I just want to make sure this sounds right. When you load a 115 grain 9mm shell, how full is the shell with gunpowder? Should it be roughly 1/3 of the way full or 2/3 of the way full? It's currently 2/3 of the way full. I don't know, it just seems like it's too much powder.

I guess what's confusing me is all the books I have read on reloading tell me how critical it is not to double-charge a shell. I find that almost impossible to do because if I double-charged a shell it would be completely obvious it's double-charged because gunpowder would overflow out.

I'm just trying to confirm all is good. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Remember, a heavier bullet is hard to get moving, so given the exact same powder charge of the exact same powder type, a heavier bullet will result in higher pressures.

115 grain bullets are quite lightweight.  Hence, they normally can handle a larger volume of powder.  If you would load 148 gr bullet, you'd be told to use a smaller charge, and then you'd see it less than half full, also, with a heavy bullet, it seats deeper into the case, so a 1/3 full case getting a double charge to 2/3 full, and then getting compacted when the bullet is seated...

Also, granulation varies from powder to powder, some powders have less volume in the same given weight, making some powders fill the shell less.  Now, you never want the volume of the case (after figuring out where the bullet will sit) to be just 1/2 full, because when turned sideways (like when in the chamber of a gun shooting straight ahead) the primer can ignite the powder in the front and back and middle all at the same time, which acts like a shaped charge and blows UP. Hence most recipies using light bullets (where you have more room inside once the bullet is seated) also use 'fluffy' powders to help fill the case up.

Also, the 9mm case is pretty small compared to say a 38 special case, and pretty narrow compared to a 45acp case.

So, because of the cartridge dimentions, yes, your cases should be fairly full, and because you are using a light bullet, you'll be using probably more grains of powder than many other recipies, which will make it look quite full.  Change these to, go to a heavy bullet in a 45acp or a heavy bullet in a 38 special, and it gets easier to mistakenly double-charge.

Finally, powder compacts when pushed, so if you don't spot a very full case, you can seat the bullet and push hard enough to squish down all the powder.  

Answer 2

MODERN powders such as the 9mm use are measured by weight.

You should use a powder measure to provide the correct weight of powder according to your manual, and check about every 5th round for weight.  If they vary more than .1 grain, it is time to recheck everything.

It is important to be consistent in HOW you operate the powder measure, as this has an effect on how much powder it 'throws' at each operation.  

The VOLUME you see in the shell will vary considerably from one type of powder to another.

Take your time, and over a period of time, with practice and experience, you will get more uniform loading.

Black Powder firearms, on the other hand, are loaded by volume as there are only a few grades from FFFFg used for flintlock pan loads and a few small caliber pistols to Fg used in large caliber, large case cartridges (and a few small cannons.)  

Cannon powder is a whole 'nother story and type of powder.

Answer 3

It depends on the powder you use. If you follow the instructions to the letter, you will not double charge. If the load calls for X grains of Y powder, throw a load in, then then dump it in the scale. It should be within .1 grain of the recommended load. If it is not reset the measure until it comes out right.

One of the most critical aspects in 9 mm is overall cartridge length. Hornady loaded some purposely with the bullet seated too deep. The pressure went to 62,000 cup. This is way above a proof round which is 48,000 cup, and almost twice the recommended pressure. If you shoot one of these in your weapon, damage may result.

BE VERY CAREFUL!

Answer 4

It really depends on the powder. If you are loading pistol with clays you are going to put in a small charge and you could very easily double charge if you don't have a good system.

I find with tite-group a double charge would spill over.

I generally try to pick powders that fill up most of the case. less room for error (pun get it)

All powder drops/measures are based on volume and checking the volume of powder before inserting the bullet is a good idea.

Answer 5

first of all. what type of powder are you using??, when you have a powder throw set up you also need a scale. keep weighing the charge to determine where  you stand, keep adjusting,depends on the powder you use, red dot, winchester 231, unique. use only the weight for the powder in you book, check you book, weigh it, double check it, weigh it  again, be safe.  then when you charge all cases, take a small flashlight, look at them, they should be uniform in volume.  if not, take them out, redo. double check everything

Answer 6

you do not measure powder by volume, you measure it by weight. you should have a powder scale to measure your amount of powder, once the right weight is on the scale, funnel it into your casing.