9mm Frangible Bullets

2

2X57

Inactive
Hello all - I’m new to the forum and looking for advise/assistance/information on loading frangible bullets in 9mm.

Here’s the background - The bullets are bulk package pull downs from Midway and the package reads “Bullets Speer 9mm 135 Gr Ex FMJ”. The bullets actually weigh 124gr and have a length of 0.67” with a RNFP profile and an ”f” on the nose. For comparison, a 124gr plated RNFP is 0.523” in length. This is a huge difference in length for bullets of the same weight!

Here’s the question - The references I have available (Lyman’s 49th, Hornady 9th, Pet Loads, and of course powder manufacturers) don’t have anything comparable. So, are there any general guidelines or references available for frangible bullets?

I have some reloading experience with plated and FMJ bullets but none with frangible so any advise is definitely appreciated.
 
By "frangible", do you mean they are made of compressed powdered metal and designed to disintegrate on impact with a steel tgt?
 
Thanks for the replies!

Sharkbite - there appears to be a compressed powdered core inside a FMJ. It's definitely not a solid lead core.

pctechdude - These are FMJ with a lower case "f" on the flat nose. The package from Midway states "Speer". Is the package mislabeled? I'll see what I can do for pictures.
 
I can't see anywhere that Fed. loaded a 124gr Frangible bullet....but they do load a 124gr EFMJ bullet with a "F" on the tip in their LEO line. As well as the 105gr version "Guard Dog" Personal defense line.

9mmFedPD105grEFMJexp1.jpg


http://www.le.vistaoutdoor.com/ammunition/federal/handgun/details.aspx?id=575

124ExpFMJ_zpsef29e506.jpg


If you have a vise, I would smush one from tail to tip and see just what you have.... even a hammer blow on the tip should show if it is the EFMJ ( Expanding Full Metal Jacket bullet )
 
bfoosh006 - Thanks. It appears that these are EFMJ. I did place one in a vise and produced a flower pattern similar to your picture. My question is where can I find reloading info on these? They only weigh 124gr but measure 0.670" in length which is closer to a 147gr bullet. Would I use 124gr reloading info (based on the weight of the bullet) or use 147gr info (based on the length)?
 
Last edited:
I'm pretty sure the amount of bullet that is inside the case has a much larger effect on the pressure inside the cartridges compared to the weight of the bullet.

If the bullet in question fills the same amount of space inside the case as a 147 grain I would start with that load data. I would start with a mid range load and see if that cycles the gun and check accuracy. It's hard to say where you would go from there unless you have access to a chronograph.
 
"...The package from Midway states "Speer"..." Speer and Federal are owned by the same holding company.
You always load for the bullet weight.
 
2x57 I'd start with the 147gr load data and work up. I would suggest BE-86, per my 9mm testing it has yielded great velocity and is consistent.

Alliant lists 5.1gr max charge, I've worked up to 5.7gr with a 147gr and had no issues. I'd start around 4.8gr and work up in increments, plus with those bullets, you can load them a little longer. 1.130~1.135 is what I'd shoot for, of course that is if your gun will chamber them.

If you wish, PM me and we can discuss some more data points for those if you'd like. I won't publish them here.
 
reddog81 and T. O'Heir - Thank you

pctechdude - Thanks for the suggestion on BE-86 and OAL recommendation. I certainly want to look further into that.

Thanks for all of the replies.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top