First Batch of Handloads Using Alliant Power Pistol and Xtreme 180gr Pills

[trackcage]

Last Monday I picked up a brand new G20. Before even taking it to the range, I installed a Lone Wolf barrel (stock length), 24 lb recoil spring and stainless guide rod, and talon grip tape. I bought some stout Underwood ammo loads with the goal to try and replicate heavy 10mm factory loads. I worked up a ladder of different powder weights and went to the range (from 7.8gr - 8.9gr using the components detailed below). After my range session, I wanted to further explore a couple of loads I was testing.

*Use at your own risk*

Caliber: 10mm
Case: Starline (new)
Primer: CCI LPP
Powder: Alliant Power Pistol
Powder grains: 8.6 gr
Projectile: Xtreme Copper Plated 180gr
OAL: 1.26 inches

Here's how they turned out.



For the sake of comparison, here are my handloads up against the two flavors of Underwood I purchased. From left to right: Underwood 180gr FMJ, Underwood 200gr hard cast, handload recipe above.



I also brewed up a handful of 9.0gr loads (in my previous load work up, I went up to 8.9gr so I know I can jump to these without significant danger). If I like what I see here, I'll probably go forward with these. To reiterate, I need to run my loads through a chrono before I am fully satisfied with what I'm pushing out and arrive on a final recipe.

Both recipes referenced above are beyond published book values, so be careful and happy shootin'!

[DM1906]

8.7 gr. is about 1200 FPS in a stock G20 with those bullets. 9 gr. is about 1220. 8.7 gr. in a 5.5" barrel is about 1240. All of them seated to 1.245". I also did some well above that, but resulted in more bang, no appreciable velocity gain, and horrible accuracy, in any barrel length.

[The_Shadow]

Congrats on your new found addiction! 

I like to stay as close to 1.2500" as possible with my loadings. However wider MEPLATs sometime feed better at shorter OAL's for example 1.2420".

[DM1906]

....
I like to stay as close to 1.2500" as possible with my loadings. However wider MEPLATs sometime feed better at shorter OAL's for example 1.2420".

I agree, but the 5.5" Ruger (.40SW conversion) didn't like them at 1.250. The bullets have a shorter tip and longer body. They feed fine, just didn't fully chamber. No problem in the Glock, but the Ruger has a very tight throat (probably due to the ream-job). The meplat isn't the only limiting factor, although the Ruger mag won't accept the wide meplat loaded long. I'd load them all at 1.265"+, if I could.

[The_Shadow]

DM1906, I am a little confused as to the Ruger you speak of...I'm not thinking this is a Revolver?  because you mention a Mag, so I'm leaning to a semiauto possible 1911 with 40S&W conversion reamed to 10mm?  The freebore/leade must be short and narrow if you are having issues with the WFN type meplat.  You mention 1.265"+ if you could...Loading longer can allow just a bit more room for powder with respect to pressures.  However when you are trying to load for several different 10's, maintaining a standard that fits them all is needed!  Mine like the 1.2500", even those that can handle longer loaded.

My statement is for the SAAMI 10mm specs, but I do understand different guns and applications.

[DM1906]

DM1906, I am a little confused as to the Ruger you speak of...I'm not thinking this is a Revolver?  because you mention a Mag, so I'm leaning to a semiauto possible 1911 with 40S&W conversion reamed to 10mm?  The freebore/leade must be short and narrow if you are having issues with the WFN type meplat.  You mention 1.265"+ if you could...Loading longer can allow just a bit more room for powder with respect to pressures.  However when you are trying to load for several different 10's, maintaining a standard that fits them all is needed!  Mine like the 1.2500", even those that can handle longer loaded.

My statement is for the SAAMI 10mm specs, but I do understand different guns and applications.

The pistol started life as a .45ACP (first owner), converted to .40SW (second owner), then reamed to 10mm (third owner). It shoots very nice, when it shoots (chambers). It isn't my pistol, nor did I do the conversion(s). I developed the loads for a customer a few years ago. Yes, short freebore, that wouldn't chamber any but the commercial jacketed "light" target loads, such as Rem/UMC FMJ's. It is an effort to load for multiple platforms, especially when they are not factory.

My 6.5" Ruger BH chambers any .40/10mm length (with nearly an inch freebore and generous throat).  Different animal.

[The_Shadow]

I was quite surprised when I got my Bren Ten at how much freebore there is befor the Power Seal rifling starts.  It is almost an inch before the start...

[sqlbullet]

I was quite surprised when I got my Bren Ten at how much freebore there is befor the Power Seal rifling starts.  It is almost an inch before the start...

Wow...That would greatly reduce pressure concerns with hot ammo.