9x25 improved

[Yankees2rck]

Hi there, looking for some opinions on the 9x25 specifically using Longshot powder. Is 10 to 12 grains the most that can efficiently burn in a 3.8 barrel? Thanks for any responses!

[The_Shadow]

Hello and Welcome Yankees2rck,  I will say that this cartridge really shines using the 6" barrel over the shorter ones.
Before I got the 6" barrel for the Glock 20 these were some loads I tested from the S&W 1006 5" and Glock 3.78" barrels

Chronograph Feb 27 2011
Temp...76*
Elevation 22' above sea level

Cartridge 9X25 Dillon formed from Winchester 10mm cases
Loaded with 10.5 grains of Hodgdon's LongShot powder
ZERO 121 grain 0.356" JHP (these are the 38Super bullets with good copper jacket)

Gun S&W 1006 with Bar-Sto Match Grade 5.00" barrel

1565 low
1592
1637 high
1615

Gun Glock 29 with LWD 9x25 3.78" barrel

1539
1524 low
1542 high

Very impressed with the Hodgdon's LongShot results for both pistols.  The performance is very comparable to that Double Tap


I think 800X will do a little better than LongShot from the shorter barrels

This test was between UW and DT (at the time UW was using 800X and Dt was using Longshot)
Underwood vs. Double Tap Gold Dot 125 JHP

Barrel 6" LWD   Velocity   Energy Ft/Lb
Underwood      1699      801
Double Tap      1587      699

Barrel 4.6" LWD   Velocity   Energy Ft/Lb
Underwood      1588      700
Double Tap      1498      623

Barrel 3.8" LWD   Velocity   Energy Ft/Lb
Underwood      1522      643
Double Tap      1430      568


Box listed Velocity was for 6" barrel
Underwood   1700 fps
Double Tap   1695 fps

[Yankees2rck]

Really appreciate that info Shadow! I'm using a 2 port LWD barrel in a G29.4 that I just picked up. It looks about a quarter inch longer than stock before the ported section. I was thinking about getting a G29 (previously had a G20), and then ran across this barrel, so bought it and then ordered the gun. The lock up is absolutely perfect. Just used up the last of my 800x, maybe have to pick up more. It worked great in the 357 Sig as a mildly compressed load.

[The_Shadow]

Have you ventured through the Pull-Down documentations for the 9x25's?  Here is the link incase you haven't:

http://10mm-firearms.com/factory-ammo-pull-downs/underwood-9x25dillon-speer-125gr-tmj-pull-down-2687/

[Yankees2rck]

I've seen some of these pulldowns, but it was a long time ago before I had any plans to get into 9x25. Mainly had searched 10mm pulldowns in the past.
Appreciate the link and all the time you put into documenting your tests!

[Yankees2rck]

Made up and fired some 9x25 loads today using 357 Sig dies (Fire Forming the case in the process). Worked out well with 125 gr. bullets and 10 grains of Longshot. C.o.l. 1.285" no signs of pressure and surprisingly easy to handle in a G29 with the lwd 2 port barrel.

[The_Shadow]

Noticing that you mention in the topic as 9x25 improved.  Let me ask, is your barrel the standard 9x25 Dillon or is the chamber cut as a 9x25 improved using a 357Sig reamer?
I have read of some guys doing the case sizing with the 357Sig dies, but the fire forming can take its toll on the brass with cracked necks.  Also if resizing for 9x25 Dillon chamber, this may not utilize the same settings after fire forming to maintain proper headspacing.

Is there a particular reason why you loaded to a longer 1.285" COL?  You have to be careful, as loading them that long can possibly cause feeding issues if the magazine is loaded fully, they might hang up inside the magazine body.  Just trying to provide some foresight here...

[Yankees2rck]

The barrel is the standard 9x25. I did think about your point (a very good one) as to die adjustment for subsequent loadings, although i had no plans to do so. I titled it improved because my plan is to ream the chamber deeper using a 357 reamer and using non-standard profile bullets in order to make use of the pushed forward shoulder. The c.o.l. was dictated by fully loading a magazine, no issues. Thanks, good and concise questions!