G29 Loading Question

[frankt]

I plan to pick up a G29 this weekend, it will be my first 10mm and in turn, my first 10mm reloading.
The G29 will be a woods carry/maybe deer hunting gun. I have read almost every page here on reloading with the 200XTP which is what I want to use.
Reading about all the different powders and results and believe I will try Longshot.

While this seems a popular choice here, I noticed on the Hodgdon reloading data page, they only list loads for the 200 fmj, XTP loads stop at 180. Is this for a reason?

Also if I find a load I like for the 200 XTP, can I load a cheaper FMJ to the same loading to practice with and have about the same recoil and accuracy?

I really don't have any desire to use a lighter bullet as 200 is what I will hunt with.

Thanks!

[_The_Shadow]

Frankt, the XTP's are slightly longer that the FMJ bullets and can increase pressures because of this extra bullet length, therefore powder charges need to be adjusted slightly... Work with the book loads to get a feel for what you are doing and how the loads work with your gun.

Be safe!

[BenKeith]

I would think hot 200 grain loads in the 29 would make it a real handful. I don't own one but my neighbor I shoot a lot with does, and his is very accurate at 25 yards with 180 grain, but it does have a lot of muzzle rise. I've never seen him try it beyound that. He always shoots his G20 when shooting at longer distances. My G20 with 6" Lone Wolf barrel does OK with heavy loaded 180 grains @ 1,250 fps, I've never shot heavier. My wifes G27 is a handful even with hot, 180 grain 1,200 fps 40 S&W's load.
I load with Blue Dot, and don't load mine to the tee total max so can't help you as for loads for yours.

[frankt]

Frankt, the XTP's are slightly longer that the FMJ bullets and can increase pressures because of this extra bullet length, therefore powder charges need to be adjusted slightly... Work with the book loads to get a feel for what you are doing and how the loads work with your gun.

Be safe!

So, if I understand correctly, if I find a safe XTP load, it will surely be safe for the fmj?

[21Carrier]

So, if I understand correctly, if I find a safe XTP load, it will surely be safe for the fmj?

Absolutely. If you find a load that's safe for a 200gr XTP, it should be even safer with a shorter 200gr FMJ. I shoot my G29 a lot, and I think the best powder for the short barrel is 800-X. In my testing, it has beat all other powders with bullets ranging from 125gr to 200gr. I know that sounds crazy, but it's true. I would try to work up to the following load:

CCI 300s, 200gr XTP, 9.0gr 800-X, COAL 1.260". I have gone as far as 9.3gr, and if I remember correctly, that gives you about 1150-1175fps out of the G29. Longshot will probably get you close to that, and it meters much better than 800-X. However, I think the recoil with 800-X is not quite as snappy, and it always makes more velocity.

[frankt]

Thanks, I read a good bit about the 800-X powder but got a little worried about the poor metering.
I usually weigh every 10th round no matter what or how I am reloading but not sure if I want to have to weigh every charge.

I will be using a single stage for this round and only doing 50-100 rounds at a time. I have always used a loading block and examined the charged rounds with a good light to look for noticeable differences in the powder level. I don't know if that would suffice with the 800-X or it needs to be weighed on my balance beam scale.

I will consider this powder and put some thought and research into it.

[frankt]

Picked up the G29 today. Can't wait to shoot it. Studying all the internet stores I use for reloading components.

Sure seems to be more 180gr stuff available than the 200. I don't think the deer will know the difference if I decide to use 180.

[MinervaDoe]

Thanks, I read a good bit about the 800-X powder but got a little worried about the poor metering.
I usually weigh every 10th round no matter what or how I am reloading but not sure if I want to have to weigh every charge.

I will be using a single stage for this round and only doing 50-100 rounds at a time. I have always used a loading block and examined the charged rounds with a good light to look for noticeable differences in the powder level. I don't know if that would suffice with the 800-X or it needs to be weighed on my balance beam scale.

I will consider this powder and put some thought and research into it.
You mention a single stage press in a way that makes me think maybe you also have a multistage press. If you have a Dillon, the Uniquetek powder baffle can help with metering. It improved the metering in my Dillon for Unique.
http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1278 (http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1278)

[Taterhead]

So, if I understand correctly, if I find a safe XTP load, it will surely be safe for the fmj?

Probably. Most likely, but not surely. If you change any part of a recipe for a hot load, reduce and work up again.

That being said, there were no issues in my load workups using a 200 gr XTP at the Hodgdon max. This was in my G20.

[No Mercy]

I noticed hot loads in the 29 with standard primers left alot of unburned 800x in the barrel. There where several flakes of it in the barrel. I used the same 800x charge with the Barnes 125gr TAC-XP and switched to the CCI 350 magnum primers and shot another five rounds, problem solved. No more flakes of unburnt powder and the muzzle blast was much louder as well. I dont have a chronograph, but shoot into the deep end of our swimming pool and the pedals of the Barnes bullet were folded back much further to the point of nearly breaking away, so velocity must have picked up somewhat from the complete powder burn. If your reading 21carrier, try some magnum primers in your loads of 800x with the Barnes bullets and let us know what you think.:)
Edit- I did notice the primer started to flatten with this load and there was just a slight raised line on the unsupported part of the case. Dont know that I would push much further with the stock barrel. Charge weight was 11.4gr @ 1.260

[g29guy]

Picked up the G29 today. Can't wait to shoot it. Studying all the internet stores I use for reloading components.

Sure seems to be more 180gr stuff available than the 200. I don't think the deer will know the difference if I decide to use 180.

Definitely more 180 info and available supplies than 200 grain. A 180 grain bullet will take any sized deer if you have good shot placement. Use a cast bullet if you want more penetration.

Also I wouldn't try and meter 800x. Ive found Blue dot and 800x are only for my hand weigh charges.

I use Power pistol for metering hot loads that have a safety margin from the top end.

[Kegs]

I would think hot 200 grain loads in the 29 would make it a real handful.

It is, especially if it's going 1300 fps. :supergrin:

Even when I load to 1230 fps (out of the 4 1/2" ext. barrel - not out of the 3.8"), it's a handful.

I am now sold on the benefits of the 135s and 180s. I still have some 200s around here though.

Deer hunting starts in about a month. :wavey:

[21Carrier]

I noticed hot loads in the 29 with standard primers left alot of unburned 800x in the barrel. There where several flakes of it in the barrel. I used the same 800x charge with the Barnes 125gr TAC-XP and switched to the CCI 350 magnum primers and shot another five rounds, problem solved. No more flakes of unburnt powder and the muzzle blast was much louder as well. I dont have a chronograph, but shoot into the deep end of our swimming pool and the pedals of the Barnes bullet were folded back much further to the point of nearly breaking away, so velocity must have picked up somewhat from the complete powder burn. If your reading 21carrier, try some magnum primers in your loads of 800x with the Barnes bullets and let us know what you think.:)
Edit- I did notice the primer started to flatten with this load and there was just a slight raised line on the unsupported part of the case. Dont know that I would push much further with the stock barrel. Charge weight was 11.4gr @ 1.260

I am going to buy a bunch of 125gr Barnes bullets soon, and play with that charge some more. I got 1460fps with 11.4gr 800-X and CCI 300s. I wonder if CCI 350s will increase the velocity or not. Usually, it seems they just tighten up the extreme spread, but they might help with such a light bullet. I will do some more workups and let you know what they do. I am also going to try to push the charge up to about 12.5gr with the CCI 300s (if there's enough room). I will find a good maximum with both primers. By the way, don't even waste your time with other powders and 125gr Barnes bullets in the G29. Maybe with magnum primers it will be different, but with CCI 300s, I couldn't get past 1300fps with Longshot, Power Pistol, or Unique.

[No Mercy]

I am going to buy a bunch of 125gr Barnes bullets soon, and play with that charge some more. I got 1460fps with 11.4gr 800-X and CCI 300s. I wonder if CCI 350s will increase the velocity or not. Usually, it seems they just tighten up the extreme spread, but they might help with such a light bullet. I will do some more workups and let you know what they do. I am also going to try to push the charge up to about 12.5gr with the CCI 300s (if there's enough room). I will find a good maximum with both primers. By the way, don't even waste your time with other powders and 125gr Barnes bullets in the G29. Maybe with magnum primers it will be different, but with CCI 300s, I couldn't get past 1300fps with Longshot, Power Pistol, or Unique.

Looking forward to the results!!:supergrin: