I started sharing my load data and reloading adventures through the Zo’s Reloads post series. The goal was—and still is—to help others learn from my mistakes while creating a written reference for myself. Those posts aren’t going anywhere, but I figured centralizing the load data in one place made sense. So, here we are.
Disclaimer: I make no claims that this data is good or even safe. Use it at your own risk, and always cross-check with official published load data from reputable ammunition and component manufacturers.
Handgun Data
9mm Luger (9x19mm, 9mm Parabellum)
The 9mm Luger—or 9mm Parabellum, if you’re feeling fancy—is the workhorse cartridge Georg Luger designed in 1902 for his iconic pistol. This rimless, tapered cartridge, typically loaded with 115–147 grain bullets, hums along at 1,200–1,400 fps, striking the perfect balance between power and manageable recoil. It’s the go-to for self-defense, competition, law enforcement, and even military sidearms. Its compact size means more rounds in your magazine, and it plays well with everything from full metal jacket for range days to hollow points for serious business. Affordable, reliable, and available everywhere, the 9mm Luger is the gold standard for handguns that just get the job done.
147 Grain Bullets
RMR Bullets FMJ-FP Heavy Matchwinner
- C.O.L.: 1.120″
- Notes: Using a Dillon Pistol Seating Die, the round-nose end (not the flat-nose end) of the double-ended seating stem aligns the bullet to the case more consistently, resulting in fewer case gauge and plunk test failures.
| Pistol | Powder | Average Velocity | Standard Deviation | Power Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZ Shadow 2 (4.89″) | Titegroup (3.2 gr.) | 898.3 fps | 12.8 fps | 132.0 |
| CZC A01-LD (4.93″) | Titegroup (3.2 gr.) | 922.5 fps | 12.1 fps | 135.6 |
| Staccato C2 (3.9″) | Titegroup (3.2 gr.) | 861.3 fps | 7.8 fps | 126.6 |
| Staccato XL (5.4″) | Titegroup (3.2 gr.) | 893.7 fps | 5.6 fps | 131.4 |
9mm Major
The 9mm Major, or just 9 Major, is a hot-rodded version of the 9mm Luger. A wildcat cartridge cooked up by IPSC and USPSA Open division shooters in the late 20th century to hit the “Major” power factor (165 minimum for USPSA) without the cost of .38 Super. It uses the standard 9x19mm case but packs slow-burning powder behind lightweight bullets—typically 115–124 grains—pushing velocities past 1,400 fps. This high-pressure round isn’t for your average 9mm pistol; it’s built for raceguns with robust frames and compensators to handle the extra juice safely. Perfect for competition, it’s a specialized cartridge that demands respect and the right gear to avoid turning your handgun into a hand grenade.
124 Grain Bullets
Precision Delta JHP
- C.O.L.: 1.170″
- Notes: Maybe it’s just me, but getting consistent seating depth with a micrometer-adjustable die got tricky as loads became more compressed. 8.5gr of 3N38 hits the power factor, but folks I’ve talked to run higher pressures—likely for better compensator performance. That’s something I’ll need to mess with.
| Pistol | Powder | Average Velocity | Standard Deviation | Power Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZ Czechmate (5.23″) | 3N38 (8.5 gr.) | 1,372.4 fps | 9.2 fps | 170.2 |