crbutler wrote:Actually Sam, the reason that USPSA went to allowing 9x19 as major was because there are some factory loads that do make major. This worked out as they lowered the power floor to 165 (from 175)-
As I recall, there was a Cor Bon 124gr +P+ load that made it, a couple of LEO heavier bullet loads, as well as most of the NATO SMG ammo (that you shouldn't shoot in a standard handgun...)
Most of the competition handloads are loaded long (Warner's weren't as he was trying to use a Glock) and are not that ugly pressure wise unless the shooter has some sort of hybrid comped barrel.
I don't disagree that using someone's questionable brass is a bad idea, but don't blanket condemn 9 major as unsafe- it isn't (if you know what you are doing...and you are shooting a gun made to stand up to it.)
1. As far as I know USPSA does not have cartridge restrictions, only caliber restrictions, they never explicitly allowed 9x19, they simply said in OPEN you can shoot .355 projectiles and make major. 9mm major is relatively new, before that people ran 38 super, or any of the other numerous alternatives. Many still do because loading for 9mm major can be a little touchy.
2. If you find me a 9mm factory round that makes major I will eat my shorts. Most people who are loading 9mm major are loading long because they have to, otherwise their isn't enough case volume for all the powder. Even loading long every 9mm load I've played with was compressed. Your selection of powders is really limited with 9mm major.
3. While I've never seen tim's setup, every other open glock shooter I have seen was running an after market fully supported barrel. I find the proposition that you could load a 9mm cartridge to major, and keep a C.O.L. anywhere near book length doubtful. I'm not sure how a compensated barrel would increase your chamber pressure (it wouldn't), but shooting open without a comp is like bringing a geo metro at the race track . You can do it but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
4. I agree that 9mm major is entirely safe if done correctly, that being said most open shooters I meet shooting 9mm major leave their brass lie.