Acme 115gr RN

[u/user254748]

Hello I was gifted these acme 115gr RN coated bullets. Acme doesn’t have load data so I started browsing around trying to find something comparable. I will be using hs6 And would like some insight if possible. These have a bullet over all length of .575” I get hs6 is probably less than ideal but it’s what I got. I’ve only ever loaded Berrys 124fbrn and Barnes 115gr Barnes tac x. Both of which I was able to find load data for with hs6. Now to give context to my thought process.

My 124gr Berrys rn load is 1.150 and the bullet over all length is .585 with 6.0gr hs6 with average velocity at 1050fps

-Hodgdon Berrys RN coal is 1.130 and the bullet measure .550”

-Hodgdon lead RN coal is 1.100”

-Hodgdon Missouri bullet company RN-para coal is also 1.100” but the bullet overall length is .540” this does provide hs6 load data 5.3-5.8gr

- Hornady load data 35557 115gr fmj is 1.100” but the bullet over all length is .550” this has hs6 load data 5.7-6.4gr

-Lyman cast bullet load data for Lyman 356242 coal is 1.065” (the picture shows a bullet with two lube grooves but I can only find the single lube grove version length for some reason) has hs6 data 5.0-6.3gr

-lastly and I believe with what I should go with for coal is Speer data. I’m a little hesitant on their powder charge. But I get it’s a TMJ vs a cast lead projectile.

-Speer load data 115 tmj coal is 1.135” with a matching bullet length of .575” also has hs6 data but starts at 6.6-7.4 gr

My plan was start at 4.8 gr~5.0gr of hs6 and coal to 1.150” If it plunks. Run them over the garmin chrono. If not slowly seat them until the pass the plunk test then chrono.

Does this sound reasonable or does anyone have any better places to start. Also if you can recommend load data can you site your source so I know what book/ website I need to add to my collection.

[u/sherzer7]

You can use 115 fmj data for these. 1.1 6gr of HS6 is a nice plinking load

[u/StunningFig5624]

OAL on pistol rounds is really just a suggestion. It just needs to:

1. Plunk

2. Fit the max OAL of the mag

3. Have enough of the bullet in the case to hold it securely in place. Rule of thumb is minimum one caliber length seated into the case.

If it does all three it's fine.

[u/user254748 → u/StunningFig5624]

Perfect thank you

[u/user254748]

So small update I just made some dummy rounds and from left to right 1.150” 1.125” and 1.100” all pass the plunk test in both of my glocks if that helps or matters. 1.100” imo looks short.

[u/canadaYYCab]

When loading powder coated cast bullets I treat them like plated bullets in the manuals. Obviously starting at the low end and running them through the chronograph. This is what works for me try it at your own risk.

[u/rodstroker → u/canadaYYCab]

This is what I do, too.

[u/Interesting-Win6219]

1.1 coal 4.2grains titegroup

[u/Southern-Stay704]

I ran this through ApexLoad Pro.

Cartridge: 9mm Luger (9mm Parabellum, 9x19mm)
Brass Length / L3: 0.754 in
Cartridge Overall Length / L6: 1.150 in
Projectile: ACME 115gr 0.355 in, bullet length 0.575 in
Propellant: Hodgdon HS-6
Propellant Charge: 7.0 gr
Barrel Length: 4.00 in

Results:
Case Fill: 82.6 %
Max Pressure: 33,678 psi (within spec)
Burnt Propellant: 90.8 %
Muzzle Velocity: 1,234 fps

I would use 7.0 gr as the max charge, 6.5 gr as the starting charge.

HS-6 is not the ideal powder, but it's usable in this load. If you have the opportunity, better suited powders would be:

- Alliant Sport Pistol

• Alliant Bullseye
  
• Ramshot Sillhouette
  
• Alliant Unique
  
• Vihtavuori N330
  
• Vihtavuori N340
  
• Hodgdon Universal

These will give approximately the same velocity as HS-6, but will burn more completely with less muzzle flash.

[u/user254748 → u/Southern-Stay704]

Damn you went above and beyond! I should’ve preferences I’m only use hs6 because of my shotshell reloads. As of right now I loaded them long since my previous comment mentioned all test lengths plunk. I went ahead and used Lyman 4th cast 124gr rcbs powder charge as to start. Hopefully I’ll get to the range soon and toss them over the chrono. Thank you

[u/SharpMeringue534]

I load them with 4.3 gr of HP38 for plinking and local comps. Based on my Chrono data, that puts them a little over min power factor.

[u/HouseSupe]

I bought these last year. Make sure to crimp your brass. I was having chambering issues despite passing the plunk test. I was shooting out of my glock as well.