Loading for delta elite

Arizonaman · September 12 2015 09:11:28 PM MDT

Hi, I'm new to the forum and would like some advice on loads for the delta elite. I have a full length guide rod and am looking for some good loads. I have 4 pounds of accurate #9 and am using once fired brass from federal. I am also using Barry plated bullets. From what I have read there are a lot of kabooms which I would really prefer to stay away from. Can anyone help me out with a decent load using that powder? I have gone to hanloads.com and don't find to many loads using that powder and 180 grain bullets and this powder. Also approximately how many times can I use 10mm brass before it becomes unsafe? I appreciate anyone's input. Thanks in advance.

The_Shadow · September 12 2015 09:54:16 PM MDT

Welcome to the forum, the Delta Elite lacks some support, but with good loads you should be fine. Berry's are a plated bullet and you don't want to push them over 1200 fps anyways. You may want to stay at 13.0 grains or slightly less with AA#9 to stay below the 1200 fps.

Best regards!

Arizonaman · September 12 2015 10:23:06 PM MDT

I appreciate it. Your input. I load for 45 auto and have never had a problem but the 10 is in a different realm. Approximately how many times can I reload the brass and do you trim your brass.

The_Shadow · September 13 2015 08:36:13 AM MDT

I have gotten several loadings from most brass I have shot from my pistols, but I have seen cases split as the brass tends to work harden. I will say that I pass through size the brass before regular sizing. This step has made for more reliable feeding. I use plenty range brass and 10mm as shot from Glocks, HK MP-5-10mm for example, but all of the casings benefit from the pass through sizing method where expansion can occur very low and where some sizing dies cannot reach.

I don't trim my 10mm brass and I've been loading for the 10 since March 1990. ${$default_grin_smiley}$

As you read through the forum you will find various things I have done with regards to loading and testing... ${$default_roll_eyes_smiley}$

Arizonaman · September 13 2015 06:47:18 PM MDT

I really appreciate your help. Thank you.

se3388 · October 17 2015 09:30:22 PM MDT

I just picked up a Delta Elite and am reloading for it too. I had an Auto Ordnance a few years ago as well as Wyoming Arms 10 mm Parker. I have loaded up some rounds with around 6 gr. of AA#2 and a 180 gr bullet which does pretty good. I'll probably settle on a 165 gr bullet for reloading with some loads with the 180 gr bullets. How has the #9 been working out?

Steve.............

TSP45ACP · October 18 2015 08:37:16 AM MDT

Never used #9, but my Longshot load is 8.8 (9.2 or 9.6 is max...different manuals specify) w a Penn 180gr lfp bullet shoots great out of my Delta. Tracy

Welcome to the forum Arizonaman and se3388.

sqlbullet · October 18 2015 10:37:47 AM MDT

I know of no published load data that will be too hot for a Delta Elite. Every handloader that has issues is off book either in charge weight, COAL, or primer type.

se3388 · October 20 2015 07:57:53 PM MDT

I finally got to take my (new to me) Delta Elite to the range for the first time (other than shooting a few off my back porch). I threw together a 180 gr. load with 12.5 gr of AA#9 and it was really accurate. I think I like AA#9. Win 231 was pretty good but #9 was way ahead.

Steve............

The_Shadow · October 20 2015 08:44:24 PM MDT

Here is what Speer had as a supplement back in the 90's before the Speer #12 came out.

Notice they used the Delta as their test gun...

This is the Speer #12 which was the first issue to include the 10mm...they used the S&W1006 for the testing.

se3388 · October 20 2015 09:25:56 PM MDT

Wow, neither one lists #9 for the 180 gr bullet. I used a Hornady 9th Edition for my data. It was the only one out of all five of my Reloading Manuals that had #9 data for the 180 gr bullet.

Steve...........

sqlbullet · October 21 2015 11:18:36 AM MDT

#9 is slow for 10mm. I have used it, and it has it's benefits. But you need heavy bullets to get good velocities from it, and even then you are burning 50-100% more powder than with Blue Dot, Power Pistol or Longshot.

TSP45ACP · October 22 2015 08:20:16 PM MDT

Doesn't list Longshot or Power Pistol. :'(

sqlbullet · October 23 2015 09:20:10 AM MDT

http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=10%20mm&Weight=180&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

Stick with loads that list a mfg as the source...Not Guest.

Arizonaman · October 24 2015 12:09:44 AM MDT

Hi. Thanks for all the input. I loaded up a few rounds of 180 grain berry bullets with accurate #9 with 13.4 and had a friend that loaned me his chrono. The average speed was 1198 fps. I think I will bump it up to 13.5 and see what results I get. Accuracy was very good. The was no pressure signs at all. I would like to get at least 1250 fps. I also loaded nosler 150 grain with accurate #5 with 10.5 grains and the average velocity was 1332 fps. I was not real impressed with that but the accuracy was good. I really like the #9 it metered very well. Thank all for all your input.