TargetTalk

Hello everyone.
I have one of these pistols for ISSF centrefire and want to begin reloading for it. I would like to hear from other Benelli users if they have to make their reloads on the hotter side. I will use Lapua brass and Lapua 98gr HBWC. Others have also suggested using magnum pistol primers. I have used GSP's and 280's in the past.

I can't think of any reason to use magnum primers.

There's a theory around that you get more consistent loads by using magnum primers and very small powder charges (around 1 grain). Never tested it thoroughly, though.

. . . .

Why don't you simply try it?

. . . .

Simple. It's because the very light loads are at such low pressure that a magnum primer enhances powder burning.

I frequently use magnum primers in my light pistol target loads with no ill effect. Frankly, I see no difference.

In some experimentation I did with light rifle loads, hot primers cut groups sizes in half.

Okay okay. Putting magnum primers to one side for the moment, has anyone had any experience with handloading for the Benelli MP90S World Cup in .32?

. . . .

2.0 grains of Bullseye in a .32 is a pretty heavy load, so be warned.

I'd work up very slowly from 1.4.

I am using Speer 98gr HBWC with 1.1gr of N310 or 1.8 of W231. The N310 is a touch light, and will make up some using 1.3.

I have limited experience with the MP90, but its seems to benifit from hotter rounds than say the Pardini HPE.

Please let us know what you find as good load.

I will also be trying some loads using Trailboss - likely around 1.5gr.

Brian

From a side-by-side comparison basis, firing Brian's Benelli with 100gr cast bullets and 1.8gr W-231, then shooting the same load in my Unique DES-32/U, I would say the Benelli was not unpleasant to shoot with this loading and grouped reasonbly well at 20 yards. For a pistol that's quite light I'm surprised at how well it shot and how good it felt in the hand.

JamesH wrote:I can't think of any reason to use magnum primers.

I always loaded my pistol loads with small rifle primers.

Everything from .32 S&W target to my major .38 Super IPSC loads.

The .32 S&W loads were very nice, consistent with tight groups. It also made it easy when doing calibre changing from .32 to 9mm to .38 Super... I didnt have to empty the primer tube in the Dillon 650.

Back then I would load 1.4 of WST with Federal SM Rifle primers and 98gr HBWC from a local bullet maker.

These days I get someone to load for me... 1.3gr of N310 with 98gr HBWC. Dont know or care what primers, they still go bang everytime.

Cheers

Edit:
BTW, Those loads were for the Walther GSP Expert and the Hammerli 280.
I am now using the Matchguns MG4 with the same loads.

For me anywhere from 1.1 to 1.3 N310 with the 90gr. swagged Hornady wadds shoots well. I also have some 88gr. cast wadds I purchased from a local dealer. He got them at an auction. Doesn't know where they came from. The shoot well also. This is at 50 to 75 feet. I have found for me the lighter wadds shoot and group better. This is in a Pardini HP. Has anyone worked up loads for 50yds????