I cast for 38spl, 9mm and 40S&W with pure lead and Alox lube. My loads are near start data. Punching paper at 5 to 20 yards doesn't need a lot of force.
I have the Lee 125gr RN mold. I powdercoat my cast bullets, and they work pretty well. I don't cast 9mm as much as other calibers, though, as it's cheaper to buy commercially cast 9mm bullets and save my lead supply for the more expensive, heavier stuff.