First of all...you take a huge risk if you miss with the pin directly in the PAP...if you end up with the pin behind the PAP, it will back flare.
My suggestion is placing the pin 1 1/2-2" from the PAP...this is safer. If you want to tame it, place an extra hole in the PAP.
The 9" hole is old school weight holes, as with lower diff cores, you could get away with a 9" hole. To use a strong weight hole place it 3 3/8" from the PAP.
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Formerly BrunsRico