first 100 rounds, 9mm- range report

[JeepGeeek]

Just loaded my first 100 rounds:

Hodgden Universal powder, Hornady 124g FMJ bullets, misc brass, CCI small pistol primers.

Made 98 live rounds (I made two "dummy rounds" for sizing ops in the future, one at minimum OAL, one at max), in a "ladder". Went with 4.3g of powder in the first 50 as that was the minimum loading for the bullet weight- max was 4.9g. Then had 20 rounds of 4.5g loads, and then 28 rounds of 4.7g loads- I specifically didn't load to maximum.

Didn't feel much difference between the powder charges- I don't own a chrono, doubt I'll get that far into it. The 4.7g loads seemed very accurate out of my weapon, as I had about a 2" group at 20 yards, rapid fire out of my PT111.

All went bang, none went boom. A good day. Inspected all the brass I could recover- no pressure signs, no misfires/hangfires/whatever.

A completely uneventful day at the range.

Also cast 50 rounds of 124g truncated cone bullets today- will load them up when I get some primers Friday.

Next, loads in .45ACP, and .40 soon to come. Also, .303Brit, 30-30, and so on.....

 

[RobT2K]

Congrats, I can't wait to get there myself. I'm still trying to decide on a press/kit
What press are you using?

 

[coloradokevin]

Congrats. I just shot my first 50 .223 handloads two weeks ago.

It's a nice feeling to make your own ammo, and then see it beat the comparable factory ammo at a fraction of the price

 

[JeepGeeek]

Rob- I'm using a full Lee shop. Various bits and bobbles bought over the last couple months aas I researched reloading.

Had I to do it again, I'd get the all-in-one anniversary kit with the Challenger press. The press I am using is the Lee Reloader. It works fine, even resizing some 303 brass, but it doesn't leave as much hand room as I'd like, and the full "O" press would of course be stronger still.

I'll likely get the Challenger press and bolt it to the other end of my bench (a Craftsman resin fold out bench that I use in front of the TV)

HIGHLY suggest the Lee hand primer tool, as well. But do take note that it's only rated for certain primers- if you're not using them, use a different tool.

 

[Galil5.56]

JeepGeek,

Congratulations, and glad to hear all went well.

How did you feel before you touched the first one off? Apprehensive, nervous, anxious... I bet a big smile followed the first shot, a "wow" it actually worked was thought, and you had a feeling of satisfaction lost on non-reloaders. I can still remember the first reload I fired (12 gauge shotshell) that I made as a very young reloader almost 30 years ago with 700x, RXP wads, a Rem case and primer, all coming together from a Lee Load-All.

You seem like you are well on your way, followed the rules, and were rewarded with well earned success. Reloading for me has never saved a dime, and shooting for me is just a way to get empty cases.

Take care.