dbrown
Member
I want to start reloading 9mm. but i dont know what i need.
reloading 9mm
- Thread starter dbrown
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Chopdoktor
Member
I bought the Lee Pro 1000 9mm progressive press kit, and then a ton of primers, brass, powder, and bullets. I went from never reloading in my life on a Thursday, to loading over 2000 rounds of 147gr subsonic 9mm by that Sunday.
As long as you pay attention and watch some how-to videos, it's easy. The hardest thing for me was simply getting in tune with the "feel" of a correctly loaded round during pressing (ie; seating the primer). My reason for reloading was to have cheap subsonic ammo to shoot through my suppressors. I am VERY satisfied with the fruits of my labor! I'm making subsonics for a third of the cost of retail.
As long as you pay attention and watch some how-to videos, it's easy. The hardest thing for me was simply getting in tune with the "feel" of a correctly loaded round during pressing (ie; seating the primer). My reason for reloading was to have cheap subsonic ammo to shoot through my suppressors. I am VERY satisfied with the fruits of my labor! I'm making subsonics for a third of the cost of retail.
jcwit
member
Step 1, buy a reloading manual and read it. From there read the stickies at the top of tyhe reloading forum here.
liberty -r- death
Member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2009
- Messages
- 42
Single stage press is the easiest to get started with. Lee make some good starter set kits, and then you'll need dies. You tube has some good videos you can look at.
Magichelmt
Member
Keep your eyes open on the for sale section for a good used single stage Rockchucker or something. I started on a Rockchucker and then moved on to a dillon 550 progressive. I read the ABC's of reloading, bought a book of load data and started slowly. I am very happy I started on a single stage press.
I also think the first thing to do is buy and read several loading manuals. Then read the stickies at the top of the forum. Reloading is a great hobby but you need basic knowledge of it inorder to ask questions. See if you can find someone in your area who reloads and will let you observe as well as ask questions.
dragon813gt
Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2011
- Messages
- 1,137
Read, then read some more, then read some more and keep reading. At the end of the day reloading isn't that hard. But you are still playing with primers and powders which are dangerous. Straight wall pistol is a lot easier to load for than rifle. But there are still quite a few steps to follow.
What is your reason for reloading for 9mm? If it's to save money it's not going to happen. You will save money if you cast your own bullets. But using commercial bullets you will very little savings.
I will not suggest starting out on a progressive. You need to shoot a high volume to make the purchase worthwhile. Otherwise a turret will suffice for most shooters.
And does anyone search before posting? The Internet is full of information and this has been covered for many years. I can't believe how often this topic comes up.
Brought to you by TapaTalk.
What is your reason for reloading for 9mm? If it's to save money it's not going to happen. You will save money if you cast your own bullets. But using commercial bullets you will very little savings.
I will not suggest starting out on a progressive. You need to shoot a high volume to make the purchase worthwhile. Otherwise a turret will suffice for most shooters.
And does anyone search before posting? The Internet is full of information and this has been covered for many years. I can't believe how often this topic comes up.
Brought to you by TapaTalk.
If you know for sure you want to reload and if you can afford it, get a Dillon 550. If you want to try it awhile and see if you like it, get a cheap single-stage. I'd recommend the Lee carbide die set. I use seat and crimp separately, using the Lee Factory Crimp Die for crimping.
tightgroup tiger
Member
Definately, heed these guys warnings. Start on a single stage, Buy the loading manuals, don't deviate or experiment with the data especially with 9mm, learn the process thoroughly, then move on to a decent progressive press when the time is right.
Ask questions here, like you just did, about things you don't understand. There is a lot of talent here that can help you.
No such thing as a stupid question so don't be shy.
There are starter kits available especially from Lee Precision that won't break the bank and will get you going in the right direction. You will need a single stage press, powder scales, dial calipers, loading dies, loading manuals, and lots of time to read to educate your self. These are the absolute minimum that you will need but they will get you started.
Be carefull in learning about 9mm's as they have a few more re-loading issues than many other calibers, being what is called a high effiency round.
Search the 9mm reloading threads on this sight and you will learn alot about the issues you have to watch for. They are not bad issues but they are very noteworthy. A little more complicated than most of the other pistol rounds you could have chosen to start with.
You could start with a book like "The ABC's of reloading" It will get you familier with the basics of what you need to learn. And don't be afraid to ask questions about things you are not sure of or don't understand.
It never ends.
Ask questions here, like you just did, about things you don't understand. There is a lot of talent here that can help you.
No such thing as a stupid question so don't be shy.
There are starter kits available especially from Lee Precision that won't break the bank and will get you going in the right direction. You will need a single stage press, powder scales, dial calipers, loading dies, loading manuals, and lots of time to read to educate your self. These are the absolute minimum that you will need but they will get you started.
Be carefull in learning about 9mm's as they have a few more re-loading issues than many other calibers, being what is called a high effiency round.
Search the 9mm reloading threads on this sight and you will learn alot about the issues you have to watch for. They are not bad issues but they are very noteworthy. A little more complicated than most of the other pistol rounds you could have chosen to start with.
You could start with a book like "The ABC's of reloading" It will get you familier with the basics of what you need to learn. And don't be afraid to ask questions about things you are not sure of or don't understand.
It never ends.
manithree
Member
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2009
- Messages
- 112
I'm curious. The conventional wisdom, pushed here numerous times, is to start re-loading on a single stage press. If the question was for a rifle caliber, that makes a lot of sense to me. But I think I would have given up on re-loading if I had started out with a high-volume pistol caliber on a single-stage.
I would have been especially miffed if I had taken the advice as given here and bought a single stage press that's more expensive than the Lee classic turret (which is what I got).
I'm still fairly new to re-loading. I've done several hundred rounds of .38 spl, and a few hundred rounds of .22-250 (loaded like a single-stage with the indexer removed). And I really do want to understand this advice. I started on a turret press that's less expensive than most single-stages, and I'm wondering what I missed out on.
I would have been especially miffed if I had taken the advice as given here and bought a single stage press that's more expensive than the Lee classic turret (which is what I got).
I'm still fairly new to re-loading. I've done several hundred rounds of .38 spl, and a few hundred rounds of .22-250 (loaded like a single-stage with the indexer removed). And I really do want to understand this advice. I started on a turret press that's less expensive than most single-stages, and I'm wondering what I missed out on.
Best if you begin with .45ACP, .38 Special, or .357 Magnum.
Both the 9x19 and .40S&W are extremely small cases for bullet caliber and will "bit the hand that feeds it" over any reloading error.
Read a manual or two. Go to lots of forums and READ THE STICKIES.
Note that almost EVERY single post that discusses what a person needs to reload includes a preponderance of non-essential, but good to have, equipment and covers what they bought. It will generally be enough to "choke a horse" and scare off anyone just thinking about it. This is one good reason to read a manual or two and think about what you need for your shooting requirements.
Both the 9x19 and .40S&W are extremely small cases for bullet caliber and will "bit the hand that feeds it" over any reloading error.
Read a manual or two. Go to lots of forums and READ THE STICKIES.
Note that almost EVERY single post that discusses what a person needs to reload includes a preponderance of non-essential, but good to have, equipment and covers what they bought. It will generally be enough to "choke a horse" and scare off anyone just thinking about it. This is one good reason to read a manual or two and think about what you need for your shooting requirements.
tightgroup tiger
Member
I doubt you missed out on anything, Their is a lot of wisdom in what you just stated.
Some torret presses are more resonable than the really good single stage presses, especially today. But for someone starting out, a decent single stage press can be purchased still cheaper than a torret press.
For some starting out, a torret is better than a single stage, more versitile, but people are different with their aptitudes and abilities and mostly finances, most of the time a single stage is the easiest way to start. I loaded 9mm by the hundreds a month on my Rock Chucker for 4 years before I purchased my LNL-AP to do it on.
I don't regret the learning curve of using the single stage to get intimate with the 9mm before I moved on to the auto-progressive. Also a torret may be a little faster but you are stroking the handle just as many times as I did on my single stage.
Even after 40 years of loading my own ammo and having the LNL-Ap I must confess I still think about getting a Lee classic torret press for small runs, test loads and some of my rifle shells.
Some torret presses are more resonable than the really good single stage presses, especially today. But for someone starting out, a decent single stage press can be purchased still cheaper than a torret press.
For some starting out, a torret is better than a single stage, more versitile, but people are different with their aptitudes and abilities and mostly finances, most of the time a single stage is the easiest way to start. I loaded 9mm by the hundreds a month on my Rock Chucker for 4 years before I purchased my LNL-AP to do it on.
I don't regret the learning curve of using the single stage to get intimate with the 9mm before I moved on to the auto-progressive. Also a torret may be a little faster but you are stroking the handle just as many times as I did on my single stage.
Even after 40 years of loading my own ammo and having the LNL-Ap I must confess I still think about getting a Lee classic torret press for small runs, test loads and some of my rifle shells.
manithree:
I started reloading in the early '70s when no affordable progressive presses were available. I bought an RCBS RockChucker. After about a year, I was completely fed-up with that press, sold it, and got a Forster Bonanza Co-Ax. This is a great press.
Then, as I remember, in the late '70s, Horandy came out with a 5-station auto-indexing press that I could afford. Used that press until I wore it out in 2009, I think, and bought the new L-N-L.
My son, who was always willing to shoot up my reloads, decided that, since I was no longer living close to him, that he had to reload.
In 2010, I went to Dillon's store and looked at the 1050. I had used my friends' 550 and 650 presses and didn't like them (the REALLY NEED a case feeder), but the 1050 was great.
I mentioned this to my wife and, about 3 weeks later, someone was selling their RL1050, with several caliber conversions and she showed my the ad. I bought that press and, over the next year, acquired two more.
At this time, my son "mentioned" that he wanted to start reloading and asked me what press he should buy. My wife suggested that, since I had three other presses, I should just give him my L-N-L.
I went to visit him and gave it to him and taught him how to reload that weekend.
Getting to the point of the story:
It was VERY EASY to teach him on the L-N-L. It is a very open press, particularly without any bullet or case feeder. Loading one round at a time, he quickly learned how to set up the dies, establish a COL for a given bullet, and started loading.
So, I have no problem recommending someone buy a L-N-L and learn on it by loading one round at a time. I would hate to teach someone on the Dillons. They are more compact and "cluttered" to me.
If I was starting out right now to load for pistols and knew nothing, I would probably look at the Lee Classic Turret kit. I know that after a year, I would be in the market for a progressive press. If I was starting and loading for bottleneck cartridges, I would also probably start with the Lee Classic Turret k, but would buy a Forster Co-Ax after about a year and probably never look back.
I started reloading in the early '70s when no affordable progressive presses were available. I bought an RCBS RockChucker. After about a year, I was completely fed-up with that press, sold it, and got a Forster Bonanza Co-Ax. This is a great press.
Then, as I remember, in the late '70s, Horandy came out with a 5-station auto-indexing press that I could afford. Used that press until I wore it out in 2009, I think, and bought the new L-N-L.
My son, who was always willing to shoot up my reloads, decided that, since I was no longer living close to him, that he had to reload.
In 2010, I went to Dillon's store and looked at the 1050. I had used my friends' 550 and 650 presses and didn't like them (the REALLY NEED a case feeder), but the 1050 was great.
I mentioned this to my wife and, about 3 weeks later, someone was selling their RL1050, with several caliber conversions and she showed my the ad. I bought that press and, over the next year, acquired two more.
At this time, my son "mentioned" that he wanted to start reloading and asked me what press he should buy. My wife suggested that, since I had three other presses, I should just give him my L-N-L.
I went to visit him and gave it to him and taught him how to reload that weekend.
Getting to the point of the story:
It was VERY EASY to teach him on the L-N-L. It is a very open press, particularly without any bullet or case feeder. Loading one round at a time, he quickly learned how to set up the dies, establish a COL for a given bullet, and started loading.
So, I have no problem recommending someone buy a L-N-L and learn on it by loading one round at a time. I would hate to teach someone on the Dillons. They are more compact and "cluttered" to me.
If I was starting out right now to load for pistols and knew nothing, I would probably look at the Lee Classic Turret kit. I know that after a year, I would be in the market for a progressive press. If I was starting and loading for bottleneck cartridges, I would also probably start with the Lee Classic Turret k, but would buy a Forster Co-Ax after about a year and probably never look back.
zxcvbob
Member
Is 9mm the only cartridge you plan on loading for the foreseeable future? Get a Dillon SDB with it set up already for 9mm.
Do you plan on loading lots of different cartridges? Then get a Lee cast iron turret press or a Forster Co-Ax press.
Find somebody who knows what they are doing who's willing to show you how and answer your questions.
Do you plan on loading lots of different cartridges? Then get a Lee cast iron turret press or a Forster Co-Ax press.
Find somebody who knows what they are doing who's willing to show you how and answer your questions.
gamestalker
member
Start with buying a couple of really good reloading books. As an instructional book I reaaly like Speer. When I began reloading the only real source for as an instructional type was reading. The Speer was especially nice because it helped in decifering the temenolgy.
The tools of the trade:
1. Single stage press. A full "O" type is best.
2. Balance beam scale
3. Dial caliper - I use a stainless steel one that HF has for about $10 and is very accurate.
4. Reloading dies - For pistol I prefer Lee carbide, and RCBS for rifle or bottle neck cartridges.
5. An inexpensive set of powder scoops (Lee)
6. A couple of loading trays
7. Shell holders for the cartridges you'll be working with
8. Case trimmer - For this I have always used the Lee stud and cutter. This trimmer is very effective and can be used with a drill and is very reasonably priced.
9. Ream & chamfer tool. Lee also has an inexpenive one but I personally prefer the RCBS / Wilson
10. Powder funnel
11. Case lube for bottle neck cartridges - I like Dillon spray on, but for a new guy my vote would be Lee dry lube.
12. An inexpensive vibratory case tumbler - HF also has this item and the media at a reasonable price. I would use a fine grit nut media. In my opinion nut media does a much nicer job, and in less time than corn cobb.
Since it seems you are starting out with 9mm, I would begin with the most straight forward bullet component to load, which would be jacketed. Regarding powders that are easier to avoid problems with, I would go with HS6 because it is not as sensitive to small powder variations.
GS
The tools of the trade:
1. Single stage press. A full "O" type is best.
2. Balance beam scale
3. Dial caliper - I use a stainless steel one that HF has for about $10 and is very accurate.
4. Reloading dies - For pistol I prefer Lee carbide, and RCBS for rifle or bottle neck cartridges.
5. An inexpensive set of powder scoops (Lee)
6. A couple of loading trays
7. Shell holders for the cartridges you'll be working with
8. Case trimmer - For this I have always used the Lee stud and cutter. This trimmer is very effective and can be used with a drill and is very reasonably priced.
9. Ream & chamfer tool. Lee also has an inexpenive one but I personally prefer the RCBS / Wilson
10. Powder funnel
11. Case lube for bottle neck cartridges - I like Dillon spray on, but for a new guy my vote would be Lee dry lube.
12. An inexpensive vibratory case tumbler - HF also has this item and the media at a reasonable price. I would use a fine grit nut media. In my opinion nut media does a much nicer job, and in less time than corn cobb.
Since it seems you are starting out with 9mm, I would begin with the most straight forward bullet component to load, which would be jacketed. Regarding powders that are easier to avoid problems with, I would go with HS6 because it is not as sensitive to small powder variations.
GS
jfrey
Member
What bob said. If you're gonna load 9mm then look real closely at the Dillon SDB press. You can learn on a progressive if you pay attention to what is going on. I did and only a very few minor hickups in the beginning. Crushed a few cases and some high primers but nothing serious. I've got a SDB for 9mm and one for .45. Love em both.
I agree with Chopdoktor all the way. I spent a moth or 2 reading every thing I could, figuring out what press I wanted. Watching hours of youtube videos on the press I wanted so I would know what problems there may be and how to make it work the best it can. Then Jumped in. I too went with the lee pro 100 in 9mm, I have since added to it to also load 10mm, 45 acp and .380. YOU CAN LEARN ON PROGRESSIVE!!!!! As others have said start slow. 1 case at a time make max of 5 and test them. Make changes and test again. When you got the round the way you like it. Make 50 more SLOWLY, 1 case at a time so you know what each pull of the handle feels like. then start going at it as a progressive and go slow until you feel comfortable and in no time you will be cranking out loads like a pro.
Magichelmt
Member
I was fortunate and did not have to pay for my Rockchucker. My father in law had one in the barn he gave me to start on. I was shooting IDPA and going through 800 rounds a month. It was slow, but I feel I learned a lot from doing my loads in batches. I would prep my brass in stages and keep them all in coffee cans. I think it was time well spent. I got lucky and bought my Dillon off a guy who was upgrading to a 650 with all the bells and whistles. You can learn on a 550 or progressive of your choice, but it is more to watch. There are some very good YouTube videos on how to use a 550B and I am sure other presses. In the end it is your choice. If you do decide to go single stage you can always use it for small batch testing and load development if you upgrade in the future.
Lost Sheep
Member
Just 3 things. But don't stop there.
Well, a mentor would be nice.
You need 3 tools
A press, because fingers are not strong enough to form metal.
Dies for 9mm because fingers are not accurate enough to form metal to fit.
You need a way to mete powder (most likely a scale, but some use calibrated dippers).
Other tools can wait until you discover the need for them.
Calipers, because not all components you buy are exactly the right size and when you load, you are changing some sizes and need to measure seating depth, etc.
Bullet puller because eventually you will assemble a cartridge you don't want to shoot for some reason.
Other tools as you find the need.
Manuals and instruction books. Lots of manuals. And web sites. Reliable ones, like the bullet manufacturers and powder manufacturers, not someone who doesn't have "skin in the game".
The early chapters of manuals are devoted to "how to load" information and the rest are load recipes. The bullet and powder manufacturers have lots of good advice and load recipes specific for their products. The excellent tome "ABC's of Reloading" has no load recipes, but excellent descriptions of the loading process, written by a selection of different authors.
Casual sources (like forums) are good sources of education and information, but you have to verify everything you find from casual sources.
Remember, only believe half of what you see and one quarter of what you hear. That goes double for what you get from the internet. Even this post. Maybe especially this post.
Do your own independent, confirming research when ANYONE gives you new facts on the web.
Also remember, even the idiotic stuff might have a kernel of truth buried in there somewhere.
I have compiled a few web sites that seem to have some good information (some of which came from me).
Go get a large mug of whatever you sip when you read and think and visit these sites.
For the New Reloader: Thinking about Reloading; Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214
which is a sub-thread of this
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=649184
I am looking at getting into reloading for the first time
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=658971
Just bought my first press. Needs some info tho.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=659358
Considering reloading
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=488115
Budget Beginning Bench you will never outgrow, for the novice handloader.
http://rugerforum.net/reloading/293...you-will-never-outgrow-novice-handloader.html
Thoughts on The Lee Classic Turret Press
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=135951
Interested in reloading
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=13543
Newby needs help.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430391
I hope you enjoy the reading. Thanks for asking our advice.
Lost Sheep
disclaimer:
I do not know you, so if my advice seems over-obvious, take into account my ignorance of your experience level. Also, other readers of all experience levels are reading.
Well, a mentor would be nice.
You need 3 tools
A press, because fingers are not strong enough to form metal.
Dies for 9mm because fingers are not accurate enough to form metal to fit.
You need a way to mete powder (most likely a scale, but some use calibrated dippers).
Other tools can wait until you discover the need for them.
Calipers, because not all components you buy are exactly the right size and when you load, you are changing some sizes and need to measure seating depth, etc.
Bullet puller because eventually you will assemble a cartridge you don't want to shoot for some reason.
Other tools as you find the need.
Manuals and instruction books. Lots of manuals. And web sites. Reliable ones, like the bullet manufacturers and powder manufacturers, not someone who doesn't have "skin in the game".
The early chapters of manuals are devoted to "how to load" information and the rest are load recipes. The bullet and powder manufacturers have lots of good advice and load recipes specific for their products. The excellent tome "ABC's of Reloading" has no load recipes, but excellent descriptions of the loading process, written by a selection of different authors.
Casual sources (like forums) are good sources of education and information, but you have to verify everything you find from casual sources.
Remember, only believe half of what you see and one quarter of what you hear. That goes double for what you get from the internet. Even this post. Maybe especially this post.
Do your own independent, confirming research when ANYONE gives you new facts on the web.
Also remember, even the idiotic stuff might have a kernel of truth buried in there somewhere.
I have compiled a few web sites that seem to have some good information (some of which came from me).
Go get a large mug of whatever you sip when you read and think and visit these sites.
For the New Reloader: Thinking about Reloading; Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214
which is a sub-thread of this
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=649184
I am looking at getting into reloading for the first time
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=658971
Just bought my first press. Needs some info tho.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=659358
Considering reloading
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=488115
Budget Beginning Bench you will never outgrow, for the novice handloader.
http://rugerforum.net/reloading/293...you-will-never-outgrow-novice-handloader.html
Thoughts on The Lee Classic Turret Press
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=135951
Interested in reloading
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=13543
Newby needs help.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430391
I hope you enjoy the reading. Thanks for asking our advice.
Lost Sheep
disclaimer:
I do not know you, so if my advice seems over-obvious, take into account my ignorance of your experience level. Also, other readers of all experience levels are reading.
Last edited:
Lost Sheep
Member
Welcome to the forum and thanks for asking our advice
I read through your other posts and see that you are where I was 40 years ago. Though your reasons are a little different than mine were, my experience might be useful.
I started out with a .357 revolver and a single stage press. Semi-autos are more in style now, but revolvers have some advantages. They don't throw your brass all over the place, losing 10% to 30% of the in the process. But I just wanted a .357 mag. And I knew I couldn't afford to shoot unless I reloaded, so I got a gun and a single stage press, dies and scale and a couple of manuals in the same week.
I loaded mild loads and mostly taught myself to load and avoided disaster by going very slowly and sticking to those mild loads. Having an excessively very strong gun for mild loads did not hurt, either. By the time I got through the first pound of powder I was comfortable with the mechanical process. A couple more pounds of powder and I started to get into tailoring my loads.
Then I started collecting different guns and die sets. .45 ACP Colt Gold Cup. Taurus 9mm, 44 Magnums, Freedom Arms 454 Casull and others. And 22 rimfires. Lots of 22 rimfires.
Great for cheap plinking, good practice for sight alignment and trigger control.
I usually recommend novice shooters start out with 22 rimfire for a few reasons.
Cheap to shoot for practice. Practice is key for accurate shooting and trigger control, breath control, hand-eye coordination are easier to master without the distraction of centerfire recoil.
Having a gun gets you out on the range where you will meet and observe other shooters and their guns. Sometimes they will even let you shoot their favorite guns if you show yourself to be safe, polite and interested.
No better way to find a gun than to hang around gun people. No better way to find a good deal on a used loading setup, either, than rubbing elbows with gun folk.
So, you might consider putting the loading gear, the 9mm and the shotgun on hold and get a nice 22 rimfire target pistol (Ruger Mk 1 II or III or Browning Buckmark or the like) and meet some people face-to-face and let them know of your interest. In the meantime you get a LOT of practice (22 rimfire is about one-tenth the price of 9mm where I live).
Just a thought. It's not the way I went, but then where I was, I wasn't shooting at an established range, either. 40 years ago open land was easier to find than it is today.
Good luck
Lost Sheep
blarby
Member
- Status
