[whm1974]

Ok I reload .38 SPL since it's cheaper. But I'm thinking getting some auto pistols like the Makarov or a bersa .380, or something in 9mm.

I started reloading last year, and one of the problems I have is seating the bullet consitionally. I have to clean out the bullet seating die every so often and firgure out where I had the setting at. Would switching to copper jacketed or copper wash fix this problem?

I'm not sure about reloading for autos due to the above and the fact auto eject brass all over the place. Do they make brass catchers for pistols?

-Bill

[Jake in TX]

For pistols I reload 9mm and .45 ACP, using full jacketed and copper plated bullets. I do not use lead bullets. My bullet seater just about never gets clogged with anything, as these bullets have no bullet lube on them. I check the bullet seaters after every 1000 rounds or so, just to make sure. And yes, brass catchers are made. Check Midway USA for an example.

Jake in TX

[The Bushmaster]

I'm with you Jake in TX...I don't load lead without a copper jacket wrapped around it. Before everyone flies off the handle...I have nothing against those who do load plain (wrong word) lead. I just don't like all the mess.

[Automac]

I really like the copper plated bullets from Rainier. No muss, no fuss, less "supposedly toxic" lead. I never have a problem with the bullet depth changing in my Lee dies either.

Considering how you can get 500 rounds of clean shiny Once-Fired 9mm brass from Midway for less than $12, who needs to collect it!? Watch that stock supply dwindle now. :uhoh:

But ok, seriously, of course we pick it up, and its usually all in an area no bigger than a square yard in the dirt. They roll around a bit indors, but is fun, no? I would rather pick it up, than hold it up in a cage with my pistol. Bullets and brass are alot more readily available for the 9mm, and theyre fun to reload. Also, you can use 9mm bullets for 38 Supers (I dont know about using for 38 Specials?), but I like the Supers better than the Specials, cause theyre automatic! :D

[whm1974]

Also, you can use 9mm bullets for 38 Supers (I dont know about using for 38 Specials?), but I like the Supers better than the Specials, cause theyre automatic!

My stepfather had loaded 9mm lead RN into .38 SPL cases long time ago. I don't remember what powder or many grains of it he used. Or what grain bullet.

Myself I have thought about using 9mm 115 Rainier copper plated bullets in .38 special with between 3 to 4 grains of Bullseye.

-Bill

[The Bushmaster]

Automac....You ARE a modern man..................L O L

Guys...I hate to tell you, but 9mm and 38 Super bullets are .355 diameter and .38 Special and .357 mag bullets are .357diemeter. As we know a few thousands make a bit of a difference in barrels made for a specific caliber.

[Unisaw]

I'm another user of the Rainier copper-plated LeadSafe bullets. I got tired of dealing with the lube on lead bullets during the loading process and what I perceive to be more smoke when fired.

[LHB1]

Hi Bill,
I shoot cast lead bullets exclusively in both revolvers and 1911's because to me, the advantages FAR outweigh the negatives. Solving the clean out problem is easy. First, make a dummy round with bullet seated and crimped as desired but NO powder or primer AND set lock ring to control die body depth. Then after you remove and clean seater die, simply screw die body back down so that lock ring is flush with top of press and screw seater stem down until it touches top of bullet in dummy round (with press ram raised to full UP position). No mess, no bother. Resets to same place. Ready to GO!

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

ps: Regarding brass catchers, check out CMM Shooting at www.cm-machine.bigstep.com. Their brass catcher is the best I have seen. Works great for my .45 ACP brass.

[whm1974]

Guys...I hate to tell you, but 9mm and 38 Super bullets are .355 diameter and .38 Special and .357 mag bullets are .357diemeter. As we know a few thousands make a bit of a difference in barrels made for a specific caliber.

As I recall those loads my stepfather made were not as accurte as "true" .38s. They did however worked fine for plinking loads.

-Bill

[The Bushmaster]

O K. I'll let it go this time whm1974

[Automac]

I know the difference on the 38 super to be .001 larger than the 9mm. Ok, I admit it, I'm still trying the theory, but it came from Lee, the die maker. It states bullets for the both cals should be .355/.356. So I am going to see how the smaller 9mm (.355) works in the Colt Super which is usually (.356).

If the 38 specials are .357, I can see that they dont fit quite the same. I dont know if I would try that one, then. That answers that question.

[whm1974]

O K. I'll let it go this time whm1974

I havn't done it yet. I still have plenty of 158 grain LSWC .357 bullets from the 2000 pack I brought some months ago. It will be awhile before I use those up.

9mm(.355") jacketed bullets are a bit cheaper then .38s, which is why I'm thinking of using them.

-Bill