[Ain't_the_average_NRA]

After a week (or so) of exchanging emails with one of the guys from the IDPA forum (Lenny), tonight I loaded up my first 15 rounds. Over the last few days, Lenny helped me (via email) get my Lee Pro 1000 setup and running. Earlier this week I conquered a decapping die that was giving me some problems. I got that figured out and was able to run some dummy rounds through last night (no primers and no powder). I quickly learned the importance of fine tuning the bullet seater die when my beautiful dummy rounds would not cycle properly though the gun.

Then today, Lenny shot me some info for a SAFE minimum load to try out. I checked what he sent me against my load manuals and info that came with my Lee equipment. Everything checked out and I went for it. I think I had about 10 "mistakes" and 15 good rounds. I stopped there. I figured that was enough for my first night out and I want to test fire the load before loading up a bunch. I loaded one case at a time just to get a feel for the press and understand the process. Here is my load info....

Cal. 40 S&W
CCI Brass
Hormandy 180 gr. JHP bullet
Winchester 231 Powder
Winchester small pistol primers
Minimum load (about 4.1 grs)

[robctwo]

You are on the right track. Going slow and loading one at a time is a very good way to start. You can always check out your rounds by removing the barrel from the gun and dropping the rounds into the chamber. That eliminates the risk of a slam fire or other mistake.

I just went over the 50,000 mark on my Hornady LnL. Reloading is a great hobby. Oh, I took six hundred rounds of 9mm to the range this afternoon. They all went bang. Some went bangbangbangbang real fast!

[Jacka L Ope]

Congratulations! http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a62/lakcaJLOpe/thumbs.gif

(Now you're hooked into another fantasmic hobby that adds another dimension to your skill set and satisfaction with shooting! :neener: )

Cheers! http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a62/lakcaJLOpe/beerchug.gif

[vis-à-vis]

Let us know how they fire. I've never reloaded but am looking forward to it.

[qajaq59]

You're certainly on the right track. You're going to be loading for a long time so starting slow and being careful is the way to go. Plus, 15 good bullets are a lot more useful then 45 lousy ones.

[Ain't_the_average_NRA]

I finally figured out a way to get my pictures posted to you guys. Here is my bench and setup. I got some adjustments that I am making but here is what it looks like today.


Paste the link to your browser. If it ask you for a password use "love01".

Enjoy!

http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=143649914/PictureID=3075674052/a=91197040_91197040/t_=91197040

[scrat]

hahaha your hooked.

congratulations though

[FieroCDSP]

Just wait until you load up and get ready to fire the first one you loaded....:evil:

I've shot a lot of CCI 40cal factory brass, and on some, I'm on my 4th-5th loads. I haven't seen any signs of fatigue on the brass yet (I keep my loads well below max). The Remington Green Box is starting to show head-stamp wear at three loads. Winchester white box shows little wear after three. The worst part about 40S&W is the cost of just the bullets. I've been buying Rainier 155's at midway, but I'm looking at the Berry's from Cabella's. Now that I have a Loadmaster and range membership, the 500ct boxes don't last long.

Unique is a good powder for 40. It easily takes up most of the case preventing double charges, and burns reasonably clean at proper pressure. I've been working with Clays lately, and aside from a scary, weak load on the range today, it's been clean shooting and keeps the brass in my range-stall. How many times have you had a stall next to someone firing a 40S&W (usually Glock) and been clonked on the head with a hot Winchester case.

Anyway, I use Rainier 155gr flat-point. 3.8gr Clays, 1.125 OAL in a S&W M&P40 Full-sized. Shoots soft and clean, but I think I'm going to adjust it a bit more.

[Jacka L Ope]

I finally figured out a way to get my pictures posted to you guys. Here is my bench and setup. I got some adjustments that I am making but here is what it looks like today.

Nice cozy setup you've got there. Have fun! http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a62/lakcaJLOpe/beerchug.gif

[scrat]

now you got to go get some trail boss powder then do some experimenting on loads. that is some good powder

[nitesite]

Sure feels good, doesn't it?

But beware... you'll probably devote more time to it than you thought you would. And that's fine. I love my handloading hobby.

[Ain't_the_average_NRA]

Just wanted to update you guys on progress.....


They all went bang!!

I FINALLY got to test my reloads today. SUCCESS!! I was really cautious as all my on line teachers taught me. I only loaded up two rounds at a time. I fired the two rounds then checked the barrel to make sure everything fired clean. Then load up another two rounds. I repeated this process until I have fired all 15 of my first batch of reloads. No problems at all. I could definitely tell the difference between the light load I worked up and the factory stuff I usually shoot. :)

[RustyFN]

Congratulations, another one hooked. Theres nothing like the feeling you get when you fire your own handloads for the first time. Nice looking setup.
Rusty

[Guy B. Meredith]

Uh, that's "Theres nothing like the feeling you get when you successfully fire your own handloads for the first time.

Until you've gone through a few there is that anxious doubt/fear. Once you have some knowledge of where you are and know where to go it is all pure gold.