[Andy_C]

Sure is nice to have experienced folks to ask! I'm probably going to take the plunge into reloading at some point in the next month or two. Primary loads would be for M1 Garand, AR-15, and a Glock 23 (.40 S&W), but would also load for a Savage 30-06 bolt action.

What is the proper size bullet for each of these cartridges (not necessarily preferred weight and load that you have, though that would be nice). I'm so green I'm not sure if the Glock needs a .40, .401, 10mm, etc. Are the rifle bullets .30 caliber, or identified in another way to ensure that they are what I would want to load?

Appreciate any clarification this not-yet-beginner can get, and thanks!

[Speedo66]

The .40 is 10mm which is .401, so they're all the same.

The M-1 uses 30-06, which is .308, so same for your Savage.

I'm not that familiar with the AR-15 so I'll defer to some one else on that one.

[Historian]

AR-15 uses a .223 bullet which is sold as .224 caliber. I am not typical and there are as many recipies as there are people who load but I shoot a 60g Nosler ballistic tip Spitzer using 23.2g of H335 powder. My brass is trimmed to 1.750" or less and my cartridge length is 2.250". Hope this helps.

Historian

[NCsmitty]

If your AR is a 5.56 (223), then it uses .224 bullets.
I would suggest picking up a Lyman reloading manual, or go to the library and read up on the subject. Most libraries have these type of books.

NCsmitty

[Ben Shepherd]

Be VERY careful about powder and slug weight choices for your garand. They're a wonderful rifle, but they were purpose built and have a fairly narrow operating range. I know in 30-06 the Hornady manual has a specific section for the garand.

The above posters have given you the correct slug diameter info, so welcome to reloading. Just go slow and careful.

[rcmodel]

The .40 is 10mm which is .401, so they're all the same.
The .40 S&W & the the 10mm are both true .40 caliber, and they both use .400" jacketed bullets.

They use .401" cast-lead and plated jacket bullets.

NCsmitty said:
I would suggest picking up a Lyman reloading manual,

A reloading manual should be your first purchase, before you even consider buying up a bunch of bullets.

You can get some erroneous information & advice on the Internet, but buying a loading manual first isn't.

rc

[Historian]

I definitely agree that you need to do a lot of homework before you start reloading. "The ABCs of Reloading" is an excellent book to get general information abouth the process of reloading and how to stay safe. The current Lyman reloding manual (I think it's #49) also has a wealth of information about how to reload safely. Safety should be your first and most important concern. One missed step or distraction can create a situation that can hurt you or someone else very badly. Reloading ammuntion is not something that you should just jump into. It requires preparation and a good deal of knowledge before you ever pull the handle on your press for the first time. Be safe and good shooting.

Historian