Newb to reloading, sayin howdy.

[danimal260]

Thought I would make this my first post. Just getting started with the reloading business. Want to stockpile, to a point, and do alot more shooting at the range this year. Picked up a Lee Pro 1000 in .40S&W and figured I'd use that. Been doing alot of reading, primarily on here about .40 loads. Thinking I'm going to tjconevera.com to get my bullets/casings. Saw they have 1000 count kit for $144. Going to use W231 powder and CCI primers. Got a nice sturdy bench built and going to be getting a few manuals, scale, etc. I'm in no hurry. Just thought I'd see what the consensus is about this recipe for a beginner. Thanks a bunch guys/gals.

 

[rfwobbly]

Welcome to THR and Reloading !!

Depending on your gun, you may find that not all bullets work in every pistol. I sure wouldn't buy 1000 of anything until you've tested it. Some of the big bullet makers (Berry Mfg and Missouri Bullet come to mind) will sell you 'assortments' or at least small quantities of a variety which will allow you to do some initial experimentation.

The W231 is going to work best with light to mid-weight bullets. Stay in the middle and you'll do good. It really meters well.

Read up here on dealing with static in Lee powder measures.That will give you your best results, especially during winter seasons.

Use the Lyman #49 and the Hodgdon Powder web site for your load data.

Ask lots of questions. You'll do good.

 

[A-FIXER]

I'd see what the consensus is about this recipe for a beginner. Thanks a bunch guys/gals.

The best advice I can give you as a reloader is get alot of good reloading books, because you'll start with one type of bullet/powder/primer but it won't stay that way very long I PROMISE YOU... and even if you come across some earlier version books it will always help you in some way you will progress to become another addict and no I'm not kidding you'll never have enough and you'll want you reloads to look like your LGS boxes and boxes you will tell those who love you that you will try to kick the habit but you won't no matter how many 12 step programs you do either voluntary or unvoluntary to appease the unknowing of what was once the life you lived as a non-reloader......LUCK MY FRIEND LUCK.

 

[T Bran]

Welcome to the club!
However much storage space you built into your bench double it now before there is to much ''stuff'' in the way. There is allways one more nifty thing you just gotta have. There is also allways one more way to justify the purchase to yourself.
LUCK
T

 

[FROGO207]

I am not presently loading for the .40 but the advice that a load that is super accurate in my pistol may be the WORST load in yours is quite true. When others give you their pet load it may or not work out well in your pistol. Treat the info as a guideline for where to start looking in your manual for a good load only. Start at the starting load and work towards the max load and stop when you find an accurate load for your firearm. Do not go above maximum when reloading and you should stay safe. If no starting load is given start at 10% below max load and work up. Have fun and stay safe my friend.

 

[DEP589]

Bullets

Why not use precision delta bullets? FMJ 1000 165gr. for $120.

 

[4895]

Welcome to TheHighRoad.ORG

www.brassmanbrass.com sells pistol bullets for a fair price. You don't have to buy 1000 of them either. I would consider a small purchase (500) there and make a decision after you load up 400 or 500 rounds as to powder loads, overall length, different powder, etc. I like to load up about 50 rounds per variable to get a good feel for the load. I start with the book OAL and a starting load a bit above the minimum, then 50 rounds of each stage, say 3 to 5 stages. When I shoot, I log my results and can home in on the load that gives me what I am looking for. Then I load up 100 or so and go shooting! Good luck.

 

[GT1]

Welcome to THR!

40 S&W for beginner? I don't know, it is about as unforgiving as one could choose for pistol cartridge reloading.

Get the manuals, read them. Be careful and stay safe.

 

[danimal260]

Ok, so maybe I was a little misleading. The recipe mentioned is just a starting point. Maybe I will cut down to 500 rounds, or even 250 til I get it right. I have seen alot of posts about the Lyman #49 book, and think I'll be getting one soon.

GT, the reason I chose .40 is because that's what my issued sidearm is (M&P40) and I just recently purchased a Gen4 Glock 23 w/Trijicon sights.

Thanks for all the comments/suggestions. I am taking my time. Won't be reloading til I'm confident I have all I need. Well, all I need to start. I know I will be addicted. Hell, I already am and haven't even loaded a single round yet. It's just sitting there mounted to my bench, taunting me. Bastard!

 

[4895]

I have never loaded .40 S&W. Can't be much different than any other pistol cartridge. If you go by the book I don't see any problems. Good luck.

 

[NCsmitty]

Welcome to THR, danimal260.

Do as you want, but being a new reloader, you'll need to test some of your reloads for fit and function before taking the plunge for a mass quantity of reloaded ammo.
We've seen many novices on THR who have loaded hundreds of rounds, only to find out that there is some issue with powder charge or bullet seat depth or something, and realize that the loaded ammo needs to be broken down to correct the problem, and that can be very tedious. We only want you to have a good experience, by learning from the mistakes of others.
The 40 S&W is notorious for guppy belly brass when fired in unsupported chamber firearms, and the bulge does weaken the case.


NCsmitty

 

[Hondo 60]

Here is the key to a successful reloading session...


As rfwobbly said: Use the Lyman #49 and the Hodgdon Powder web site for your load data.
Reloading manuals are your best friends & safeguards.

 

[carbuncle]

4895, thanks for the link: looks like they have great prices. I need to bulk up on .380 and .40, the range pickup is real slim on those.