How to choose my first reloading caliber

You might try one or more of the various coated (most use Hi-Tek) cast lead bullets. Those have the advantage of not needing an aftermarket barrel in your Glock(s). 9mm is a good caliber to get started on, but you'll save more per round on .380, since its cheaper to reload, but more expensive to buy factory ammo.

Handgun reloading is definitely easier/simpler than rifle reloading. There are fewer steps, and less equipment needed.

Agree with Walkalong, Start with the 38 if possible.
The 9mm can be a bit finicky to grasp when starting out ( ask me how I know ) especially when loading pb.
Can't comment on the 380 never owned one or shot one...

1) I've heard handgun reloading can be easier, any truth to that?

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Yes, more things to do off press with bottlenecked rifle rounds.

2) I use 9mm and 380acp mostly, would either of those be good first choices? 38spl would be my next preference?

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I would choose 38spl first, its most forgiving. 9mm would be second choice.

3) I want to try cast bullets right away, from what I can tell that means a barrel swap for my Glock or a different firearm, yes? The difference between the barrel I'm eyeballing and the 38spl I'm considering purchasing is about $200, should I just plunk down for the 38 instead?

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A lot of reloaders have made cast bullets work with Glock factory barrels. However plated bullets might make thing much easier. I would buy the 38 load till I was more comfortable then tackle the 9.

I started with a lee pro 1000 and 9 mm. For me 9 mm is easier than 38 spl, because I believe 38 spl should be more accurate, so I reload in a single stage press, as rifle bullets. Both, 9 and 38 are easy to reload.
You will have a lot of fun reloading, and you will see that your reloaded ammo will be much much better than factory.

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Silly question maybe, but what do you shoot most? And why not start with reloading those?

Jeff

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Walkalong has the right answer. 38spl is "easier" to load for as its increased case capacity allows for a larger variance between minimum and maximum charges. But that in no way means you shouldn't pay VERY close attention to what you are doing.

I don't think you can go wrong starting with 9mm or .38 Special.

Whatever you choose, please get and thoroughly read a reloading manual. A lot of people seem to like the Lyman manual. I rely on the Hornady manual myself. Whichever manual you get, follow the directions closely. I suggest you establish a written procedure based on what you read in the manual and then make a checklist to follow for each batch of cartridges you reload.

And welcome to your new (and curiously addictive) hobby.

Don't do it, just don't. It is a trap. Once you start, then you'll need this piece of equipment, then this one and man, it would be so much better with this piece. Then there are the components. You'll wonder what kind of accuracy would I get with this bullet or this one. Maybe this one will give a 1/4" tighter grouping or maybe this powder will have a little less recoil and a bit less flash. Then there will be new guns and calibers. And it that was not enough, you'll decide to dabble with rifle.

38spl. Welcome to the madness!

OP, I started with 9MM and it's the one I shoot the most. I now load for many cartridges, but 9MM is still the one I load and shoot the most, primarily out of Glocks.

9MM is fairly easy to load for if you follow some sound principles. I would echo what Walkalong and a few others have posted and try to go with Plated or Powder Coated bullets. That way you won't need to buy an aftermarket barrel for the Glock.

Many folks, including me, have shot lead through the Glock factory barrels. Though I'm not telling you to do that. But, it is easier to start off and get a feel for reloading with Plated or Jacketed before going to lead.

Once you get a good handle on the 9MM, then 380 would be a great choice to reload for. I'm able to produce some medium range loads that make my LCP almost pleasant to shoot.

And, once you get a 357 Mag /38 Special revolver, (you will), then you will find that 38 Special is quite the amazing round for reloading. 38 Special is the 2nd most loaded round for me.

And yes, buy, read, and reread a good reloading manual. Lyman, Hornady, etc.

iagbarrb -- Welcome, or bienvenido!
Are you Bolivian, or just there?

An aftermarket barrel for your Glock will be much cheaper than a new handgun.

The 9mm cartridge is really not straight wall, it has a slight taper. That and the small capacity makes it a bit more difficult to handload as compared to 38 SPL or 45 ACP. Still many successfully start off with this cartridge.

thewillweeks said:

I've finally decided, for lack of anything better to do with my time, to get in to reloading. I've got pretty good sources on ammo and have a decent stock so that's not the main reason. Just wanna try it.

1) I've heard handgun reloading can be easier, any truth to that?

2) I use 9mm and 380acp mostly, would either of those be good first choices? 38spl would be my next preference?

3) I want to try cast bullets right away, from what I can tell that means a barrel swap for my Glock or a different firearm, yes? The difference between the barrel I'm eyeballing and the 38spl I'm considering purchasing is about $200, should I just plunk down for the 38 instead?

Thanks y'all.

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thewillweeks,

1) easier is relative to what your level of concentration is. Handgun cartridges take less prep time and more straight forward in reloading.

2) Yes, 9mm and 380acp are good choices. Start with what you shoot the most. Not necessarily based what is the most expensive ammo to purchase.

3)Nothing wrong with going with cast bullets first. (would not be my choice,). Choose what you are going to shoot the most to get any benefit of reloading.

My two cents worth.

LeftyTSGC

9mm is very easy to reload, and great to get started since you have one. For 9mm I would definitely start with the exact name brand components specified in your load data before getting into loading cast bullets, which add a bunch more variables of sizing, hardness, and different coatings, none of which there is any specific date for. no two brand cast bullets are the same. You have to extrapolate from data for other bullets, and that's never a good idea until you develop some experience. If your load data says to use a Hornady XTP, or a Speer FMJ, then that is what I would advise you to use, until you are confident you know what you're doing. I started out with a Speer manual, and all Speer bullets. Only after I was confident with the procedure, then I started working on reduced cost and better performance, once I had established baseline to measure against.

I agree the .38 Special will be the best of the three to start with and then the 9mm. It is more forgiving than the shorter high pressure rounds like the 9mm and 380 ACP.

I stated with the .38 then the .357 Magnum. Next was the 45 Colt then the .45 ACP. I currently regularly load for over 14 handgun and rifle cartridges and I'm not tired of it yet. I think I would still reload even if I stopped shooting, I like it that much.

In some ways a revolver is easier to load for, because you don't have to worry about cycling a slide. However, following good principles, established data, and a small bit of work ups you will get dialed in on a semiauto fairly quickly.

One thing I'll recommend on 9MM is work with 124/125 grain bullets or heavier. IMO it was easier to find the spot with them than with the 115s.

I got started reloading 9mm and .380ACP, both of them are easy to reload. Just take your time and follow the instructions for your tools and read and understand your reloading manual.

mstreddy said:

iagbarrb -- Welcome, or bienvenido!
Are you Bolivian, or just there?

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Bolivian / German [emoji4]

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My first loads were .38spcl, six months ago. I guess I have loaded a few thousand of various calibers now, .380, 9mm, .38spcl, .357mag, .44 rem mag, .223, 30-30, .243 and 30-06

My favorite to load, .44 rem mag, by far. The cost savings alone on this round has paid for my reloading hardware already.