New to Reloading

I'd highly recommend a bulky powder for your first powder. Something that would fill a 9mm case 50% or more if possible. Just to prevent overcharge. Also to save money on 9mm is a bit harder to do as it's one of the cheapest rounds to buy besides .22lr so maybe do some research on coated lead boolits. And remember once you've picked a good load the majority of savings comes from bulk buys during free hazmat and free shipping.

Rcbs had there reloading videos on YouTube, check them out. Welcome to THR.

If you're loading pistol ammo forget using the Lee to deprime. You won't gain anything.

Just use your Dillon 650. Get a primer cut off switch and you can run one round at a time through it while you learn how it works. Also get an RCBS Lock Out die.

I've taught several people to reload on my Dillon 650 presses. It takes no more than an hour. I have them take notes and I purposely induce a few failures so they learn how to work through them.

The most important things to remember when running a progressive press are:

1. Anytime there's a hitch in the system REMOVE ALL CARTRIDGES FROM THE SHELL PLATE.

2. Don't be an idiot and force things. If something doesn't feel right STOP and see rule #1.


Don't forget to lube the brass. Yeah I know you've got carbide dies, but some Hornady One Shot makes the job a LOT easier.

There are some additional upgrades that make the 650 a lot easier to use.

1. Ski Jump fix. https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Origin...I0AAOSwNSxU3qak:sc:USPSFirstClass!75142!US!-1
2. Improved spent primer system https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEWEST-spe...v4FZYRu5otd0ydA:sc:USPSFirstClass!75142!US!-1
3. Case feeder switch https://www.ebay.com/itm/Case-Feede...9YAAOSwmiZZvjoA:sc:USPSFirstClass!75142!US!-1
4. Easy powder measure removal. https://entirelycrimson.com/collect...ts/quick-disconnect-for-dillon-powder-alarm-1
5. Ergo roller handle from Inline Fabrication.
6. If you're loading lead or plated bullets the powder funnels from Uniquetek.

The way I have my 650s set up is this.

1. Resize/deprime
2. Prime/powder measure
3. RCBS Lock Out Die
4. Bullet seater
5. Bullet crimp

Also, if you haven't bought dies yet I highly recommend Dillon pistol dies. I used to think they weren't worth the price. I was wrong. They are worth every penny.

Welcome to the addiction. I hope you saved your brass! There are several "new to reloading 9mm" threads that hold very useful information. I'll second the recommendation for a "bulky" powder, I'd suggest a mid-range burn powder and a jacketed bullet makes the start up process a lot easier. With your THR discount on RMR's site, their bulk buys make it a no-brainer for jacketed bullets.
If you're reloading for multiple 9mm guns, you'll need to do some homework (measurements) to account for all of them. Keep good records, stay between the published data lines and be safe!

Welcome to the forum and to reloading.

Up near 5000 rounds a month is quite a bit of loading. I'm not usually a fan of progressive presses but in your case I see no alternative.

There are many good powders out there these days and many do a good job. Since you re loading range ammo I would suggest W231/HP-38 or even the newer W244. Those powders will mostly full the case and make it impossible to double charge a 9mm case. Then again I doubt there is a powder that would allow a double charge in a 9mm case lol. AA#5 and Ramshot Zip along with Alliant BE-86 are also good choices. There are more.

Plus another on the bulky powder.
Also, I highly suggest you use a cartridge gauge to check each completed round...especially if your family will be shooting your handloads. Don't ask me how I know.

ArchAngelCD said:

Then again I doubt there is a powder that would allow a double charge in a 9mm case lol.

Click to expand...

Titegroup! There may be other uber-fast powders as well. To the OP, Titegroup's a great powder but it's high energy density translates to low volume per load. You'll get plenty of first powder recommendations, and then 2nd, and 3rd. W244 or Sport Pistol are well behaved, meter well, relatively clean and will cover a variety of bullet weights. I'd also recommend you put a powder drop check on that 650, either Dillon's or RCBS lock out die. That will help with a progressive when so many things are happening. You should always look in the case before you set a bullet on it for seating and verify a powder drop.

BigBore45 said:

I'd highly recommend a bulky powder for your first powder. Something that would fill a 9mm case 50% or more if possible. Just to prevent overcharge. Also to save money on 9mm is a bit harder to do as it's one of the cheapest rounds to buy besides .22lr so maybe do some research on coated lead boolits. And remember once you've picked a good load the majority of savings comes from bulk buys during free hazmat and free shipping.

Click to expand...

Third that. Especially getting started on a progressive press, a double charge is a real and severe hazard. I favor HS-6 for the 9mm. It checks the bulky box in this cartridge. It would be nearly impossible to double charge with HS-6. I've found it to be a versatile and effective powder in 9mm, running the range from 115gr reduced cast loads to full power 124gr +P defensive loads. It really shines on the higher end of the pressure curve, and is relatively economical to load. Metering is fantastic.

@lordpaxman
I have never liked Titegroup and it's probably the only powder that can double charge a 9mm. Yes you will get more rounds per pound but at what cost? The OP is brand new to reloading, why take chances that are not necessary?

I second the progressive shooting as much as you are you, I reload rifle on a single stage and pistol and 223 on a turret, but nothing close to 5000 a month, doing a latter now in 30-06 for 7 rifles, 5rnds ea, 2 different powders, 5 charges ea and I'm doing it in stages due to the heat. Pistol rnds I load for about an hour then take a break, with a progressive you would load about 4 times as much in the same time
Pistol I deprime, clean with car polish in media then size and load to make it smoother, rifle rnds I lube. Loading for different pistols you will need to get a find one size that will "plunk" in each, I have one 45 that is tighter than my others so I have loads specifically for that one.
Good luck in your adventures you will enjoy shooting your reloads

Welcome to the wonderful, oft frustrating and confusing world of reloading. Sounds like you are off to a good start. Just a few "new guy" thoughts; build good safe habits now as you progress. If you check the powder charges consistently you can use any recommended powder in your handloads. I had a squib in 1970 and started looking in every case I charged, before I seated a bullet (both handgun and rifle loads). I can safely say I have looked in every case I've reloaded since then. No, or "different" charges can easily be seen and fixed. (if it don't look right for any reason, dump it and recharge).

Find a load (bullet, powder, primer) in your reloading manual(s) before you buy any components. Many fewer headaches, waiting/searching and unusable components that way.

And my Rule #1; pay no attention to any load data you see/hear from any forum expert, range rat, gun counter clerk, pet loads website, good intended friend, or gun shop guru. Get your data from published reloading manuals only (I get a few from powder manufacturer's/distributor'' web sites).

Go slow. Double check everything. Most important, have fun!

Just 1 thing to add to the above post, keep only 1 powder on your bench at a time, the powder you are using and always empty the hopper back into the powder bottle when done for the session.

Welcome to the cult I mean club.
I agree with all the comments and will only add that I prefer BE86. Buy it online in 8 lb jugs along with your primers for all you’re doing. Also I’d suggest getting the RMR discount code and getting your bullets there.

Otherwise take your time, have fun and be safe

Buy a good scale and a good bullet puller.

The former to be sure you’re where you want your charges to be, the latter because all of us have needed to pull a bullet for one reason or another.

It sounds like you’re on the right track, welcome and good luck.

Stay safe.

Welcome to the addiction! Reloading is definitely a measure twice cut once type of hobby. Do lots of reading and even some YouTube (GavinToobe is good). Another vote for a bulky powder to start. I learned 9mm on 700-X and it’s super easy to spot a double charge. Lots of excellent resources here, so don’t hesitate to ask

ArchAngelCD said:

@lordpaxman
I have never liked Titegroup and it's probably the only powder that can double charge a 9mm. Yes you will get more rounds per pound but at what cost? The OP is brand new to reloading, why take chances that are not necessary?

Click to expand...

I would not recommend Titegroup to a new reloader. My point was you could double charge with Titegroup. Sounds like the OP is safety conscious so probably won't choose this powder.
Other powders have been mentioned, I'll throw N330 (especially designed for 9mm) and WSF as really good beginner powders.

Welcome to THR, a lot of good people on this site.

I use WSF for 9mm but the W231/HP38 is a very good choice. I'm not a fan of the ultra high density fast burring powders, like TG. It's not forgiving if you make a mistake. It's probably blown up more guns the first year then any other powder I known of, very sensitive to case volume. A AP is your best option for your volume. One thing about a AP is they can make good ammo fast and Bad ammo fast. So pay attention to the details, add the extra safeties so nothing is missed. Buy supplies in bulk to save money.

Be safe

Welcome to the forum!

We welcome you aboard! My advice, no shortcuts, do everything by the book and if you aren't sure, recheck, recheck, recheck! Also, no loading when you're tired!

I found electronic scales to be very convenient, but I also found, when reloading in the garage in snowy weather, that electronic scales drift with temperature.

But gravity seems to be unaffected by temperature

Sorry, had to run off to a grandchild's b-day party and was late.

I do my loading with a Lee progressive but I am doing nowhere near the volume you will be doing so yes you bought the correct press for the job. Take the time and build a bench that will fit your needs and is the correct height for you and your style. There is a Bench thread here with many photo's and many different designs and sizes. Have fun building one!

Don't be afraid to come and ask questions, we all have done it!

Welcome to THR and the Handloading and Reloading subforum. Knowledgeable people here who are happy to share their experience and accumulated wisdom. Sounds like you've started off on the right track. Glad to have you aboard.

Espy42, welcome to reloading and the forum. I am a novice handloader and have learned much from hanging out on this forum. You are off to a good start. Enjoy the journey.