best 9mm brass
- Thread starter flexible
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flexible
Member
I used to shoot with a guy who accidentally triple charged his S&W Model 52 (.38 special wadcutter) and it did blow up in his hand.
Jim Watson
Member
Ouch. The only gun I know to have been demolished on our range was a S&W M686 with what was likely a double dose of a .357 magnum load of Bullseye. Maximum loads of fast burning powder present the risk.
Some years ago there were claims that the .38 target load of a 148 gr wadcutter and 2.7 gr Bullseye would occasionally "detonate" and wreck the gun. Alliant ran tests to protect their product's reputation and reported no "detonation" and that it took a double charge AND a deep seated bullet to ruin the gun. Or a triple charge.
Some years ago there were claims that the .38 target load of a 148 gr wadcutter and 2.7 gr Bullseye would occasionally "detonate" and wreck the gun. Alliant ran tests to protect their product's reputation and reported no "detonation" and that it took a double charge AND a deep seated bullet to ruin the gun. Or a triple charge.
I do save my once fired factory brass (Remington and Blazer generally) and none of my pistols shoot it much more accurately than the mixed range pickups that I can find frequently, and abundantly.
Maybe its just my bone stock, un-accurized guns tho.
Maybe its just my bone stock, un-accurized guns tho.
I shoot it all, headstamps that is. Range sweepings of my own, from others, from GA Brass and The Brass Exchange. Have never bought new brass as the recycled is just too plentiful and works fine for my applications.
I DO HOWEVER, tumble to clean, then resize/deprime. Run all of it through chamber checker, throwing out any that don't seat all the way by themselves. Then load them (re-reszing them just in case a stray case got in the batch) and chamber check the final round.
No problems with the brass. This includes, SW929 revo, P320X5, P320C, P365 short barrel and P365 long barrel, Glock 17 and a Ruger PC9.
I do not load to max. These are competition rounds. Loaded anywhere from 110PF to 130PF depending on the rules. (Federal primers for the revo and CCI for everything else)
I DO HOWEVER, tumble to clean, then resize/deprime. Run all of it through chamber checker, throwing out any that don't seat all the way by themselves. Then load them (re-reszing them just in case a stray case got in the batch) and chamber check the final round.
No problems with the brass. This includes, SW929 revo, P320X5, P320C, P365 short barrel and P365 long barrel, Glock 17 and a Ruger PC9.
I do not load to max. These are competition rounds. Loaded anywhere from 110PF to 130PF depending on the rules. (Federal primers for the revo and CCI for everything else)
MFInc
Member
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- Dec 5, 2020
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Can't go wrong with the Starline. I have a lot brass from factory loads that I use for range. I typically use the Starline for the hotter loads and to make BBQ rounds. I have a lot of used Blazer, Then Federal, Aguilar, Winchester, R+P, and probably a few others that I have been rotating. I also have at least 1k rounds of mixed range 9mm I havent even processed yet.
I also have AMMO INC. cases which I have about 400 that were no good after 1 shot,. and about 200 that are right at the case limit after 1 shot, so I will probably trash them, These were all "new man" when I shot them. I've had limited success with some of it, but this was the most frustrating brass to try and reload, esp when you are learning IMO.
I also have AMMO INC. cases which I have about 400 that were no good after 1 shot,. and about 200 that are right at the case limit after 1 shot, so I will probably trash them, These were all "new man" when I shot them. I've had limited success with some of it, but this was the most frustrating brass to try and reload, esp when you are learning IMO.
I am not a precision shooter so minor variations in brass doesn't impact me and that means I see the best brass as the lowest price range brass from a reputable seller.
AJC1
Member
Jake had 20 lots of 1000 in-stock but they went fast and now sold out but he should get more soon
Is he making them or buying them for resale???.
LiveLife
Member
I am pretty sure he is having them made by someone else. Been busy doing 12/3/6/9 O'clock case wall thickness measurements at .100"/.200" below case mouth for round 2 of myth busting neck tension/bullet setback thread (Stay tuned for bullet setback results using various multiple diameter 9mm bullets of .354"/.355"/.3555"/.356")
Based on myth busting thread where I measured case wall thickness at .100"/.200" below case mouth, RMR measurements come closest to Starline measurements and RMR brass is thicker than Blazer/FC/.FC./Speer/WIN and DRT/SIG I am adding to round 2 testing:
Thickness .100" below case mouth where taper crimp is applied - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...nd-bullet-setback.830072/page-3#post-10712225
RMR: .011"/.011"/.011"/.012"
RMR: .011"/.011"/.012"/.012"
RMR: .011"/.012"/.012"/.012"
Starline: .011"/.011"/.012"/.011"
Starline: .013"/.011"/.010"/.011"
Starline: .010"/.011"/.011"/.011"
Thickness .200" below case mouth where 115 gr FMJ bullet base gets seated down to - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...nd-bullet-setback.830072/page-3#post-10713822
RMR: .012"/.012"/.012"/.013"
RMR: .012"/.012"/.013"/.013"
RMR: .012"/.013"/.013"/.013"
Starline: .012"/.012"/.013"/.012"
Starline: .012"/.013".012"/.011"
Starline: .012"/.012"/.013"/.013"
RMR: .012"/.012"/.013"/.013"
RMR: .012"/.013"/.013"/.013"
Starline: .012"/.012"/.013"/.012"
Starline: .012"/.013".012"/.011"
Starline: .012"/.012"/.013"/.013"
AJC1
Member
Starline majes complete sense as a small operation
An update.........based on this thread, I ordered some 9mm brass from both RMR and Starline. Found the Starline to be very consistent both as to length and tension of primer pockets. By comparison, have found RMR to vary by as much as 2 to 3 thousands in length, as well as inconsistent primer pocket tension. Compared to Starline, in which force required to insert primers was firm and consistent, some of the RMR felt loose enough I actually tapped it on the bench to see if primer would fall out. Have some loaded and will see what happens when they go bang. But overall, I'm not a fan of loose primer pockets or loose women......and for the same reason. Differing lengths shows up when expanding necks for bullet insertion. Some are easy, some are firm. Would also think it would affect amount of taper crimp. But I'm new at 9mm and this may all be normal and nothing to worry about.
Only mention it to mention it and to see if anyone had experienced the same.......or if it is just me.
Only mention it to mention it and to see if anyone had experienced the same.......or if it is just me.
My range pick 9 had a 'longest to shortest' range of just over 20 thou., with several way below min case length. Those below min length were culled, which did improve the consistency of flaring / operation of my Hornady bullet feeder die, so I considered it worth the effort.
Like many, when I buy new brass, any caliber I try Starline. But I use a lot of once fired, range pick up brass. Fortunately I have identified just two I won't try, Shell Shock Industries 2 piece cases and the various "stepped ID" cases. I too sort by headstamp when doing a load work up, but after The Load is reached, I relax my requirements and use mixed brass. I have purchased a lot of once fired brass for several calibers and have never had the OP's problem, but I inspect every case before I reload it, new, "once fired", range pick ups and my fired brass...
MFInc
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- Dec 5, 2020
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I have new starline for Hotter/precision loads. I have quite a bit of 1+ fired 9mm in addition to range brass. I havent started reloading any range brass yet as I am re-loading the ammo I purchased. Ammo Inc is good seemingly for one or 2 reloads if that. Augilar i got reloaded maybe 2-3 times before the bullets would just fall into it like the AI brass. As i Have about 300 AI brass that I in opp'd, Blazer brass has been excellent for me along with Federal, winchester, Rem, PMC, etc. I do have a lot of range brass,I typically wont pick up any Russian 9mm. I'm fortunate to also live close to a huge range, where LE and BP train, so there is usually a good amount of purple/nickle cases on the right days.It's not uncommon I return with twice as much brass as I've shot. If I see it bulgded, I leave it as well.
Soonerpesek
Member
Still might wanna PM Jake and let him know, constructive criticism is good feedback…
I prefer Winchester brass in 9MM. However I've loaded pickup brass in just about all brands with no major issues. I do prefer staying with same brand brass for premium loads and Win brass seems to have the perfect wall thickness for my bullets.
These days, when I need more brass, I buy Starline.
I shoot some factory 9x19 ammunition and keep the brass if it is mainstream manufacturer.
From pickup brass and various “once fired” brass, I’ve encountered reloading issues such that I do not load off brand cases any more.
I shoot some factory 9x19 ammunition and keep the brass if it is mainstream manufacturer.
From pickup brass and various “once fired” brass, I’ve encountered reloading issues such that I do not load off brand cases any more.
I used to cull out military brass as it wasn't worth cleaning up the primer pockets, but...
...since I got the primer pocket swagger attachment for my Lee APP, my supply of reloadabe 9mm cases has increase by a few thousand
...since I got the primer pocket swagger attachment for my Lee APP, my supply of reloadabe 9mm cases has increase by a few thousand
johnjohn
Member
Good to see I'm not the only tight-wad around here. Pick 'em up, check 'em when I get home.
I wouldn't think "2 or 3 thousandths" would be noticeable especially on 9mm brass. Actually that's pretty darn close! Crimping semi-auto rounds is misnamed, should say "deflare". I have been reloading 4 different semi-auto calibers for quite a while and haven't "crimped" any. I use a ram prime and can't say I have found any 9mm brass, new, once or 5 times fired, that have "loose pockets". I've slowed down reloading in the last 3 years to maybe just 600-700 rounds per year and still use once (or 5 times) fired 9mm brass trouble free...
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AJC1
Member
I pick up enough brass I've yet to figure out what a worn out piece looks like. I've got 5+ loadings on my rp test 308 and only bump .001 so those may last forever... I have no idea how many cycles my 9mm had on them because I picked it up by the pile and never kept track. My 38/357s split down the side and those get pitched but that doesn't happen often and they were range pickups or gifted to begin with. I'm starting to think it's a gas gun only thing. Or when someone shoots major in 9mm and or has a bulge from an unsupported chamber.
tightgroup tiger
Member
I agree AJC1, most all rounds fired at any range around here is factory loads. I can see the once fired cases in my ultrasonic cleaner after they have been cleaned. They look like brand new brass when they come out of there. The ones that have been fired multiple times are darker inside.
I'm getting mostly all once fired brass off the ground.
There are no competition ranges around here so I don't have to worry about 9 major cases in my pickups, only in brass that I buy.
I set up my M die in my LNL-AP to only neck expand the longer cases, and the shorter ones I can't get a bullet to start in. I pull those out and usually pitch them.
Normally, below .745" long, the bullets will not start in them. I have enough brass that I don't need to keep the short ones and I don't get that many of them anyways.
So I don't measure them or sort to length. Too much work for me. I pick them out on the press.
I've never bought new 9mm brass so I wouldn't know what it's like to load them.
Probably be like reloader Heaven compared to mixed range brass.
I don't load my military brass either, but I don't throw them away either. I just bag them and store them. Just can't bring myself to scrap them.
I'm getting mostly all once fired brass off the ground.
There are no competition ranges around here so I don't have to worry about 9 major cases in my pickups, only in brass that I buy.
I set up my M die in my LNL-AP to only neck expand the longer cases, and the shorter ones I can't get a bullet to start in. I pull those out and usually pitch them.
Normally, below .745" long, the bullets will not start in them. I have enough brass that I don't need to keep the short ones and I don't get that many of them anyways.
So I don't measure them or sort to length. Too much work for me. I pick them out on the press.
I've never bought new 9mm brass so I wouldn't know what it's like to load them.
Probably be like reloader Heaven compared to mixed range brass.
I don't load my military brass either, but I don't throw them away either. I just bag them and store them. Just can't bring myself to scrap them.
BushMaster-15
member
Didn't know where else to stick this but it's 9mm related .
I get a flash alert Big sale slash savings 56 % off I nearly choked on My Lemon lime aide . I paid $ 7.25 a box by the case DELIVERED to our house in early 2020 aka $150.00 per K !.
What a BAD Joke this ad is ;
Number of Rounds: 50
Code: 1UK-LAP-SB9B-SB9B
MPN: SB9B
UPC: 754908500437
$44.99Save 56%
$0.40/Round
$19.99
I get a flash alert Big sale slash savings 56 % off I nearly choked on My Lemon lime aide . I paid $ 7.25 a box by the case DELIVERED to our house in early 2020 aka $150.00 per K !.
What a BAD Joke this ad is ;
Number of Rounds: 50
Code: 1UK-LAP-SB9B-SB9B
MPN: SB9B
UPC: 754908500437
$44.99Save 56%
$0.40/Round
$19.99
Hangingrock
Member
I have a range on the property, thus my range pickup cases are consistent as opposed to a mixed assortment of range pickup cases. With that said I have not been shooting recently either.
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