In years past, I wonder what new reloaders did when all they had were lead bullets?
Use of jacketed/plated bullets will make it easier to produce functional reloads but I do not believe you must start out with them to learn how to reload properly.
I help set up new reloaders from time to time and although jacketed/plated bullets are often used to get them started out in 9mm/40S&W, for 45ACP, hard cast lead bullets are what I start them out with. The extra considerations to factor are:
- Use lower powder charge lead load data for larger diameter lead bullets
- Adjust OAL/powder charge to provide proper obturation (bumping of bullet base on firing) to minimize gas cutting and leading
- Flare the case neck a bit more to not shave the side of the bullets
- Taper crimp flat to not shave the side of the bullets
- Check/clean dies more frequently for lube build up
Not all 9mm bullets shoot good or even fit in all 9mm guns. If you don't know which bullets shoot best in your gun, then why would you make a "big" order. That's a great way to end up with lots of bullets that DON'T fit your gun.
IIRC, I do not believe we have any confirming reports of MBC 115/125 gr bullets not working in Ruger SR9c or Browning Hi-Power.
OP:
I'm just looking to ... some general plinking ammo. The bullets will be used for my Hi Power and my SR9c. Should I go with the 115gr "Parabellum" or the 125gr "SmallBall!"?
Olympus, both 115 gr "Para" and 125 gr "SmallBall" will make good plinking ammo shot from both of your pistols.
I'd like to load these 9mm shells just about as mild as possible since my wife likes to shoot a lot too. What is a good powder and amount to start with?
It is for this reason why I suggested that you go with the heavier 125 gr SmallBall. Being able to use lower powder charge but still reliably cycle the slides will make for milder recoil for your wife. As others posted, run some test loads to determine which lower charges still reliably cycle the slides for your wife (you may want to test even below starting load from 3.8-4.3 gr). My wife likes 4.1-4.3 gr of W231/HP38 depending on the OAL used (1.100" vs 1.125") for her Glocks and I also load lighter loads for her in 40S&W, 45ACP and 38 Spl.
Another factor is indoor or outdoor range? My LGS ranbge does not alloow bare lead ammo, so I only reload plated or FMJ
More and more indoor ranges are switching to chopped up tires for backstop to allow for lead bullets. So ask the range staff to be sure. I sure was happy to see "shooting of lead bullets allowed in this range" sign at my indoor range.