Classic Lee Loader for semi auto 9mm?

[StrykerByte.45]

I'm reloading only with my own fired cases from a KKM barrel in 45auto. I never kept my factory barrel fired cases but i would imagine that they are more expanded than the KKM ones and probably would not drop into the KKM barrel. After sizing with the LL it seems like the cases are a perfect fit to KKM barrel, which is good, but probably would have issues chambering into a barrel with a tighter tolerance than it. So I guess that it all just depends.

 

[Skgreen]

Your choice of projectile may play more of a role with an auto vs a revolver.
My PX4 in 9mm isn't a fussy eater, but my PX4 in 45 can be a bit finicky w/SWC's.

 

[gwpercle]

Lee Loader ! wish they made a Tshirt or Hoodie or tang too! they is COOL

They do make someting like a Tang ( Tong) Tool ... the Lee Hand Press , it is actually better than a Tong Tool , you use both hands and you can get dies and shell holders for it .
The Lee Hand Press uses standard reloading dies and shell holders and does not require a bench mounting .
You hold it in your hands ...I now reload all my handgun ammo from 32 acp to 45 acp , 38 / 357 and 41 magnum and 30-30 rifle with one . I sit at my desk in the heated and cooled house or office .
It comes with a Ram-Prime Unit that turns the little press into the best hand priming tool made .

I got one to load inside the house without the pounding needed with the Classic Lee Loader ... this rig works so well I bought a second Hand Press even though I have 5 bench mounted reloading presses in my reloading building ... which isn't heated or cooled .. check it out Lee Hand Press / Lee Hand Press Kit ...
this is one of Lee's best idea's ... I use them for all sorts of odd jobs and reloading .
Gary

 

[StrykerByte.45]

Not sure if you got the answers you needed, but I found some details you should consider.
I mentioned before that you might need a larger sized bullet than .355 because the sizer does not size to factory, at least in 45acp it doesn't. I was not absolutely sure, but I just noticed that the paperwork provided in the kit tells you what size bullets to use.
In the case of 45acp I was correct, .451 will not be held by the neck tension. Research tells me this sizing is normal for fired cases to prolong the life of the casing. Sizing to factory specs will aid in reducing the case life by overworking the metal. There's nothing unsafe about sizing to factory, but you wont reload your cases as much as sizing slightly larger. 9mm might be different, but now you know that information is provided.
The idea that this kit is not made for semi-auto does not apply to certain calibers. This is due to the kit only sizing the neck and not the body. The kit does, however, full length size some calibers which are the exception. However, cases that are not sized full length can still be used in the same barrel it was fired from, but a plunk test should be done to ensure that.

Chamfer should be done only once on a case and then never again. By using the recommended size bullets you will not need to crimp at all.

 

[jmorris]

I'm reloading only with my own fired cases from a KKM barrel in 45auto…. After sizing with the LL it seems like the cases are a perfect fit to KKM barrel

Do they not fit back in the barrel they were fired from before sizing?

Mine always seem to, even if they lack sufficient neck tension to properly hold the bullet.

 

[StrykerByte.45]

Do they not fit back in the barrel they were fired from before sizing?

Mine always seem to, even if they lack sufficient neck tension to properly hold the bullet.

They do, but its possible that they could be snug before resizing. There's no reason, I think, they would not fit after resizing, but should at least check to make sure. That's just the first time, once you know they fit you really never have to check again with empty cases. Same with trying a new bullet for the first time, plunk test after seating(I make a dummy) then there's no reason to ever check again unless you are testing changes to the OAL.
For example, fired brass from my factory glock barrel that was hot rounds and expanded much would probably not fit the KKM even after sizing because the body can return to its fatter state after sizing, even just a little. This is why I only collect my own fired brass. Like any metal, bending back and forth will eventually break it, there more its bent the faster it will break.
I guess if you know the brass was new and once fired and tested to see that it didn't expand much you can throw it somewhere into your collection.