First batch of 10mm done

[JonB]

I loaded 40 rds of 10 mm this afternoon using my new little Lee Hand Press. I have to say I am impressed with that little bugger. I smashed 1 case as the directions from Lee on one of the dies (bullet seating) wasn't right. But my dad figured out what adjustment needed to be made (he's been reloading for years).

So my load was 165gr Speer Gold dots over 10.5gr of AA No.7 Not a hot load by any means - in fact probably closer to a .40 S&W load. But a good starting point. Hopefully will make it to the range after turkey day to try them out.

Thanks to all for the help answering my beginner's questions.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

So my load was 165gr Speer Gold dots over 10.5gr of AA No.7 Not a hot load by any means - in fact probably closer to a .40 S&W load.

I hope those rounds cycle in your pistol because they are very light. The recommended starting load with a 165gr bullet is 10.8gr AA#7 in a 10mm and the Max is 12.0gr. I hope they work well for you because there's nothing like shooting ammo that you have made. It's somehow more satisfying than store bought ammo.

 

[JonB]

I'll run them through tomorrow hopefully, then the next batch I plan on working up to 11 or a little higher. I wanted to go easy on my first batch, but maybe I was too cautious?

Interestingly enough, Speer doesn't even show loads for their 165 gr JPH for 10mm. They do for .40 though. I found the 10.8 gr you mentioned listed for Sierra 165'ers.

I really need to go shoot as I am out of 10mm empties My dad has several hundred that I sent him last year that he sized and de-primed, but that is as far as he got. So those may have to come back to my house for more reloading 'practice'

 

[the pistolero]

Congrats and good luck. I reload for the 10 as well and it's a lot of fun. AA#9 has been my powder of choice so far and it's worked very well.

 

[DragonFire]

I load 10mm for IDPA matches. I use 200gr plated bullets, and download them quite a bit and still get over 1000 fps. I had some trouble with the way AA#7 metered out, so I tried #9 and have been very happy with it.

So you should be fine with your loads.

One of the joys of the 10mm is how wide a range of powder weights you can use and still be safe but useable.

So what are you loading your ammo into?

 

[jeepmor]

FWIW, I had cycling issues at the low end of loads. Now I start in the middle of the posted specs and go up from there. Light loads had a tendency of not burning all their powder in my experience. Moving up in charge took care of that.

Just remember, you bought a 10mm, not a 40. It is designed to handle 10mm loads.

 

[JonB]

Update - loads shot great. Easily within 9 ring and most in the 10 ring at 15 to 20 yards. They cycled fine in my Glock 20C as well.

So I think I'll bump the powder up to 11.2 gr and try again.