So I am trying to reload for the firs time and have a few question. First off here is my setup -
Lee Pro 1000 -9mm
Rainier 124 grain RN TCJ (they look like regular FMJ to me)
Accurate #2 powder
Various cleaned brass
CCI Small Pistol Primers
First question is about powder. According to the instructions and chart that came with the powder charger, for 4.1 grains of Accurate #2, I'm supposed to use the disk with the .34 hole in it. I weighed the powder after it put it in the shell and it only weighed 3.4 grains. I calibrated my scale and repeated the process and got the same thing. I went to the next bigger size and it metered out 3.6 grains according to my scale. I went with that because I didn't want to much. I did about 25 of them and tested them today and they fired ok. Should I just take it up to 4.1 on the scale and find which disk hole will meter out that much?
Second question is about overall length of the cartridge. From the book I have, it says that with the bullet I'm using the shell should be 1.100". I adjusted the third die to seat the bullet to the correct length and put a very slight crimp on it. To me, it looks short. I measured some factory ammo with 115 grain bullets and it was longer. Should I just go with 1.100" I'm afraid that I'll squish the powder if I put more in and seat the bullet to the same depth. Is this something that could really happen? Sorry if this sounds stupid but I just don't want bad things to happen. (boom)
Thanks
Lee Pro 1000 -9mm
Rainier 124 grain RN TCJ (they look like regular FMJ to me)
Accurate #2 powder
Various cleaned brass
CCI Small Pistol Primers
First question is about powder. According to the instructions and chart that came with the powder charger, for 4.1 grains of Accurate #2, I'm supposed to use the disk with the .34 hole in it. I weighed the powder after it put it in the shell and it only weighed 3.4 grains. I calibrated my scale and repeated the process and got the same thing. I went to the next bigger size and it metered out 3.6 grains according to my scale. I went with that because I didn't want to much. I did about 25 of them and tested them today and they fired ok. Should I just take it up to 4.1 on the scale and find which disk hole will meter out that much?
Second question is about overall length of the cartridge. From the book I have, it says that with the bullet I'm using the shell should be 1.100". I adjusted the third die to seat the bullet to the correct length and put a very slight crimp on it. To me, it looks short. I measured some factory ammo with 115 grain bullets and it was longer. Should I just go with 1.100" I'm afraid that I'll squish the powder if I put more in and seat the bullet to the same depth. Is this something that could really happen? Sorry if this sounds stupid but I just don't want bad things to happen. (boom)
Thanks