Help answer some noob questions please

[hartzpad]

I'm finally going to get into reloading as I have just ordered a Tanfoglio 10mm Witness and I'm not even thinking about trying to buy commercial 10mm. I plan to start off by reloading both 9x19 and 10mm. I plan to buy a Lee Pro 1000 for 10mm and buy extra dies, etc. to reload 9x19 on the same press. I will also get a case tumbler. I already have a micrometer and I've been collecting brass. I will mostly be reloading for plinking and not accuracy, I just want to be able to practice more.

Can 9x19 and 10mm both use the same primers? Powder?

What accesories (turrets, dies, shell holders, etc.) do I need to buy to be able to switch back and forth from 9x19 and 10mm relatively easily?

What accessories will make reloading easier and safer? Case feeder?

Can I use lead bullets for 10mm (I plan to start with mild to medium loads for a while)?

I know that I should not be as concerned about speed as much as doing things right and safe, and becoming familiar with reloading, so that is what I want to do.

I'll mostly likely buy all my powder, primers and bullets locally.

Oops, I almost forgot to include a bullet puller.

Is it OK to mix and max brands of brass cases as long as they measure out to be the same dimensions? Or should I only reload one brand of case and then switch and do a batch of another brand?

Sorry for all the noob questions, I'm sure in a few weeks I'll be fine.

 

[Sharps Shooter]

Wow! That's a bunch of questions - good ones, but still a bunch. I'll tackle the one about primers and powders. No, a 9x19 (9mm Luger) uses a "small pistol" primer while a 10mm Auto uses a "large pistol" primer. And yes, many of the same powders will work for either cartridge. Unique is a pretty good all-around handgun powder in my opinion.

I'll keep an eye on this thread and if you don't get answers to the rest of your questions, I'll answer those I can. But for right now, I'd recommend you do some reading. I completely wore out a copy of the book "The ABCs of Reloading" when I started, well over 30 years ago. You can still get that book through Amazon or at most any sporting goods store selling reloading equipment.

 

[Kamicosmos]

What accesories (turrets, dies, shell holders, etc.)

Well, you'll need a set of dies for both cartridges, shell holders for both cartridges, a turret for both sets of cartridges...

I'm not a fan of lead for several reasons. But, it's your choice. The 10mm is a high pressure cartridge, so lead bullets will leave more fouling, and you have to 'run them slower' to avoid problems with them doing odd things. I prefer jacketed bullets for all my reloading.

I've been loading mixed brass forever. Primarily Winchester, Federal, PMC, Lake City. I usually avoid Remington brass for handguns because it seems to have thinner walls in my experience. I have recently started seperating my brass, more out of boredom than anything else. On a handgun, you're not really going to notice an accuracy differences between brass. High Prescion rifles is something else though.

As far as reloading goes, take your time!! Get at least two good reloading manuals like Speer and Lyman. They have really good chapters on How to Reload. Read them both a couple times before you even try to setup your press. If you have a reloading friend, have them help, you'll save a bunch of frustration for yourself! If you don't know any reloaders, ask around at your range. Reloaders are a friendly bunch, and some ranges even have reloading classes. IF that doesn't pan out, there are videos from Dillon, RCBS and the NRA on how to reload.

 

[trickyasafox]

i'd go to midway for most of your main components (press, pullers, dies, etc) for me its cheaper to order bullets online and buy powder and primers locally, so you might want to check and see if thats the case for you as well. i've had good luck with lee stuff, especially their dies and trimmers. i didnt see you mention a scale. . .but you might want to check into one of those.

for manuals i like lee and speer. both run about 10 bucks from midway.

buy the manual first!

edited for poor spelling

 

[halvey]

You really need to buy the ABC's of Reloading book.

 

[Dave R]

What accesories (turrets, dies, shell holders, etc.) do I need to buy to be able to switch back and forth from 9x19 and 10mm relatively easily?

Just dies and shell holders. Some dies INCLUDE shell holders! (Redding and Lee, I believe.)

What accessories will make reloading easier and safer? Case feeder?

Lots of plastic cartridge boxes and labels. LABEL EVERYTHING.

Can I use lead bullets for 10mm (I plan to start with mild to medium loads for a while)?

Sure, if you stay mild. I like Laser-Cast bullets. They're a little harder than most lead bullets, and fairly resistant to leading.

Is it OK to mix and max brands of brass cases as long as they measure out to be the same dimensions? Or should I only reload one brand of case and then switch and do a batch of another brand?

A few months ago I would've said sort your brass. But I read a post here (or on TheFiringLine?) by someone who did some extensive studying, and found no benefit for sorting PISTOL brass. Sorting rifle brass is more or less mandatory. I have found some significant differences is case capacity in rifle brass. If you want to be real safe, sort your brass anyway. If you're just plinking, and staying away from hot loads, maybe you don't need to.