I hate reloading 9mm, how about you?

[cbmax]

The last batch of 100 rounds was Berry's 124 grain round nose over 5.8 grains of Power Pistol. My Dillon 550B is usually accurate to +/- .1 grains. I load them to 1.15 OAL. When possible I try to sort my brass by head stamp to help in the consistency of OAL and crimp. I never trim pistol brass with the exception of .50AE.

Any ideas as to why I need to guide my cases into the powder die? My shell plate is installed correctly. The cases tilt just enough toward the middle of the machine to often not align properly.

CB

 

[mstreddy]

I love loading 9mm, it's the caliber I load/shoot the most of. I load on a LNL AP and I did have an issue with the cases not wanting to go into the sizing die too well, but I've since corrected that by switching dies. The RCBS dies were a little narrow at the opening and the Lee and Hornady are a little more open.
I load 380 and they feel tiny for me, but they are fine to work with. That's the smallest I load for.
Gotta say - once I complete a batch of 100-500 rounds I am quite satisfied.

 

[RealGun]

With all those who, for some reason, want to share that 9mm is no problem for them, surely someone will address why you cannot easily align cases with your powder drop and then crush cases. I have no experience with a 550B but wonder if there is some indexing adjustment.

 

[Mohave-Tec]

I've never crushed a case. Lee.

 

[luis7]

I´m reloading 9mm in a Dillon 550 and I loved it. My ctg are very accurate and whitout misfires in my SW 952.
Bye.

 

[bocefus78]

I load 9 on a LCT and have no issues. I toss mil brass, instead of screwing with the primers. Compared to having to run the 40's thru a bulge buster, its one less step. Componets are cheap too!

 

[RealGun]

Let's review post #1, which states in part re Dillon 550B for 9mm:

If my powder dies is not perfectly aligned with the brass I crush cases.

It is how to solve a Dillon problem rather than a bragging thread about having no problems.

 

[Steven57]

I just use a Lee Turret and do everything one stage at a time. Takes awhile, but I still get 500-1000 done. And the longer I get peace and quiet, priceless.

 

[cbmax]

Hi,

I just loaded up another 50 rounds on the Dillon. I checked again to make sure I am using the right shell plate and locator buttons. I still have to align the case as it goes into the powder die. I guess it's no big deal since I don't have to guide the case into the seater die. The cases jiggle around just enough that they do not go straight into the powder die more often than not. I will play with how tight the shell plate is on the machine to see if that helps the indexing. I load .45, .40 and .50AE with no such issue.

CB

 

[mstreddy]

Real Gun --
Let's review the title of the thread from Post #1:

I hate reloading 9mm, how about you?

So, I think most users are answering that question, rather than the issue he reports. And, he doesn't state anything about his press brand in Post #1, only that it is a progressive.

But, since he is reporting a case crushing issue with his powder measure, then he may need to adjust it or check his indexing.

 

[beeenbag]

9mm is not too bad on my press, I do not like loading .223 of all rounds.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Heh!

The question is "Do you hate reloading 9mm more than you hate paying retail for factory ammo?"

 

[RealGun]

cbmax - I am reloading on my trusty Dillon 550B. I just installed a new primer slide as my old one had a worn out primer cup. I ordered just a new primer cup, spring and punch, but Dillon sent me a whole new assembly for free!

I have the correct shell plate on the machine. I don't use a bullet feeder or case feeder.

When I reload larger calibers, I normally guide the case into the seating die. I find on 9mm I have to guide the case into the powder die to avoid crushed cases.

I don't try to go too fast. Probably takes me 30 minutes to load 100 rounds. Hopefully I can get a little faster as I become more accustomed to loading this caliber. I've been reloading for about 14 years.

Maybe we won't acknowledge that a Dillon isn't working, or that no one has an answer, at least not a public one.

 

[thefish]

Love it. Never a problem on my lee breechlock, and every round I compete is one more I can shoot that can't be found at the local Walmart.

 

[RussellC]

9mm is not too bad on my press, I do not like loading .223 of all rounds.

Same here. I enjoy the 9mm actually, its the .223 that gives me fits. Lee Classic Turret and Lee Classic Breechlock.

Russellc

 

[Rico567]

Maybe we won't acknowledge that a Dillon isn't working, or that no one has an answer, at least not a public one.

Well, if you think this forum is somehow reticent about problems with Dillons, slide on over to Brian Enos' forum. Plenty of discussion there, broken down by press model & everything.

 

[ny32182]

Show pictures, close up of your shell plate, and powder die from the top and bottom.

There is not enough info to diagnose anything; only enough to know there is something seriously wrong.

 

[Lj1941]

9MM & 38 Special are to me the easiest calibers. The worst by far is 7.62 x25 Tokarev. I crush cases regularly doing that caliber. I have a 30+ year old RCBS Reloader Special press and mainly Lee dies. I love the factory crimp die with the Lees.It is good relaxing therapy to sit down and reload a bunch of 9s or 38s.I do not do a large amount or try to set a speed record.

 

[mugsie]

I'm loading on a Dillon and I load the snot out of those little suckers. I cast my own and load / shoot them by the hundreds. Love 'em.

 

[cbmax]

Pictures

So here are some pictures for your review.

 

[cbmax]

One more.

 

[joed]

I loaded 9mm for awhile and hated it for the same reason. I wasn't sure if it's just me getting older or the cartridge itself so it's good to hear the same from others. Besides the bullets being so small I had to constantly hold my thumb against the shell plate or powder would get tossed out of the cases.

 

[AZ Desertrat]

Well.....yeah.....In a way.....when you shoot as many .44 Special/Magnum as I do....it sure does feel funny in your hand.....that small 9mm case....I drop the damn things on the floor all the time....

 

[hartcreek]

It is a matter of reloading or shooting that crappy commercial ammunition if you can find it. I will take reloading every time.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

.38 Special is easy, 9mm a little more tedious and .32 can be time consuming but I never got to hating any kind of reloading.

In .32 I look at $20+ for a box of cheezy factory rounds (when I can find it...) compared to a <$6 box of .32 with my specs and preferred bullet and 200+ FPE whenever I need them.

Same with 9mm...can't buy what I want but in an hour or so I can have 50 rounds of VooDoo Goodness for a fraction of the price and all I need to do is settle down and make it happen. I find all reloading to be fun/relaxing no matter the caliber but .38 Special does seem to roll out 'da press seamlessly compared to 9mm or .32.

VooDoo