Just fired my first handloads!

[Maxinquaye]

I just got back from the range after firing my own handloads for the first time. How EXCITING!

It went well...I loaded up about 200 rounds of .40S&W on my new Lee Loadmaster. I had started the thread considering between the Pro2000 and the L&LAP, but the spreadsheet I made changed my mind. Got the Lee press, all accessories, 4 calibers (dies, turrets, shellplates), lotsa brass and bullets and more for about what it would have cost to get into one of the others with NO extras. Many thanks to all of those who have posted re: the Loadmaster...I printed out all your comments about the primer mechanism, powder chain, etc. and was all ready to make the necessary mods when I got it. After a couple calls to Lee (nice people!) I was running fine.

The ammo shot to POA in my SUB2000, and a little low and left in my G27. I was using Rainer 155 rounds over 6.7 grains of vihtavuori N340 and winchester primers. Any idea why the inaccuracy? I was using about 3/4 turn on the Lee factory crimp die...think I may experiment with that a bit.

I was suprised how expensive the VV powders was, but man does it burn CLEAN! Really makes you realize what kinda cheap junk they use in the Win white box

 

[Standing Wolf]

Congratulations! You've taken your first steps into the next level of shooting.

 

[stans]

Another one hooked!!!!!

 

[yorec]

Welcome to the fraternity. Shoots every weekend and lock up the frathouse when you leave if no one else is still inside - check the indoor range before you go.

Enjoy.

 

[Mike Kerr]

Gotcha! What great fun you will have though.

Regards,

 

[VietVet 67-68]

Well now youv'e done it !! More powder, more bullets, more primers, and brass. Dont forget there will always be some other tool that you need!!


Keith Have Fun!!

 

[Waitone]

Now you have another hobby.

Reloading is just like printing money.

I just love turning a $14.00 box of ammo into a $3.50 box.

 

[Dave R]

You ask why the inaccuracy....

Are you referring to the different point of impact with your G27? That's probably a function of the bullet weight. If you have commercial ammo that shoots right to POA with your G27, use the same bullet weight and try to load to a similar velocity, and you should get the same point of impact.

If the groups are accurate, but the POA is off, changing bullet weights is probably the first thing to try.

Although hitting low and left can also be a sign that you are anticipating recoils and flinching...

IMHO the best way to test accuracy is to shoot from a bench rest, not offhand.

How are the group sizes, particularly from your Sub 2000?

 

[Maxinquaye]

Hi Dave,

I was reloading with rainer 155's. The glock has always shot to POA with pretty much all factory ammo I have used in the past regardless of weight. Come to think of it, maybe it could be because the ranier is not jacketed, but plated? I did fire the glock wrist supported off the bench...groups at 10 yards were about 1" for 5 shots. SUB2K basically put them all in one hole at 25 yards, which was as far as the indoor range is.

I loaded up a bunch of round with different weight crimps so I'll give that a try, maybe different bullets or charges if that does not do the trick.

 

[Matt G]

You might try a different bullet, that's actually jacketed-- hey, it's not that expensive to try out a hundred of a different kind. Also check different powder charges and seating depths. I'm often amazed at the difference in accuracy that a change to one of these variables can make.

Also, try a batch without the factory crimp, but with just the taper crimp.