need 9mm component sellection help

[p5200]

I've been reloading for 3 of my rifles and have ordered a KKM Conversion 9mm barrel for my M&P 40. I would like to try hand loading for the 9mm but could use some suggestions on dies, bullets, and powders. I will just be shooting for groups and not at real high volume rates of ammo. I have a Forster Coax I plan to use which will be slow I know but plenty fast enough for my volume of shooting. All advice is welcome Thanks!

 

[J_McLeod]

I've only used HS-6 and Win 231, but like both. Win 231/HP-38 has a reputation for accuracy. Misouri Bullet and Rocky Mountain Reloading are good places to get bullets.

 

[rcmodel]

RCBS or Lee carbide dies.
Hornady XTP 124 grain bullets for accuracy.
Unique, or HS-6 powder for power & accuracy.
Or W-231/HP38 for a little less velocity and smaller charges to save a little money.

Berry or Ranier plated bullets if you want cheaper bullets.

As single-stage press doesn't have to be slow if you do the case processing in large batches, and do each step at the same time before changing dies.

I loaded 1,000 rounds of 9mm in a couple of sessions last fall on an RCBS single stage.

rc

 

[p5200]

Will the lead bullets cause leading problems in the barrel and are they pretty accurate? Thanks folks!

 

[J_McLeod]

I've had good accuracy and little to no leading with MBC 147gr bullets and HS-6 and /K 147gr and Win 231. Shot about 400 so far.

 

[p5200]

I can deal with a little leading and extra elbow grease cleaning if there's a decent $ savings involved vs jacketed bullets for sure.

 

[LiveLife]

For accuracy, my reference Winchester 9mm 115 gr FMJ load has been with 4.8 gr of W231/HP-38 but Berry's plated 124 gr HBRN-TP (Hollow Base Round Nose-Thick Plate) has recently been producing smaller shot groups.

For lead bullets, I am happily using Missouri Bullet 125 gr SWC/RN with W231/HP-38.

You can get better pricing on both bullets from Powder Valley.

Cost savings of lead over jacketed can be significant as 1000 MBC 125 gr lead bullets from Powder Valley is $57.64 (and you'll use less powder charge for lead bullets) and you'll pay significantly higher for jacketed bullets.

 

[p5200]

WOW! that is a savings indeed Glad I checked here before buying bullets.

 

[LiveLife]

I can deal with a little leading and extra elbow grease cleaning

I am using Lone Wolf 40-9 conversion barrels in G22/G27 with W231/HP-38 and got my MBC loads where I just get a little smearing of fouling at the start of rifling.

Old copper bore brush wrapped with copper scrub strands (Chore boy) works wonders in removing any leading left in the barrel.

 

[Uniquedot]

WOW! that is a savings indeed Glad I checked here before buying bullets.

If you want real savings you're gonna have to cast them yourself. For that $57.00 box of 125 grainers you can cast over 4000 at the same price and that includes buying the lead. A lee six cavity mold will turn out a thousand in a session before you begin to tire. A six cavity mold and a twenty pound furnace plus 60 lbs. of lead will all pay for itself in four casting sessions or less depending on how many you want to cast in a session.

 

[p5200]

I've been looking at this die set or would a taper type crimp be better? Thanks!
http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/p...ct/Redding-Titanium-Carbide-Die-Set-9mm-Luger

 

[J_McLeod]

The description says it has a built in crimp, and for 9mm the crimp will always be a taper crimp. So depends if you want to seat and crimp together or separately. The carbide is a good choice. Even though you don't need to lube the cases with carbide, I lube them anyways and have a much easier time. You can also get a Lee set for half that price.

 

[p5200]

Yeah, I think I'd feel safer using a little lube myself and if the LEE Kits perform just as good I'll just go with one of them. Thanks

 

[J_McLeod]

I've never used any Redding products, so I can't say anything about the dies you listed. I have a Lee set that I've loaded 1k with, and plenty of other here have loaded more with them. You can get a 4 die set for around 30-40.

I put all the cases in a bowl and then spray some Hornady one shot in the bowl, then commence loading. Makes them go through easier.

 

[p5200]

I think I'll go with this set I assume I shouldn't need the shell holder though with the Forster Coax. Thanks for your help!
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000690963

 

[J_McLeod]

If you decide to use the dipper, make sure you check it on a scale. They tend to be off sometimes.

 

[p5200]

I've got a RCBS Dispenser/Scale but, I've never tried dispensing pistol sized loads with it maybe, it will dispense loads that small. Then I may have to just weigh them.

 

[LiveLife]

If you are thinking about Lee carbide dies, Factory Sales (not affiliated with Lee Precision) has them for $33 - https://factorysales.com/html/xcart/4-DIE-SET-9MM-LUGER-CARB.html

 

[p5200]

Thanks for the link bds, that's a good price cheapest I've seen yet!