New to Loading looking for some advise

[ArchAngelCD]

I am sort if a reloading manual whore, I get them all and the older ones too.

If you don't want them all I suggest the Lyman manual first. Like said above, it has a lot if very useful information other than data but the data is also very good. Then I would buy the manual for the bullets you will use most. I bought the Hornady and Nosler manuals because I shoot a lot of their bullets. I like owning the older Speer manuals too. I cross reference the book data with the data from the powder company's load data sites. Hodgdon covers all Hodgdon /Winchester /IMR powders, Alliant has data and Western Powders supplies data for the Accurate and Ramshot powders. VV and Norma data is also available.

I hope this helps and if I left anything to question be sure to ask.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

I am sort if a reloading manual whore, I get them all and the older ones too.

If you don't want them all I suggest the Lyman manual first. Like said above, it has a lot if very useful information other than data but the data is also very good. Then I would buy the manual for the bullets you will use most. I bought the Hornady and Nosler manuals because I shoot a lot of their bullets. I like owning the older Speer manuals too. I cross reference the book data with the data from the powder company's load data sites. Hodgdon covers all Hodgdon /Winchester /IMR powders, Alliant has data and Western Powders supplies data for the Accurate and Ramshot powders. VV and Norma data is also available.

I hope this helps and if I left anything to question be sure to ask.

If you don’t mind me asking. Why would you recommend Lymann first? I ask as I prefer Lee as a recommendation as a first manual. Maybe it’s my bias as I got Lee first. I like them both but think Lee explains the reloading processes really well and is perfect for beginners. So I’m just curious and enjoy other views and opinions.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I prefer the Lyman manual first because it supplies a very good how-to section in the front. Secondly because they supply data for many different bullets and powders including lead bullets. Lyman does their own testing independently while Lee only copies data from other sources like the Hodgdon data site.

Most if the manuals are useful and if you like one better than another there is nothing wrong with using that manual. I have a lot of manuals but I always check with the Lyman manual to cross reference the data. Another note, if you load a lot if Cast bullets I suggest buying the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook because it supplies data for molds other than those made by them. This is the first time they have done this.

 

[dgod]

Personally, I prefer Lee, then Lyman, then Hornady or was it Hornady, Lyman, Lee?? They are all 3 very good references. The second edition Lee is very informative, but so are the others, Lyman 49 and 50 are handy to check the older version against the newer one.. I would suggest at least 2 if not more manuals, I have 7 or 8, plus electronic versions back to the 70's, plus 5 editions of the Hodgdons Reloading Magazine that has a ton of data in it.. When you need to reference something, they are handy and priceless.

Good Luck
Dan

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I love W231/HP38 for loading 9mm.
I don't really care what primers I use. I can't tell a dime's worth of difference in any of them, so I get what is available/most cost efficient. I have literally never had a FTF with any brand primer.
I really don't think you'll have a recoil problem in a full sized Glock 9mm. If the starting load cycles the action fine, then go with that.
Manuals are always a good thing. I like Lyman 1st and Speer 2nd.

You will find that many different components will work just dandy. In a perfect world, we would just pick our favorite and use it forever, but in these times, things happen and certain components are easy to find one day and impossible the next. Options are good in those situations.

 

[rsnell]

I agree with Archangelcd. I also use the Sierra manual. The Berger manual has a very good discussion on tangent, Secant, and a combination ogive bullet. If you are shooting VLD bullets, the Berger manual is very helpful.

 

[thomas15]

If you don’t mind me asking. Why would you recommend Lymann first? I ask as I prefer Lee as a recommendation as a first manual. Maybe it’s my bias as I got Lee first. I like them both but think Lee explains the reloading processes really well and is perfect for beginners. So I’m just curious and enjoy other views and opinions.

I think that everyone that handloads should have more than 1 load manual. I also think that the Lee book should be on the handloaders shelf. The Lee book has two strengths, the first is if you own Lee tackle it explains somewhat how to set up the Lee brand. The other strength is that it offers a lot of load data options. On that point the book really needs to be updated because not only does it list powders that have been discontinued, some for many years, it doesn't list anything new. You could say that other books have the same shortcoming and that would be true but all of the Lee load data is basically in the public domain.

The Lyman book lays out a much clearer picture of the methods for the new handloader teaching him/herself the hobby. I would say get both of the books and also the Hornady manual but the Lyman is the best choice for the new handloader. BTW my bookshelf with handloading books, manuals and how-to works contains in excess of 50 individual books plus additional pamphlets, load guides and freebies from the powder suppliers.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

Thomas I agree with having multiple manuals. When I started money was tight so I got the Lee and used the web, and manufacturer sites to double and triple check things. It wasn’t the best way to do things but it worked.

The best value imho are the free books the powder companies will send and the PDFs you can download free.

I’m surprised no one has said anything about OP starting with a progressive press. I know some have started with them, but I’d suggest OP find an inexpensive single stage to learn safe practices on before going to the progressive. The single stage will get use as we always have tasks for them and who doesn’t like another press.

I really think knowing that your loads are safe and work well and knowing how to make good ammo is important before one starts to make lots of ammo. So I’d suggest OP take their time and make a few rounds, make sure what they’re doing is safe then go from there.
.

 

[thomas15]

I’m surprised no one has said anything about OP starting with a progressive press. I know some have started with them, but I’d suggest OP find an inexpensive single stage to learn safe practices on before going to the progressive. The single stage will get use as we always have tasks for them and who doesn’t like another press.

The OP didn't ask for opinions on hardware. But again, going to my own experience I'm glad I didn't ask that question before I started shopping. My youngest was just a bit older than the OPs daughter when I started out handloading plus I had at that point 45 years of experience with firearms as the OP has stated he has past experience. Some of us know that in the shooting sports, inexpensive isn't always the way to go, at least that has been my philosophy. I would be mad at myself if I purchased an inexpensive single stage press because entry level is, to me, almost a dirty word. I in truth waited to start handloading until I could afford good tools and more than the minimum amount of components. In other words, I bought what I wanted not the least expensive. Least anyone think I'm a high wage earner, no I'm not but years ago I didn't have two dimes to my name and worked several jobs to survive. Hence the delay.

To prove a point I taught my son and my brother how to handload on a progressive press without taking the single stage route. It can be done.

 

[mstreddy]

Thomas the reason the Lee book lists some old discontinued powders is that it was mostly a reprint of older powder companies' data. IIRC the Lee manual just reprinted old information without conducting any testing of their own. The Lyman and other books did do their own testing on the loads they published.
I do have the Lee 2nd, Lyman 49th, Hornady 8th, and a Speer variant books. I usually turn to either Lyman or Hornady, or go to the powder company online data.
I like the reload instructions section of all of those manuals and found some good nuggets of information in all. But, there was some information in them that could be taken with a healthy dose of salt as well. Can't remember which one right now, but one of them told us to discard our brass after x number of firings period. Yeah -- right!

Hokie, while I didn't tell the OP to start on a single stage, being that he already had purchased a progressive, I did tell him

As to loading on a progressive, to start you may want to get comfortable with one process at a time. That is, set up the sizing die, ensure everything is working well, and run a few with only the sizing die in. Then the expander, then the powder measure, then finally the seating/crimping.
I'd suggest some type of powder lock-out or "cop" die.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

The OP didn't ask for opinions on hardware. But again, going to my own experience I'm glad I didn't ask that question before I started shopping. My youngest was just a bit older than the OPs daughter when I started out handloading plus I had at that point 45 years of experience with firearms as the OP has stated he has past experience. Some of us know that in the shooting sports, inexpensive isn't always the way to go, at least that has been my philosophy. I would be mad at myself if I purchased an inexpensive single stage press because entry level is, to me, almost a dirty word. I in truth waited to start handloading until I could afford good tools and more than the minimum amount of components. In other words, I bought what I wanted not the least expensive. Least anyone think I'm a high wage earner, no I'm not but years ago I didn't have two dimes to my name and worked several jobs to survive. Hence the delay.

To prove a point I taught my son and my brother how to handload on a progressive press without taking the single stage route. It can be done.

Inexpensive doesn’t mean cheap. And just because you pay more doesn’t make it better.

I have gear from most of the manufacturers. Some is a great value like the Lee Classic Turret Press, and some IMHO I paid too much for such as my Hornaday scale. I say that as I’ve discovered that it’s the same Chinese scale others sell for less. My Lyman bullet puller was about the same cost as other brands (and probably just an orange version)

My point wasn’t to start a debate on the color of gear or how expensive it is. But to suggest OP get some experience making safe ammo before cranking out ammo with the progressive.

And again an inexpensive single stage Press is a handy thing!

 

[DRAINSMITH]

I have 4 Ammo-plants set up on my bench and I have 3 son-in-laws that live close enough that they used to come over and load at my shop. Now, I taught them everything they need to load, and how the presses worked and how to set them up. The only problem I had is when they came over to load they never brought cases, primers, or power. It was costing me a fortune to have them come over to load.So X-Mass of 2015 they each got an Ammo-plant set up with 1 Caliper a pound of power, 1000 primers, 1000 bullets,1000 cases, and a powder cop. They each got one of my timing kits. I was the best money spent I am about ready to come out money ahead now.

This shows me that you can start out with a progressive so long as you have a good mentor. But they had an advantage I taught them by the pain method. I wacked them every time they made a mistake.

 

[DRAINSMITH]

Oh, I forgot to mention I keep all the free bullets.

 

[Bill Siler]

Thomas I agree with having multiple manuals. When I started money was tight so I got the Lee and used the web, and manufacturer sites to double and triple check things. It wasn’t the best way to do things but it worked.

The best value imho are the free books the powder companies will send and the PDFs you can download free.

I’m surprised no one has said anything about OP starting with a progressive press. I know some have started with them, but I’d suggest OP find an inexpensive single stage to learn safe practices on before going to the progressive. The single stage will get use as we always have tasks for them and who doesn’t like another press.

I really think knowing that your loads are safe and work well and knowing how to make good ammo is important before one starts to make lots of ammo. So I’d suggest OP take their time and make a few rounds, make sure what they’re doing is safe then go from there.
.

Thanks for the input guys. With regards to a progressive verses a single stage my intention is to start very slowly with the progressive. I have spend weeks looking into this stuff even after having the press at the house. My intention is to deprim the cases first then to run multiple passes with powder without loading a single round and then doing it all over again.

Then to set the oal and run multiple runs until I’m good with this without powder then pulling the projectile.

I’m not in a hurry to get the first round finished as I have over 2000 rounds of stock ammo to shoot.

I am very careful when it comes to this stuff even with the shotgun rounds it took weeks of playing around with the reloader before I shot my first rounds.

I’m really looking forward to all of this as reloader when I shout sporting clays was almost as much fun as shooting.

Once again guys thanks for everything this group is the best and rest assure I will be safe.

Bill

 

[Bill Siler]

Guys also I have a Rcbs lockout die coming I’m trying to take every precaution that I can starting out.

I’ve spent hours reading and reading Again about this stuff.

Setting here in San Francisco on a business trip watching my Dodgers loose .

 

[DRAINSMITH]

Sence you have the Hornady have you thought of getting the Deluxe control panel it has a lockout die that also has an audible alarm as well as a powder hopper low indicator, low primer indicator, stuck primer slide indicator and counts the rounds.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

Bill
I’m glad to hear that safety is your top priority.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy reloading.
I’m looking forward to hearing about your journey into our great hobby.

I just moved and will be setting up my new bench as soon as I get unpacked and get a bench built. So I’m a little jealous as I really want to get some ammo made. You might inspire me to clamp my press to the workmate to make some ammo!

 

[Dudedog]

Nice link on how to setup the RCBS lockout die. I feel the money I spent on mine was money well spent.
http://ultimatereloader.com/2010/09/21/rcbs-lock-out-die-part-ii-setup-and-maintenance/

 

[FROGO207]

OP I sometimes think that I also shoot the ammo up just so that I can reload it again as I like that part as much if not more than emptying the darned things. Glad you are investing the time to learn to do it safely up front. I often hear "I do______ now because I had______ happen when I was learning to reload and ruined a gun.". So far I have been fortunate enough to stop/catch all problems before pulling the trigger and never yet had a kaboom. IMHO my precision reloading skills and pride are much more important than just making a pile of OK ammo quick.