SilentVectorX
Member
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2010
- Messages
- 36
My previous reloading experience has been mostly with 308 and a some 223. Reloading rifle cartidges always seemed intuitive enough. But seeing so many threads about trouble with pistol cartridges had me a little worried. Despite that, once I sat down with the 9mm dies things moved along without any real trouble at all.
I have a few K of range brass, as well as plenty of my own once-fired 9mm Magtech cases. I decided to use these for my first loads despite reading about some trouble with Magtech brass. For prep, I wet tumbled, sized, and flared a couple hundred.
I primed w/ Federal SP on the press with the Lee Safety Prime with zero issues.
After researching 115gr RN Berry's loads, I settled on 4.1gr Titegroup to start with 4.5 being max. The powder measure used was a brand new Lee Perfect Powder Measure (Each caliber has it's own measure so I don't get powders mixed up). I ran a full hopper of powder through it, then dialed it in to 4.0/4.1gr. As this is my first set of loads, I weighed every charge, marked every case to indicate it's load, and inspected each case visually on the loading block.
It took about 2-3 practice cases to get the seating/crimp die dialed in just right. I use a light crimp, with OAL at 1.1335", recommended 1.1350". There were zero problems with seating and crimping the 115gr RN Berry's plated bullets. They all seated straight and I didn't get any weird case bulges or the like.
Each case dropped right into my G17's factory barrel without resistance, with the audible 'clink' telling me it headspaced correctly on the rim.
The next day I went to the range with my little MTM case of reloads, as well as some Federal Champion and Magtech factory ammo. The Fed Champion ejected cases almost straight back, and a few even hit me in the face
. The 4.1gr loads recoiled noticeably softer, and ejected right out the side. I worked up to 4.4gr, which was still noticeably softer recoiling than factory, and showed no pressure signs.
I shot much better with the 4.1gr loads, since I was able to focus on the sights and follow-through better.
All in all, a great first experience with pistol cartridges, and REALLY looking forward to getting a progressive so I can make them by the hundreds.
I have a few K of range brass, as well as plenty of my own once-fired 9mm Magtech cases. I decided to use these for my first loads despite reading about some trouble with Magtech brass. For prep, I wet tumbled, sized, and flared a couple hundred.
I primed w/ Federal SP on the press with the Lee Safety Prime with zero issues.
After researching 115gr RN Berry's loads, I settled on 4.1gr Titegroup to start with 4.5 being max. The powder measure used was a brand new Lee Perfect Powder Measure (Each caliber has it's own measure so I don't get powders mixed up). I ran a full hopper of powder through it, then dialed it in to 4.0/4.1gr. As this is my first set of loads, I weighed every charge, marked every case to indicate it's load, and inspected each case visually on the loading block.
It took about 2-3 practice cases to get the seating/crimp die dialed in just right. I use a light crimp, with OAL at 1.1335", recommended 1.1350". There were zero problems with seating and crimping the 115gr RN Berry's plated bullets. They all seated straight and I didn't get any weird case bulges or the like.
Each case dropped right into my G17's factory barrel without resistance, with the audible 'clink' telling me it headspaced correctly on the rim.
The next day I went to the range with my little MTM case of reloads, as well as some Federal Champion and Magtech factory ammo. The Fed Champion ejected cases almost straight back, and a few even hit me in the face
. The 4.1gr loads recoiled noticeably softer, and ejected right out the side. I worked up to 4.4gr, which was still noticeably softer recoiling than factory, and showed no pressure signs.I shot much better with the 4.1gr loads, since I was able to focus on the sights and follow-through better.
All in all, a great first experience with pistol cartridges, and REALLY looking forward to getting a progressive so I can make them by the hundreds.
