reloading question

[dschflier]

I am deciding to get into loading my own ammo. I bought Lyman Reloading handbook and after I read this and read many of these threads I plan on deciding what kit I will start with.

The weapons I own are a savage 308, AR15 .223, S&W .357/.38 and a compact carry Taurus 9mm. The question I have is in regards to the 9mm. Basic target ammo is pretty cheap for the 9mm. someone at the store I was at felt it generally isn't worth re-loading 9mm because of what it costs to buy. The question I have is, using brass from the cheap 115gr ammo when you re-load can you use the brass to make a more effective defensive round or do you have to stick with the bullet it was designed for?

 

[RandyP]

In general 9mm brass is 9mm brass. Any safe bullet/load combination can be used.

 

[jcwit]

The question I have is, using brass from the cheap 115gr ammo when you re-load can you use the brass to make a more effective defensive round or do you have to stick with the bullet it was designed for?

In a word you can use many different bullets to reload 9mm brass.

By your question you need to pruchase a few reloading manuals and read, read, read.

 

[rfwobbly]

Welcome to reloading!

• Do not forget that you have both rifle AND pistol to reload when you select your press. Loading for rifle takes a lot more power and the press has to be designed to take those forces.

• Also don't spend all your money on the "kit", because your dream kit is probably still needing some pieces. Pieces like a 6" caliper and a case trimmer for the 308 and 223.

• There are numerous threads here documenting that you can reload 9mm for about $4 per box of 50. Please ask your salesman friend how much 9mm he has on the shelf for $4 and I'll buy it all. It's simply an old wives tale. And my reloading room can turn out 500 rounds at 3AM if needed. Please ask him if he will unlock the store at 3AM !! And even at the exact same price, my reloaded 9mm ammo is typically twice as accurate.

• As you your brass question.... Brass is designed to withstand the maximum chamber pressure of the gun, and not any particular bullet. 9/10 of the brass I'm loading with 124gr and 147gr came from Winchester "white box" 115gr. So "yes", once you have the brass, you're good to go with any powder load for any bullet weight you find listed in your manual.

Hope this helps!

 

[50 Shooter]

If you put the time into it you can load a better defensive round taylored to your pistol. In general you can usually load ammo that's more accurate then factory ammo.

If you shoot a lot it will always be cheaper to reload your own ammo, if you're just a casual shooter then buying your ammo will be better. Once you start buying components in bulk and loading you'll see the savings. Plus you can usually reuse pistol brass until it splits, so it's another savings until you have to replace it. Rifle brass is a little different, depending on how you load it and prep, you should get a few loads out of them before cashing them in.

I know some people say that they think it's more expensive when they count their time. I think that's the lamest excuse to use for not reloading, you can't count it as your time as it's a hobby. Do these same people count it as their time when they're out enjoying shooting?

 

[Jesse Heywood]

I follow the advice of Massad Ayoob on defense ammo. While you can get a better round with your own loads, if you shoot someone in self-defense the use of factory ammo is far easier to justify in a court of law. You will most likely be sued by the survivors.

I use reloads for practice and buy some of the best for defense. Shoot a few to insure functioning.

 

[TEDDY]

reloads

I dont question massad but I dont think you have to worry unless your in some ultra anti gun state with bad DA/AG.
I think the recrute would be far better served with the Lee clasicast turret press it will do single stage to get started and then can be auto advanced.
the pres is strong enuf for 50 cal MG and the turrets hold the dies.and a lee disc measure can be set on the expander die.he intends to load several cal so a plain single stage would be a pita.I have the turret press and just added another measure,which is set and will stay on the turret.also lee dies come with a shell holder.and a powder thru expander for pistol.

 

[ForneyRider]

Bought my brother an assortment of self defense ammo and it is $$$.

I load up the 230gr XTP Hornady bullets, same as in their 45 ACP loads with Winchester LR primer in Winchester brass with Power Pistol at +P performance. They shoot great. If I had enough nickel cases, I'd use those instead. I like the feeding of the nickel better.

Gold Dots and the other high-tech JHP bullets are available as well.