Reloading the .40 SW Sub2000- Beginner

[BullpupBen]

Hi all,

I am about to begin reloading and had a few questions, I'm going to number them to make everything simple and easy to keep track of.

I recently bought a Hornady Single Stage press kit and a pair of cheap FA electronic calipers. I plan on getting a FA reloading stand and a Lee 3-piece .40 Carbide die set.

I was wondering what else, if anything, I will need (or just anything I should have) to start reloading? (1)
I will be getting 500 free 180 gr Hornady XTP bullets which I hear are pretty good, and I plan on using range brass.

Since this is a pretty unique firearm (16" barrel with pistol cartridges), I was thinking I should be using a different, slower burning, powder than what is in normal .40 recipes. Any suggestions or should I just go with something like HS6? (2)

-Where is a good place to buy reloading components? (3)
Midway is where I would normally look but they seem to always be out of stock on everything. My favorite site is Cheaper Than Dirt but they have a poor selection when it comes to reloading, and dont sell powder or primers.

-Anyone know where I can find data on reloading for semi-auto pistol caliber carbines? (4)

-Everyone seems to be out of primers, is there anywhere that has small pistol primers in stock? (5)
-are magnum primers out of the question? (6)
-does what brand you use have an impact on accuracy, or is the quality of primers simply judged by whether or not they ignite? (7)

-I was thinking I should get a bullet puller, mostly for scrounging up components in a SHTF scenario, which one should I buy? (8)

Thanks in advance to whoever helps me with all this, I know its a lot of questions.

 

[BullpupBen]

One more thing, I also plan on getting a Lyman cartridge gage

 

[SciFiJim]

1. The kit looks like a good one. Has more than I started with. You might get a tumbler to clean you range brass. Search this forum. There are about a bazillion tumbler threads with good info. The short version is "They all work. Get one that suits the amount of reloading you plan on doing."

2. & 4. If you are using commercial pistol ammo now, then try to duplicate the loads. Check the Hornady Handbook that came with your kit & check the Hodgdon website for load info.

3. & 5. Get them where you can find them. Check you local small mom & pop gun shops for primers and powder. Most people shop and the large chain stores, which sell out first. If you buy local you can save the hazmat fee. Keep that fee in mind when shopping locally and the higher prices won't seem so bad.

6. & 7. A great big "IT DEPENDS". Again, search this forum. There are several primer threads currently running. A lot of good info from some very experienced reloaders.

8. Get the least expensive one you can find. Then read this thread. I can't find it right off hand, but, someone showed how to make your own with a 2x4. There are a lot of good ideas in that thread and well worth the time spent reading it.

Welcome to reloading. The only addiction that is good to shoot up.