Shot my first reloaded rounds today!

[AngryBaker]

Recently I posted two threads in this forum asking for help. I got some great advice from both of the threads and took much of it to heart, it helped me to load my first rounds and today to much success I fired those rounds.

I loaded two calibers
9mm Luger and .223 Rem

Here is load data for anyone interested

9mm Data

Bullet: Suters Choice 125gr RN lead
Primer: CCI Small pistol
Powder: Hodgdon HP-38 (4.0gr)
Case: various manufacturers
OAL: 1.130

.223 Rem Data

Bullet: Win 55gr FMJ
Primer: CCI small rifle
Powder: IMR 3031 (22.0gr)
Case: various manufacturers
OAL 2.205

I loaded 130 rounds of 9mm and 50 rounds of .223. I fired all of my .223 through my AR-15 and a Savage Model 11, then I fired 80 rounds of 9mm through my SR9, needless to say I had a blast. I could not sit down and test accuracy due to loss of light but I shot at some paper plates just to test function and reliability. I had zero malfunctions all rounds fired as they should were consistent all had the same recoil and report, all rounds cycled both my autos.

The issues with my scale seem to be corrected as long as I give it time to warm up and go slow, erratic powder weights have all but vanished for both pistol and rifle charges the scale seems to be measuring within .1gr of powder good enough for simple plinking loads, I plan on getting an accurate beam scale like the RCBS 505 for later when I start increasing power and working toward hotter loads. For now I just want to practice reloading and this scale allows me to produce decent consistent target ammo.

That was the good news, the bad news is now I can not stop thinking about what loads I want to do in the future and how badly I need to load some more and get back to the range where I can test them further. It seems I had as much fun learning to load my first as I did firing them. Reloading is becoming as addicting as shooting.

Thank you all so much for the helpful advice I am sure there will be more stupid newbie questions to follow.

Pics to follow when my camera gets charged

Thanks
AngryBaker

 

[1KPerDay]

Cool! Sounds like you got the bug.

 

[777TRUTH]

the bad news is now I can not stop thinking about what loads I want to do in the future and how badly I need to load some more and get back to the range

Doesn't sound like bad news to me. Fun is more like it.

 

[Stormin.40]

So you got that bug too! Been around this forum for some time. I have to set a strict budget for myself or I will go broke trying different powder/bullets. I don't even have that many guns. Glad everything cycled well for you, have fun and be safe.

 

[FROGO207]

As the popular song goes " This is only just the beginning". It could take you a year to find the perfect combo of components for each firearm to become happy with your "best" load. After 35+ years I am still searching for that "better" load for some of mine. IMHO "you ain't seen nothing yet".

 

[Blue68f100]

Don't get to carried away on reloading a bunch of test loads. Test loads are suppose to be small batches. As a rule don't load more that your willing to pull apart. When I test loads, I normally load up 10 rounds at each load. Shoot (for accuracy) then evaluate the brass for signs of high pressure. With rifle loads it may only be only 5 rounds. There is nothing fun about having to pull 100 rounds down because the load want function in the gun or signs of high pressure.

Glad to here you had a good 1st outing. It's always gratifying to shoot your first reloads wondering if they will work, and come home with no battle scars.

Be safe.

 

[Seedtick]

That was the good news, the bad news is now I can not stop thinking about what loads I want to do in the future and how badly I need to load some more and get back to the range where I can test them further. It seems I had as much fun learning to load my first as I did firing them. Reloading is becoming as addicting as shooting.

Yep.

It gets worse.......

Seedtick

 

[Scott_R]

Congrats on your first loads! There are so many combos to try.

 

[Bush Pilot]

Judging by the fact you're online and posting it appears nobody died and you still have all your body parts, that's always a good start.

 

[mmay1]

So, you think reloading could become an obsession? I started reloading this time last year and started with 223 Rem., as well. In the last 12 months, I have made a little over 4,500 rounds of 223, plus 2,000 or so other rifle rounds. I am going to have to start shooting more so I will have room for new loads.

 

[1SOW]

YUP!

So, how much money will you "save"??

 

[J_McLeod]

Welcome to the addiction!

 

[AngryBaker]

Well I just got back from the gun shop with some new Case Guard loading trays and cartridge boxes to transport my shiny new reloads to the range to be disposed of properly

another 50 dollars down the drain

@1SOW The guy who convinced me to start loading listed saving money as a reason to start but could not finish that line of BS he then filled me in on what would happen I thought I knew what he meant but, did not until yesterday. I really should go down and chew him out for doing this to me but, then I would probably walk out of his shop with a new rifle in a new cartridge that I would then have to start loading for.