Starting to accumulate supplies

[TOTC]

I am starting to acquire reloading equipment.

So far I bought a Brass Tumbler and media separator. Also, picked up a set of Lee dies in 9x19 and a loading block.

I have decided on the Lee anniversary kit for the press and other things I'll need.

A couple of questions though,

1) Since I'll be reloading multiple handgun calibers eventually, will I be needing different gunpowders for the various calibers?

2) Same question with Primers, I'll be reloading a buddy's .44 magnums and specials vs. my 9mm and .380 auto.

3) Having a lot of different brands of 9mm brass, should I keep the different brands of brass separate and load them separate? Like S&B vs. Winchester brass.

Thanks

 

[redneck2]

Read the "stickies" at the top for getting started.

 

[rfwobbly]

TOTC -
Welcome to the world's greatest hobby.

• You said the dies were 9x18, then go on to talk about 380 and 9mm. You might have possibly gotten off on the wrong foot, friend. 9x18 is the .365 dia "Makarov", while 9x19 is the more common .355 dia "Luger" or "Para Bellum". Those dies are completely different and not interchangeable.

Not sure if this is a mistake or actual plan. Just thought I might point out a possible error before you tried to load up 50 rounds.

• Should be pretty easy to find a powder that can do all common auto pistols: 380, 9 Mak, 9 Luger, & 40. Something like Win231 (aka HP-38) might be a good starting point. Those will also use the same small pistol primers.

• The 44 Mag is a horse of a different color. It's going to use different primers and powders all together.

A Lyman reloading manual should be your first purchase and will answer all your questions.

R

 

[Evnldr]

I got the Lee Turret Press so Far I am happy with lee

 

[ar10]

I'll be reloading a buddy's .44 magnums and specials

From your post you are new to reloading. Right???
And get the book "ABC's of Reloading". I'm assuming you have done some reading on subject before you started getting the equipment.

 

[bensdad]

Yeah, double-check on those dies. Otherwise:

1) I manage 380acp, 9mm para, 40s&w and 45acp with Bullseye. Varget for all rifle.

2) The load recipes will tell you what primers to use. TIhere are 4 possible for handgun and 4 possible for rifle.

3) I don't separate brass on handgun stuff (some do). Everybody does for rifle.

* Are you sure you want to load for a buddy? The liability involved is staggering. I have some pretty close friends, but I wouldn't reload for them. Two missing fingers after the fact, that friendship might take a back seat to compensation for lost wages and stress/mental anguish (especially when his wife starts saying, "I know he's your friend, but you're out of work and HE made those faulty bullets!").

 

[bluetopper]

1) Get some Bullseye and 2400 powder.

2) Get small and large pistol primers.

3) I don't feel it's necessary to seperate pistol brass by brand names. I don't do it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, you will need powders with different burn rates. Like said above, many reloaders swear by the trinity of powders, Bullseye, Unique and 2400. I go a slightly different route, my trinity is W231, HS-6 and W296. (with Lil'Gun thrown in on heavy bullets in the .357 Magnum)

I do separate brass by manufacturer especially when working up loads. I also know many who don't. Do what works for you... -This is very important- Keep good notes on everything you reload. Note brass maker, bullet weight and maker, powder, powder charge and primer used. They take notes on accuracy and if you buy a chrono, on the velocity and variations. Your notes will be your best source of information in the future. No reason to work up a good load, stop shooting that caliber for a while and then do all that work over again a year or so later because you didn't write down what you did before.

 

[TOTC]

Sorry,

Yes, I have Makarov on the brain. No guns yet that use that particular round. I did buy the die for 9mm Luger.

I have read the ABC's of reloading and am going to order a copy of the Lyman book.

I intend to follow the recipes to the letter. Smarter, far more experienced people than I have done the work already. Why should I try to reinvent the wheel?

I'll document everything.

 

[ar10]

I sort all my brass, handgun and rifle. I can't answer for other manufacturer brass but I do know that Remington brass in .40SW is "loose" even after using the FCD from Lee and the Hornady. They were so loose after crimping I could put the bullet into the case with two fingers. Every other brand I reloaded using the exact same setup came out fine.

 

[Walkalong]

I don't sort 9MM brass at all any more. It still shoots better than I can. I am sure it would not hurt a thing, and may even help, but I don't.

I like 700X, AA #2, AA #5, WSF, HS-6, N320, N330, & N340 in 9MM. Even in that one caliber somewhat different burn rate powders can be used for light to full loads with various bullet weights.

I have used W-296 and AA #9 in .44 Mag with good results. I am presently using AA #9.

You can get by with two powders, but not one. The needs of those two calibers differ greatly.

 

[lgbloader]

* Are you sure you want to load for a buddy? The liability involved is staggering. I have some pretty close friends, but I wouldn't reload for them. Two missing fingers after the fact, that friendship might take a back seat to compensation for lost wages and stress/mental anguish (especially when his wife starts saying, "I know he's your friend, but you're out of work and HE made those faulty bullets!").

This scenario happening is not "IF" but "When". If this is a real buddy, then why don't you two learn together and you load yours and he load his? That way you can hang out more, and shoot more as good buddies do. But most importantly, you will remain good buddies.

LGB

 

[TOTC]

Quote:
* Are you sure you want to load for a buddy? The liability involved is staggering. I have some pretty close friends, but I wouldn't reload for them. Two missing fingers after the fact, that friendship might take a back seat to compensation for lost wages and stress/mental anguish (especially when his wife starts saying, "I know he's your friend, but you're out of work and HE made those faulty bullets!").
This scenario happening is not "IF" but "When". If this is a real buddy, then why don't you two learn together and you load yours and he load his? That way you can hang out more, and shoot more as good buddies do. But most importantly, you will remain good buddies.

I'll let him come over and he be the one to prime the cases, pick and choose his slugs, buy powder, and fill his own cases.