Need opinions on reloading 9mm

[Zero333]

I really like the RCBS carbide with taper crimp and stepped expander.

Set them up according to the instructions that come with them.... 9mm Parabellum doesn't need much (or any) crimp.

Universal is my Choice of Powder for 147's and for 124's I like Titegroup and Universal.

I use CamPro bullets (Made in Canada and are just like Berry's bullets) and find the copper plated bullets are more accurate then Jacketed.

Every pistol is different. What might be OK for one might not be OK for another. Reliable cycling extraction and feeding is the main goal.

Accuracy is up to the shooter more so than charge weight and seating depth.

CCI-500 is what I use for primers.

 

[Catgunguy]

I will not go in to which press, powder or dies are best. Those have been covered above.

I will recommend using the Lyman M die for flaring instead of the normal one that comes with your die set. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011252613/lyman-neck-expander-m-die-9mm-380-acp-38-super

I find that the bullets sits a lot more aligned with the case and helps eliminate the bullets seating at an angle, causing a bulge on one side of the case.

The link I added was just to show the die, not a recommendation on where to buy.

 

[Ggmac]

The Lee dies have a unique feature , a post bullet seating carbide sizer that guarantees it'll chamber . Assuming you do your part ! It is very useful for brass that has been fired in unsupported chambers such as Glock pistols .

 

[Nature Boy]

The 9mm is one I don't reload for because factory ammo can be had for cheap.

I understand. Just leave your cases on the ground, I'll come get 'em later

 

[legion27]

i use lee carbide dies and a lyman turret press
i love cfe pistol and pp
always plunk test your rounds after post sizing i do every one . call me ocd lol but better to be safe then sorry

 

[Rsadams]

I will not go in to which press, powder or dies are best. Those have been covered above.

I will recommend using the Lyman M die for flaring instead of the normal one that comes with your die set. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011252613/lyman-neck-expander-m-die-9mm-380-acp-38-super

I find that the bullets sits a lot more aligned with the case and helps eliminate the bullets seating at an angle, causing a bulge on one side of the case.

The link I added was just to show the die, not a recommendation on where to buy.

Thanks. I will give it a try next time I make an order..

 

[Rsadams]

Use any carbide die set. You will want to get a Lee Factory crimp die. It will ensure all your ammo will function in the gun. It basically resizes the finished round to factory specs. I use on for all my auto loading cartridges.

Yup... Plus 1 on the Lee 4 die set with the factory crimp die... I love them... Makes crimping or in this case removing the bell super easy...

 

[Tuxedo007]

The 9mm is one I don't reload for because factory ammo can be had for cheap. I devote my persnickety reloading time to where it counts. I do have several thousand empties in a box. Someday?

You might want to "Be Prepared!" 9mm reloading can present some challenges until you get used to it. It does have a pretty high operating pressure. To those who say they're just gonna' load a mid range load & how easy it is, it can get real exciting with a medium powder charge & not enough bullet tension. When the bullet gets pushed into the case a few thousandths, the mid range load can & many times does become a "blue pill" or proof load! Would also like to know where factory ammo can be had for cheap!!!! Must be like a pair of shoes, you get what you pay for! "Laissez Faire"

 

[cjmac]

Tightgroup powder , cci small pistol primers and Winchester brass ... Works great I'm my 9

 

[cjmac]

LEE dies are great for pistols just my opinion

 

[brokeasajoke]

Use any carbide die set. You will want to get a Lee Factory crimp die. It will ensure all your ammo will function in the gun. It basically resizes the finished round to factory specs. I use on for all my auto loading cartridges.

^^ This is handy when I have mixed brass especially some that's crap.

 

[Longtrain]

You may wish to pick up a chamber checker to see if your reloads will function without running them through your pistol. EGW has a 6 port unit which works fast and great. http://www.egwguns.com

 

[wildfowler]

I use bullseye with a 147 grain for my subsonic loading. I'd have to check my records, I think the charge is either 3.9 or 4.0 grains.

Primers I've used are WSP, Wolf SP, Remington, SP.

I had problems with the wolf being too hard to pop in my glock 17. Never a problem in any other gun or carbine AR rifle though. I generally just use WSP now.

Mixed brass.

1" 50 yard full magazine group from my AR with aimpoint sight which make me smile. 1050 ft./sec from 9" AR barrel.

 

[onelastshot]

Any dies will work fine, the key is to remember to purchase carbide dies, you don't want to deal with the issue of lubing hundreds of cases. I personally purchase RCBS because I like the consistency of using one tye of die. RCBS has the best warranty in the industry they simply stand behind their products 110%. I've made mistakes and they've fixed dies without question or charge.

There are dozens of powders to chose from, I use Tightgroup and am happy with my load. Copper plated bullets like Berrys are terrific, they're easy to reload and you don't have the issue of lead build up. I typically reload in stages; I've currently got 500 cases I'm processing and I reload by completing one step at a time. I'm currently priming the cases and watch TV while processing the cases. When you flair the case opening key is to flare it as little as possible, just enough to give the bullet room to seat itself. Crimping again is best to have a modest crimp, just enough to hold the bullets in place.

Ammo boxes are currently on sale at Midway, their inexpensive and keep cartridges organized better than trying to reuse the paper or cardboard boxes cartridges are sold in.

 

[brokeasajoke]

You may wish to pick up a chamber checker to see if your reloads will function without running them through your pistol. EGW has a 6 port unit which works fast and great.

^+1 I use a dillon because I got a smokin deal on it. I do it while I watch tv.

 

[Tuxedo007]

I understand. Just leave your cases on the ground, I'll come get 'em later

Where do you shoot? I'll come help "Nature Boy" pick 'em up!

 

[Tuxedo007]

Do you really need "the best" to reload 9mm? Are you going to be shooting 9mm benchrest? Generally carbide sizing dies are preferred to normal steel as you don't need to lube the brass.

There are about 50 powders that are applicable for 9mm. For subsonic loads I might suggest a fast burning power, like Bullseye.

We recently discussed using small rifle primers in 9mm handgun.
If you're buying primers you might as well get standard small pistol primers.

I get the feeling you're over-thinking the problem. Reloading for pistol is not like reloading for benchrest. The biggest issue is getting the desired production volume out of a standard press. This is why presses like the Dillon exist.

If you're going to take the time & go to the trouble to reload, you might as well get as close to 1st Cabin as possible. I have used RCBS dies for years without a problem! Also, I use a Dillon "Square Deal" if quantity & quality are the objective. There seems to be a feeling that with handgun reloading, cheap is the way to go. I know for a fact that cheap is as cheap does! When I was competition shooting years ago, I bought a Ransom Rest with windage base. Tested a LOT of loads because one "X" could win a match just like a 10 instead of an X could loose a match. If you just want to hear something go "bang", more power to you. Go cheap. Its like a pair of shoes, "you get what you pay for!" If you're loading for accuracy & power without blowing something up, you need the best equipment and components that you can afford! Also, get copies of the Sierra, Hornady, and Speer reloading manuals. You won't be sorry!

Good shooting!

Tuxedo007

 

[T-shooter]

Here are some ammo test I've done with 9mm. The factory Cor-Bon +P was a hot load and had the most recoil. The Bullseye load averaged 1,200 fps in a 16" HiPoint carbine. Earlier I tested a 100g Cor-Bon +P Powerball and it shot at 1,715 fps in the HiPoint. This is just for information, not suggesting anyone use these loads if above reloading manual specifications. Loaded with a Lee powder measure/dropper using Lee dies including the factory crimp die.

 

[seymour fish]

I appreciate the answers. I might be slightly over thinking it but I am a very meticulous person, hence the reason I really enjoy reloading and shooting. I won't be shooting benchrest but I will be shooting these from a few SBR's I own and as always I strive for the best accuracy.

I've looked at Dillon machines many times but I doubt I will ever buy one as I will never load enough pistol ammo in bulk quantities to need it.

Dude, a few thousand cases IS a bulk quantity. Quit dithering and buy a Dillon

 

[boltman13]

The 9mm is one I don't reload for because factory ammo can be had for cheap. I devote my persnickety reloading time to where it counts. I do have several thousand empties in a box. Someday?

+1 As a rifle shooter I don't have the time or the desire to try and get tiny pistol groups. My 9mm is fore "Gooks in the Wire" and factory amo works fine. Practice amo is so cheep I can't see why anyone not competing would even bother.