May want to try the LEE "Undersize" Sizing Die 9mm. Lee said it sizes down an extra .003" Undersize. May help chambering?
Better dies- RCBS Photos
Why are 9mms such an issue?
- Thread starter H2OBUG
- Start date
Better dies- RCBS Photos
I have some .355 Hornady fmjs I will give some a try next time I load 9mm.... Very interesting....
joshb
Gold $$ Contributor
When I load jacketed bullets, I don’t push the expander/bell mandrel very deep in the case. Just an 1/8” or so. Then, when loading, I push the bullet in the case, letting it expand the brass for a tight fit. This doesn’t work for plated bullets, as the tight fit will shave the thin copper coating off the lead.
RCBS has an "M" type expander, with their die set. No shaving of lead bullets while seating.
Well, I've been loading the 9mm on and off for years too and if you count the .38 Super as well as the 9mm Largo then I have loaded quite a few rounds over the years. I am using the Dillon, used Dillon dies, now using Redding Pro-Series.
I am no longer a brass scrounger; I reload what I shoot, or buy new brass, but that's just me.
The brass I am currently using is Blazer, CBC, and Win/WCC. I have loaded R-P, Independence as well as others.
I cannot see where using Unique or BE 86 would be an issue, and I do not think you could double charge a 9mm case without getting powder spillage.
Bullet setback. I think the OP needs to look into this. I know the loading manuals warn about short loading the 40, so I would assume the same would apply to the 9mm.
I am no longer a brass scrounger; I reload what I shoot, or buy new brass, but that's just me.
The brass I am currently using is Blazer, CBC, and Win/WCC. I have loaded R-P, Independence as well as others.
I cannot see where using Unique or BE 86 would be an issue, and I do not think you could double charge a 9mm case without getting powder spillage.
Bullet setback. I think the OP needs to look into this. I know the loading manuals warn about short loading the 40, so I would assume the same would apply to the 9mm.
That looks just like Redding's NxGen Special Seating Die #96172.RCBS has an "M" type expander, with their die set. No shaving of lead bullets while seating.
Lyman has been manufacturing these "M" dies for many years, patent must have run out.
I use these for all of my rifle dies.
6BRA
Gold $$ Contributor
My thoughts exactly, what powder are they using where you could double dose a nine.
Just a couple of thoughts. Run a large magnet over all your brass cases to identify any steel cases (yes - you will find brass coated steel cases). Check to see if any of the cases have the internal shoulder (Key point for case separation)... Freedom Munitions used this and it was a common failure.
You might consider using Moly Coated lead bullets from Bayou Bullets or Black Bullets. They work great the coating encapsulates the lead so no vaporization issues or fowling of your barrel.
As mentioned above you might want to play with the amount of flaring to the case mouth. If using a progressive press then adjust the Powder Funnel/Flaring Die or start using a dedicated expander die, such as:
> RCBS M Expander Die or
> Lyman Universal Expander Die with a NOE Plug that matches your desired expansion
Finish this off with a light crimp and you are good to go. Now the last important step is drop each of your loaded 9mm cartridges into a Case Gage (essential QC tool) to quickly check all of your dimensions. If it drops in and falls out then you are good to go. Wilson makes a nice steel case gage.
You might consider using Moly Coated lead bullets from Bayou Bullets or Black Bullets. They work great the coating encapsulates the lead so no vaporization issues or fowling of your barrel.
As mentioned above you might want to play with the amount of flaring to the case mouth. If using a progressive press then adjust the Powder Funnel/Flaring Die or start using a dedicated expander die, such as:
> RCBS M Expander Die or
> Lyman Universal Expander Die with a NOE Plug that matches your desired expansion
Finish this off with a light crimp and you are good to go. Now the last important step is drop each of your loaded 9mm cartridges into a Case Gage (essential QC tool) to quickly check all of your dimensions. If it drops in and falls out then you are good to go. Wilson makes a nice steel case gage.
nakneker
Gold $$ Contributor
I started loading 9mm a couple years ago. Had a few issues at first. I got rid of the range brass that had 20 different head stamps and went with new Starline brass, made life easy. A case gauge and a taper crimp die made everything click. Watch your OAL. If you don’t have a case gauge use the barrel of the firearm and check to make sure your finished round will chamber without issue. I’ve loaded and shot a few thousand now without issue.
Last edited:
ISS
Gold $$ Contributor
Awhile back I had a conversation with some of the pro pistol shooters. They did not consider the 9mm cartridge accurate in the sense that a 45 acp was. The one told me his Gold Cup 445 acps would shoot ten shot groups at 50 yards half the size of his 9mms.
What sort of 25 or 50 yard groups do you get from your 9's?
ISS
What sort of 25 or 50 yard groups do you get from your 9's?
ISS
D-4297
Gold $$ Contributor
I load 9mm for both myself , and my wife who shoots a Glock 43 , so when I developed loads for her , I did a lot of research about powders , Bullets , and all the issues that can create problems loading for a Glock .
Just like when I was learning to load .45 ACP's for my Dad at age 14 , step #1 was always deburr every case , inside and out . I honestly think this gets ignored by many , as a kind of , "Well ; there's no Burr , so I'll just skip that"! "Waste of time" . Dad didn't win four or five Natl. Championships in Bullseye , allowing me to "skip" steps .
My personal opinion about a 9mm , is the gun was designed to shoot a "FAST" load . Not a heavyweight "Killer" load , but a Fast load . Meaning try to keep the chamber pressure as low as possible , while attempting to get the velocity as high as possible . It can be done .
I use the "off-the-shelf" standard Lee 9mm three Die set , and keep things simple , but I make Damn sure that everything is done by the numbers , since I am loading for the one person I care most about in life .
She's been shooting my mixed-headstamp reloads for five years now with no issues , so I guess I'm doing it right , cause she's always smiling when she gets done .
Just like when I was learning to load .45 ACP's for my Dad at age 14 , step #1 was always deburr every case , inside and out . I honestly think this gets ignored by many , as a kind of , "Well ; there's no Burr , so I'll just skip that"! "Waste of time" . Dad didn't win four or five Natl. Championships in Bullseye , allowing me to "skip" steps .
My personal opinion about a 9mm , is the gun was designed to shoot a "FAST" load . Not a heavyweight "Killer" load , but a Fast load . Meaning try to keep the chamber pressure as low as possible , while attempting to get the velocity as high as possible . It can be done .
I use the "off-the-shelf" standard Lee 9mm three Die set , and keep things simple , but I make Damn sure that everything is done by the numbers , since I am loading for the one person I care most about in life .
She's been shooting my mixed-headstamp reloads for five years now with no issues , so I guess I'm doing it right , cause she's always smiling when she gets done .
Cecil S.
Gold $$ Contributor
Just my opinion but this. Friends have given me buckets of 9mm range pick up in return I load them some rounds that they love (trying to get them reloading). Before I tumble clean I sort through the brass and discard the brass with names I can not pronounce. Brass thickness makes a difference. So I play around with range pick up but Starline brass will be put through the Chronograph and in my personal carry guns.
Yup,.. THIS ^^^^ Junk, the Unique Powder ( Throws Chg's,. All OVER, the Place ! )
Taper Crimp, after Seating and, WATCH, the COAL !
I use, 5.2 grains of, Win 231 "Thrown Chg's" with, Hornady 124 gr. XTP's in my NEW, Tight Chambered, Glock Model 34 with, a Carbide Guide Rod, a Holosun 507 sight and these Loads, "Run", Perfectly,.."Rapido Funda" !
This Load shoot's 1.25" group's at, 25 Yds, "Rested" with,. NO,. "hick-up's".
The Lee Taper Crimp Die, IS,. Money ! My Redding Thrower,. Throws, Win 231 at,. 5.1 / 5.2 grains, repeatedly.
The Loads COAL, is,.. 1.060" with, the .355 Dia., 124 gr. XTP's for a Velocity of, 1075 -1,100 FPS.
Several Brands of Brass USED,.. CCI, Blazer, Win, Rem, Federal and, All have, worked,.. FINE !
I Use a Carbide Sizer and Lube, every Other, Case for, Smooth Sizing and, an "M" Seating, Stem, but, be careful, as you DON'T want to Expand, the case Mouth,.. too Much !
Good Luck !
Last edited:
One case you have to be very careful of is the 51G cases. They look like real brass and nickle cases. But the FONT on the case stamp is very cleverly close to SIG cases. You can barely tell the difference between these and the real SIG cases. They are STEEL!
I found these as they feel harder to size. So I started to look for a reason.
I found these as they feel harder to size. So I started to look for a reason.
mike mccormick
Silver $$ Contributor
Watch out for brass that has an insert, or stepped brass. I think magtech? Maybe a couple others. They have greatly reduced case volume and can get you in trouble quickly.
ISS
Gold $$ Contributor
Great groups. Cast or jacketed bullets; factory or your own? My 9's shoot groups about like these, but at 25 yards. I have a SIG P320 Legion that is probably my most accurate pistol. My EDC is a Glock 36. With the 12 round mag and its' pinky finger extension I can stay in the IPSC center out to 25 yards on a good day.
My older brother belonged to a gun club in St Louis county. He cut a deal to scoop up all the brass; he was a machinist/tool and die maker at the local power plant. He made some special parts for a LE agency. I did not ask, and he did not volunteer any information.
Bottom line; I brought him about half a ton or old wheel weights, and took seven five gallon buckets of 9mm commercial (mostly Federal) 9mm brass home with me.
I cast my own bullets for handguns, and my Sharps and Winchesters. Have to, with the the cost of commercial bullets. My Sharps 50-90 eats 650gr RFN bullets like candy.
As I said, those targets are really nice. Any chance you'd share load data? You can PM me with it if you prefer.
ISS
My older brother belonged to a gun club in St Louis county. He cut a deal to scoop up all the brass; he was a machinist/tool and die maker at the local power plant. He made some special parts for a LE agency. I did not ask, and he did not volunteer any information.
Bottom line; I brought him about half a ton or old wheel weights, and took seven five gallon buckets of 9mm commercial (mostly Federal) 9mm brass home with me.
I cast my own bullets for handguns, and my Sharps and Winchesters. Have to, with the the cost of commercial bullets. My Sharps 50-90 eats 650gr RFN bullets like candy.
As I said, those targets are really nice. Any chance you'd share load data? You can PM me with it if you prefer.
ISS
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.