Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting Reloading .38s ang 9mm

[edgeman]

I have been reloading rifle amo for many years, but have decided to start reloading pistol amo for my wife and myself. I will probably get a lot of opinions on this, and that is exactly what I am looking for, so let me have it! A few questions that have come to mind: What dies should i get? Carbide or not? 2,3,or 4 die set? I have RCBS equipment, do I need to stay with them, or will other makes fit my Rock Chucker press? Have never had to crimp a bullet, Is it tough to do? The only componants I have at this time is some once fired brass, so if anyone has ideas on where to get bullets, primers, and powder, im open for sugestions. Seems like everywhere I look, they are sold out. Thanks for the help,Larry

 

[GHarman]

Crimp all revolver loads! No option! Crimp in a separate step so as to not wrinkle the case. Very consistent that way, also.
RCBS, REDDING, or any other 7/8"X 14 die set. Carbide dies. A two or 3 die (Separate crimp die) set is adequate. Clean cases are a must. I use a light coat of Hornady Unique case lube. Wipes off and works smooth.
Dirty cases will destroy a Full length die quickly!
9mm cases headspace on the case mouth. Depending on the bullet and how soft it is, you may get by with a separate taper crimp, but not so much that the case mouth is completely buried in a crimp groove or the bullet jacket.
You will need to measure case length and trim as you fire them a few times.
Yes, components are scarce! Cast bullets work well in a . 38!
Hope this helps! I'll comment more as others add to your list!
GregH

 

[The patriot]

Primers & powder is scarce right now.
You should be able to find someone locally who casts bullets. I use these guys:
http://www.pennbullets.com/index.html

http://www.kingshooters.com/better-bullets-c-463.html?OBNsid=07842494a2a4899fd226a00ababec3e9

Carbide dies are good. Like Greg said, crimp them. Lee's are relatively cheap and IIRC include the taper crimp die.
A fast powder like 231 or bullseye will be good in the 38 spl.
I havent gotten a lead bullet to shoot worth a dam in any of my 9mm's (I DONT own a Glock or any pistols with polygonal barrels) so I'm open to suggestions too.

 

[The patriot]

Primers & powder is scarce right now.

You should be able to find someone locally who casts bullets. I use these guys:

http://www.pennbullets.com/index.html



http://www.kingshooters.com/better-bullets-c-463.html?OBNsid=07842494a2a4899fd226a00ababec3e9



Carbide dies are good. Like Greg said, crimp them. Lee's are relatively cheap and IIRC include the taper crimp die.

A fast powder like 231 or bullseye will be good in the 38 spl.

I havent gotten a lead bullet to shoot worth a dam in any of my 9mm's (I DONT own a Glock or any pistols with polygonal barrels) so I'm open to suggestions too.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Lead bullets in revolvers ONLY!! not worth a I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER in autos IMO

unique gunpowder for 38 special in S&W model 14 is about all I use for general plinking
same goes with 9mm for just messing around shooting
last time I bought powder was A LONG TIME AGO but we buy 8# kegs when we do!!!

Not a load but if a round takes 5gr of powder and a pound of powder has 7000gr x 8 thats a bunch of shooting

 

[AMink]

I've had very good luck with the Lee dies. I've heard people talk smack about them but for the money and the accuracy I need, they're fine. I've used them to load my . 40, 6. 5x55, and . 338 WinMag. Makes some great rounds.

Definitely carbide for handguns. Also, if you're going to use your guns for self defense, use store bought. Handloads for the range.

 

[HHhuntitall]

GHarm will not lead you astray. He said pretty much what I had in mind when I read your post... .



I'm gonna dissagree with Mr. BIG on the lead bullet. A bullet with a little higher antimony/tin ratio will hold up pretty well in an autoloader sidearm, IMO. There are some that don't like them, but I've used them successfully.



Also gonna dissagree with AMink on factory ammo just a little. I trust my handloads just as much as any factory load, and typically, my handloads are little hotter than factory, so they'll do the job of defense a little better, IMO. But I shoot hundreds every year, and I know how they'll function in the real world. However, using handloads for personal defense can get you a good lawsuit, as many lawyers look for a way to sue you, and have found it in handloads. They claim you loaded the ammo to kill. Many juries will agree on grounds. I think it's better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6, though, so pick your poison.



Certainly agree the LEE dies are overlooked in quality. I have several, even a . 308 die that has the perfect neck for resizing match ammo. Puts . 002-03 thousandths pressure on the bullet... just enough to be sealed off, but not too much to cause a problem with accuracy..... The LEE, RCBS, LYMAN, REDDING, and many others all have the same thread diameter, so they all work together. Most will go in and work with no problems in your press.



Carbide is the way to go, for sure, using clean brass and good lube, just not too much. I've had the best wear out of the RCBS, but I load quite a bit compared to most.



The . 38 is usually not too picky. I've got an older one or two, and they absolutely love lead bullets. I can shoot turtles in the head out to 50 yards on the tank, provided I do my part. I've got a bunch of practice lead wadcutters I used to shoot for practice, so I now just shoot them to plink cans and turtles. Absolutely love that. Don't get to do it enough!!!



ON bullets, try calling or emailing Berry's Bullets. www.berrysbullets.com They're out of stock on just about everything right now, but if you get your name on the list, they'll get you some in the next 2 months. They're slowly catching up. I got mine that I ordered in November just after Jan 1st... . I ordered some more recently, and they said they're 1-2 months behind on backorders, so get on the list if you're going to need them for matches... . or relaoding.



You can also backorder on websites such as www.brownells.com, and when they get them, they'll send them out when your order comes up. Sierra is catching up slowly, as well. . 224 bullets are still way behind from ALL manufacturers, though. No signs of letting up, either. Good news is that in a year's time, I'll be buying . 224 bullets REALLY cheap!!!

 

[edgeman]

Very good info from all. Thank you very much. Should I stay away from used dies or will they work ok for target and plinking? I think i will stay with factory loads for a while, at least till i can get a handle on handloads for the hand guns. Keep the info comimg, I appreciate it very much! Thank you, Larry

 

[AMink]

GHarm will not lead you astray. He said pretty much what I had in mind when I read your post... .


Also gonna dissagree with AMink on factory ammo just a little. I trust my handloads just as much as any factory load, and typically, my handloads are little hotter than factory, so they'll do the job of defense a little better, IMO. But I shoot hundreds every year, and I know how they'll function in the real world. However, using handloads for personal defense can get you a good lawsuit, as many lawyers look for a way to sue you, and have found it in handloads. They claim you loaded the ammo to kill. Many juries will agree on grounds. I think it's better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6, though, so pick your poison.


ON bullets, try calling or emailing Berry's Bullets. www.berrysbullets.com They're out of stock on just about everything right now, but if you get your name on the list, they'll get you some in the next 2 months. They're slowly catching up. I got mine that I ordered in November just after Jan 1st... . I ordered some more recently, and they said they're 1-2 months behind on backorders, so get on the list if you're going to need them for matches... . or relaoding.

Yep, the litigation thing is why I wouldn't use hand loads for personal defense. You'll have enough problems if you have to shoot someone. And Berry's makes good rounds for general all-around plinking and practicing. They are not jacketed, but plated. A very thin layer of copper over lead. Helps keep the barrel a little cleaner and the wallet a little heavier!

 

[GHarman]

edgeman, Dies are cheap! If you can find a set for free or $??, you should inspect the cases that you resize. If there are scratches? The FL die is toast!
Just buy a replacement die. However, a new lee FL carbide die set is $31. 50 at Midway USA.
GregH

 

[BIGNASTY]

HH how come you have to DISSAGREE with ME FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!! :{ It could be that my Autos dont like Lead I just quit using lead in autos after trying them in Our Para's Wife's 9mm really hates them my 45 para hates them also the Colt auto shoots them OK but that gun has allot of fodder shot thru it. Para'a were sent in to the shop to have tuned up before we ever shot any thing at all in them could it be the way that they were worked on???? I dont know I KNOW IT CANT BE MY RELOADING :-laf



I use hand loads in and for EVERYTHING!!! Except for the Marlin 45/70 box of BIG BRUSERS I cant remember buying factory fodder. And when the BIG BRUSERS are gone ive got everything set up for reloads in it also, I have cast some slugs and made reloads for the Marlin they cut down tree's just as well as the Hammerheads.

 

[The patriot]

I have a few 1911's in 45 acp that shoot lead superbly.
I've heard of others having luck with the lead in 9mm's, I just cant spend the time developing a load. I dont have a range close by, it's a procedure and time consuming to go to my range.

 

[BIGNASTY]

I have a few 1911's in 45 acp that shoot lead superbly.
I've heard of others having luck with the lead in 9mm's, I just cant spend the time developing a load. I dont have a range close by, it's a procedure and time consuming to go to my range.

Ya I know what ya mean I have to get up from the reloading bench and OPEN THE DOOR and take 5 maybe 6 steps AND SITDOWN AT THE SHOOTING BENCH. The range is 600 yards long. I wont take the time to build the perfect load for the handguns my thing are RIFLES. Hand guns are for finishing off game from guy's that CANT SHOOT RIFLES!!!! and for shooting INTRUDERS

 

[Newt]

I used the lead bullets from Oregon Trail. http://www.laser-cast.com/9mm.html

I had no problems with the 200 SWC . 45 in a Series 70 1911 & a Kimber Pro CDP II. I love those tritium sights.

I used the 124 RN for 9MM in the 3913 S&W. Too bad S&W doesn't make it anymore.

Newt

 

[HHhuntitall]

HH how come you have to DISSAGREE with ME FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!! :{ It could be that my Autos dont like Lead I just quit using lead in autos after trying them in Our Para's Wife's 9mm really hates them my 45 para hates them also the Colt auto shoots them OK but that gun has allot of fodder shot thru it. Para'a were sent in to the shop to have tuned up before we ever shot any thing at all in them could it be the way that they were worked on???? I dont know I KNOW IT CANT BE MY RELOADING :-laf



I use hand loads in and for EVERYTHING!!! Except for the Marlin 45/70 box of BIG BRUSERS I cant remember buying factory fodder. And when the BIG BRUSERS are gone ive got everything set up for reloads in it also, I have cast some slugs and made reloads for the Marlin they cut down tree's just as well as the Hammerheads.

Awww, c'mon, BIG, it's just a little dissagreement. When we're done, we'll have a beer... . or maybe while we're arguing?!? Then we can load up, shoot off the porch, and see just what the lead bullets will do!! Sound good to you? Sounds good to me!! I just finished my porch, so I've got a nice place to sit and shoot. I only go to 425yds off the porch, though... . Have to go out South of the combine shed to move out to the 600, 750, and 1500yd ranges... .



Yeah, seems the 1911s with the ramps built into the barrels do better with the lead ammo. I didn't think of that until you mentioned the Para's. The 92 Taurus/Berettas take the lead bullets pretty well, from my experience. Again, anything with the ramp built into the barrel seems to work pretty good. I used to have a P-10 that hated Hollow Points... Certain HP bullets caught the lip of the barrel above the feed ramp, making it jam... . Had to polish that out. Needed a trigger job, anyway... .



Newt, the Laser Cast bullets seemed good. I used some a friend gave me in . 38, but I never really shot a whole lot of them. I've got a few . 355s I bought in an auction. Looks like about half a box of 500, so that's worth my time... . Think I'll load those up with 4gr of Tightgroup and see what will eat them. Bought the whole lot for just under $200, including a box and a half of . 338 Lapua brass, several dozen boxes of bullets, mostly partial bulk boxes, two RCBS dies (270Win, 30-30Win), and a whole shoe box full of rifle brass, which looks mostly like 30-30Win, with a few mixed in 270, 30-06, and . 45ACP. Feels like I stole the whole thing, now.....

 

[Newt]

Those semi wad cutters sure cut a neat hole in a paper target.

Newt

 

[TJJEEPER]

I'm going to have to disagree with a few of you... IF you are cleaning your brass AND using carbide dies you don't have to lube straight side cases. With the lube you are adding a nice dirt attractor unless you clean them again after you have a finished product. Just my opinion after having loaded thousands of 45 APC and 357 Mag cartridges.

Also, lead (wad cutters) is cheap if you're loading light. If you are using the hotter loads you WILL lead the barrel. This was on my . 357 and might not be a problem on a 9mm that doesn't get close to the 1400 FPS of the 357. A 9mm will get in the 1200 FPS pretty easy so watch your barrels to make sure they aren't leading up. They are a PITA to clean!

 

[BIGNASTY]

Quote

Also, lead (wad cutters) is cheap if you're loading light. If you are using the hotter loads you WILL lead the barrel. This was on my . 357 and might not be a problem on a 9mm that doesn't get close to the 1400 FPS of the 357. A 9mm will get in the 1200 FPS pretty easy so watch your barrels to make sure they aren't leading up. They are a PITA to clean![/QUOTE]

To get lead out or copper out of a barrel is not a problem I have 2 of these and use them all the time have had no ill effects from them AT ALL. I finish off with a good bore brush and clean the normal way afterwords.



http://www.midwayusa.com/product/243419/outers-foul-out-3-bore-cleaning-system

Outers Foul Out electronic gun cleaning system.

... ... ... ... ..... OR... ... ... ... ... .....



You can get the chemicals from Midway USA and some other gun shops, Get a Stainless Steel rod a little longer than the barrel you want to clean, get some rubber bottle stopers ( I got mine from the lab rat at Chevron lab they had a hole already in them) you need to have rubber plugs at both ends of the barrel so the rod is not touching the barrel, some big aligator clips and some wire like the size for running lights on a trailer. Get a 9 volt battery and put the aligator clips from the positive side to the barrel or frame of the gun and the negative side to the SS rod. This actually works faster than the Outers kit. I know some guys that clean and shoot A BUNCH OF GUNS at the same time and use a small trickle charger YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS IT WORKS VERY FAST I dont like it seems a little scary to me and I dont take my gun safe to shoot every time I shoot anyway

BIG

 

[GHarman]

There is a new lead removal product out there that may work better than the electrolysis method of lead removal.
I have not had an opportunity to try it, as yet! But thought I would mention it.
I have used the other bore cleaners offered by this same company(Sharp Shooter Wipe Out) and found them to be excellent!
Here is a link! Just an example. Shop around for price and availability!
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/58...out-no-lead-bore-cleaning-solvent-8-oz-liquid

GregH

 

[The patriot]

I just shoot a couple FMJ's through the barrel. Viola, no lead.