Newbie Reload questions

[TGR]

Just completed my first batch of 9mm today and have a few questions. Im using a Lee Breech Lock Anniversay Kit.

Starting out with a starter load of 3.5gr of Power Pistol, 147 gr XTP HP, Win Brass and CCI priimer. Took it real slow using the Hornady Manual #11 as a reloading and load guide. No major problems, but some questions.

- The Hornady Book has a starting load of 3.5gr of Power Pistol, but the Lee Load sheet that came with the Powder Scale showed over 5 grains of Power Pistol for the same starting load. Decided that the Hornady book was conservative, and stuck with those numbers. Is there often a difference between books? Starting loads not a big deal I would think, but max loads would be more of an issue.....


- The Hornady book only lists a Maximum OAL, but the Lee chart lists a minimum OAL for Max loads. The Hornady book never mentions a minimum OAL for Max loads--not even in the front instructional section. Should I be concerned with this measurement? I used a commercially loaded Winchester round as an example to compare and just made sure I was between the Min and Max OAL measurements from the 2 charts.

- Lastly, are the mechanical type powder scales always this hard to use, or is it just me? Already conviced I need an electronic scale. I used the Lee Safety powder scale to measure every 5th load from the Lee Powder Measure.


Thanks all. Just trying to learn this new hobby of mine.

KM

[MDCXD]

Originally Posted by TGR

Just completed my first batch of 9mm today and have a few questions. Im using a Lee Breech Lock Anniversay Kit.

Starting out with a starter load of 3.5gr of Power Pistol, 147 gr XTP HP, Win Brass and CCI priimer. Took it real slow using the Hornady Manual #11 as a reloading and load guide. No major problems, but some questions.

- The Hornady Book has a starting load of 3.5gr of Power Pistol, but the Lee Load sheet that came with the Powder Scale showed over 5 grains of Power Pistol for the same starting load. Decided that the Hornady book was conservative, and stuck with those numbers. Is there often a difference between books? Starting loads not a big deal I would think, but max loads would be more of an issue.....


- The Hornady book only lists a Maximum OAL, but the Lee chart lists a minimum OAL for Max loads. The Hornady book never mentions a minimum OAL for Max loads--not even in the front instructional section. Should I be concerned with this measurement? I used a commercially loaded Winchester round as an example to compare and just made sure I was between the Min and Max OAL measurements from the 2 charts.

- Lastly, are the mechanical type powder scales always this hard to use, or is it just me? Already conviced I need an electronic scale. I used the Lee Safety powder scale to measure every 5th load from the Lee Powder Measure.


Thanks all. Just trying to learn this new hobby of mine.

KM

I may be able to help a little. I only reload .308.

The reloading manuals very a little, due to different test conditions.
Different brass, and weapons test different.

As for the OAL, Yes you do want to watch for min. lengths when loading.
If you cut your brass short or seat your bullet deeper, you will have less volume in your brass and this can result in higher pressures.
Just start conservative.

As for scales, Yea they can be a pain, but you get use to them after awhile.
I did go out and buy a E-scale. Be careful, don't go buy a cheap scale.
I made that mistake.

Good luck with your new hobbie.

[snavematt]

Im new to reloading, but my Speer manual says Power Pistol should be 4.5 start charge and 5.0 for max
I also only have a max OAL, mine says 1.169"

[kalister1]

I have several loading manuals, some old some new. Some manuals starting load is the highest load for others. It pays to look around and start low, work up slow and be safe.

[j8064]

Originally Posted by TGR

Just completed my first batch of 9mm today and have a few questions. Im using a Lee Breech Lock Anniversay Kit.

Starting out with a starter load of 3.5gr of Power Pistol, 147 gr XTP HP, Win Brass and CCI priimer. Took it real slow using the Hornady Manual #11 as a reloading and load guide. No major problems, but some questions.

- The Hornady Book has a starting load of 3.5gr of Power Pistol, but the Lee Load sheet that came with the Powder Scale showed over 5 grains of Power Pistol for the same starting load. Decided that the Hornady book was conservative, and stuck with those numbers. Is there often a difference between books? Starting loads not a big deal I would think, but max loads would be more of an issue.....

- The Hornady book only lists a Maximum OAL, but the Lee chart lists a minimum OAL for Max loads. The Hornady book never mentions a minimum OAL for Max loads--not even in the front instructional section. Should I be concerned with this measurement? I used a commercially loaded Winchester round as an example to compare and just made sure I was between the Min and Max OAL measurements from the 2 charts.

- Lastly, are the mechanical type powder scales always this hard to use, or is it just me? Already conviced I need an electronic scale. I used the Lee Safety powder scale to measure every 5th load from the Lee Powder Measure.


Thanks all. Just trying to learn this new hobby of mine.

KM

Congrats on your new hobby. Take it slowly and meticulously and you'll learn well.

Many manuals and published data from suppliers vary somewhat. Their loads are based on their testing with specific components fired in specific guns under their controlled test conditions.

Light starting loads CAN be a big deal if they produce too much pressure or a squib. But if you're using a published Hornady recipe, you'll likely have a light load that works. It may or may not cycle your action at first. That's part of the process of building up loads for your firearm. i.e., don't build a hundred 'starting loads' for testing. Build a few sets of 10 or so with 'stair stepped' charges, keep them separate and document their performance as you shoot them.

OAL is important. Seating a bullet too deeply can and will increase pressure. A bullet not seated deeply enough may not work in the gun's action. Using a commercially loaded round as a comparison is good, but remember that commercial round doesn't necessarily have the same charge or components as your load.

The Lee scales do take some getting used to, but it's not difficult. I still use an old Lee Safety scale for many loads.

My remarks are only on the 'high points'. You'll get more input I'm sure.

[GUNGUY45]

Originally Posted by TGR

Just completed my first batch of 9mm today and have a few questions. Im using a Lee Breech Lock Anniversay Kit.

Starting out with a starter load of 3.5gr of Power Pistol, 147 gr XTP HP, Win Brass and CCI priimer. Took it real slow using the Hornady Manual #11 as a reloading and load guide. No major problems, but some questions.

- The Hornady Book has a starting load of 3.5gr of Power Pistol, but the Lee Load sheet that came with the Powder Scale showed over 5 grains of Power Pistol for the same starting load. Decided that the Hornady book was conservative, and stuck with those numbers. Is there often a difference between books? Starting loads not a big deal I would think, but max loads would be more of an issue.....


- The Hornady book only lists a Maximum OAL, but the Lee chart lists a minimum OAL for Max loads. The Hornady book never mentions a minimum OAL for Max loads--not even in the front instructional section. Should I be concerned with this measurement? I used a commercially loaded Winchester round as an example to compare and just made sure I was between the Min and Max OAL measurements from the 2 charts.

- Lastly, are the mechanical type powder scales always this hard to use, or is it just me? Already conviced I need an electronic scale. I used the Lee Safety powder scale to measure every 5th load from the Lee Powder Measure.


Thanks all. Just trying to learn this new hobby of mine.

KM

Just keep in mind, you only need to use the scale to set up your powder measure, and spot check it.
You don't have to weigh each and every throw, at least not when loading moderate( not MAX) pistol loads.

edit; Remember when using a balance(beam) scale, keep it away from drafts, even the slightest air movement will keep it moving around on you.
If you have hot air heat, beware the vents.
This is also recommended with electronic scales.

[TGR]

Thanks for the info guys. Every little bit helps.

[TGR]

Guys,

Do I have to crimp a 9mm round? I have the Lee 4 die set that comes with the factory crimp die. I understand that the 9mm headspaces on the case-mouth and read that you should not crimp much. Just wondering. BTW, this is for a normal target load. THX

[GUNGUY45]

Originally Posted by TGR

Guys,

Do I have to crimp a 9mm round? I have the Lee 4 die set that comes with the factory crimp die. I understand that the 9mm headspaces on the case-mouth and read that you should not crimp much. Just wondering. BTW, this is for a normal target load. THX

You "bell" the case mouth to some extent, with the expander die, to get the bullet started in the case. You need to put a mild taper crimp on it to remove the "bell" so they will feed and chamber reliably.

Pete A.

[tdt91]

I have the same die set and use the crimp die. Fortunatly it is very fast. I have wondered the same thing though. I've put together just over 1k rnds of 9 now and am waiting on more bullets and will need to shoot for brass or find at the range.

[Mud Turtle]

Originally Posted by GUNGUY45

You "bell" the case mouth to some extent, with the expander die, to get the bullet started in the case. You need to put a mild taper crimp on it to remove the "bell" so they will feed and chamber reliably.