Anyone dislike loading 9mm?

[osteodoc08]

I thought I would be resourceful and start loading for my 9mm. I'd use less powder and lead, 2 precious commodities for us these days. I have 2. A sig P226 Tac-Ops and a Ruger P-89. I bought a mould, got some cast up, boolits looking purdy, etc. Then came the sizing and lubing and the loading. I've never had my fingers and hands cramp so bad holding onto those itty bitty cases and boolits! I'm really starting to dislike loading them. Even 40/10mm is not a favorite of mine. I much prefer 45acp reloading and my revolver cartridges, 38/357, 41, 45colt. I much prefer 41mag and 45 Colt. Easier to grasp and move around. No hand cramping, etc.

Am I alone on this? I may just give up on the 9mm and shoot other stuff again. I dont like chasing my brass anyhow.

[Echo]

I thought I would be resourceful and start loading for my 9mm. I'd use less powder and lead, 2 precious commodities for us these days. I have 2. A sig P226 Tac-Ops and a Ruger P-89. I bought a mould, got some cast up, boolits looking purdy, etc. Then came the sizing and lubing and the loading. I've never had my fingers and hands cramp so bad holding onto those itty bitty cases and boolits! I'm really starting to dislike loading them. Even 40/10mm is not a favorite of mine. I much prefer 45acp reloading and my revolver cartridges, 38/357, 41, 45colt. I much prefer 41mag and 45 Colt. Easier to grasp and move around. No hand cramping, etc.

Am I alone on this? I may just give up on the 9mm and shoot other stuff again. I dont like chasing my brass anyhow.

They ARE a pain, and that has kept down my ardor for casting for and loading .380's, and God Forbid, .25ACP!
I wanted to use some light cast boolits for popcorn loads in the 38 Special, and have a nice little 2-banger that throws 93-gr boolits. Well. I tried the Star, then I tried the Lachmillers, and handling those little pills with these big lunch-hooks was impossible. Decided to try TL, and haven't looked back. I'm now a TL believer, at least for pistol boolits.

[Moonman]

osteodoc08,

Looks like you need a CASE FEEDER along with a BULLET FEEDER.

[LeadRecycler]

I've had people tell me that as well. I load both 9 mm for me and .380 Auto for my wife. I've gotten a lot of free brass from folks who don't like loading "those tiny little cases." To each his own. I don't mind it, because it keeps me shooting. Shooting is supposed to be fun. If it becomes a tedious chore, then it's not worth it.

[osteodoc08]

osteodoc08,

Looks like you need a CASE FEEDER along with a BULLET FEEDER.

Thanks for the offer, I'll send you my address. :-P

At least I'm not the only one that dislikes loading those lil buggers.

[Super Sneaky Steve]

They are a pain and my 9mm guns are very picky as far as seat height goes.

I try to stick to revolver calibers. They are more fun to shoot anyway.

[gwpercle]

Out of all the handguns I have loaded for: 32 acp, 38 S&W, 380 auto, 38 spcl. , 357 mag. , 41 mag. , 45 acp , 45 colt , the 9mm luger is the one that gives me the most trouble. Just seems there is always some problem going on and the guns are picky, picky, picky about what they will feed, fire and eject. And picky about bullet size and nose profile. The easiest are 38/357 and 45 acp. If I had started reloading for a 9mm, way back when, I would have probably given it up out of frustration! Nobody reloaded but me so I had to teach myself, no sites like this to ask for help...luckly the 38 spcl. was much kinder to a new reloader.
Gary

[DeanWinchester]

I've yet to have any trouble out of 9mm. Add that to the fact that I can shoot them cheaper than the going rate for .22LR, I'll get over the difficulty

[blikseme300]

Cast and load the 22 Hornet and then try 9mm again to feel the difference.:p

[bandsmoyer]

I loaded 9MM for a while. Slow is the key. All my loads worked well. I sold the P89, that ended that!

[guncheese]

.40 is the smallest i seem to be able to load without cursing
and i have plenty of 9mm to load ugggg ear plugs for the Fair Lady!

[Garyshome]

Tapered cases are a PITA! But I have all my 9mm brass loaded up and ready to go! Just another part of the learning process.

[bangerjim]

Hate it! Without a doubt the worst caliber I load for. I avoid loading them like the plague. I wish I did not even have it. I buy and shoot FMJ commercial ammo mostly for it. Around here 9mm ammo is coming back and is actually fairly cheap! And it is only for self defense anyway, so as long as it goes bang and sends the boolit at the baddy, that is all that matters. I have not seen a 9mm with any decent accuracy. I consider it a "side of the barn" close up & personal gun.

I know others will definitely disagree and just love their 9's, but when I am shooting at a target, I choose my 40 S&W XD-M, 38's, or 45's. Now THOSE are deadly accurate!

banger

[skeettx]

9mms are not a problem!
Brass is free for the pickup at our pistol club or from the brass bucket
that nice folks leave behind after they sweep up :)

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/MVC-020S15.JPG

[Old School Big Bore]

I absolutely hate everything about loading the nine, but SWMBO has one, and I bought another one just so I could shoot up some of the ammo I still have rat-holed from when I was issued an M9, so load I must. And now Numbah One Son just bought his SWMBO a .380, so I'll have to tool up for that little rat too...

[Handloader109]

Boy you guys are picky.. :)
I actually enjoy Reloading the 9mm. Have had a bit of a time with getting the oal right along with the diameter to get the plunk test right. And can pick up brass pretty easy also.

[IraqVet1982]

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/MVC-020S15.JPG

That RCBS looks lonely, you should send it my way!

[mozeppa]

why handle them?

progressive press takes the fidgety fingers out of the equation.

[JWT]

9mm is the only gun I have that I don't load for or own the dies for.

[zuke]

Only when it's S&B brass

[CGT80]

9mm is my favorite..........moly coated lead bullets run through a 1050 with a casefeeder and bulletfeeder. I can load 100 rounds in 3 minutes if I want to go fast. Those moly bullets are very slippery if you try to feed them by hand. The Mr. Bullet Feeder would probably run cast, but I know I would have to clean the feeder often.

I don't cast for 9mm yet, but I am thinking about casting for 40 S&W.

[spfd1903]

I guess I am in the "like" column. Never thought twice about loading/casting for 9mm. For years, there was always plenty of free brass at the ranges I go to, and I have three 9 mm firearms. Lee molds in 100 gr., 124 TC, 125 RN, 125 RF and a Lyman 147 gr. For sure there are challenges, but I can't let free brass just lay on the ground.

[JeffG]

I personally love it. I'm using a case collator but lubing each bullet and placing each on the case mouth. Good therapy, nice easy rhythm.

[stinjie]

The only thing that gives me trouble is those slippery little truncated 120 grainers,they're always jumping out of my fingers.

[hickfu]

I have issues with my hands hurting like crazy and I just started casting for the 9mm and its the 120gr TC boolit... I only have a single stage press so they will be done 1 at a time, I have no powder throw so that will be done by weighing on a digital scale and pouring in the case...

I hate reloading for the 9mm and I havent even started yet!!!!

Doc

[MT Gianni]

You haven't lived until you start installing gas checks on 22 cal boolits.

[xacex]

You haven't lived until you start installing gas checks on 22 cal boolits.

Thats what I was doing all week last week. Im done with 22's for another year. I hate those things as of right now. Went back to j words for 223.

[scattershot]

No problem here. I load on a Dillon 550, so maybe that's part of it, or maybe ignorance is bliss, I don't know, but they load for me like any other cartridge.

[bangerjim]

No problem here. I load on a Dillon 550, so maybe that's part of it, or maybe ignorance is bliss, I don't know, but they load for me like any other cartridge.

Mine LOAD just fine.......they just don't chamber and/or SHOOT worth a tinker's darn!!!!!!

Like the tests in college......I had no problems with the questions at all. The answers were a different story!

banger

[rondog]

Never really loved or hated loading 9mm. I look at the price and availability at WalMart, and that makes it downright enjoyable.

Now, .380 and .32acp is another matter.....

[freebullet]

You haven't lived until you start installing gas checks on 22 cal boolits.

Lol, my thoughts exactly. 9 is a breeze.

[sigep1764]

9 is the only caliber I load or cast for. Reading a lot here has helped, but I don't think it is complicated at all. Slug bore, size/lube on lubrisizer, plunk test, ladder load some rounds, and pick the best one. I have pretty small hands and run a Dillon Square Deal B. Minor teeny tiny flakes of lead out of the Ruger every once in a while from an undersized boolit, but the others don't know the difference. I think this is my best stress reliever I've found yet.

[MaryB]

I don't mind it but long skinny fingers makes it easy, even gas checks on cast for my 223 isn't to bad... but I used to work with electronic components that were 2mm long and 1mm wide...

[bedbugbilly]

I also enjoy loading the 9mm - I enjoy it as much as loading my 38s and have never had a problem with the 9s going bang - and I only lose cast. I'm getting in to loading .380 as well and for some reason, I find loading the 9mm very relaxing - maybe it's because each round that comes off the press is a lot cheaper than store bought?

The ones I really admire are those that load .25 and .32 (for semi-auto) - those casings have got to be a tad bit hard to hang on to!

[dudel]

No problem loading 9mm. At least not yet. Been loading them for almost 30 years.

To me, it's a nice balance between cost and power. 45ACP is ok powder wise; but you use twice the lead. 45 GAP is easy to load, and works well with lighter boolits. 357 Mag/Max use lots of powder. 38 Spl is the next best (to me) balance in cost and power.

[taco650]

I find the 9mm really no more difficult than any of the other calibers I've loaded for. Yes the shorter cases aren't quite as easy to hold onto compared to something longer & the slugs are a bit more slippery for my 51 year old fingers than my 44's but I like the satisfaction of shooting something I made myself.

[jwber]

Don't have any issues it's all I load...well besides a lil .223 which is more of a PITA. I haven't loaded any in forever as I need to get a new optic for my rifle.

I'm sure if I get a 45 or something my thoughts will change.

[scattershot]

Mine LOAD just fine.......they just don't chamber and/or SHOOT worth a tinker's darn!!!!!!

Like the tests in college......I had no problems with the questions at all. The answers were a different story!

banger

LOL! Since you put it that way.....

[jcameron996]

I cast and load for the 9mm. I had a little problem getting started but 120gr TC and powder coat seem to have solved all my problems. It is the only way I can afford to practice enough to get to where I want to be for competition shooting. Now if I could just find a steady source of pistol powder I would be all set.

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I prefer loading and shooting 45s. But don't mind loading and shooting 9mm. Just too much free brass and less powder and lead required to change my mind about 9mm.

[bangerjim]

9's may be cost-effective when it comes to brass, lead, & powder. But you have not lived until you send a bunch of 255-300gn big guys down range in a 45LC version gun. I do not worry about the cost of the lead.....have plenty of it. I would rather use it on some real big boolits than just sending tiny little peas to visit the target to hear a gun go bang...bang.

I have several friends that just love their various brands of 9's. I have shot them all and just do not get that famous "thrill up my leg" as I do with 38's and big 45LC's. (not to be confused with shooting one's self in the foot!) :-P

But to all those 9 lovers out there, glad you have your piece of heaven! I sure see a lot of 9 brass at the range. It just does not fit my needs.

Good shooting!

banger

[theperfessor]

When I handle little bullets and little cases I wear nitrile (blue) rubber gloves. I get a better grip, I don't seem to drop as many bullets on floor.

[mold maker]

I'm not overly fond of 9mm, because of a shortened thumb, and numb/stiff index finger.
Both are the results of a lost battle with a table saw, many years ago.
9mm is also the only one I ever had trouble with, as far as function and accuracy.

[plmitch]

Its not a matter of not liking or liking it. Its just so cheap why bother to reload it.

[DeanWinchester]

When I handle little bullets and little cases I wear nitrile (blue) rubber gloves. I get a better grip, I don't seem to drop as many bullets on floor.

Now THAT is a dang good idea! That's why I come here. So I can feel stupid that I didn't think of something so simple but effective. I've been needing to hit Harbor Freight again. Time to get a box or two. Might help ole ham fist here when lube sizing too.
Thanks.

[bobthenailer]

IMO the cases & bullets are a little smaller but no real problem !
I also load for the 380 & 32 acp never thought they were a problem either, As enjoy reloading !

[Eddie2002]

I'm loading for a .380 ACP which is a "mini me" 9mm. on a single stage press. Takes some time but it is relaxing once the rythm gets set. Picked up some .32 and .25 range brass in a grab. Now those two calibers would be way to small for my big fingers to handle.:-(

[Estalio]

To what several have said, the cost benefit analysis doesn't add up for me. I don't shoot much 9 so when friends bring them over, I just buy a box at WalMart as they're .24c each there (& getting easier to find in the shelf with no limits too). I do save the brass to trade though.

I also tend to shoot quickly with autos so the time investment of casting and loading outweighs the benefit. If you have time and want to put forth effort, I don't see a problem with it.

All that said, I prefer 45 auto for my 1911 and revolver calibers like 357,41,44 & 45colt. They're easy to handle at the bench and I enjoy light loads in the magnum calibers for popping tin cans.

[Maximumbob54]

Now THAT is a dang good idea! That's why I come here. So I can feel stupid that I didn't think of something so simple but effective. I've been needing to hit Harbor Freight again. Time to get a box or two. Might help ole ham fist here when lube sizing too.
Thanks.

I'm glad I wasn't the only one that thought that exact same thing when I read that.

[jwber]

Its not a matter of not liking or liking it. Its just so cheap why bother to reload it.

I hear this argument a lot and I just can't comprehend it.

If I were to buy a case (1000 rds) it's in the $250-300 range. With my cast boolits I'm at $60 a case if I'm lazy/busy $120 case for plated/FMJs.

I shoot close to a case a month (fluctuates 800-1000 on average) I couldn't imagine not reloading.

[goste]

I had more of a learning curve with 9, than with any other caliber. I quit loading 9's in the 90's, when I could buy blazer at Academy for $3.89. I couldn't buy 100 fmj's for that. It's coming back around here, but it's still $12-$13 a box.

It's also the only pistol round I seat and crimp in 2 steps. After slugging a whole bunch of 9's, I've never saw a true .355.

[OverMax]

As is. My old arthritic fingers leave a little to be desired handling any size shell these days. {10 ga. hulls seem to be about easiest of them all for me.} If indeed trying to shave costs these days osteodoc08. Only one pistol can I think of that truly shaves cost. Yup Benjamin 22 cal. No bang but its got a wallop.

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Its not a matter of not liking or liking it. Its just so cheap why bother to reload it.
I save at least $10 for every 50 I cast & load. That's worth it to me.

[dudel]

Its not a matter of not liking or liking it. Its just so cheap why bother to reload it.

It's well worth it to me.

[LeadRecycler]

Yes, I guess it helps that the barrel on my 9mm is .357, and my mold drops them at .358. Like I said before, what works for one person, may very well not work for another. I try to stay proficient with all my carry weapons; which one I carry depends on where I'm at. Around home, it's usually the .357 Mag, with hollow points, because it is the largest handgun I own. This is for protection from wildlife. Around my mom's, I carry the 9mm because it gives me 16 rounds before reloading, for large groups of 2 legged wildlife. I know I would never be able to get enough practice with either one to feel comfortable carrying it without reloading and casting.

[DeanWinchester]

Its not a matter of not liking or liking it. Its just so cheap why bother to reload it.

I can cast for this round and load it for less than $75 per thousand. It ain't that cheap! Lol!

[detox]

I would like to have a 1911 chambered in 9mm.

[plmitch]

I hear this argument a lot and I just can't comprehend it.

If I were to buy a case (1000 rds) it's in the $250-300 range. With my cast boolits I'm at $60 a case if I'm lazy/busy $120 case for plated/FMJs.

I shoot close to a case a month (fluctuates 800-1000 on average) I couldn't imagine not reloading.

As long as I can get a box for $20.00 at the LGS its not going to kill me to buy a dozen of so each month. Can't see that busting anyones budget. So not worth my time to cast for or reload for.

[35remington]

Given that's 240 bucks a month and equivalent to a car payment I can see where that would bust my budget. Nobody picks up their 9mm empties on my range so they are free.

[tazman]

Given that's 240 bucks a month and equivalent to a car payment I can see where that would bust my budget. Nobody picks up their 9mm empties on my range so they are free.

I agree. That $240 would buy me enough primers and powder to load almost 3000 rounds of 9mm. That amounts to almost $1000 savings for me!
My lead is nearly free so the cost stays minimal.
Since I reload about 100 an hour on my single stage press, it would take me about 30 hours to load 3000 rounds. That means I would be getting paid $33 an hour to load shells. Better money than I made at my job the last 40 years.

[onehousecat]

I don't mind reloading the cartridge. Finding the cases after firing them is a bit of a challenge.

[MT Gianni]

I don't mind it but long skinny fingers makes it easy, even gas checks on cast for my 223 isn't to bad... but I used to work with electronic components that were 2mm long and 1mm wide...

Mary, i wear an XL glove which occasionally are too tight and used to deal a lot with #2 machine screws. You can do many things with determination but it is easier for me if it is bigger.

[dudel]

As long as I can get a box for $20.00 at the LGS its not going to kill me to buy a dozen of so each month. Can't see that busting anyones budget. So not worth my time to cast for or reload for.

Well, at $240/month or $2880/yr, I'd rather spend it on something other than store bought 9mm.

[trapper9260]

I do not mind loading 9 just like i do not mind lading 32 S&W and 32ACP or put GC on 22cal for my 22-250.It is part of reloading and for what the price of ammo is out there and how they shoot in my gun I stick with my reloads as much as possible to know I can shoot better then store ammo.It show more in my 32ACP when I shot factory ammo and then my reloads.I also cast for every thing I shoot but 22lr..I am in this for more then one thing.the top is the ammo I can get when I want and have the ammo fit my guns and save of funds for something else. Like powder and primers and what ever other supplies I want.

[osteodoc08]

OP here, I definitely wasnt expecting this thread to take off like this (I'm typically a thread killer).

Perhaps dislike was too strong a word as it is still better than lots of other mundane activities that need to be done to keep up the household.

Perhaps I should have titled it "Who prefers to load larger pistol calibers" or something of the sort.

[twc1964]

Heck, 9's don't bother me at all. my g-19 eats any load i feed it and keeps on churning out brass. i must say though that 45's are easier to handle.

[Beesdad]

As long as I can get a box for $20.00 at the LGS its not going to kill me to buy a dozen of so each month. Can't see that busting anyones budget. So not worth my time to cast for or reload for.

I could buy them for less than $ 15.00 a box... And that would bust my budget so my choice is to reload.

[Bigslug]

I've been trying to work up some enthusiasm for buying a mold and start loading cast for the nines. Can't seem to manage it. Got lots of .45ACP brass, scrounge lots of free berm lead, enjoy shooting 1911's and DA wheelies more than any of the 9mm options at hand, the favorite nine is a poly-bored Glock, only have a limited amount of time to split between handguns and rifles. . .you get the picture.

[MaryB]

Try working with modern electronics, this amplifier IC is large by today's standards. In front of a 90 grain 380acp...

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/maryalanab/2014-05-22_22-36-15_115_zps32beceee.jpg