Need help with Lee 356-125-2R in 9 MM

[woody2]

Until I started reading the threads on reloading for the 9 MM I had no idea that seating depth and OAL were so critical for that cartridge. That said, can anyone advise on the correct OAL for the Lee 356-125-2R? The barrel slugs out at .3545 so I'm starting with the bullet sized at .356. If it leads I have a .358 sizing die I'd like to try. Is that too big or do I need to go to .357? Finally, I'm planning to start with 3.5 grs of Bullseye. I'd sure appreciate any comments.

[evan price]

I load them to approx. 1.125" oal. Fired thousands of them. I size all mine to .357" and tumble lube with alox even though it isn't a TL boolit.

[bpratl]

My Beretta 92FS did not like a .356" sized bullets which would keyhole and badly lead up the barrel. .357" was better but .358" is more accurate without any leading. The slugged barrel was .3565" on my the 92FS.

[soldierbilly1]

Read all the posts on this before you do or buy anything else. FIRST Thing!
The Lee tumble lube and their bullets did not work for me at all. Since you bought the molds, try them first.
I use Lyman bullets and grease them with the NRA 50/50. That is, the 356242 120 gr. No leading and very accurate.
keep us informed.
billy

[Floydster]

I use the Lee 356-120-TC and lube them in my Lyman 45 sizer, I use the old NRA 50/50 lube with no leading in my CZ 75 B's. I size them to .357.

I use my barrels for a gauge to get the O.A.L.

[Pete P]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=125175

[MtGun44]

More useful info.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=121737

Bill

[woody2]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like I'm on the right track starting with a .356 diameter but if that doesn't work I'll try the .358 since I already have that die for my Lyman lubrisizer. Also, thanks for the links. Some great suggestions there. I've already done quite a few of them but still saw some new ideas that I'll pursue tomorrow.

[milprileb]

I size this bullet to .358 because my bore demands it. I stick lube with White Label BAC. OAL of rounds 1.100. Anything shorter give me wider accruacy and I have tried down to 1.066 but will not pursue any more tests: 1.100 does it for me on this bullet. Anything over 1.100 does not chamber fully in my barrel.

Crimp: as light as possible. case mouth measured:
9MM .379 ~ .380 - AVG .3795 for my best results.

Since I saw zero difference in 45acp bullet accuracy with air cooled bullets vs same bullets water cooled, I am no comfortable with dropping water quenching of 9mm cast bullets and go with air cooled. If I get any leading, that will change PRONTO.