glw
04-11-2012, 08:07 PM
I usually only load straight wall pistol ammo. Lots of 38 Special, 357 Mag and 44 Mag. They are easy. But loading these short little rounds is a bit more trouble. Now I know why they are called "parabellum" (prepare for war). They must have been called this by folks who tried to reload them, as this is the mindset you need if you are going to succeed.
First I had to figure out the OAL. The loadbooks didn't help a bit. Loading to the length of a factory round didn't help a bit either, as the bullet I was loading is more rounded than FMJ bullets. (I loaded using the Missouri Bullet 124 grain bullet.) So, of course, the first bullets I loaded were too long. Then I finally figured out a good length.
And I second-guessed the load, and now with the shorter OAL I don't feel comfortable with the powder charge. I'm glad that I have a bullet puller! (I think my puller reads "For use with 9mm" written on the side of it. I think they were trying to prepare me for the inevitable.)
I also wanted to load 115 grain XTPs. Of course, that takes a different OAL, so now I need to figure out that OAL! By now I am pro at this, and it doesn't take long to find a good length. (And no, the loadbooks didn't help even with this bullet! Grrrrr!)
But finding directions on how to set up a taper crimp wasn't so easy. I ended up setting my crimp too tight. This resulted in flaring the edge on the case, thereby increasing the diameter of the case. The case still went in the chamber, but seems to have caused some problems with the case ejecting. Grrrrr!
I still haven't figured out everything with this round, but I'm getting closer. I was using the Lee FCD, and yes my lead bullets were undersize. Whether having too tight a crimp shrunk the bullets or the FCD, I don't know. But I stopped using the FCD so maybe that problem is fixed, too. I have some leading with the lead bullets. Maybe that is just because I tried turning them into 32 cal. bullets using the crimp die.
I have been obtaining some molds, lead, ladles, etc., but haven't yet had the time to pour any lead. Once I do, then I can come back here and complain why the bullets are too small. :-) Hopefully not.
Reloading is fun. I have been doing for 6 or 7 years, having started with a Lee Loader for 38 Spec./357 Mag. The 9mm has been a new learning experience for me. I expect some of you can relate to this adventure.
Glenn
First I had to figure out the OAL. The loadbooks didn't help a bit. Loading to the length of a factory round didn't help a bit either, as the bullet I was loading is more rounded than FMJ bullets. (I loaded using the Missouri Bullet 124 grain bullet.) So, of course, the first bullets I loaded were too long. Then I finally figured out a good length.
And I second-guessed the load, and now with the shorter OAL I don't feel comfortable with the powder charge. I'm glad that I have a bullet puller! (I think my puller reads "For use with 9mm" written on the side of it. I think they were trying to prepare me for the inevitable.)
I also wanted to load 115 grain XTPs. Of course, that takes a different OAL, so now I need to figure out that OAL! By now I am pro at this, and it doesn't take long to find a good length. (And no, the loadbooks didn't help even with this bullet! Grrrrr!)
But finding directions on how to set up a taper crimp wasn't so easy. I ended up setting my crimp too tight. This resulted in flaring the edge on the case, thereby increasing the diameter of the case. The case still went in the chamber, but seems to have caused some problems with the case ejecting. Grrrrr!
I still haven't figured out everything with this round, but I'm getting closer. I was using the Lee FCD, and yes my lead bullets were undersize. Whether having too tight a crimp shrunk the bullets or the FCD, I don't know. But I stopped using the FCD so maybe that problem is fixed, too. I have some leading with the lead bullets. Maybe that is just because I tried turning them into 32 cal. bullets using the crimp die.
I have been obtaining some molds, lead, ladles, etc., but haven't yet had the time to pour any lead. Once I do, then I can come back here and complain why the bullets are too small. :-) Hopefully not.
Reloading is fun. I have been doing for 6 or 7 years, having started with a Lee Loader for 38 Spec./357 Mag. The 9mm has been a new learning experience for me. I expect some of you can relate to this adventure.
Glenn