New to Reloading

[CiccioC]

I recently bought a 550b (brand new in box). Getting ready for first run of 9mm. I have everything except bullets. The Lyman book lists Federal as the test component for cases. I'm using once fired Winchester.

I am assuming the brand doesn't matter. Please verify.

I'm using the same primer and same powder (starting with the suggested load).

The bullet is my real question. They suggest 124gr jacketed HP. Do I have to use a jacketed HP or can I go with a jacketed round or jacketed flat bullet of the same weight and diameter?

[CAL.BAR]

The HP and/or shape of the bullet doesn't matter much as long as you have the proper bullet weight for the load (or vice versa). Using the wrong bullet weight for a given load WILL affect things rather adversely.

[racinjason233]

Also if you change shapes. HP to RN your c.o.l. Cartridge overall length, Will need changed as well.

Great choice on 550!

[CiccioC]

The HP and/or shape of the bullet doesn't matter much as long as you have the proper bullet weight for the load (or vice versa). Using the wrong bullet weight for a given load WILL affect things rather adversely.

Thats kinda what I thought but being brand new to reloading I figured I should double check. Thanks.

[CiccioC]

Another question on diameters. Evidently you can get bullets 0.355", 0.356", 0.357" and I've read people loading up to 0.385" for 9mm. I'm thinking either 0.355" or 0.356". Does either have any advantage? disadvantage? Is it a personal preference? Will it affect the load? Am I overthinking this?

[tawadc95]

Slug your barrel to find diameter if you want to be exact.

I have used .356 with polymer lead and have tried a .355 recently and it works just fine.

[tawadc95]

I guess I didn't really answer your question very well.

To the best of my knowledge any jacketed bullets will be .355, I have not seen any otherwise.

The diameter bullet matters more when you are using cast lead. Cast lead should be .001 larger than the slugged bore diameter measured at the grooves, not the lands. The reason being is it gives a better grip and seal on the bullet as it forms to the barrel. Hence, better accuracy and cuts down on the potential for leading.

The barrels I load for measure .355 and have always used .356 124gn polymer coated rn. I recently tried a 115gn polymer rn of .355 dia. from Blue Bullett and they shoot great, it's one of those loads that you can feel in your hand that the gun really likes it. To me there is a peaceful feel to a gun when it runs just right with a particular load.

If you notice no leading and good accuracy, diameter isn't an issue.

Look up "From Ingot to Target" by Glen Fryxell, it is a great primer on cast bullets, they are cheaper and the polymer coated cast ones are great. Ive always had best results with a BHN of 12-16 range.

Zero experience with plated bullets.

[johnk518]

I'm a new reloader too and I went with what the book recommended. So my first batch is .355, Rainier Bullet 124 gn JHP, with Winchester Primer, and deciding between Unique, Bullseye, Clays, and N.07 for powder.

I plan on sticking with one formula for 500 rounds or so. But I am also getting XTP bullets as well.

When I'm ready my questions will be about crimping.

[RestrictedColt]

Different brand cases will generally have minimal effect on load data, but....there are military and stepped cases in 9mm that might create a more notable effect. IMO if you're not charging near the top end the case and primer brand should not be an issue.

Bullet shape will change the OAL, data should be available from the bullet and/or powder manufacturer. There are some bullet types where the data changes a lot, but generally speaking the weight and construction (jacketed vs. lead or plated) will be the biggest factors.

[scotty99]

[CiccioC]

Thank you all for your input. I'm really glad I asked. I was ready to buy 1000 of the same bullet and start reloading. I think I'm going to stick with the 124gr bullets but like scotty99 recommended, I'll probably try a few different kinds. I'm really interested to see if I'll be able to feel the difference.

[RestrictedColt]

Some of the bullet manufacturers/sellers offer small 'test' batches so you can see what works for your gun.

[tonyjr]

Depending on what you are aiming for hunting back up / paper
punching / home defense - which round is right .
How you reload - there are sizing dies . I use the for the 380 ,
9 mm and 38 special .
Just because you have a 9mm - barrel will determine bullet size .
Try test batches .

[tawadc95]

Jonn518

I just love crimping questions, it's actually a pretty cool subject.

CC

It's hard to describe what a good load feels like but it's definetly noticeable or maybe more appropriately its what you don't notice, vibrations can disappear, the slide might operate crisper and less movement of the gun in the hand. It might take awhile but one day you'll be trying something different and you'll see what I'm talking about.

It seems I've always run into some combo that made a gun run real sweet. Maybe a different bullet, a different seat depth or a powder change, some sort of tinkering with a long standing load or a curiosity about another product that lead to it.

[CiccioC]

Thanks again for your insights. It seems that every time someone gives me an answer, two more questions pop up. So here's two more questions for the seasoned reloaders.

1) Is there and end to this rabbit hole I'm getting sucked into?
2) As I hone my reloading skills, will my wife be more or will she be less pissed off than the day I brought the press home? Keep in mind I told her the whole idea was to save money in the long run. Oooof.