Reloading 9mm — I never thought it would happen...

[Rwnielsen]

The package I had in my cart was closer to $400, but also included the case feeder. Are Dillons prices high right now?


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They never were very low as far as I'm concerned but...you get what you pay for

[the86d]

...Once you get set up, you can pump out 300 rounds an hour. Today I am tumbling brass between other activities.

You should buy a couple of extra primer tubes, and tell you "free-shooters" that come with you that they need to help load primers in tubes, and you can do even better... ... ...

[sigstroker]

The package I had in my cart was closer to $400, but also included the case feeder. Are Dillons prices high right now?


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A Square Deal is all you need for 9mm. Can't load rifle cartridges but it works fine for pistol cartridges. It's not as automated as their more expensive presses, but if you're not an aspiring Grand Master that shoots > 1000 rounds a week, it's perfectly fine.

As someone mentioned earlier, most or your time is in case prep. I don't size or decap on my Dillons. I gauge my cases after sizing, so I don't want to load anything until after I check the case. I do all my case prep and priming on other machines.

[five.five-six]

You should buy a couple of extra primer tubes, and tell you "free-shooters" that come with you that they need to help load primers in tubes, and you can do even better... ... ...

I already do that... the 10-year-old is aces at primer plucking.

He makes a cameo at 2:45

[stevec223]

[the86d]

I just checked my purchase spreadsheet, and my last purchase of 500 9mm 115gr FMJs ran me only $0.1402/rd, and that is LGS price, and since I picked up a background-checked rifle, no additional $1 Background-TAX was paid.

If I could ALWAYS get 9mm for that price, I'd stop reloading it, but reloading 115gr FMJs I am still saving about $0.01/rd, and I have these at the ready, right now, and shelves are EMPTY...
This was my first ever "9mm FMJ" projectile purchase, in the dead-middle of the COVID-panic, and I am not w/out ammo.
Normally I only buy PC, and Plated, but the FMJ was too good to pass on. Right AT $0.090/each.

[Bastard]

I just checked my purchase spreadsheet, and my last purchase of 500 9mm 115gr FMJs ran me only $0.1402/rd, and that is LGS price, and since I picked up a background-checked rifle, no additional $1 Background-TAX was paid.

If I could ALWAYS get 9mm for that price, I'd stop reloading it, but reloading 115gr FMJs I am still saving about $0.01/rd, and I have these at the ready, right now, and shelves are EMPTY...
This was my first ever "9mm FMJ" projectile purchase, in the dead-middle of the COVID-panic, and I am not w/out ammo.
Normally I only buy PC, and Plated, but the FMJ was too good to pass on. Right AT $0.090/each.

I'm sorry but I am sure I misread that, I though you said you have a purchase spreadsheet... I have so many questions , ha!

[the86d]

I'm sorry but I am sure I misread that, I though you said you have a purchase spreadsheet... I have so many questions , ha!

Yeah, since I purchase powder, primers, and bullets in bulk, I keep a couple logs to verify prices and CPR. Kind of like a historical log keeping track of prices, over time.

When I RARELY buy retail ammo, I log those also...

I don't have about 6-8 years of .223/5.56 listed, nor about the same in 9mm until last year...

Last time I got a bucket of bullets at Walmart was like $62/bucket, but I am at work right now, so guessing, but +TX.

[Cowboy T]

I'm down under 10,000 rounds of 22lr on hand.
I might have to start investigating.

Never a bad idea to do so. Were I in your situation, I'd probably do likewise.

An alternative is .38 Special in, say, a levergun. With the right load, it feels about like .22LR and is fine for marksmanship practice. That's assuming you have a decent stack of small pistol primers.

[Cowboy T]

The fastest way to shorten time of reloading is with a progressive such as a Dillon 650/750. A lot of people hate on those for first timers, but I started on a 650 and have no real issues.

Some people can start on a progressive and be OK. Others have a much more difficult time. That's why I always recommend starting with single-stage and then going to a progressive press if they want, after really learning what each stage does. For me, shortening reloading time is a pair of Lee Pro 1000's, one for small pistol primer cases, and the other for large pistol primer cases.

It's nice because once you're set up for a specific caliber (if you have all of the components), all you have to do is sit and crank them out. Easy to load up a couple hundred in a short time while the wife & kids are out shopping or if you're up late etc. It's all part of the shooting hobby.

That's true. I've timed my reloading, from start to finish, doing .45 Colt on my LPP Pro 1000, including taking the time to box up the ammo afterwards. After exactly 57 minutes, I had six 50-round boxes of .45 Colt ready to go. It's nice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMbCF5qK_6k

Its fun and nice that you don't have to scour the internet for a case of 9mm during an ammo panic. Ammo is truly in your hands.

You said it well. Reloading is not only a way to save money--more or less, depending on your round of choice--but ammo availability is the biggest benefit. Nothing in stores? Nothing on the InterWebz? Just go and pull the handle for an hour or two, and you're good to go. I love it.

Also applies to rifle rounds, now that .223 Rem and .308 Win are also getting kinda scarce.

[uechikid]

I never got into reloading to save money. I got into reloading to be prepared, for times like this.

[XDJYo]

I never got into reloading to save money. I got into reloading to be prepared, for times like this.

Although reloading does bring out the cheap b*st*rd in me, not being able to buy any ammo or be under certain restrictions is what stinks even more. Background check fees. Having to go to an FFL etc etc etc. I'm surprised there isn't an approved roster, a 10 day wait period and a restricted features list.

I just put an order in for a 9 mm Conversion kit for my Dillon 650. It'll be a while before it arrives due to backorders, but I'm in no rush. Now, to scour for components. I've got plenty of brass.