Pistol reloading process...

[dancinzen]

Hello , I am new to reloading and so far only reloaded 223... I just bought my first 9mm and want to reload for it... So my question is, is it the same process fo peeping the brass? I haven't seen anything on triming handgun brass?

[xxdabroxx]

Pretty much but you need to make sure to flare the case mouth. You should trim your brass as well, at least the first go around.

[Bug Splat]

Flare and crimp are the only real differences. I don't crimp my rifle loads but I crimp my pistol or else they tend to hang up sometimes on the mags. If you get carbide dies you don't even have to lube them either. I like reloading for my pistols. One extra step but I don't have to deal with lube.

[AJD]

I wouldn't worry about trimming pistol brass unless the caliber calls for a roll crimp on a bullet with a cannelure. I've never trimmed any of my 9mm brass and I get very consistent loads.

[anothergunnut]

Many people think trimming is critical for rifles. Far fewer think trimming is important for pistols. As always, YMMV.

[Argonaut]

The only trick is getting just the right flare in the mouth of the brass to set the bullet. It takes a little practice but not a difficult job

[dancinzen]

Awesome... Thanks for the advice...

[LGB Loader]

I trim all my revolver brass for a consistant roll crimp which I think is necessary.
I have rarely trimmed 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP which I think is probably not necessary.

Just my opinion.

LGB

[J-cat]

Trimming 9mm brass is not necessary, but having all your 9mm brass at a .750"+ length is desirable. It tends to shoot more accurately with less headspace. All you have to do is size/deprime, flare the case mouth, charge, seat, and taper crimp. You should not crimp too much, just enough to remove the flare. Look at WWB. This is how you want your reloads to look.

[Waldog]

Step 1. size/decap
Step 2. prime
Step 3. expand (bell) case mouth
Step 4. powder charge
Step 5. seat bullet
Step 6. TAPER CRIMP (Requires purchase of separate Taper Crimp Die)

Note: Last step is a point of contention amongst handloaders. Straight case pistol dies USUALLY come with a bullet seat/ROLL crimp combination die. Many use this die to seat the bullet and roll crimp simultaneously to take the bell out of the case. IMHO, a separate TAPER CRIMP die provides you with much better ammo that will pass a case gauge test. Using a roll crimp to smooth out the bell is less likely to pass a case gauge. Remember, this is just my opinion based on my experience. Others will disagree.