pistol caliber reloading

[45user]

Hi all,
I've been trying to start on reloading for the longest time and have already purchased some equipements i guess I just need a little more push to start
I have a quick question for you reloading experts...regarding pistol caliber reloading,
For the pistol calibers, does the case need to be trimmed? Primer pocket clean is necessary? I've seen some youtube videos on using Lee Turret press and carbide dies to reload but it seems like some lube the pistol caliber case and some don't and that got me little confused.
Thank you for your help.
45

[buffybuster]

For straight wall pistol cartridges (38Spl, 357Mag, 9x19mm, 40SW, 44Spl/Mag, 45ACP, etc) trimming, primer pocket cleaning isn't necessary, for making plinking ammo. Case lube is not necessary with carbide sizing die. Lube won't hurt but it's not necessary. Don't even consider buying a standard steel sizing die for pistol. You're going to need a case tumbler or some way to clean the cases before you reload them.

If you haven't already, read Lyman's reloading book, so you understand all the processes. Lee's Modern Reloading also gives a decent explanation.

[Jonathan Doe]

I have loaded 38 Special, 45 Auto and 44 Magnum using Dillon 550B and Dillon die sets. Never had to trim my brass.

[mif_slim]

not as nessassary as rifle. I havent trimmed my pistol cases in ages....well at least for its life time. Cleaning primer pockets..dont have to in pistols or rifle, but if you want match ammo, yeah, cleaning and trimming will help.

[45user]

Great, thanks for the quick answer! I am trying to get set up for the 9mm & 45acp.
45

[45user]

How long does the pistol caliber brass last?

[racky]

roughly 5-7 uses

[buffybuster]

How long does the pistol caliber brass last?

As long as you're not loading MAX pressure, you'll generally lose it to the weeds before it wears out. If you do wear it out, the casemouth cracks. I've got .38Spl and .45ACP brass that has probably 20 reloads through them.

[mif_slim]

^ yup. that. or when the primer seat wears so much rom priming/depriming the primer wont sit in there.

[Bug Splat]

I don't even keep track of how many times I have reloaded pistol ammo. I started to once but soon realized that it was pointless. Keep shooting it until you see damage such as cracked/split necks, chewed up rims, or the primers pockets are not holding the primers. If I had to guess I'd say I have shot maybe 20+ times before I drop them in the recycle bucket but I can't remember when the last time I had to trash a pistol case. They just seem to keep going and going. I always pickup more brass then I poop so I never run out of fresh once fired brass. Once I get some really old stuff I will just leave it for the ranges recycle drum and pick up my neighbors brass instead (with his permission of course)

[45user]

Thanks guys,
One more question, is there any disadvantage or advantage to use lead or FMJ bullets? I am assuming that lead cost less, correct? Mainly trying to reload for IDPA and such action type matches.
Thanks again
45

[Revoman]

Advantage to lead is as you thought, cost less. Still excellent performance though.
Disadvantage to lead is the lead is exposed to your body when loading, such as you hands. If that doesn't bother you, and most it doesn't, then no harm, no foul.
Disadvantage to lead sometimes also is the lube used. It can smoke somewhat and can get messy while reloading.
Jacketed advantage is that no lead is exposed. It's cleaner than lead, no lube rings. You can push jacketed harder too, meaning greater velocity.
Both can remain in your barrel, some lead can lead you barrel, while copper can sometimes leave a coat as well.
If you use the copper washed bullets be aware that you cannot crimp them too much as the copper wash can leave the bullet and remain in your barrel, which is not a good thing.

[buffybuster]

Thanks guys,
One more question, is there any disadvantage or advantage to use lead or FMJ bullets? I am assuming that lead cost less, correct? Mainly trying to reload for IDPA and such action type matches.
Thanks again
45

Eventually, most people end up shooting lead bullets due to cost. However, if you're shooting a Glock, you have to watch your barrel regularly to check for leading and brush it out as needed.

[Bug Splat]

Lead is cheap. If you are going to shoot matches a lot of ranges prefer you shoot lead due to the little bits of copper jacket that fly back when using FMJ. Some ranges even have rules about only using lead while shooting at steel plates in a match. Either way, if you shoot lead you won't have a problem with range rules.