what's the consensus on these bullets?

[Trapper]

+1 for jacketed or plated bullets. Lead bullets are fine at lower velocity but the wax lube creates a lot of smoke and will gum up your seating die.

[bumpo628]

From Missouri Bullet:
$68/1000 delivered (for 9mm 115gr hard cast lead bullets)
or $123/2000 which comes out to $61.50/1000

http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=117&category=5&secondary=8&keywords=

I would definitely start out with the jacketed bullets above for $74/1000. That is a really good deal and then you don't have to worry about picking the wrong powder for too much smoke with the lead bullets. Learn the process, get good reloading habits, then look into lowering the cost with lead.

[jpkotor]

thanks for all the valuable input! so from what it sounds like I will likely go with those precision delta bullets when i start reloading. i'm bookmarking it before i forget haha.. might be a couple paychecks until i am ready to start reloading, but i'm definitely going to start saving my brass from the rounds i have and will be using until then...

so while i'm at it and learning is this a reliable site to get load data?

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=9%20mm&Weight=115&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=Alliant

the impression i'm getting is that bullseye is a good affordable pistol powder.

also, is a manual a must (i'm leaning towards getting one) or can most everything be found online? i got the impression that the manual is vital for looking up how much to charge the case for specific rounds/powders, but if that's available reliably online now should i just save the money?

[sellersm]

You have read the "Reloading 101" sticky post, right?

Yes, you need some manuals. Most of the manuals explain what's been discussed in this very post!

Lyman's 49th and "The ABC's of Reloading" are good starters.

I'd probably start with a different powder at first, HP-38 or Win 231 (same powder) would be a good choice.

You'll also need a set of calipers, as mentioned in the sticky post.

Except for the manufacturer's websites, any information on the internet may not be accurate, nor safe! As you search around many of the forums, you'll see certain sites referenced quite often (Steve's pages, for example). Things you see referenced from many other sources *may* be a decent reference, however, you still want the manufacturer's information to be the 'final say'.

[jpkotor]

You have read the "Reloading 101" sticky post, right?

i had it on my to-do list! ok so i think i'll invest in a manual ...

like i said in my first post, i'm still trying to decide if this is something I want to start at this point and justify economically (fresh out of college, hard on $ so the investment is a little much at once). but i guess if i am still deciding, reading a manual and getting a better idea of what all this entails will help

from all the videos i've been watching and stuff i've been reading it seems really easy... but i bet that's a dangerous assumption so for my sake and those who will be shooting next to me i'll get that idea out of my head and get a manual lol