Shot my first reloads today!!

[sjg1966]

Well I finally got the time/chance to get some trigger time. I made the initial investment to start reloading and took my first batch of 38spl and 9mm test rounds out today.

38Spl: I made 6 of each
4.3gr W231, Montana Gold 125 JHP, Win small pistol primers, OAL 1.45"~
4.5gr W231, same as above

9mm: I made 5 of each
4.1gr W231, Montana Gold 115 JHP, Win small pistol primer, OAL 1.11"~
4.3gr W231, same as above

I have three manuals and used the starting load for 38spl in the Lee book and the starting load for 9mm in the Hornady book.

I thought I'd be nervous about testing them out, but with everything I'd read and how meticulous I was when I loaded them, I felt pretty confident.

I checked all the cases for pressure signs and saw none.

What I did learn is that those .2gr of powder make a differnce. I could definetly feel it when I shot the loads with the +.2gr differnce. It wasn't bad, just noticalbe.

Now if only I'd starting reloading a long long time ago, but I fould the whole thing to be intimidating and just never looked into it more....another lesson learned I guess.

Thanks for reading....Steve

[24Sailor]

Good job. You did it right. When I started I destroyed 70% of my loads on the bench. The other 30% did shoot OK though. But that was over 35 years ago.

[russt]

congrats...reloading can be very rewarding and it sounds like your off to a good start

[Bill Steele]

Welcome to the addiction.

[sjg1966]

Welcome to the addiction.

That aint no joke!!!

[johnny1290]

Now the fun starts! Which loads are the most accurate for you? Which do you like shooting? What about 3.9, or 3.7 grains of w231 with that 9mm?

some guys suggest running the lightest amount of powder that will cycle the action. I had some idea that I needed a more powerful load, but now I like the easy recoil and accuracy of my 3.8 grains of WSF over a 124 grain cast bullet.

Experimenting till you get what you like is where its at!

Who wants to shoot off the shelf ammo when you can tailor it to work exactly how you and your gun like it.

[sjg1966]

Yeah....I will try a lighter load too. I see my Lyman book has a starting load of 3.9. That will be what I try next. The ones I made were not bad, seemed slightly lighter than factory ammo and just as accurate.

Thanks for reading. Steve

[ExtremeX]

Steve, since you just started, do you mind sharing a little about your setup?

What type of press, scales, powder measure and other items you use?

I am in the learning stages myself.

[bruceflinch]

Almost 14 yrs ago I started loading w/ the .38sp. I too, found the .2 grain differential a good choice between loads for development.

Congrats!

[sjg1966]

Steve, since you just started, do you mind sharing a little about your setup?

What type of press, scales, powder measure and other items you use?

I am in the learning stages myself.

This is where everyone will think I am nuts, lol. I actually bought the Lee Loader sets in 38 and 9mm and .223. I have the small digital scale from Hornady (which I hate because it auto powers off every minute), a powder trickler from Lyman, a bullet puller, the lee powder scoop set. I got the lee loaders so I could take the whole set to work and use it there as my time permits. For powder I have W231 for the pistol ammo and H335 for the rifle ammo. I'll try and edit this again. I hate tyPing on my damn phone.

Steve

[jbilling85]

Its a cool feeling shooting something and thinking to yourself that you made it, huh? The first reload I shot was a hipshot with my head turned. lol i insist on every batch that I be the first person to shoot it,just in case something goes wrong.1.11 inches on a 9? Chime in if im off folks but I generally don't run it that short in fear of higher pressures. Maybe its just a difference of powders but I run usually 1.14. @ 24sailor. Heaven knows I've made some botches. :-p. I learn quickly but usually the hard way. =P