Do I have the basics to start reloading 9mm?

[NorCal Einstein]

I'm getting pretty close to purchasing a bunch of stuff to step into the world of reloading pistol rounds. I'm planning on doing 9mm initially and then .45 ACP toward the end of the year.

I've spent a few months reading through here and I have Lyman's 49th. I've made up a little list of things I think I need to buy, but I'd like to have you guys give it a once over to see if I'm missing something major, or I've chosen something really bad.

The plan is to go with a Lee turret setup. I worked the numbers out and I think it's cheaper for me to buy everything individually than to buy FS Reloading's Kit . My list is pretty much the basic stuff with the exception of the scale. I've read that's one of the wiser places to spend money on. The lube pad and bullet puller are only being purchased from Brownells because I have a $20 for $40 certificate there.



So, am I good to go?

[sofa88]

Add a good digital caliper to measure case lengths and COAL and I think you're good to go. I use a lee turret press also, love it and trouble free. Only thing that took some getting used to was the safety prime, it has to be angled just right and pushed just right, enough repetition and you'll get the feel for it.

[CalTeacher]

You won't need any case trimming tools for 9mm, nor will you need a primer pocket cleaner or chamfer tool.

Over than that you'll be good to go, though I'd recommend Hornady One Shot or Dillon case lube instead of the rcbs case lube kit.

[BACKTOSHOOTING]

You won't need any case trimming tools for 9mm, nor will you need a primer pocket cleaner or chamfer tool.

Over than that you'll be good to go, though I'd recommend Hornady One Shot or Dillon case lube instead of the rcbs case lube kit.

This ^
Oh and a face shield and a funell and i prefer a balance beam scale over the electronic [ i have both ]

[badlandsbutch]

get a Wilson case length guage for 9mm to set your dies. Better still a semi auto set from Midway if you start loading .45 ACP

[NotEnufGarage]

Drop the lube pad, go to Whole Foods and get a 4oz bottle of pure lanolin, then go to RiteAid and get a pint of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and a 8 oz spray bottle. Mix the Lanolin / Alchohol 1 part to 8 - 10 parts. Spray on clean brass and let alcohol evaporate.

Cost would be the same but it'll be enough to lube thousands and thousands of cases.

[Sunday]

Take you time and go over every step of the setup and loading phases load a hand full of rounds and try them out for function and operation. Loading is pretty easy IMO and fun, there is a learning curve to go through, take the process in baby steps and take your time . The 45 acp is forgiving to load as it is a low pressure load and the 9mm is a high pressure load so it has to be loaded spot on especially the bullet seating depth.

[Bill Steele]

You won't need any case trimming tools for 9mm, nor will you need a primer pocket cleaner or chamfer tool.

Over than that you'll be good to go, though I'd recommend Hornady One Shot or Dillon case lube instead of the rcbs case lube kit.

I agree with this, plus, inexpensive calipers, don't go nuts price wise on this item. For handgun I prefer Hornaday One Shot over Dillon spray lube (or the Lanolin/99% Alcohol recipe above, same as the Dillon lube) as you will get less powder clinging to the case mouth after the powder drop with the Hornaday.

Looks like you have a really good start, you will be going to town in no time.

[NorCal Einstein]

get a Wilson case length guage for 9mm to set your dies. Better still a semi auto set from Midway if you start loading .45 ACP

I see this is the Wilson one for 9mm:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/888465/le-wilson-max-cartridge-gage-9mm-luger

Do you have a link for the semi auto set you're talking about?

[NorCal Einstein]

I have digital calipers from Harbor Freight that I've been using for a year or so now. Will those do?

I'll drop the case trimming tools, primer pocket cleaner, and chamfer tool. I'll also add Hornady One Shot to the list as well. Thanks for the advice guys!

Anything else?

[Bill Steele]

I have digital calipers from Harbor Freight that I've been using for a year or so now. Will those do?

I'll drop the case trimming tools, primer pocket cleaner, and chamfer tool. I'll also add Hornady One Shot to the list as well. Thanks for the advice guys!

Anything else?

The HF calipers will work fine. Skip the case gauge, just use the barrel out of your gun for chamber checks when setting everything up with a new load or bullet. If you start loading lead in .45ACP, then buy a case gauge for that as you will probably want to check each loaded round, at least if you are shooting competitvely.

[Gryff]

You need a brass tumbler for cleaning dirty brass unless you are planning to pay for new brass every time.

http://www.cabelas.com/tumblers-scales-cabelas-case-tumbler-kit-1.shtml

You might also want some 50- or 100-round plastic ammo boxes. I prefer to store my ammo in these over a military surplus ammo-type bin, since it allows me to know that am grabbing 50/100/etc. rounds rather than guessing.

http://www.midwayusa.com/find?newcategorydimensionid=11805&

[chknlyps2]

I didn't see any way to clean your brass. You could always wash in a bucket of soap and water to start off.

Edit* Gryff beat me to it, can't watch TV and post around here, you will fall behind

[Colt562]

Going with what Gryff stated...u can use those 100 round plastic boxes, I found using Tupperware type boxes that I found at bed bath and beyond (I don't shop there my gf does), I just label them with what reloads they are and it stores about 500 9mm rounds

[blockfort]

forget the lube stuff, trimming stuff, chamfer, and pocket cleaner, and case gage.

there are great cheaper digital scales, like Frankford arsenal.

get the three die set for 9mm, no need to factory crimp (or crimp at all).

I'd also forget all the priming tools and just prime using the built in tool on the bottom stroke of the press shaft, works great.

and for me, I don't see the advantage of a turret press, it's no different than a single stage, right, you're still doing one operation at a time, unless it doesn't work how I think it does.