Starting to reload 9mm

[thebloodsonthewall]

I recently turned 21 and I get to pick up my handgun next week. I have shotguns and rifles and I reload shotshells. I want to get into reloading handgun and rifle rounds but I don't know where to start. I don't have a ton of money to spend on a reloading press and all the goodies I need so what do you guys suggest? Are any of the packages on midway decent? I am not apposed to buying used from ebay if that is a good idea. I just don't know what I need.

I was also wondering if it made a difference if the casing is brass or nickel. Also, does the brand of the casing matter when you are choosing a recipe?

I know this might seem like an annoying question but I have been looking around on the forum and didn't see anything to helpful. If anyone in Sacramento would be willing to meet-up with me and help, that would be great.

Chris

[thebloodsonthewall]

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=121744

Is that a good starter kit? The reviews seemed good and the price is very good. If I got that kit, what else would I need?

[1911su16b870]

http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/23594/catid/1/RL_550B

A little pricey to start out compared to a single stage press, but man, once you have the setup, its pretty easy to do other cartridges. I am doing 357, 45acp, 9, 223 and 308 on mine.

[rksimple]

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=121744

Is that a good starter kit? The reviews seemed good and the price is very good. If I got that kit, what else would I need?

Its a pretty good setup that will get you started. It won't be the fastest, but it'll do. You'll need a shellholder for the press, a tumbler, and some media too. Get some carbide dies for 9mm and you're set.

[thebloodsonthewall]

Its a pretty good setup that will get you started. It won't be the fastest, but it'll do. You'll need a shellholder for the press, a tumbler, and some media too. Get some carbide dies for 9mm and you're set.

Do you think it would be worth the extra money to go with the RCBS one?

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=140616

Thank you for the reply.

[rksimple]

Do you think it would be worth the extra money to go with the RCBS one?

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=140616

Thank you for the reply.

If my choices were between the 2, I'd probably go with the Lee. Generally the rcbs is better quality, but I like the Lee auto prime, and the price difference really isn't warranted. If you want to go up in price, the rockchucker kit may be worthwhile. But the Lee is definitly good enough to get started and it should last you quite well.

[Jicko]

As much as a Dillon fan I am.... I think the current BEST DEAL is Hornady LNL progressive.... since they give you 1000 bullets FREE.... 1000 premium bullets worth $200-$250.... so the pressuse is almost free....

As for 9mm bullets, I think ZERO still are at good prices.... from PowderValleyInc.com.... but they may be out.... I just bought some of their last couple of thousands...

[PistolPete75]

i reloaded 9mm, and i have to say it's almost not worth reloading for this caliber. #1 you have to chase down your brass which flies all over the place, and #2 your only saving about 10-15cents a round. your better off buying wally world wwb ammo. if your heart is set on reloading 9mm ammo, you have to go progressive all the way. huge timesaver. dillon 550 would work really well and can be bought pretty easily on ebay. you can get a used one for about $350, and it comes with a lifetime warrenty.

[proraptor]

I reload 9mm using zero 125 grain bullets and would never switch to WWB...The Zeros shoot much better and Im reloading them for a lot cheaper than walmarts $180 per thousand

[thebloodsonthewall]

I reload 9mm using zero 125 grain bullets and would never switch to WWB...The Zeros shoot much better and Im reloading them for a lot cheaper than walmarts $180 per thousand

Where do you get the Zeros from? I did a google search and I couldn't find anything. What powder do you use?

[proraptor]

I get them from Hawk....You can find him at raauhages in corona....

I use titegroup for powder

[forty5]

Dont pay any attention to the Blue Kool Aid drinkers. If you are on a limited budget the lee single stage press will load just as good ammo as the dillon, just not as fast. If you are going to shoot 500 to 1000 rounds a week you should get the Dillon. I use a Dillon to load now, but for many years I used a single stage press with no problems. Get the Lee 4 die Deluxe 9mm die set, a Caliper or some means to measure OAL and a good reloading manual (Speer, Sierra Hodgdon, etc) and you will have the minimum you NEED to reload. I also use Zero bullets with either Titegroup or Univeral powder. You can use any of the major makers boxer primed brass without a problem. If you sort your brass by maker you will get more consistant and better performing ammo, but it is not needed unless you are loading accuracy loads. Good Luck.

[thebloodsonthewall]

Thanks everyone for your input. I think I am going to pick up the Lee loader this week and as I get money I am going to start stocking up on components. I have already arranged to buy 3k of brass next week.

[ar15barrels]

I get them from Hawk....You can find him at raauhages in corona....

I know who Hawk is.
Do you get powder and primers from him too?
How many other people here do you think know him?

[sunborder]

Walmart ammo is about $180-200 per 1k these days.

Bullets, $0.09 each. (Berry's 124grn plated)
Powder, $0.01 each (Red Dot or Promo).
Primer, $0.03 each.
Toral: $0.13 each. $130 per K. $50 savings.....

You could do this cheaper by buying in bulk.

If you cast your own lead bullets using BOUGHT lead, well, try $60 per K, $110 savings over WWB. If you have a source of free lead, well, it just gets cheaper and cheaper. Worth MY time, don't know about yours.