9mm range ammo

alexfitch225 said:
I've been wanting to get into reloads but unfortunately getting the prerequisite materials is so darn costly

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
It isn't that costly to get into. If you are going to load straight-walled pistol cases, you don't need the biggest, strongest and fastest press. Even adding reloading dies, a bullet puller and caliper, you can get into reloading for under $250.00. If you scrounge your brass and use cast lead bullets, you can probably load for less than half the cost of factory ammo for range use. Check this out: Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Kit
 
BE Mike said:
It isn't that costly to get into. If you are going to load straight-walled pistol cases, you don't need the biggest, strongest and fastest press. Even adding reloading dies, a bullet puller and caliper, you can get into reloading for under $250.00. If you scrounge your brass and use cast lead bullets, you can probably load for less than half the cost of factory ammo for range use. Check this out: Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Kit
Click to expand...
I guess the question I really need to be asking is if I could do rifle rounds and handgun rounds with the same set up. Or is it just changing out the dies?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
alexfitch225 said:
I guess the question I really need to be asking is if I could do rifle rounds and handgun rounds with the same set up. Or is it just changing out the dies?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
It is just changing out the dies and shell holder. Of course you'd need rifle powder and rifle primers. Bottle neck rifle cases need some preparation before loading. They need to be trimmed to the minimum length (after sizing) and deburred inside the case mouth and outside the case mouth to remove the sharp edge. If the cases are military, the little rim (crimp) at the primer pocket needs to be removed. Straight walled pistol cases don't really need any preparation prior to loading. Some folks like to clean the cases before reloading, but it isn't absolutely necessary. A good reloading manual will have detailed instructions (usually in the front of the manual) on the reloading process.
 
I load my own. Currently loading:

115gr poly coated lead at $0.06 each
4.5gr of Unique at $0.006 per round
Winchester primers at $0.01 each
used brass at $0.02 each

Total cost under $0.10 per round----right at 1/2 of the cheapest stuff I have found retail.

Before everyone jumps all over me wanting to know where to find 1 cent primers and $10 a pound powder, let me explain. I loaded up on components back in the last "Clinton era". The most expensive powder I have was only $12 per pound, and lots of it is still wearing $9.79 price tags. Same story on the primers. Most of what I have are priced at $.99 and the highest priced I have are marked $1.19. I usually don't even factor in the brass for 9mm. You can find it real cheap or free if you scrounge. Just cranked out 400 rounds this morning. If it was not raining and windy I would be out burning some powder. Changing over to 44mag to start loading up for some more fun.
 
I've definitely considered going to reloading. What's the deal with cast lead bullets- how does one get the lead, melt it, etc? That's what I hear is the biggest cost saver, but it seems like it can be kinda a hassle.

Re Freedom- sorry, I know they work, but I just can't do it for the price.
I just got a case (1000 rds) of S&B for right at $200 shipped. Have got Blazer Brass for that too ($199 + free shipping). Currently have the Yavex 124 gr coming in, 1450 rds for 278 shipped.
These beat the price of Freedom, and they are new.

I dug into Yavex before I bought, this is made by Yavascalar in Turkey, they seem to be the same stuff the Turkish military uses. Sealed case and primers, 124 gr, specs are pretty solid.
 
BE Mike said:
It is just changing out the dies and shell holder. Of course you'd need rifle powder and rifle primers. Bottle neck rifle cases need some preparation before loading. They need to be trimmed to the minimum length (after sizing) and deburred inside the case mouth and outside the case mouth to remove the sharp edge. If the cases are military, the little rim (crimp) at the primer pocket needs to be removed. Straight walled pistol cases don't really need any preparation prior to loading. Some folks like to clean the cases before reloading, but it isn't absolutely necessary. A good reloading manual will have detailed instructions (usually in the front of the manual) on the reloading process.
Click to expand...
That's actually really helpful especially that last bit about manuals having the instructions at the front. I haven't even started looking at manuals any suggestions?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
I've been shooting Perfecta (from Walmart) out of my Glock 19 without any problems at all. I've also used Freedom Munitions without any problems - I buy new 9mm for my semi-auto, and reloaded .38 for my revolver. I always wait until they have a sale offering free shipping.
 
Last edited:
MaxS said:
I've been shooting Perfecta (from Walmart) out of my Glock 19 without any problems at all. I've also used Freedom Munitions without any problems - I buy new 9mm for my semi-auto, and reloaded .38 for my revolver. I always wait until they have a sale offering free shipping.
Click to expand...
I've liked everything I've gotten from freedom munitions so far. I've never had an opportunity to mess with a glock 19 but I've fired the 17 gen 3 quite a bit. Are they pretty similar?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
scoobysnacker said:
I've shot a case of Freedom 9mm's before, they went bang ok but the batch I had looked pretty rough. They occasionally offer free shipping.
I sometimes wonder why I don't shoot it more, and then I go back and check the prices... their cheapest remans are listed at over $0.19 a rd; $197 or so a case or 1000, + shipping. I've been able to find new manufactured ammo at that price point.

I got in on the 500 rd box deal of 45 ACP from Freedom earlier this year, it was their new manufactured 230 gr RN ammo, for something like $115 + shipping. I also have Blazer Brass in that caliber and shoot it through my 1911, and I found them about equal. No problems with either thus far, but I don't shoot it a bunch, I shoot a lot more 9mm.
Freedom's ok stuff, but I wouldn't pay the same or more than I would from a bigger manufacturer.

Dennis, if you don't mind me asking, what problems have you had with S&B, and through which guns? The stuff I've had has been good, but I sling a lot through my CZs. The things I've heard in the past has been hard primers, and the cases are a little harder to reload than, say, PPU.
Click to expand...

Honestly, it probably wasn't fair of me to list it since I've never shot their 9mm. Their .380 won't function reliably in my two Bersas, so I never bought any 9.
 
alexfitch225 said:
Would it be worth it to get the ar15 reload manual from lyman if I'm gonna be doing 556 loads
Click to expand...

I don't have that one. Might check it out though. The 2016 Hodgdon (powder) has a magazine size manual for around $8.99 that has a article for 223 reloads. There are plenty of internet videos for the 223/556 also.
 
As a first time gun owner I only have 500 rounds through my SD9VE and they've all been Federal Champion FMJs purchased at WM ($23.88 for 100/bx). No issues at all. I'm cleaning and lubing it tomorrow for the first time but honestly, it doesn't look too dirty at all inside so I guess they're decent. Don't think I'll be trying anything else anytime soon.
 
Last edited:
CarlosSD9VE said:
As a first time gun owner I only have 500 rounds through my SD9VE and they've all been Federal Champion FMJs purchased at WM ($23.88 for 100/bx). No issues at all. I'm cleaning and lubing it tomorrow for the first time but honestly, it doesn't look too dirty at all inside so I guess they're decent. Don't think I'll be trying anything else anytime soon.
Click to expand...
Have you taken the slide off? It gets really dirty under there after about 500 rounds in my experience

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
I will shoot anything that is brass cased and new (not reload). Sure some of it has sucked but it's been a good education. You learn how your gun reacts to different weights, powders and pressures. As I've learned, I keep an eye out for sales on the ones I like - Fiocchi and Speer Lawman are a couple of my favorites if I can get a case on sale.

I don't care too much how they operate or feel in the gun, because I will take some time on a regular basis to run some of my SD ammo though my gun to make sure I know how that will operate and feel when I shoot it. The range ammo is more for fun so cost is one of the biggest considerations - for me.
 
alexfitch225 said:
I use a lot of freedom munitions 5.56, not so much their 9mm I'm not exactly sure why. Is there reman 9mm pretty good? Does the load feel low or hot ect?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
As for FM reloads the only thing used is the case. Same bullets and powder and machines etc. On their web page they do list the FPS of their ammo.. I buy new ammo because I am saving brass for future reloading .
 
Anybody tried Maxx tech ammo? Good for the revolver guys bad for us semi guys.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

W
What Ammo Should I Use For S&W M76 Machine Gun
Replies
11
Views
1K
67tempest
6
A
question about legacy 357 magnum ammo
2
Replies
33
Views
2K
agent00
A
T
Shield Performance Center 9mm Ammo Issues and Question
Replies
10
Views
732
hardluk1
H
Krogen
9mm Luger, Sources of Remanufactured Ammo
2
Replies
32
Views
2K
sigp220.45
sigp220.45
W
25-2 Revolver Accuracy with Autorim vs. ACP Ammo
Replies
12
Views
1K
STORMINORMAN
S

Latest posts

Back
Top