Sources for Brass/Bullets in 9mm

[sonofthebeach]

I just picked up a M&P9c, and haven't put together any loads for 9mm in a few years. I have a few questions about what most of you use for components in this caliber and/or pistol.

First, do any of you have a source for good, once-fired brass in quantities of 1-2k cases/order? Or do you just buy some WWB, like I used to do, and scrounge around on hands & knees to retrieve the cases? (Since my back surgery a couple years ago, it's pretty hard for me to do this.)

The second question I have is what bullets do you all use for short-range (7-10 yards) paper-punching? I used to use Rainier or Berry's plated bullets in 9mm, but since I'm now on a fixed income, I'd really like to use cast lead. I never loaded cast lead for a semi-auto, since the indoor ranges I did my shooting in back in Illinois had lead restrictions. And I seem to remember reading that some pistols don't like lead bullets run through them.

For those of you who own and reload for a M&P9c or similar pistol, could you please give me some general suggestions/ideas on brass, bullets and if lead or plated, what velocities and hardness might work best? I'm using this pistol for concealed carry, and so I'd like to practice with loads that come close to velocities and bullet weights of some of the commercial defensive ammo that I'll have in my magazines. (I'm going to need help with choosing factory ammo for my new M&P, but I guess I'll need to search/post on one of the other parts of this forum for that.)

Thank you all for your help with these questions.

---Andy

 

[mstuhr]

Howdy

Howdy SOB,
You can try these folks,
Tennessee Valley Bullets.
Also Missouri Bullet makes a small ball for the 9.
I have used bullets from both of these companies and like them.
For brass, there is a lot of bulk used brass at Gunbroker in about any quanity you need.
Good luck
Mike

 

[handgunner356]

I would look at buying something like Winchester White box 100pk, they were running $27 at our WalMart. You're going to have to pick the brass up at some point. Midway and Gil Hebard both have had once-fired bulk brass in the past. Gil is in Knoxville, IL. and doesn't have a website you would need to phone them. I get bullets from <twoalphabullets.com> here in southeast Iowa, I use his 122gr LTC flat nose 1.080"OL with 4.2grs of Universal or Unique. Makes minor power factor and good steel plate load. Guns with polygonal(sp) rifling like Glocks' or gas assist systems like H&K P7s' shouldn't use lead bullets.

 

[groundpounder56]

Howdy SOB
I got my last 9mm bullets form sinclairintl.com,Rem 124gr.FMJ-RN 12.35 per 100.
Kensbrass.com is reliable for brass.
And as for WallyWorld just found cci primers (still over priced) @ $30 per 1000 , the Winchester white box ammo is going for around 21.95 per 100

 

[michael thornton]

Rocky Mountain Reloading i bought 500 115 jhp they are $55 shipped,hard to beat and a good looking bullet

 

[Wee Hooker]

I just finished reloading for my M&P9C this AM. Love this gun! NIce pick on your part.

For lead bullet sources, look here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/115860-online-source-hardcast-bullets.html

As for Brass, there is a gent who sells on the classifieds here for $20/1000. Just got some. Looked fine. Worse case, buy cheap loaded ammo like the White box and save the brass. ( If you don't want to chase brass, then you really need a revolver! ;-)

Primers and powder can be bought locally if you can find them but Powder Valley is a good source if your going to do a sizable order. ( There is a flat $22 FEDX hazmat charge on all primers/powder on all shipments BTW.) Be careful picking powders, not all that can be used in 9mm are suitable for all loads.

As for loads to duplicate your carry loads, you should pick a carry load first , then reload some lead in a similar weight and velocity. Lots of great recipes to choose from on the powder manufacturers website. Note that your powder selection will also depend on bullet weight and velocity goals so again, choose you factory PD ammo first if your trying to duplicate it.

Note that if you go with a round nosed bullet, you may have to load down near the very minimum OAL of 1.1". A couple of us here have run into this oddity with our M&P's ( as described in another thread.)

 

[sourdough44]

I'd keep an eye on some of the larger gun boards for the brass, here,glocktalk,thefiringline, etc. At times you may find it for shipping only. RN 'plated' bullets are pretty cheap all around bullets.

 

[sonofthebeach]

Thank you all for your help with sources for brass/bullets.

I've placed orders for some components, and I'm looking forward to having them delivered so that I can put together some loads for my 9c.

Wee Hooker, you mentioned something about some M&P's needing special OAL requirements...1.1" maximum with round nosed bullets?

Could you please tell me what thread this info is in? I'd sure hate to put together a bunch of rounds that won't feed.

Wee Hooker, I just found the post about the seating depth of the less pointed Missouri Bullet Co. 115 gr engaging the rifling more than the factory round nose...I just ordered these same bullets from Missouri Bullet, and I'll be sure to seat them to an OAL of 1.112 max.

Thanks again.

---Andy

 

[Wee Hooker]

Thank you all for your help with sources for brass/bullets.

I've placed orders for some components, and I'm looking forward to having them delivered so that I can put together some loads for my 9c.

Wee Hooker, you mentioned something about some M&P's needing special OAL requirements...1.1" maximum with round nosed bullets?

Could you please tell me what thread this info is in? I'd sure hate to put together a bunch of rounds that won't feed.

Wee Hooker, I just found the post about the seating depth of the less pointed Missouri Bullet Co. 115 gr engaging the rifling more than the factory round nose...I just ordered these same bullets from Missouri Bullet, and I'll be sure to seat them to an OAL of 1.112 max.

Thanks again.

---Andy

Andy, as with all reloading you should start with small batch's of reloaded bullets and change one thing at a time.
I usually load 10-15 of one spec then change OAL length or powder charge ( but never both together.) Go slow, make small batch's and note subtle differences in how each batch shoots. ( recoil, cleanliness, accuracy, reliability etc.)
Enjoy!

 

[sonofthebeach]

Reloading for revolvers was pretty straightforward...as long as my cartridge didn't fizzle out with the bullet still in the bore, or I didn't launch gun parts (from a grossly over-pressure round) in the direction of fellow shooters on either side of me at the range, I was generally good to go.

I now have to re-acquaint myself with the fine art of pistol reloading, paying special attention to all the factors you mentioned, Dave.

The real satisfaction will come when I come up with just the right combination of powder type/quantity, bullet material/weight/shape, that will shoot consistently well out of my new pistol.

When I come upon a combination like that, I generally keep using it, and this gives me the chance to focus more on my shooting skills.

Now off to get some ideas for carrying...I'm on a fixed income, and I need to find a couple of holsters (one for the M&P9c, and one for the SP-101 2-1/4").