9MM Load data

[Rule3]

There is no "current " or updated data in the LEE manual. It is all compiled from other sources and has not been revised in many years.

There is no COL listed only Min length. The diagram shows the SAAMI spec max COL. Other than a few bullets like XTP they do not indicate what bullet is tested.

Nothing against LEE (I use a lot if their "stuff") but their manual is not one of the better ones.

Stick with Hornady, Speer, Lyman

 

[MattO]

Thanks, I found the book pretty cheap on Amazon, it won't hurt to have another reference.

I really do appreciate all the help from the forums here. It's nice to not have to bug my friend all the time, even though he says it's no bother.

I did learn tonight, that Lee 3 die sets for .357 will not work for .38, but .38 set will work for .357..... of course I bought the set for .357! Now I get to own another die set. Oh well at least I won't have to keep adjusting them back and forth depending on which caliber I am loading.


Matt

 

[smokindog]

Good price on the Hornady book here ($24.95). You can have it shipped free to your closest store, even one of the neighborhood markets. I also bought the electronic version for my iPhone so I have a quick reference when in a store
Hornady Handbook 9rg Edition - Walmart.com

Thanks, I found the book pretty cheap on Amazon, it won't hurt to have another reference.

I really do appreciate all the help from the forums here. It's nice to not have to bug my friend all the time, even though he says it's no bother.

I did learn tonight, that Lee 3 die sets for .357 will not work for .38, but .38 set will work for .357..... of course I bought the set for .357! Now I get to own another die set. Oh well at least I won't have to keep adjusting them back and forth depending on which caliber I am loading.


Matt

 

[BC38]

FWIW, I'm still a fairly novice reloader myself. I have the latest Lee, Lyman's (49th IIRC), an older Speer, a Hornady that's within a version or two of being the latest available, PLUS a LoadBook for each of the 4 calibers I reload (380, 9mm, 38, and 357). I also have a couple of OLD manuals from Hercules and a bunch of downloaded stuff from Handloads.com

You simply cannot have too much reloading data IMO. You just have to figure out which one recipe to use. Generally I go with a slower powder and the minimum published load I can find.

Personally I've read too many KABOOM stories about TightGroup for me to be comfortable using it at this point in the game. I have some Unique, Bullseye, Power Pistol, Accurate #2, and a little Universal Clays - about 16 lbs or so all total.

From everything I've read about it here and elsewhere, you want to be VERY careful with the Tite Group. Personally, I don't think I'll be adding any of it to my selection of powders for a while. But that's just me and I'm pretty conservative.

 

[MattO]

I've shot a lot of titegroup from my friends reloads. And he has shot it for years. As long as I'm careful from what I have read I will be OK. I will almost always load on the light side.

That said I am studying the Lyman and Hornady manuals that I have to determine what other powder I should get. I have determined at this point that W-231 appears to be a good pistol powder, accurate #2, and a couple others I am still researching. I just have to figure out which powders I can get here consistently.


Thank you all again for the input.

 

[Snowshooter]

Sounds like you are on the road to success.

Once you decide on a powder, try to buy a larger container of it so you won't have lot to lot consistancy problems.

As far as being careful with Titegroup, we ALL need to be careful loading ALL powders. While some powders are easier to load, ALL of them can be dangerous if loaded incorrectly.

Load safe and shoot straight.