My first reloads

[Univibe]

cool. 40 years here. Unsolicited advice:

1. Keep it simple. I load 9mm, 10mm, .357 mag, 38 spl, 38 super, 44 mag, 44 spl, and 5.56. I have exactly one bullet for each cartridge, and the 38 a d 44 revolvers share a bullet. I have two pistol powders and one rifle powder. By all means experiment, but I like to standardize.

2. That being said, if you need a specialized bullet for hunting, go for it.

3. Magnum revolvers are very cool loaded down to about 1000 fps. Use a medium fast powder. A simple powder change gives you magnum loads.

4. Consider sticking with the original bullet weight at first. 158s in 357 mag, 230 in .45, etc.

5. Be meticulous.

6. Always use a loading tray and check powder in the cases with a flashlight before seating.

7. Use a case gauge.

8. Consider a four die set for handguns. Seat and crimp in separate operations.

9. All shooters should consider hand loading. It's that cool. You save money, more or less, depending on caliber. Your loads are more accurate. And there's much satisfaction from rolling your own.

 

[stansdds]

They look good, looks like a perfect taper crimp. You might want to invest in a chronograph. I have an old Shooting Chrony F1. I found it to be of good value and great use in developing my reloads.

 

[akoda]

next batch with a tweak

I had done the plunk test to make the documented COL of 1.07 was met.

I would like to extend it some to a COL of 1.09, still well below max of 1.169 (hornady)

first run I used 3.9gr bullseye, I plan to increase to 4.1gr bullseye using the new 1.09 COL, which passed plunk fine

seems like a logical next step ...

this is to be used in my PC Shield with 3.1 inch barrel

 

[ddixie884]

Sounds like you are using sound theory and practice. Enjoy.............

 

[BB57]

I like the 115 gr XTP a lot, along with the 115 gr HAP for practice or plate shooting.

The 115 gr XTP expands well in ballistic gel and reliably meets the FBI 12" penetration and expansion criteria with a maximum standard pressure load - as long as you keep the muzzle velocity at around or preferrably above 1125 fps.

It's also a very accurate bullet, like nearly all the Hornady XTP bullets.

I use 6.7 grains of Power Pistol (max load in the Hornady manual) in my concealed carry handgun where I get between 1150 and 1200 fps depending on the pistol, as well as in my 8.3" AR-15 braced pistol and AR-15 9mm carbines, where I get just under 1600 fps.

I also use the same load under the 115 gr HAP which I use for practice as well as shooting in my AR-15 9mm carbines out to 200 yards. Both the 115 XTP and the 115 HAP are capable of 1 MOA accuracy in a high quality barrel and I get that in both my 8.3" and 16" Ballistic advantage barrels in my ARs.

It is extremely useful to have a load that shoots very well in both your pistols and carbines in a given caliber and it's nice to have a hollow point with a less expensive companion bullet for practice that is just as accurate and will give virtually identical ballistics and the same POA with the same load.

 

[Nevada Ed]

next batch with a tweak

I had done the plunk test to make the documented COL of 1.07 was met.

I would like to extend it some to a COL of 1.09, still well below max of 1.169 (hornady)

first run I used 3.9gr bullseye, I plan to increase to 4.1gr bullseye using the new 1.09 COL, which passed plunk fine

seems like a logical next step ...

this is to be used in my PC Shield with 3.1 inch barrel

My loadings of the Speer 9mm JHP GD bullet at 1.08" did not do well.........
however they did group and feed well at 1.12-1.13" OAL which is close to Fac. Dup.

The longer 1.169" only works for the longer "Ball" , FMJ style bullets that are 124grs or heavier.
I like the 115 gr FMJ style bullet at 1.13-1.14" in my pistols, since the short 1.09" OAL loads do not work in all of my pistols,
however the short OAL will get you higher fps with some powders.

Enjoy.

 

[BE Mike]

next batch with a tweak

I had done the plunk test to make the documented COL of 1.07 was met.

I would like to extend it some to a COL of 1.09, still well below max of 1.169 (hornady)

first run I used 3.9gr bullseye, I plan to increase to 4.1gr bullseye using the new 1.09 COL, which passed plunk fine

seems like a logical next step ...

this is to be used in my PC Shield with 3.1 inch barrel

I use 4.0 grains of Bullseye for coated 9mm bullets with good results. This is an accurate target load for me. Jacketed bullets usually take a little more powder to perform optimally, so I think you are on the right track by increasing your powder charge.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

I started reloading in 1971. Have loaded for appro 40 diff cal.
From progressives ...Dillon 650 and 550....to bench rest. Best
advice I can give is NEVER RUSH OR BE IN A HURRY.
Relax, take your time. It is the journey, not the destination.