An awful lot of the budget-priced commercial ammo (Win White Box, for example) that I've seen is not very impressive. I like to think that my own efforts are at least as good, if not better, as well as cheaper. Besides, I like the process of reloading.
reload 9mm?
- Thread starter cracker57
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Everybody asks the “Is it worth it?” question in regard to reloading 9mm.
It depends what you’re doing at the range!
Nobody seems be talking about that, are they?
Here’s the flip side:
Let’s say I hang a regulation Bullseye target at the 50 yard line. Am I really expecting my offhand groups, fired with bulk factory ammo, to accurately represent my shooting capabilities?
THAT is a waste of time and money. For me.
If you have ever shot CMP Service Pistol, or the National Match Course for LEG points to try earning your Distinguished Medal, and you’re using a 9mm as your service pistol, you won’t get far with bulk factory ammo.
On the other hand, if you’re shooting life-size “bad guy” targets at 10-20 feet, that’s a different story.
But, I could use a slingshot and a handful of rocks if I wanted to do that, and have just as much fun.
In any case, keep this in mind:
If the store or manufacturer can sell bulk 9mm ammo for less money, round-per-round, than the cost of buying the components and loading your own, then you know for a fact that you’re being ripped off!
I’m really beginning to have my doubts about whose side the gun industry is really on….
It depends what you’re doing at the range!
Nobody seems be talking about that, are they?
Here’s the flip side:
Let’s say I hang a regulation Bullseye target at the 50 yard line. Am I really expecting my offhand groups, fired with bulk factory ammo, to accurately represent my shooting capabilities?
THAT is a waste of time and money. For me.
If you have ever shot CMP Service Pistol, or the National Match Course for LEG points to try earning your Distinguished Medal, and you’re using a 9mm as your service pistol, you won’t get far with bulk factory ammo.
On the other hand, if you’re shooting life-size “bad guy” targets at 10-20 feet, that’s a different story.
But, I could use a slingshot and a handful of rocks if I wanted to do that, and have just as much fun.
In any case, keep this in mind:
If the store or manufacturer can sell bulk 9mm ammo for less money, round-per-round, than the cost of buying the components and loading your own, then you know for a fact that you’re being ripped off!
I’m really beginning to have my doubts about whose side the gun industry is really on….
Reload 9....just a little bit here
Now that's what I'm talking about! I have a Dillon 550 and 650 and they are really great, but this is in another category all together!
I reload 9mm not so much for the cost benefits, but the accuracy. I shoot WA1500/PPC here in Northern Ireland. I have 2 loads, one for my STP TM1500 (basically a 6" 1911 with Aristocrat sights and a Nils grip) and one for my Walther PDP 5" Full Soze which I use for Pistol Optics.
The STP runs with a 127gn H&N TC bullet sized at .357, and I use ARES 147gn Flat Points in the Walther. I use Lovex D032 for the 147gn load (Accurate #2 under a different name) and Vihtavuori N320 for the 127gn, both in S&B brass and with S&B primers. My local gun store keeps the components in stock with the exception of the H&N bullets which I order from Germany.
I loaded for years on a Lee single stage press, mainly for the repeatable results and confidence in small batch loading. This year I decided to move up to a Lee Classic Turret because I've now got 3 loads (2 9mm, 1 .38 Special) and 600 rounds for a match on a single stage is time consuming. I can rattle out 200 of each load in an evening, even with stopping to check my powder measure is still throwing accurate charges. I have a spare turret set up for each of my loads, including powder measure, so when I change load it's just a matter of swapping turrets, filling the measure and safety primer, and off I go.
If anyone is curious, the D032 is a great powder. Clean burning, meters well through the measure, and isn't overly expensive.
The STP runs with a 127gn H&N TC bullet sized at .357, and I use ARES 147gn Flat Points in the Walther. I use Lovex D032 for the 147gn load (Accurate #2 under a different name) and Vihtavuori N320 for the 127gn, both in S&B brass and with S&B primers. My local gun store keeps the components in stock with the exception of the H&N bullets which I order from Germany.
I loaded for years on a Lee single stage press, mainly for the repeatable results and confidence in small batch loading. This year I decided to move up to a Lee Classic Turret because I've now got 3 loads (2 9mm, 1 .38 Special) and 600 rounds for a match on a single stage is time consuming. I can rattle out 200 of each load in an evening, even with stopping to check my powder measure is still throwing accurate charges. I have a spare turret set up for each of my loads, including powder measure, so when I change load it's just a matter of swapping turrets, filling the measure and safety primer, and off I go.
If anyone is curious, the D032 is a great powder. Clean burning, meters well through the measure, and isn't overly expensive.
Minshooter
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ADDED: This was a reply to a post on "Firearms and Knives, other general topics"/Figured the best way to clean suppressor baffles" thread. Not sure how it ended up here. Can't figure out how to move it.
Have used the dip several times, and also neutralized the LA with zinc.
But, Caution: Many pistol (and some rifle) suppressors have aluminum parts, and they're not always mentioned in the description.
The dip is an absolute no-no for aluminum. Breakthrough Suppressor Cleaner does work, is aluminum safe, but is not inexpensive.
Have never tried only a 60 second "dip", but, off to the range; will lead up a 28 Thompson Cutts Compensator, and see what happens.
Need to do several FA mag and drum dumps to really get the lead built up.
The sacrifices I make for this forum.
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