Armory Sponsor
Posted: 2/24/2017 5:10:58 PM EDT
|
As the title states, I've just started reloading. Starting off with 9mm only at this point. Before I did anything, I've been doing a lot of reading and watching videos. I went with a RCBS single stage press, dies, and powder measure.
Main purpose for reloading is I enjoy shooting and reloading so far seems to be a fun hobby to go along with it. I can already tell I probably won't be saving any money. Here is my first load that I've put together Bullet: Acme 9mm 124gr coated LRN Powder: 3.4g Titegroup OAL: 1.11 Hodgdon manual states 3.6-4.0 for 125gr LCN with OAL of 1.125. Will be shooting from a full size Sig 320. I came to my OAL by performing the plunk test. I'm using 125gr data as the HiTek coated bullets are weighing in around 124.7gr. I have a .001 crimp. These rounds will just be range/plinking rounds. I reduce the min starting load to 3.4gr since I reduced the OAL by .015. I've loaded 5 so far to test. I'd appreciate any feedback or advice you can provide. Thanks! Update 3/5 - I finally got to the range with a couple different loads. I loaded up 10rds with 3.4gr. They cycled fine but the ejection was a little weak. Those grouped the best. I also loaded up 10rds with 3.7gr. Those ejected perfectly and also grouped well but not as good as the 3.4gr rounds. I think I'll try another load with 3.5 or 3.6gr. So far I'm really enjoying reloading! Thanks for all the help guys!! |
|
Looks like a good start plan.
I use Titegroup in 124gr. FP coated and plated with great success. Only thing I can add is make sure your COAL is good to fit your magazine also. Also crimp should be a taper and just enough to get the flare out. Not sure what .001 is for crimp. |
|
Quoted:
Looks like a good start plan. I use Titegroup in 124gr. FP coated and plated with great success. Only thing I can add is make sure your COAL is good to fit your magazine also. Also crimp should be a taper and just enough to get the flare out. Not sure what .001 is for crimp. They feed well manually from the magazine. I made some dummy rounds to test with. The .001 is a measurement I made at the case mouth of the taper crimp. The RCBS instructions mentioned a taper crimp of .003 or less. |
|
Quoted:
As the title states, I've just started reloading. Starting off with 9mm only at this point. Before I did anything, I've been doing a lot of reading and watching videos. I went with a RCBS single stage press, dies, and powder measure. Main purpose for reloading is I enjoy shooting and reloading so far seems to be a fun hobby to go along with it. I can already tell I probably won't be saving any money. Here is my first load that I've put together Bullet: Acme 9mm 124gr coated LRN Powder: 3.4g Titegroup OAL: 1.11 Hodgdon manual states 3.6-4.0 for 125gr LCN with OAL of 1.125. Will be shooting from a full size Sig 320. I came to my OAL by performing the plunk test. I'm using 125gr data as the HiTek coated bullets are weighing in around 124.7gr. I have a .001 crimp. These rounds will just be range/plinking rounds. I reduce the min starting load to 3.4gr since I reduced the OAL by .015. I've loaded 5 so far to test. I'd appreciate any feedback or advice you can provide. Thanks! According to what you posted 3.6 is the "start load" (lowest charge shown). Never load below the start load. The small amount you reduced the OAL will not be an issue at the start load. Could be an issue at max load, but that's not what you did. Be sure the bullets don't stick in your bore, the main reason to not load below the start load. I load for a CZ and none of my loads are longer than 1.10. I suggest you load 10 at 3.6, 3.8, and 4.0 grs. Shoot for groups as you work up, so you will know what works best in your pistol. Thanks for starting your own thread, keeps the other thread from getting off track. |
|
Reloading rarely saves anyone money.
It allows one to get in more quality range time for about the same price. The other big factor is when you maintain a good stock of components, you still can have that quality range time while others are getting up before dawn to go to Walmart to fight over the 5 boxes of ammo that came in... For me - I shoot a lot of odd cartridges or wildcats that can't be found elsewhere. |
|
Quoted:
According to what you posted 3.6 is the "start load" (lowest charge shown). Never load below the start load. The small amount you reduced the OAL will not be an issue at the start load. Could be an issue at max load, but that's not what you did. Be sure the bullets don't stick in your bore, the main reason to not load below the start load. I load for a CZ and none of my loads are longer than 1.10. I suggest you load 10 at 3.6, 3.8, and 4.0 grs. Shoot for groups as you work up, so you will know what works best in your pistol. Thanks for starting your own thread, keeps the other thread from getting off track. Thanks! I was thinking of loading some various grain weights, like 3.6 & 3.8. I will do that. I did check the OAL by dropping them in at the 1.125 book number. I slowly lowered the length in small increments until they stopped sticking so I think I'm good. I had just read that lowering OAL can have a big impact on pressure so I downloaded as I was worried about that. I appreciate the help. You guys are a great resource! 
|
|
Quoted:
Reloading rarely saves anyone money. It allows one to get in more quality range time for about the same price. The other big factor is when you maintain a good stock of components, you still can have that quality range time while others are getting up before dawn to go to Walmart to fight over the 5 boxes of ammo that came in... For me - I shoot a lot of odd cartridges or wildcats that can't be found elsewhere. That's what I'm quickly finding out. But it's enjoyable! I enjoy diy so it's already worth it to me. Thanks! |
|
Firstly, welcome to the hobby. I find reloading to be a good mental exercise in critical thinking and problem solving, because of the multitude of variables involved. If those things interest you, you'll enjoy this hobby.
As for your load, I hear (from the internet and friends that load) that TG powder burns awfully hot, which will result in smoke and leading (the 'coating' is burned exposing bare lead) in your barrel. Just an FYI as it doesn't impact performance, however if you have other powder choices, you may want to consider them. You'll want to consider purchasing a chronograph to help you understand the changes related to OAL, bullet construction, powder, etc. Without it, you are relying on look and feel to alert you to potential issues or improvements. Welcome and have fun! /M21 |
| You need the pistol to function reliably, right around 4.0 grains should be about perfect, I wouldn't trust 3.4 grains to get through a stage in a pistol match or for SD. The empties barley ejecting is a sign you need more powder because your gun is right on the edge of not working. |
|
Quoted:
Update in OP. I don't think using the 3.4gr load was wrong at all. You specifically stated that the bullets were actually very close to 125gr and that you used 125gr data. It sounds to me like you used your head and came to a very logical conclusion. Your description of your range trip and what you "took" from it is and what you plan to do is also well thought out and 100% spot on. You have basically "GOT IT" Welcome to the "hand loading" world. 
Motor |
|
Quoted:
You need the pistol to function reliably, right around 4.0 grains should be about perfect, I wouldn't trust 3.4 grains to get through a stage in a pistol match or for SD. The empties barley ejecting is a sign you need more powder because your gun is right on the edge of not working. This ammo is just for plinking/range fun. I do agree that the 3.4 was low. I just wanted to ensure that I was starting out safe. I'm going to be loading some up at 3.5 and 3.6 and go from there. The 3.4 was ejecting about 2-3 feet away. Normally, with factory ammo, my p320 would eject brass 2-3x that distance. Thanks! |
|
Quoted:
I don't think using the 3.4gr load was wrong at all. You specifically stated that the bullets were actually very close to 125gr and that you used 125gr data. It sounds to me like you used your head and came to a very logical conclusion. Your description of your range trip and what you "took" from it is and what you plan to do is also well thought out and 100% spot on. You have basically "GOT IT" Welcome to the "hand loading" world.
Motor Thank you! |
|
Quoted:
This ammo is just for plinking/range fun. I do agree that the 3.4 was low. I just wanted to ensure that I was starting out safe. I'm going to be loading some up at 3.5 and 3.6 and go from there. The 3.4 was ejecting about 2-3 feet away. Normally, with factory ammo, my p320 would eject brass 2-3x that distance. Thanks! You are doing it right, starting low and working up, good job! |
Armory Sponsor
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.