Reloading Powder

[siam]

I am thinking of reloading some 9MM with 115 gr bullets, any suggestions on what power to use?
This will be my first attempt at reloading going to start with the simple Lee Loader.


Thanks Mike

[Ikeo74]

Look in your reloading book for powder recommendations and then see if you can buy some of it.

[muggsy]

I've been using power pistol in most of my hand gun calibers. It's low flash and clean burning.

[Bob T]

A lot depends on what you can find. Things are better than they were a couple years ago, but pistol powders can still be hard to find.

My favorites are W231, Unique and VVN320. I also use with good success, Green Dot and VVN340.
Got others in the cabinet, that I bought when I couldn't get what I wanted, like Accurate No. 5 and No. 7, Power Pistol, TiteGroup and VVN310, but I haven't worked with them much.

Don't be afraid to try other size bullets. I find 124/125 and 147 gr bullets work better than 115s, at least for me.

Bob

[marshal kane]

+1 on what your reloading manual recommends. If you haven't purchased a reloading manual yet, you can get safe recipes off of the online powder manufacturers reloading manuals. Make a list of the recommended powders before going to your local gun store as you may be unpleasantly surprised as to what is available. Handgun powders have almost disappeared off dealers shelves and it's been that way for almost three years. Should you be able to find some, buy in small quantities as price gouging is common these days. Avoid buying small quantities of powder online as the shipping cost and added hazmat fee will make that the most expensive purchase you've ever bought. If you must buy online, buy in large amounts to somewhat offset shipping and hazmat.

If you haven't purchased the Lee Loader yet, I would suggest you go for a more durable and better quality setup that will turn out reloaded ammunition faster and easier e.g. single-stage reloading press, good dies, powder measure and a loading scale. You can shop eBay for used tools if you need to stay within budget, just be sure that you're getting name brands in good condition. Much of my reloading setup is used equipment purchased off eBay. There is a world of difference between a good basic reloading setup and a Lee Loader.

[TD2K]

I use Titegroup with my 115 gr 9mm. With CCI small pistol primers. No issues so far in several thousand rounds. Used W231 a couple of times when I couldn't find Titegroup. No issues there either. Good luck, holler if you have questions.

[Bob T]

If you haven't purchased the Lee Loader yet, I would suggest you go for a more durable and better quality setup that will turn out reloaded ammunition faster and easier e.g. single-stage reloading press, good dies, powder measure and a loading scale. You can shop eBay for used tools if you need to stay within budget, just be sure that you're getting name brands in good condition. Much of my reloading setup is used equipment purchased off eBay. There is a world of difference between a good basic reloading setup and a Lee Loader.

MK is speaking the truth. I started with a Lee Loader back in the '70s, and yes it worked, but I replaced it quickly.

You can get the basics, a single stage press, set of dies, shell holder, powder trickle, and a basic scale (5-0-5 is a good choice), for not much money.
And the quality of your reloads will be much better, and you will be much happier with the process.

Bob

[siam]

I would like to thank everyone for your help. Watching more reload videos, & reading more posts, I have come to realize any pistol powder will do. I have also been looking at an upgrade to a single stage press. The press would be an additional $140 (approx) over the Lee Loader will have to check with the boss.
Thanks for all the help.
Mike

[Bobshouse]

Watching more reload videos, & reading more posts, I have come to realize any powder will do.
Mike

Not necessarily true, ANY powder will NOT do. If you use the wrong powder, or amount of powder, you could blow your gun up and possibly injure or kill you and any others around you.

Nobody here will give you recipes, and you should never listen to anyone that does. Load and verify your recipes from data published by the powder distributor or manufacturers. You don't know me, what if I give you a recipe that "I" use..."very accurate"... how do you know "I" actually use it?

Just trying to get across that when reloading, you have to be very precise and cautious. To low a charge, you can get a explosive ignition. To large a charge, you can get an explosion. Your gun blows up, you, or someone around you, could end up losing a finger, hand, eye, or worse.

With a Lee reloader, which is a good reloader for those who want accurate, repeatable, rounds..usually rifle rounds, is a great little "one at a time" reloader. But for 9mm ammo, you do realize that it will take you about 15 to 20 minutes to reload 10 rounds, right? Now I'm talking about the "Lee reloader" kit, not a single stage press, where it would be a little faster.

You can save a lot of money reloading (once you get over the initial expense). It definitely increases the time spent and enjoyment of your hobby, but you gotta be very careful and attentive to what your doing.

[marshal kane]

. . . I have come to realize any powder will do. . .
Mike
Mike, there is basically smokeless handgun powder, rifle powder, shotshell powder, and let us not forget black powder for those who are into ML. Most of these powders are NOT meant to switched and yet some can be. That's why your statement, ". . . any powder will do . . ." is raising eyebrows. As a beginning handgun cartridge reloader, my recommendation is that you start off with handgun powder and stick to published reloading recipes. As you gain experience and knowledge, you can experiment later. I have been reloading for handguns, rifles, and shotshells since 1963 and still consult my reloading manuals whenever I start to reload a new cartridge. Reload safely and avoid accidents.

[Bawanna]

I found the absolute best way to get into reloading is to find somebody you trust who already reloads. You don't actually have to sit down and reload with them but go over the basics. What each die does, look the press over and see how everything interacts with each other. See if their set up looks good to you, listen to their praise and complaints. Take away the good things and toss the bad aside and come up with your own idea for a good set up.
You gotta be super patient and triple check everything you do.

Just like so many other things in life, for the best reloads you have to be absolutely consistent. Don't trust anybody else and don't even trust yourself.

I started with a RCBS Rockchucker. It came as a kit with the scale and a powder measure and I loaded a ton of ammo on that thing. I still use it for rifle which I don't load often anymore it seems like.
I graduated and got a Hornady Lok n Load which I now use for 45 and 45 Colt. It in itself was a whole new ball game and learning experience but once sorted out, even with careful powder charge checks and care I load in an hour what would take all day and more on a single.

Still I firmly believe a single stage is the way to start out, if you get a decent one such as the Rock Chucker (there are others as well) you'll always have it, they never wear out and they aren't a pain to use.

The press's now days are great. I'd spend some time doing the research, and saving up for good stuff.

I don't look down my nose at Lee though either, they make some good stuff too.

[TD2K]

scored a 4# jug of titegroup at my local range Sunday evening for a (what I consider) great price. :D