Just fire my first ever reloads!

[DLButler]

I just returned from the range after firing the first reloads I have ever made. Everything went well. The gun went bang, the bullets exited the barrel, the slide operated correctly and stayed back after the last round. I am very pleased with myself. That was all of 7 rounds the my CM9. Now I will be able/confident to load more so I can go to the range more often. I also loaded and shot 7 rounds thru my Browning BDA 380.

[jocko]

A good reloaded can do as good as factory, but many today tell me the cost of componets has risen so much that for range fodder, sometimes 9mm ammo is soldso cheap in price that it just an't worth the effore. Shot gun loading has went that way. Whenit gets around 50 cents less to reload, most willnot reload. I remember when I use dto b itch at 9 bucks for a bag of shot, now what is it 35-40 bucks.

[Bill K]

I believe there is still a decent cost benefit to doing .380 reloads.

[jocko]

probably more so in the 380 over the 9mm for sure. I just don't know to many 380 reloaders.. When I can still buy 100 wwb fmj at wal mart for $22, I just don't want to reload. been there done that, it was fun-=--was??

[DLButler]

I pay between $14 to $17 a box for the 380's and $11 to $12 for the 9mm.
Reloads minus the cost of equipment are costing less than $6.50 a box.
At that rate I should clear the cost of equipment in about 25 to 30 boxes.

[Dietrich]

You can still save money reloading 9mm but the percentage of savings isn`t as much as with other calibers.It`s enough for me anyway.Keep on with your reloading and you will find it to be a rewarding hobby.

[jocko]

$6.50 is a good price if u can reload for that. especially in the 380's, actually not bad for 9's either. I wouldhave to put a big sheet of ploastic down at my outdoor range as we shoot on grass, and it is a bit-h to find the brass. I guess I could hire an illegal for 50 cents an hour to pick them up for me..

[Bill K]

If you're just doing square range practice you could rig up some sort of brass catcher. Now if we only shot revolvers we wouldn't ever loose brass. :)

[jocko]

can u spell L A Z Y!!

kinda fits me to a tee..

[O'Dell]

can u spell L A Z Y!!

kinda fits me to a tee..

Boy, do you have me nailed! :D

[wyntrout]

Hey! When you reach our age, we deserve a little "lazy". I did retire way too early, but we finally got everything but the mortgage paid off... until the next vehicle... her car is over 10 years old and mine is over 7 now. She doesn't WANT a new car... darn it!

I'm lazy... a procrastinator... and my computer hobby/oline shopping sure feeds my gun hobby! If my wife hadn't gone back to work, we couldn't afford all of MY excesses!

I still feel that bullets are a better "investment" than some of the alternatives!

Lessee... pile of food and valuable metals... uh, without guns and bullets, that stuff will be "shared" very quickly.

Wynn:)

[BuckeyeBlast]

If you're saving your brass, you can still save some good coin on 9mm by buying in bulk and shopping your bullets/primers.

What recipe are you cooking with?

[DLButler]

I am using one supplied by Ben at Aliant. He said the ones in the book were too hot.

9MM
115 gr lead bullet
Bullseye start 4 grs max 4.5 grs
Unique start 4.5 max 5 grs
Power Pistol start 5 grs max 5.5 grs I used this one at 5 grs

115 gr jacketed bullet
Bullseye start 4 grs max 4.5 grs
Unique start 4.5 grs max 5.5 grs
Power Pistol start 5.9 grs max 6.3 grs

380
100 gr FMJ, plated or lead

Bullseye start 2 grs max 2.9 grs
Red Dot start 1.8 grs max 2.8 grs
Unique start 2.6 grs max 3.4 grs
Power Pistol start 3.4 grs max 3.8 grs I used this one at 3.4 grs.

[wayneo1]

Joko
Have you ever seen those nets that attach to your wrist and when you shoot the shells fly right into the net and you dont have to bend over and hunt for them.

[Bawanna]

I think he uses those for butterflies.

[DKD]

DL,

Keep at it son, reloading can be a very satisfying endevor. I have been reloading over 36 or so years now and reload everything from 32 ACP, 380 ACP, 38 spl,.357 mag, 9mm, 44 spl, 44 mag, and 45 Colt and thats just in handgun calibers.
I started originally due to cost, but found out that I like being totally self sufficient. I can tailor any load that I like to a particular need or weapon. I also reload many rifle calibers, shotgun and havn't bought any factory for many years. All of my hunting loads are reloads and have been 100% lethal. Unfortunately when you have a good deal of sucess you end up with a cult following where everyone you know wants you to load for them. That can become a bit burdensome at times.

I also cast my own bulets in all calibers...like I said I like being self sufficeint.

[DLButler]

Thanks DKD,
Casting is my next project after I get really proficient
and comfortable with the current loading supplies. Also, I need to recover my current startup costs.