so ive never looked into reloading until recently. I want to reload my 9mm ammo. But ive had many people that give me scares of accidentally putting in a double load...has anyone ever done this? how hard is it to avoid? Is it worth the time and effort in your opinion?
I just started reloading 40 cal myself. Today, I shot my own first reloads. I was nervous at the first pull of the trigger, but after the first mag, I felt fine. I feel that it is very easy to be safe. I do use a set of reloading trays. First, I take my polished cases and fill up my tray. Second, I run them all through the resizer/deprimer. After I do each step I flip them the opposite direction in the tray. The next step is to prime all the cases (I use the hand primer). Next step is to charge all the cases with the powder dropper. I usually check ever 5th to 10th round to make sure the powder weight is the same. After I do a complete tray of charged cases, I visually inspect each one with a flashlight to make sure they are all showing the same power amount. With the type of powder I am using, it would be very easy to tell if you double charged as you probably wouldn't even be able to seat a bullet because the power would be almost to the top of the case. The last step is to seat the bullets into the charged cases.
I am using the Lee single stage anniversary press kit right now until I get a little more serious. Maybe then I will step to a Dillon progressive machine.
I am using the Lee single stage anniversary press kit right now until I get a little more serious. Maybe then I will step to a Dillon progressive machine.
A double charge is easy to avoid using a progressive press. It does the operation, next pull it rotates to the next station. I also use a slower burning powder which means I have to use more than a faster burning powder. A double charge would fill the case to overflowing. I always look in each case for safety reasons anyways. It's good to be cautious.
As has been mentioned, starting out using "fluffy", slower burning powder is a great way to make it obvious to detect a double charge.
My fist powder for .45 and 9mm loads was Unique. I still like using it, but mostly selected it because it was very versatile and occupied a large volume per grain mass compared to other ball powders.
I have not had any issues since starting, but have been able to see when I may have inadvertently put a double charge, or something resembling one. (At that point, I'd step back from the bench, take a break, gather my focus and come back later. You don't want to reload distracted. Establish a series of steps and follow every single one, every single time, and the routine will help keep your loads safe and consistent.)
Take your time, don't rush, and enjoy!
My fist powder for .45 and 9mm loads was Unique. I still like using it, but mostly selected it because it was very versatile and occupied a large volume per grain mass compared to other ball powders.
I have not had any issues since starting, but have been able to see when I may have inadvertently put a double charge, or something resembling one. (At that point, I'd step back from the bench, take a break, gather my focus and come back later. You don't want to reload distracted. Establish a series of steps and follow every single one, every single time, and the routine will help keep your loads safe and consistent.)
Take your time, don't rush, and enjoy!
It should be obvious if you double charge a 9mm.If you inspect all stages carefully you should never have a problem
As long as you follow the instructions in the reloading book, do quality checks and keep the beer fridge away from the reloading bench, you should do fine.
My fist powder for .45 and 9mm loads was Unique. I still like using it, but mostly selected it because it was very versatile and occupied a large volume per grain mass compared to other ball powders.
+1,if a double load occurs it will spill over.the advice on loading trays is excellent when using single stage.you are handling only one shell at a time and keeps thing organized.
don't be afraid to reload,its worth it.get the lee manual and read and read some more.good luck.
+1,if a double load occurs it will spill over.the advice on loading trays is excellent when using single stage.you are handling only one shell at a time and keeps thing organized.
don't be afraid to reload,its worth it.get the lee manual and read and read some more.good luck.
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Worst mistake I've made is to not charge a case or two. I ended up with a stuck bullet in my 1911. It was pretty obvious a pipsqueek pop from the primer and a curl of smoke. cleared it nad found the obstruction. Tapped it out with a hard wood dowel and went back to shooting.
I also had a batch of 50 rounds of .357 mag that was so gawd awfull poor accuracy wise that after a dozen rounds I decided to pull the whole batch and start over. I found 5-6 rounds out of the remaing 30 some odd didn't have any powder.
I did have one case of a probable double charge in a .38 special. I had loaded up some absolute minimum charge loads with Unique- just about cat sneeze power level. pip, pip, pip, pip, pip, BOOM. Kind of got my attention. I looked at my load records and even a triple charge would have been maybe a little above .38 spec. +P out of a .357 mag Ruger Vaquero.
Know your limits and stay within them.
I also had a batch of 50 rounds of .357 mag that was so gawd awfull poor accuracy wise that after a dozen rounds I decided to pull the whole batch and start over. I found 5-6 rounds out of the remaing 30 some odd didn't have any powder.
I did have one case of a probable double charge in a .38 special. I had loaded up some absolute minimum charge loads with Unique- just about cat sneeze power level. pip, pip, pip, pip, pip, BOOM. Kind of got my attention. I looked at my load records and even a triple charge would have been maybe a little above .38 spec. +P out of a .357 mag Ruger Vaquero.
Know your limits and stay within them.
Did this with my .243. I loaded one round minus powder to check the dies, OAL, and then check for function in my rifle. Kept it separate for a long time, then forgot about it. Luckily the bullet didn't leave the case.
Now when I do that, I just press in a fired primer, that way I'm not wasting a primer, and no chance of mistaking it for a live round.
For those who keep track about how much is your total cost per round 9mm? assuming you already had brass
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