9MM Luger Questions

[tc scout]

I just acquired a Ruger SR9, This is my first autoloader and first 9 MM. I now reload 44 mag, 44 special, and 38 special. Considering the price of 9MM luger factory ammo, I was wondering if reloading the 9 was cost effective. If so what do the members consider the best all around bullet weight and powder choice for target practice and defense loads. Thanks for your help.

[carbineman]

9mm reloading is cost effective simply because you have the brass after you shoot the store bought rounds. I load for economy and use 115 grain jacketed bullets of both RN-RNFMJ or HP. I am experimenting with 115 grain Berrys Plated Bullets as well. I use AA#2 for my rounds as that is what I purchased cheaply. W231 is another good propellant for 9mm in my opinion. I use all types of brass, and don't hot-rod my loads. I bought a large quantity of WSP primers and use these for my pistol reloading. This has worked for me but YMMV.

[ihuntbucks]

I load 115 gr Win. Notch HP's and 115gr PHP's w/ AA #5 & Universal.Have had good results with most plated bullets also.I always buy bullets in lots of 500;much cheaper.Brass is very easy to find (pick up) at ranges.I belong to the local FOP here.If you live near one or no someone that does,then you're brass is taken care of.Althought,if like here you will also get a bunch of .40 S & W also.Most of the law enforcement here have went to .40's.But you will always have a bunch of 9's still around........Rick

[OR-E-Gun Bill]

Just my 2 cents; since you already have all the equipment for reloading (minus the 9mm dies) why not add it to your list of calibers that you can reload? After all, the initial cost of your equipment is the real expense, not the brass (as others pointed out, can be reused), bullets, powder, primers, etc..
With 1 pound of Unique you can produce over 1550 rounds with a typical load of 4.5 gr. for my bullet choices: 124 gr. FMJ-RN & 124 gr. HP-XTP

Cost effective? You have at least 4 different weapons according to your post, is that cost effective?

Bill

[Luckyducker]

TC Scout, I have loaded FMU and lead hardcast 115 grain  bullets for two 9 Lugers.  I used either 4.8 grains of Bullseye or 6.5 grains of Alliant PowerPistol and they both were good loads and very accurate.  One pistol was a Beretta 92FS that my son used to have and the other was a Series 70 Colt 1911 that belongs to my S-I-L.  BTW, I bought 1000 once fired 9mm brass and after I picked up so much range ejected stuff I finally had to quit cause I had it overflowing.

[tc scout]

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions. Guess i will be picking up a set of 9MM dies and go to it. I have plenty of Unique and access to range brass . I have never loaded bullets that do not have a canelure. As I understand it you crimp just enough to take the bell out of case and get a snug fit with the bullet at the proper OAL . If I am not correct PLEASE advise me on the proper procedure. Thanks

[Castaway]

Scout, you are right about the taper crimp.  Don't roll crimp for rimless cases.  In theory, it will headspace on the case mouth.  In reality, due to variances of brass length in manufacturing and manufacturers, it headspaces off the extractor.  If you were to roll crimp, you likely would not be able to chamber the round due to a slight bulge at the crimp.  Your dies will adjust to allow you to apply the correct taper crimp. 

[tc scout]

Thanks Castaway, Guess I need to get some dies and get busy. Thanks again to everyone.