Newbie wants to start reloading

How many times do you have to use 9mm brass before you have to trim? I plan on using minimum loads at the beginning. Just wondering if a case length guage is in order also.

How many times do you have to use 9mm brass before you have to trim? I plan on using minimum loads at the beginning. Just wondering if a case length guage is in order also.

Click to expand...

I just started reloading, and I have the Lee 50th Anniversary kit. It's single stage, and is super-simple to use, quick to change out the dies, and easy to set up. I've never used a turret press, but for my $.02, go with the basics at first.

As for case length, I just picked up $30 digital calipers from Home Depot, and those work just fine for me. Case length, diameter, thickness, whatever. They're not SUPER accurate (+- .02 mm, give or take), but they work well enough for me. I reload .223, and I've done about 3 reloads off the brass I have, and it's still spec length.

Also, any experts here have an opinion on small-base dies as opposed to regular for automatics?

ive never needed to trim 9mm brass. it doesnt stretch as much as rifle brass does. the only pistol cases ive ever had to trim after one or two shots were my hto rod silhouette loads in my 10mm. those would stretch pretty good.

small base dies are OK for rifles like ARs where you have tight clearances, for others like CETMEs, AKs, and civilian designs like the BAR, they really arent needed.

SW

How many times do you have to use 9mm brass before you have to trim? I plan on using minimum loads at the beginning. Just wondering if a case length guage is in order also.

Click to expand...

I just started reloading, and I have the Lee 50th Anniversary kit. It's single stage, and is super-simple to use, quick to change out the dies, and easy to set up. I've never used a turret press, but for my $.02, go with the basics at first.

Click to expand...

I keep flip flopping back and forth trying to decide between the 4 hole turret kit and the 50th Anniversary kit. Right now it's the turret. I plan to use it single stage at first.

Who knows, when I go to place my order I might flip back to the Anniversary kit. :undecided:

with teh advent of the lock n load die change system, turret presses are largely obsolete. the allure of a turret was the mounting of multiple dies without need to reset them each time they were screwed in. i have an old turret but the only thing i use it for is priming obstanant military brass.

SW

I've yet to trim any pistol brass (9mm & 45acp). I've got some brass that I've reloaded up to 10x and it is still fine. I don't load hot. I use a set of Lowes digital calipers for OAL and a cartridge gage for diameter. Just found the gage to be so much faster than calipers for diameter.

Finally ordered my press today. I went with the Lee 50th Anniversary kit. Ended up getting that one because of price and the goodies that came with it. Really didn't have to order anything but the dies. I did end up getting a bullet puller, another set of the breech lock bushings, and a case length guage. I had enough money left over to get me a Ruger P95. I've wanted one for a very long time. Ordered it from Gallery of Guns. Should be ready to pick up from the local shop tomorrow. :cry2:

sounds like you are ready to go.

Congratulations on the purchase. At lease the agnoy of decision making is over. You couldn't really go wrong with anything you chose. They all reload ammo and that is the bottom line. Relax now and enjoy!