New to reloading -- Need advice

[CodeJockey]

All,

I'm new to reloading. I purchased all of my equipment a few months back, but I haven't been able to really get started with it b/c of a hectic work schedule and moving. Now that things have settled down, I pulled out all my stuff and am ready to go. Here's the question. I have two manuals: Lee, and Speer (#13 I think).

I'm loading 9mm bullets for my first test run. I have a few questions:

1. In my Lee manual it shows an OAL of 1.169 for 9mm at the beginning of 9mm the bullet specs. Then in the charts it shows a min. overall length based on bullet / powder, etc. Does that mean that my OAL needs to fall somewhere between 1.169 and whatever the min OAL is for my combination. Some of them were 1.141, 1.120, etc. So that's a fairly big variance it seems.

2. For my first attempt I bought Berry's Plated bullets 115gr RN. I have Blue Dot powder. Now the Speer manual doesn't seem to list "plated" bullets at all. The Lee does list 115gr plated bullets, but not with Blue Dot powder. It lists 115gr FMJ with Blue Dot powder. Is it okay to use the specs for the 115gr FMJ even though my bullets are copper plated berrys? If not, can someone tell me of a source that does list this combination? I'll happily go buy the book.

Sorry for the beginner questions, but I'd much rather err on the side of caution for my first run through. I do have all my cases cleaned, sized / de-capped, and expanded. All I have left to do is prime them, charge, seat and crimp.

[joseywales]

...
1. In my Lee manual it shows an OAL of 1.169 for 9mm at the beginning of 9mm the bullet specs. Then in the charts it shows a min. overall length based on bullet / powder, etc. Does that mean that my OAL needs to fall somewhere between 1.169 and whatever the min OAL is for my combination. Some of them were 1.141, 1.120, etc. So that's a fairly big variance it seems.

I try to load to an OAL that's as long as my magazines will handle, i.e., if the round is too long, it will not reliably feed from the magazine. I shoot Glocks, so my OAL is usually shorter than most others shooting the 1911 style pistol. I load my 147 CMJ bullets to 1.140, and 124g JHP bullets to 1.120.

...
2. For my first attempt I bought Berry's Plated bullets 115gr RN. I have Blue Dot powder. Now the Speer manual doesn't seem to list "plated" bullets at all. The Lee does list 115gr plated bullets, but not with Blue Dot powder. It lists 115gr FMJ with Blue Dot powder. Is it okay to use the specs for the 115gr FMJ even though my bullets are copper plated berrys? If not, can someone tell me of a source that does list this combination? I'll happily go buy the book.

I would think that you would be ok with using the specs for the 115g FMJ. Keep in mind that the plated bullets are softer...more similar to lead bullets than jacketed. As such, you may be able to use a little less powder with the plated bullets to achieve the same velocity as a FMJ bullet.

[KaiserB]

All,

I'm new to reloading. I purchased all of my equipment a few months back, but I haven't been able to really get started with it b/c of a hectic work schedule and moving. Now that things have settled down, I pulled out all my stuff and am ready to go. Here's the question. I have two manuals: Lee, and Speer (#13 I think).

I'm loading 9mm bullets for my first test run. I have a few questions:

1. In my Lee manual it shows an OAL of 1.169 for 9mm at the beginning of 9mm the bullet specs. Then in the charts it shows a min. overall length based on bullet / powder, etc. Does that mean that my OAL needs to fall somewhere between 1.169 and whatever the min OAL is for my combination. Some of them were 1.141, 1.120, etc. So that's a fairly big variance it seems.

The OAL depends greatly on the weight and shape of the bullet. Some heavier bullets are longer, while shapes such as FP, TC, and HP are shorter than Ball ammo.

See diagram on this page: http://www.precisionbullets.com/products.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2. For my first attempt I bought Berry's Plated bullets 115gr RN. I have Blue Dot powder. Now the Speer manual doesn't seem to list "plated" bullets at all. The Lee does list 115gr plated bullets, but not with Blue Dot powder. It lists 115gr FMJ with Blue Dot powder. Is it okay to use the specs for the 115gr FMJ even though my bullets are copper plated berrys? If not, can someone tell me of a source that does list this combination? I'll happily go buy the book.

I would get on the Alliant Powder website and look for a plated load (TMJ). Plated bullets (i.e. TMJ), depending on thickness of plating will generate a higher pressure than FMJ. They are usually loaded the same as Lead bullets or 10-15% under recomended FMJ loads.

[ghostrider]

Not all TMJ bullets are created alike. I think the term is also used (Speer?) to describe an FMJ bullet where the normally exposed lead base also is enclosed by a copper jacket. In that case it should be treated (and loaded) like an FMJ or JHP rather than a plated bullet.

[age_ranger]

Take your time and learn what powders go with what bullets. Thre's different load date for plated, lead. moly and jacketed bullets. Your OAL is important and bullet setback can be a problem. Read up on it and get a good understanding on the process.....oh, and ask ALOT of questions. It only takes one mistake on one round to blow up a weapon or worse, injure yourself. On top of that, make sure you use quality components and inspect your cases!!!

[CodeJockey]

Yup. I'm going to buy some different powder this week. Everyone is telling me that Blue dot is less forgiving than some of the others. Does anyone have any recommendations on a good powder for berry's plated bullets in 9mm?

[KaiserB]

Yup. I'm going to buy some different powder this week. Everyone is telling me that Blue dot is less forgiving than some of the others. Does anyone have any recommendations on a good powder for berry's plated bullets in 9mm?

I would NOT recommend Power Pistol

You could load with Unique, Universal Clays (NOT "Clays"), or Titegroup and get some pretty good loads.

One word of caution, many of the websites list Universal Clays as "Universal." Make sure you double check the measurement needed in grains against a couple of sources to insure you do not go over the max pressure.

[ghostrider]

did they say what they mean by 'less forgiving'? I'm currently using blue dot in 9mm and its working fine for me. There is a concern with using it for light bullets in 357 magnum though:

http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... 28&t=18224" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CodeJockey]

Well, two different people have told me that pressure changes from minor fluctuations in OAL can be much greater with Blue Dot than with some other powders. Not having used any of them, I can't say for sure.

[Jeremae]

I use 4.9 grains of Win231 for 115gr plated 9mms

[CodeJockey]

What OAL do you use with that load?

[ddcarter3]

I use 4.9 grains of Win231 for 115gr plated 9mms

I use the same with a 1.20 OAL. Works great in my G26. Some reloading mag said Win231 worked best balistically in 9mm, .40 cal and 45 ACP of which I reload for all. Lucky me!
Welcome to the sickness of reloading! Have fun!

[getnit1]

I use unique with the berry's and ranier plated. I use the starting charge for a 115 gr. I am loading practice ammo so I save powder by light loading and the cheaper plated bullets.

[mactex]

Yup. I'm going to buy some different powder this week. Everyone is telling me that Blue dot is less forgiving than some of the others. Does anyone have any recommendations on a good powder for berry's plated bullets in 9mm?

I would NOT recommend Power Pistol

Hmmm... I curious why you don't recommend Power Pistol? I've been using it very successfully for several years now.

As for Berry's plated loads, simply use a mild load and you'll be ok. The Berry's web site recommends keeping the FPS at 1,200 or below.