[veeref]

For 10.1 gr, I hope you're shooting around 135gr bullets.

1. My first few rounds were a little short. What affect would this likely have? I put a magazine full of these rounds in my gun and then manually operated the slide. Each round chambered and was ejected without a problem. Are these rounds dangerous?

Be VERY CAREFUL with OAL in the 40S&W round. What loading manuals have you read? From what I've read - reducing OAL/reducing loading cavity can increase internal pressures. The 40S&W round is a very high pressure round to begin with. I don't know how short "a little short" is, can you elaborate? If you're like 1.123 or 1.120 or so, you'll probably be okay, but anything significantly less and your pressure can skyrocket.

2. I crimped all of the rounds I made, but it seems crimping is optional? Looking at my factory ammo, I don't see a crimp. What affect will this have?

I think most rounds have a slight taper crimp where the bullet seats in the casing, but I could be wrong. The FCD (if you're using the LEE dies), will supposedly add reliability in feeding in some guns and will hold the bullet firmly in place. More experiences guys should be able to chime in on this one.

3. I was using some once-fired brass from my last range trip. I didn't do any cleaning step (haven't gotten my tumbler yet), although I did visually inspect each cartridge to make sure there was nothing inside and there were no ruptures. What cleaning steps do most people take?

I just bought a tumbler a couple of days ago, but before that I would just throw it in some Birchwood Casey solution, and let it air dry.

4. Any general tips on firing that first round?

As long as you triple-check all your load data, just go out there, load one bullet in your magazine, and shoot it. I was scared $#$%#$less when I shot my first reload, but after you do it, there's very few other feeling in the world like it.

Good luck!