Time to start reloading.

38splfan · November 2, 2006, 03:04 PM

Okay guys and gals, it's time for me to take the plunge.
I'm getting ready to go ahead and pick up a Lee Anniversary kit and all essentials/prudent upgrades for it.

I'd like to start reloading for 9mm Largo as the first caliber. I've already gathered and read as much reliable reload data as I can find.

I've read that most people use the standard 9x19 dies for it. Since the OAL is different, how would I go about getting the correct OAL using those dies?

I guess to start I'll be a low volume reloader, and gradually increase volume as I get more comfortable (and when I get home from Iraq

)

I hope to set myself up with the gear while I'm at home on leave for the next two weeks, then start processing when I get back. (no need to rush it on leave, too many distractions)

I guess, to make a long post short, can anyone give me the skinny on how to successfully and painlessly reload 9mm Largo with the Lee Anniversary Kit (all the budget will offer for a while) and successfully help me figure out the OAL issue?

Thanks to all of you for answering my painfully obvious questions in the past, and I'm sure I'll have plenty more in the future.

KW-Bane · November 2, 2006, 05:28 PM

The Lee Anniversary Kit is a good choice to start with, matched up with Lee carbide dies. I still use mine!!
Reloading is rather easy to do, just make sure "safety" is consistantly present at all times.
Find a good manual/book with lots of info that shares others mistakes and successes. Reasearch reloading data from manufacturer's of bullets, powders etc for safe loads in your gun.

Also, the slow approach is not so bad. Rushing or hurrying when reloading is not a good habit.

Low volume is good practice, for quite a few reasons.

For OAL issues...OAL is set by adjusting your bullet seating die. I started with a "dummy load" (no primer or powder) and by seating a little at a time, checking the lenght of the dmy ld till the die was set to give me the correct OAL. (the dummy load is reusable, just push or pull the bullet out if there is not a heavy crimp

)
You should have the OAL from the loading data.

I recommend purchasing $20. - $25. digital calipers to measure the OAL.

THANK YOU, for serving and protecting our country!!

CrustyFN · November 2, 2006, 08:18 PM

I do the same thing as KW. I will make a dummy round for each different style of bullet and then crimp it. Next time I want to use that type of bullet I run it into the seating die, screw the die down until it touches and you are ready to go. I will check the first one with a caliper to make sure everything is OK. Don't be afraid to ask questions. There are a lot of very knowledgeable reloaders here. Good luck

38splfan · November 3, 2006, 04:52 AM

Thanks guys.
I'm sure there will be lots of questions. I don't have anybody around to teach, so it's gonna be a slow process. Better slow than blind or three-fingered

Thanks for the bit about OAL especially. Knowing that makes the whole deal more clear, especially regarding 9x19 dies and why they work for the 9x23 (Largo) round.

Thanks again.

rwilson452 · November 3, 2006, 08:53 AM

If your going to be using Lee stuff get "Lee's Modern Reloading"

I would also suggest "The ABC's of Reloading".

rwilson452 · November 3, 2006, 08:57 AM

If your headed "Over there" keep your head down and check six often. I will pray for your safe return.

USNRET

November 2, 2006, 03:04 PM	#1
38splfan Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2004 Location: Ft. Lewis/Tacoma, WA. Posts: 1,034	Time to start reloading. Okay guys and gals, it's time for me to take the plunge. I'm getting ready to go ahead and pick up a Lee Anniversary kit and all essentials/prudent upgrades for it. I'd like to start reloading for 9mm Largo as the first caliber. I've already gathered and read as much reliable reload data as I can find. I've read that most people use the standard 9x19 dies for it. Since the OAL is different, how would I go about getting the correct OAL using those dies? I guess to start I'll be a low volume reloader, and gradually increase volume as I get more comfortable (and when I get home from Iraq ) I hope to set myself up with the gear while I'm at home on leave for the next two weeks, then start processing when I get back. (no need to rush it on leave, too many distractions) I guess, to make a long post short, can anyone give me the skinny on how to successfully and painlessly reload 9mm Largo with the Lee Anniversary Kit (all the budget will offer for a while) and successfully help me figure out the OAL issue? Thanks to all of you for answering my painfully obvious questions in the past, and I'm sure I'll have plenty more in the future. __________________ "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to others and I expect the same from them." - John Wayne

November 2, 2006, 05:28 PM	#2
KW-Bane Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2006 Location: Mississippi Posts: 109	The Lee Anniversary Kit is a good choice to start with, matched up with Lee carbide dies. I still use mine!! Reloading is rather easy to do, just make sure "safety" is consistantly present at all times. Find a good manual/book with lots of info that shares others mistakes and successes. Reasearch reloading data from manufacturer's of bullets, powders etc for safe loads in your gun. Also, the slow approach is not so bad. Rushing or hurrying when reloading is not a good habit. Low volume is good practice, for quite a few reasons. For OAL issues...OAL is set by adjusting your bullet seating die. I started with a "dummy load" (no primer or powder) and by seating a little at a time, checking the lenght of the dmy ld till the die was set to give me the correct OAL. (the dummy load is reusable, just push or pull the bullet out if there is not a heavy crimp ) You should have the OAL from the loading data. I recommend purchasing $20. - $25. digital calipers to measure the OAL. THANK YOU, for serving and protecting our country!! __________________ http://www.kwsquad.com/kwsite2/ "Everyone knows there is right and wrong, but integrity proves a man"

November 2, 2006, 08:18 PM	#3
CrustyFN Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,258	I do the same thing as KW. I will make a dummy round for each different style of bullet and then crimp it. Next time I want to use that type of bullet I run it into the seating die, screw the die down until it touches and you are ready to go. I will check the first one with a caliper to make sure everything is OK. Don't be afraid to ask questions. There are a lot of very knowledgeable reloaders here. Good luck __________________ I don't ever remember being absent minded.

November 3, 2006, 04:52 AM	#4
38splfan Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2004 Location: Ft. Lewis/Tacoma, WA. Posts: 1,034	Thanks again. Thanks guys. I'm sure there will be lots of questions. I don't have anybody around to teach, so it's gonna be a slow process. Better slow than blind or three-fingered Thanks for the bit about OAL especially. Knowing that makes the whole deal more clear, especially regarding 9x19 dies and why they work for the 9x23 (Largo) round. Thanks again. __________________ "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to others and I expect the same from them." - John Wayne

November 3, 2006, 08:53 AM	#5
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	Suggs for newbie If your going to be using Lee stuff get "Lee's Modern Reloading" I would also suggest "The ABC's of Reloading".

November 3, 2006, 08:57 AM	#6
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	Thanks for your service If your headed "Over there" keep your head down and check six often. I will pray for your safe return. USNRET