Newbie Reloader

[Wobbly]

^^ Yea, what those guys said !! ^^

It's like we all know how to tie shoes. But sub-conscientiously we also take into account if the laces are extra long, made of a slick material that might not hold a bow, or if they're on a pair of hiking/ running shoes where it would be highly inconvenient for them to come untied. So the way we tie the shoes is modified by type shoe, environment they are used in, and lace material. And of course, we had to trip and stumble for years to learn all this.

The object of reloading is not to trip and stumble your way to success, but to start out thinking about the "gottchas" from the beginning so it becomes ingrained and "second nature". And just like the shoe laces, we move from one fact to another, building a solid reason for all the moves we make. It's the only way to stay safe.


The thread you are looking for on bullet lengths is This One. Copy and paste the first message into a word processor. Then print it out and slip it into your reloading notebook.

 

[tdogg]

1) Most of the load data I see doesn't include bullet seating depth.  Were can I find that?

This is one of the biggest fails of all load data books.  Unless you know exactly what bullet is used and the manufacturer lists the bullet length in the specification data you really don't know what the seating depth is for that load data.

The reality is that there isn't a easy way to measure seating depth, so listing the OAL is "easier".  If they would just publish the bullet length with the data then you could calculate the seating depth and attempt to keep your load development in the approximate same starting pressure zone.  Another reality is that not all cases are the same so what your loading may have less case volume then the cases used in the load data (or they may have more volume?).  Hence the reason(s) to start out at the starting load (or adjusted starting load ) and use a chrono to track your velocities.  It's the best we can do when performing our load development with similar but not exact components.

This is fun isn't it! 

Cheers,
Toby

[Wobbly]

This is one of the biggest fails of all load data books. 

To be fair, most 9mm pistols will allow the reloader to start at an OAL much longer than what they deem their Optimal OAL, then shorten the OAL in small increments until reaching parity with the Load Data velocity. That would be the ultimate.

Unfortunately, CZ owners typically don't have the luxury to shoot their first loads at OALs 0.060" longer than optimal, just to prove out the load data. Therefore we need to whip out the calculator and do some mental gymnastics to stay on the safe side.

[RandyMan]

Tdogg  Yes it is a lot of fun.
I really enjoy learning about this and I'm looking forward to the new year of reloading

[Wobbly]

Randy -
Besides the Lee manual that probably came with your press, what other reloading manuals do you have access too ??

Rather than wait on your reply, to save time I'll tell you that a lot of stuff is on sale right now. If you have a chance, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy (they come hard-bound and paperback) of the Lyman #49 or #50 reloading manual. Unlike most manuals, the Lyman book covers every caliber in jacketed and lead loads. It will be a huge asset to you. (The #50 was just released, so it should be easy to find a #49 on sale.)

I see a new #49 for $16.59 with free shipping on Amazon. Probably paperback. I see #50 hardbound for $23.99 with free shipping. That's your 2 limits. Click Here

 

[RandyMan]

Randy -
Besides the Lee manual that probably came with your press, what other reloading manuals do you have access too ??

Rather than wait on your reply, to save time I'll tell you that a lot of stuff is on sale right now. If you have a chance, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy (they come hard-bound and paperback) of the Lyman #49 or #50 reloading manual. Unlike most manuals, the Lyman book covers every caliber in jacketed and lead loads. It will be a huge asset to you. (The #50 was just released, so it should be easy to find a #49 on sale.)

I see a new #49 for $16.59 with free shipping on Amazon. Probably paperback. I see #50 hardbound for $23.99 with free shipping. That's your 2 limits. Click Here

 

As you stated I have the lee manual, a Hodgdon booklet and mostly use online info. I will look into both of the ones you suggested!

[Wobbly]

As you stated I have the lee manual, a Hodgdon booklet and mostly use online info. I will look into both of the ones you suggested!

The issues are that Lee doesn't do their own testing. That is purchased data of unknown age and origin. And Hodgdon obviously only lists their own powders. Not only that, but the Winchester and IMR data (which Hodgdon is now responsible for) is at least 15 years old and doesn't have an OAL with it.

People with the 50th may correct me, but proabably not a lot of change in the data between 49 and 50. It may be improved presentation, but I wouldn't expect radical changes in the 9mm Luger data.

 

[RandyMan]

As you stated I have the lee manual, a Hodgdon booklet and mostly use online info. I will look into both of the ones you suggested!

The issues are that Lee doesn't do their own testing. That is purchased data of unknown age and origin. And Hodgdon obviously only lists their own powders. Not only that, but the Winchester and IMR data (which Hodgdon is now responsible for) is at least 15 years old and doesn't have an OAL with it.

People with the 50th may correct me, but proabably not a lot of change in the data between 49 and 50. It may be improved presentation, but I wouldn't expect radical changes in the 9mm Luger data.

 

My local Cabelas shows both in stock!

[Wobbly]

The Lyman data is going to show a much wider load window for that powder than what you are now working with. That's going to allow you a little more freedom and safety as you work up your loads. The Starting Load is going to be lower, and the Max Load is going to show a higher ceiling. That's why you want to own this book.

Now, to use the book you have to know that Hodgdon HP-38 is the exact same powder as Winchester 231. To save ink and space, obviously they will only show 1. So if your can says "231", but the book data says "HP-38" then you can still use it. A smart guy might write that info right inside the front cover.

All the best !