Reloading newbie questions

[3axap]

Hello everyone,

I'm gearing up to start reloading 9mm ammo and have already spent quite a bit of time reading the ABCs of reloading as well as the forums. So far I've got my reloading equipment squared away, but now the question of getting components has me a bit perplexed. My main question is regarding bullets. I have heard of the Bayou Bullets with their green coating, seen them tested on youtube and I really like the price vs performance that they seem to have. However, I have no idea what kind of loads I should be putting together with these coated lead bullets. Where do I start if I go with the BBs? Am I better off starting with FMJ bullets from a well-known outfit that would have load data in the published manuals? I shoot at both indoor and outdoor facilities, so is coated lead a good choice for both?

All input is appreciated!

 

[CloudStrife]

I don't know about the BBs, but there's also Berry's bullets. They're copper plated. I presume this will behave just like a jacket inside the barrel.
http://www.berrysmfg.com/products-c11-9MM_.356.aspx

 

[gmshooter]

Email Donnie and he can give you some recipies

 

[FD807]

what weight bullet and what kind of powder do you have

 

[scubasteve]

By all means start with the ByuBoolits. Use the recommended loads in your manual for a cast boolit of the same weight.
If Donny has a proven and tested recipe, use it with confidence.


9mm? Are you reloading for your little sister?

 

[3axap]

what weight bullet and what kind of powder do you have

I have not acquired either bullets or powder yet. My plinking ammo (factory) is 115 grain, so I'll probably stay in the 115-125 grain range. Powder choice is still up in the air since I don't know what is available locally and I really need to spend some more time reading up on the subject.

Thanks for the PM, btw, much appreciated.

By all means start with the ByuBoolits. Use the recommended loads in your manual for a cast boolit of the same weight.
If Donny has a proven and tested recipe, use it with confidence.


9mm? Are you reloading for your little sister?

I enjoy mechanical work in miniature :-p And you gotta start somewhere 9mm is what I currently own, so that's what I'm playing with right now.

 

[scubasteve]

RIGHT ON!!!! Reloading ain't hard once you have it figured out. I find it to be very relaxing. No Tv, no radio, no wife, no kids. Just the steady csshunk cashunk of the press.
Just wait.......a year from now your'e gonna have more reloading junk than you can imagine.

 

[3axap]

RIGHT ON!!!! Reloading ain't hard once you have it figured out. I find it to be very relaxing. No Tv, no radio, no wife, no kids. Just the steady csshunk cashunk of the press.
Just wait.......a year from now your'e gonna have more reloading junk than you can imagine.

Been there done that. My closets are full of my other hobbies at this point...

 

[FTRrookie]

One of my favorite 9mm loads consists of 135 gr. Bayou Bullets and Titegroup powder. I highly recommend Bayou Bullets for their consistency in weight, accuracy, ease of clean up (no lube all over the place) and no leading problems. Someone mentioned Berry bullets but I've found them to be too inconsistant. For example, the last box of 158 gr. .38 cal berry bullets I bought varied from 146 gr to 167 gr. With Bayou Bullets I've never had more than a 5 gr variance.

 

[3axap]

Ended up picking up some Titegroup powder tonight. Still in search of small pistol primers and waiting for a response from bayou bullets. Anyone know of a shop on the east/west bank that carries primers? Jeff Gun is out right now

 

[scubasteve]

Best thing is to call Donnie and arrange p/u or have him ship if your buying bulk.

 

[3axap]

Best thing is to call Donnie and arrange p/u or have him ship if your buying bulk.

Got in touch with Donnie, so the bullet part should be taken care of. Going with 125 gr LRN to start with. Still in search of primers though.

 

[jmcrawf1]

Got in touch with Donnie, so the bullet part should be taken care of. Going with 125 gr LRN to start with. Still in search of primers though.

Meet donnie at cabela's, thus saving you in shipping and tax. Then go in cabela's and buy your primers.

(call ahead to see if they have them in stock but they usually do.)

 

[FD807]

Midway USA has primers only takes a few days or Larry at La Gun in BR has some if you want to make the trip for them

 

[3axap]

Wasn't planning to venture over to BR anytime soon, but might have to. Thanks for the input guys

 

[toddrod]

Nick's shooting range, in Garyville, had Remington SP primers last time I was there. He also had SR primers that you could use if you are not using full power loads.

 

[toddrod]

Also, Titegroup 3.6g with the Bayou 124 seated to an OAL of 1.10 makes a good all around plinking combination.

 

[FTRrookie]

Also, Titegroup 3.6g with the Bayou 124 seated to an OAL of 1.10 makes a good all around plinking combination.

What he said.