Reloading 9mm

[Hobie8]

Is it worth reloading 9mm? Just wondering on how much I can knock the cost down. I've also heard that 9mm is a bit trickier to reload than other calibers. Any truth to this?

 

[indyjoe]

I\'ve never heard of any tricky-ness to 9mm reloading. I\'ve probably done 10k or so. Costs will vary depending on powder and bullet selection, but is cheaper than the equivalent purchased, depending on how fast you load and what value you put on your time.

 

[samrothstein01]

I am not a professional, and just getting started with reloading. (Or re-started) My opinion is that it will not save you money. The more you make, the more you will shoot them, so you will actually end up spending more. However, your price per unit should go down. It does take an investment, (estimated between $800 and $1200 on other posts) to get started, and it will take some time to reach that break even point.

Secondly, I have always heard 9mm is more dangerous to reload and you need to be very maticulous, as if reloading didn't require it already. I have no idea if there is truth to that, just what I have been told. There are plenty of very knowledgeable folks on here, so you should get some better answers soon!

Sorry I couldn't be of further help!

 

[m_deaner]

My reloading cost for 9mm starts at $4.15 per box (of 50) at today's component prices. PM me if you want some load recipes.

Loading 9mm is not hard. My 12-year old son does all my loading (under supervision, of course).

 

[Hobie8]

Thanks for the info guys. Buddy of mine just bought a Dillion 550 that he's gonna use for .45 cal, and I have a Dillion Square Deal in the garage thats never been used, so we're thinking about setting that one up for 9mm. I've never reloaded myself, so this should be interesting, hope I don't blow the garage up...LOL.

 

[WhitleyStu]

Use an up to date reloading manual and start at the low side of powder for the given caliber and you will be fine.

 

[m_deaner]

Here is a great compilation of handloading tips for 9mm:
HANDLOADING TIPS for 9mm - CZF AMMUNITION-FACTORY AND HANDLOADED - GENERAL - CZFORUM.COM - Message Board - Yuku

I don't agree with all of it, but there is lots of good info there.

 

[mospeada]

Prices for 1,000 rounds
FMJ Bullets ~$70
Powder ~$20
Primers ~30

Total ~$120

Thats about $100 less than what you can buy a case of ammo for. Of course this doesn't include the cost of the cases or reloading equipment or your time. The reloading equipment is a long-term investment and the cases should be incredibly cheap to come by some once-fired stuff.

 

[Joe Williams]

I can reload using cast for $5.20 per 50. So, yeah, you can spend less per box by reloading.

FMJ for $6.90 per 50. Still saving money, and my reloads are better than the cheapo factory stuff.

I do think 9mm demands more precision than other calibers for best results. It's a small, high pressure round, and very small differences in powder, OAL, anything will show on the target. I think it's finicky, but when you get it right that just makes it more satisfying.

 

[WhitleyStu]

I know we all do a cost analysis at some time on our reloads, but for me the biggest factor is getting a hand load that I like compared to an off the shelf factory full power load. And, yes, I do reload for the cost factor too…