Reloading Recipes

[CECannonJr]

For the folks who reload.

Do you have any recipes you can share for 45acp or 9mm? Favorite powders, bullets, etc. How about 5.56?

 

[1Sgt_Jerry]

That’s a huge can of worms. But worthy of the question.
In generic terms, fast to mid range powders bullseye to unique for 45 & 9. Swap any brand on the burn chart. I use a lot of universal, close to unique burn rate.

I used to load a lot of 200 grain SWC in 45, but just make it simple and load 230 RN mostly now. Clean holes are cool but like stuff to function in older guns reliably. Plus my SD loads are 230 gn

I like mid road 9’s in 124ish gn. Really like 147’s for PCC.

223/5.56. Alot of H335, 748, 55 & 62 grain projos

To simplify things, I’ve had good luck on mid range loads in data. Never a pressure issue, as accurate as I can shoot and not too puny feeling. I’ve worked up ladder loads in 1/10th grain increments. Wish I had the time back honestly.

Utilize a few good books and compare. Feel free to experiment with powder brands. (Use the burn rate chart) document what you do and be safe. Easy peasy right?

 

[joepistol]

I experiment way too much with my hand loads... if I chose 1 bullet, (weight / shape) & 1 powder type / weight, I'd have much more accurate shooting results.

As I have a variety of pistols that shoot a particular caliber, I like to experiment.
Different bullet weights, shapes. For example, I load 115gr., 124 gr /125 gr. & 147 gr. bullets in my 9mm.
When I go to the range, I'll take several different weights of bullets, maybe different bullet shapes.
Then see what I shoot most accurately in a particular pistol.

sometimes I do "tests" , like the comparison I posted about my 380's..been thinking of re-doing that with a different load of ammo,
lighter weight bullet, different powder charge.

If my record keeping were better, I'd have some interesting data, re: which pistol shoots which shape / weight bullet best, @ what velocity.

I like truncated cone bullets, but also load Rn pills, also load some FMJ & JHP's of a variety of weights.

For 45's, I prefer 200gr or 225/230 gr. pills. I prefer cone shaped bullets but load RN & SWC's as well.

I started hand loading with Hercules line of powders.. Bullseye, Unique, BlueDot, Red Dot., & 2400
After several yrs. switched to using nearly all the A/A line, #'s 2, 5, 7, & 9..for about 25 yrs..
Found the A/A powders were cleaner burning, also gave as good ,or better accuracy in my loads.

Several yrs. ago, I started using Shooter's World powders.. I like them even better.
Use their Clean Shot, Auto Pistol, & Ultimate Pistol powders..but alas, I can't find them FS anymore.
Like their rifle powders too. Bought 1 # containers, & by the time I actually loaded some ammo with these new powders,
and then got around to shooting the loads & finding out how well they work, no one has any for sale.

my loading & shooting pattern may seem full of variables..I recognize & accept this, ever heard the saying, " variety is the spice of life ? "

 

[Mike A1]

My first lb. of Hercules 2400 was fantastic however my 2nd lb. was a real problem.
As a new handloader I had not learned about powders from lot to lot, non canister powders compared to what the ammo company's use.

I just got my favorite 44 mag load using 2400 & the new powder took the 44mag to new heights. I had to drive the cases out of the cylinder, they were so hot.
The Ruger Super Blackhawk is strong however I had to shoot them up in a friends .Marlin 44mag rifle.

That woke me up to treating every new batch of powder as brand new. It helps to buy powder in lots of 4 8lb containers when possible. Today?

Several yrs. ago, I started using Shooter's World powders

I think Joe's on to something with this SW brand of powders they seem to have high praise from many shooters.

 

[CECannonJr]

As a new reloader, I'm really enjoying this thread. Thanks Jerry, Joe and Mike for being so willing to share your experience. It's a privilege to be among a few with so much experience to share.

 

[joepistol]

If you load 44's with 2400, , try some loads with H-110. I used to use BlueDot & 2400 for my hotter 44 mag loads, but after some reading, tried H-110.
That range trip, where I tried those loads, was the 1st time I had "cloverleaf" groups.. (3-4 rds touching in a group)
That sold me on using H-110 as my hot (ter) 44 Mag load powder.
I'm not one to try & exceed max charges listed in manuals.. even my hotter loads are under max. charge weights.
Most my loads are more mid-range loads. I do have a Marlin 1894 (44 Mag lever) I use for my, " too hot to be comfortable to shoot in my 44 Mag pistols"..

Don't know where I heard or read this.. ( I might have even made it up).. but I believe it is true,
" Optimum accuracy is never found at maximum velocity "...

 

[Bob Lee]

That’s a huge can of worms. But worthy of the question.
In generic terms, fast to mid range powders bullseye to unique for 45 & 9. Swap any brand on the burn chart. I use a lot of universal, close to unique burn rate.

I used to load a lot of 200 grain SWC in 45, but just make it simple and load 230 RN mostly now. Clean holes are cool but like stuff to function in older guns reliably. Plus my SD loads are 230 gn

I like mid road 9’s in 124ish gn. Really like 147’s for PCC.

223/5.56. Alot of H335, 748, 55 & 62 grain projos

To simplify things, I’ve had good luck on mid range loads in data. Never a pressure issue, as accurate as I can shoot and not too puny feeling. I’ve worked up ladder loads in 1/10th grain increments. Wish I had the time back honestly.

Utilize a few good books and compare. Feel free to experiment with powder brands. (Use the burn rate chart) document what you do and be safe. Easy peasy right?

Thank you I've wanted to try reloading, just never got set up. Got the press and dies powder and small but no large primers. I'm thinking primarily 38 special with 158gh lsw HP38 powder Winchester primers. I'm reading 4 to 4.2 grains powder to get me where I'd like to go.

 

[joepistol]

Sounds about right, to get started. When you raise the ram to either flare the case mouth or seat a bullet,
don't move the lever "fast".. I say this because 38's & 357's are tall cases ( compared to 380, 9mm, 38 super, & 45 )
dependinmg on how snugly you cases fit in the shellholder, they may wobble a bit, causing you to crush the side of the case mouth, if the case enters the die at
an angle. As you start to load, this will (may ?) become obvious to you.
Now, Good Luck, & get busy reloading.

 

[Bob Lee]

Sounds about right, to get started. When you raise the ram to either flare the case mouth or seat a bullet,
don't move the lever "fast".. I say this because 38's & 357's are tall cases ( compared to 380, 9mm, 38 super, & 45 )
dependinmg on how snugly you cases fit in the shellholder, they may wobble a bit, causing you to crush the side of the case mouth, if the case enters the die at
an angle. As you start to load, this will (may ?) become obvious to you.
Now, Good Luck, & get busy reloading.

Thank you! Will do

 

[CECannonJr]

Thank you! Will do

Once you get it going, you will really like it. Just be careful. These guys are excellent resources....Joe, Jerry and Mike.

That's a nice thing about a forum. You can have mentors and share information from afar....or not so far.

 

[Mike A1]

Anyone have any load books? I do & they are great when your loading say 44 mag & you want just data for that cartridge.

Our Manuals

Quick and easy reloading manuals for different calibers.

www.loadbooks.com

 

[joepistol]

I have a few load books Midway sold a "few" years ago.. just looked for / found them.
Midway called them " LoadMap" ( Maximum Average Pressure)
Got 'em in 9mm, 45, and 44 Mag. Looked inside & found 1998 copyright date.
Things might have changed a bit since then.

 

[Bob Lee]

I have a few load books Midway sold a "few" years ago.. just looked for / found them.
Midway called them " LoadMap" ( Maximum Average Pressure)
Got 'em in 9mm, 45, and 44 Mag. Looked inside & found 1998 copyright date.
Things might have changed a bit since then.

Pretty sure we've all changed since then. LOL.

 

[1Sgt_Jerry]

Anyone have any load books? I do & they are great when your loading say 44 mag & you want just data for that cartridge.

Our Manuals

Quick and easy reloading manuals for different calibers.

www.loadbooks.com

With caution and comparison to book data, I have found this site to be useful at times.

Reloading The .32 Smith & Wesson Long

Loads for .32 Smith & Wesson Long or .32 Colt New Police (case is .920" long) (But NOT .32 Long Colt):(Note: Most ARE MAXIMUM loads, you may want to use 10% less to start.)(See note on Powders b

reloadammo.com

 

[Mike A1]

Things might have changed a bit since then.

Not my Powder & primers, Billy Bob was in the Casa Blanco with Hillary after I got them.

Remember the Huge Gun Shows like in Raleigh & Greensboro, Knoxville, Atlanta that took 2 days to go through?
They had those flat 4 wheeled wagons to tote your bounty to your trucks with with. People bought Cases of 4 8# jugs unopened stacked 3 high.
Wagons full of bargain basement prices , because everyone including the dealers, thought the sky was falling when Clinton took charge.
This was the Big one Elizbeth I know, so buy everything in sight that looks like guns & ammo

Their was no room for any more it was a Maximo Wallys world with prices too good to be true, and they were.
Powder $8.00 a # Primers $10.00 a K, Bullets $8.00 a K. SKS new in wrap $50.00 used $25.00

You can only imagine all the other Firearms related & the huge volumes of New Us GI Mil spec M16, M14, 1911 etc parts for pennies.
Survival equipment so much stuff. You could take $500.00 with you & fill your car with Guns & ammo.

 

[Mike A1]

With caution and comparison to book data, I have found this site to be useful at times.

Reloading The .32 Smith & Wesson Long

Loads for .32 Smith & Wesson Long or .32 Colt New Police (case is .920" long) (But NOT .32 Long Colt):(Note: Most ARE MAXIMUM loads, you may want to use 10% less to start.)(See note on Powders b

reloadammo.com

Thanks for the Link jerry I don't have this one,

Reload Ammo

Reload Ammo | Founded By M.D. Smith in 1996

reloadammo.com

 

[Zipper046]

9mm....not there yet
.45acp: 4.8 grains of BULLSEYE under a 230grn round nose from either SNS casting or Berry's.

 

[1Sgt_Jerry]

9mm....not there yet
.45acp: 4.8 grains of BULLSEYE under a 230grn round nose from either SNS casting or Berry's.

SNS is about an hour away from me. I use quite a bit of their stuff.

 

[Zipper046]

SNS is about an hour away from me. I use quite a bit of their stuff.

very cool! I love their stuff...AND they sponsor alot of USPSA shoots (I shoot Limited, Lim-10, Single-Stack).

I did some head-to-head comparisons with 230gr .45acp and 180gr .40s&w heads in the past between SNS, Ibejihead, Bayou, Black Bullet Int'l, Berry's, Rainier, X-treme, Montana Gold, ZERO. No changes to recipe....just different heads loads.

For the coated heads (SNS, Ibejihead, Bayou) - SNS casting was the most accurate, with Ibejihead a VERY close 2nd in both calibers. Bayou....eh....Black bullet Int'l were garbage (in my opinion).

For the plated heads (Berry's, Rainier, X-treme) - X-treme was the most accurate, with Berry's a VERY close 2nd in both calibers. Berry's is a bit cheaper, so I go with those. Rainier were OK....but very inconsistent.

For the jacketed heads (Montana Gold, ZERO) - BOTH were VERY accurate and consistent. Either is my "go to", however, Montana Gold seems to be...well, priced like GOLD! LOL....ZERO brand are a bit cheaper, but availability has been "zero" lately.

For now....I just stick with SNS and a local guy at my club who casts/coats .40 for the local competitors (his stuff is actually REALLY good!).

 

[joepistol]

" .45acp: 4.8 grains of BULLSEYE under a 230grn round nose"
I recall reading (somewhere) that 5.0 gr of Bullseye with a 230 gr FMJ was considered a "standard load" for many shooters, was used for a lot of years.

Haven't tried SNS bullets , yet. But think I'll give them a try, next order. I like the DG bullets I tried, but they USED to use Hi Tek coating, but say they've switched, to another un-named product. I'd rather stick with Hi-tek, as it's got a good history. I've got a good supply of bullets, + another order "processing"
and have a good supply of pistol ammo already loaded.. I'm running out of storage space. Need to shoot more