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Reloading Question

Posted: November 19th, 2006, 10:33 pm
by dolang1
Is it possible to reload the 9X18 with a Lee handloader? I haven't found the 9X18 in their kit. I haven't reloaded in years and back then all I used was the handloader. What do you recomend, to get started? Thanks Don

Reloading Question

Posted: November 20th, 2006, 6:42 am
by normsutton
dolang1
For the money and quality I would suggest this kit it will last you a life time and kids too

Lyman Crusher 2 Single Stage Press Expert Kit

The Crusher 2 is a heavy-duty single stage "O" frame press. Features: 1" diameter ram, compound linkage, 4-1/2" press opening, standard 7/8"x14 thread, 3 mounting holes, Silver Hammertone powder coat finish and a press operating lever that allows left or right hand operation. Priming arm and primer catcher included. Crusher 2 Expert Kit includes: Crusher 2 Press, Universal Trimmer with Expanded Pilot Multi-Pack, M-500 Reloading Scale, #55 Powder Measure, primer tray, auto primer feed, extra decapping pins, 48th Edition Reloading Handbook, deburring tool, powder funnel, case lube kit and 7/8"x14 adapter for mounting the #55 Powder Measure.



http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... mid=283295

NORM

Reloading Question

Posted: November 20th, 2006, 9:52 am
by kempin
dolang1,

If you are already set up with the press, Lee does sell dies for 9x18. I bought the whole set, with shell holder and everything, for like $20 at Cabelas. Norm is right about the quality, but the Lee setup should be plenty adequate for 9x18. Whatever route you go, I encourage you to get back in to it, especially for a p-64.

GBASS,

-Kempin

Reloading Question

Posted: November 20th, 2006, 2:37 pm
by threepdr
dolang1,

Lee doesnt offer a handloader for 9X18. I started reloading 40 years ago with a handloader, but only used them for rifle calibers where only the neck was resized. Full length resizing with the handloaders turned out to be impractical.

The setup that Norm suggests is a good one, but for most purposes the single stage press in this set will work just as well for you and is only $70....plus another $20 for the Mak carbide dies.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... mid=149097

I've used all brands of reloading equipment in the last 40 years and still go back to Lee presses for best quality for the money.

Reloading Question

Posted: November 21st, 2006, 9:01 pm
by dolang1
Thanks guys, exactly the inforamtion I was hoping for. I'll make an informed decision and come back soon with some more relaoding questions. Later Don

Reloading Question

Posted: November 28th, 2006, 2:09 pm
by vinnie
Lee will custom make a Lee classic loader in any caliber that you want. Costs about $50. Thats all my father uses.

Reloading Question

Posted: November 28th, 2006, 6:22 pm
by normsutton
I have used the same cast iron o press since 1972 and the same powder measure and added a lot of stuff since then so when buying loading equipment think about what going to last and what your going to be reloading in the years to come

this is my reloading bench

Image


NORM

Reloading Question

Posted: November 28th, 2006, 10:15 pm
by beasleydano
NORMSUTTON

What a neat orderly work area!

Reloading Question

Posted: November 29th, 2006, 6:48 am
by normsutton
beasleydano

It doesn't stay that way , I got it all cleaned up and a buddy of mine told me I should take a picture of it ,




NORM

Reloading Question

Posted: December 28th, 2006, 6:37 pm
by dolang1
Update: Just got back from Cabela's with the Lee Anniversary reloading kit and carbide dies. I'm still in the unboxing and gazing at it stage. Thanks for the advise. Later Don

Reloading Question

Posted: December 30th, 2006, 12:40 am
by barnett3006
speaking about reloading...

has anyone considered working up a load that is optimized for our short P-64 barrels?

In looking through my various reloading guides I noticed that all test barrel lengths were in the 3.5" - 4" range and most of those loads were in the 900 fps area.

Reloading Question

Posted: December 30th, 2006, 11:07 am
by normsutton
barnett3006

I guess not

All I have is books to tell me mzl.vet.

and I don't go over what books says

I cast my own bullets and use them in my carry guns
I use a lee mould (90466 ) it's a round nose bullet
with the lead I'm using it weighs out to be 101.8 grs.
size the bullet to 363 dia.
4 grs of w 231 vel should be around 950

I use W 231 because I have so much of it and I can use it in my 9mm,38, 357, 45 auto, 45 long colt and I think its best for case life

Reloading Question

Posted: December 30th, 2006, 3:33 pm
by saands
I don't know about optimzed for short barrels ... the powders that work well for 3.9" Makarov bbls tend to be the same ones that work well for P64 3.3" bbls ... basically they are fast burners. I have worked up loads using a chronometer, QuickLoad interior ballistics software, and the shape of the case after firing and have settled on about 1125 fps as the max for a 95gr XTP out of a P64 ... any more than that and the ejection starts to occur while there is just too much pressure still in the chamber and you end up with those Glock "smilies" in the cases. When I make these loads, I throw each charge on an electronic scale and I measure the length of each finished round, because a tenth of a grain or 10 mils of seating depth in these little cases makes a BIG difference in pressure. FWIW, I'm using Vihtavuori N350 in these loads ... and yes they are spicy :o

Saands

Reloading Question

Posted: December 31st, 2006, 12:42 am
by barnett3006
pretty impressive Saands. Did you start out with .380 auto loads and work your way up?

Reloading Question

Posted: December 31st, 2006, 6:42 am
by abwehr
dolang,

What "normsutton" and "saands" stated should get you started. If I was reloading, I would work up a load using W-W 231 because I have a lot of that powder I use in my .357 Mag. Cowboy shooting loads. The Vihtavouri is good powder and I know a lot of guys that use it.

Since you have reloaded in the past, you know most of the rules, but start off with the lower velocity rounds and work up from there. I have a lot of the Makarov ammo, so I have not started reloading for it yet. The next ammo I buy wil definetly be boxer primed and I will save the brass for reloading.

Please keep us posted on you loads and how they shoot.