So you’re thinking about getting into reloading. If you shoot a lot, it just might be worth it.
Let’s take a look at why you should reload and what you need to get started.
Why Reload?
There are numerous advantages to reloading that go far beyond dealing with the effects of the ammo crisis. Some of these are:
- You can save money: Right now, we’re in the midst of an ammo drought. That means shortages and markups, and more than usual. If you have a supply of primers, powder, and bullets (as well as brass) you can help fight the ammo crisis so you can shoot more for less. Also, if you’re conscientious about when and where you buy reloading components, you can save big time per round.
- You can learn more about ballistic performance and cartridge engineering (you get more involved in the shooting sports): It would be impossible to speak about reloading 9mm Luger ammo without a word on how it’s impossible to separate it from familiarity with your gun and the shooting sports. That is, it’s educational. You won’t be able to help but learn more about your gun and the ballistic performance and limits of the cartridges you load (in this case, 9mm).
- You can custom-tailor your load performance: When you buy factory ammo, you are at the mercy of the ammunition manufacturer. You can get what they produce, according to their load specifications, and that’s pretty much that. But when you get into reloading 9mm, you can produce whatever loads you want according to your own needs. For instance, do you want a hot-loaded 9mm round with a heavy hollow point bullet and a large powder charge for hunting or self-defense? Perhaps a light-kicking wadcutter round that’s low on recoil and powder, with a light bullet, perfect for high-volume competition and scoring? Or perhaps you want an extremely accurate round that’s perfect for competition shooting. When you load (or reload) your own, you’re in the driver’s seat.
- Enjoyment: Last but not least, it’s fun, just like shooting is. It’s the same reason so many of us tie our own flies, fletch our own arrows, and sharpen our own knives.
What You Need
Now that we’ve delivered our defense of reloading, let’s cover the basics you’ll need to get started reloading.
- A handloading manual: When you get into reloading, find a load guide and stick to the instructions to the letter. Hornady, Lyman, Sierra, and Lee Precision all produce excellent handloading manuals.
- Brass: You’ll already have brass if you’re reloading.
- Bullets: Let size, weight, and configuration be determined by your load data and the recommended OAL, as well as what your intended purpose is (hunting vs. self-defense vs. scoring vs. competition).
- Primers: Most if not all 9mm casings accept conventional small pistol primers.
- Powder: There are a wide range of smokeless powder manufacturers. Use what is recommended in the load data of your handloading guide, or use a perfect substitute as an alternative.
- A cleaner and brush (or a tumbler): Necessary to clean off the casing before reloading. You can also use a tumbler for this.
- A reloading press: Used for de-priming, loading, and seating bullets.
- A resizing die: Used to properly resize the neck of the casing.
- A case trimmer: May not be necessary, but can be in some situations.
- A de-priming tool and a primer insertion tool: For punching out and seating new primers.
- A powder scale: Propellant must be measured to the grain, as even one grain of variance one way or the other can have a surprising effect on muzzle velocity, ballistic performance, and round-to-round consistency.
- 9mm ammo box 50-100 rounds: A 9mm ammo box for 50 or 100 rounds will give you a place to store and organize all your new rounds as you load them.
Reloading Not for You? Check Out These Affordable 9mm Ammo Choices
If you have no intention whatsoever of reloading, then don’t pay more for high-quality brass casings with your 9mm ammo.
Truth be told, half the reason ammunition manufacturers use brass is because it can be reloaded. If you don’t don’t pay more for it. These alternatives are affordable and offer high performance all the same.
- TulAmmo 9mm: Loaded at Tula Cartridge Works in Russia to CIP standards, TulAmmo 9mm is reliable, accurate, and, since it’s loaded into steel casings, very affordable.
- Blazer Aluminum 9mm: Blazer Aluminum 9mm is produced by CCI and loaded here in the United States, in Idaho. It is reliable, accurate, and, since it is loaded into aluminum casings, like TulAmmo it is also very affordable.
Your Source for Ammo
Whether you’re looking for high-quality 9mm ammo with brass casings or a 9mm ammo box of 50 with a loader, labels, and instructions, we have you covered. Get them here and save.