Is it worth while to reload 9mm Para?

slushee

slushee

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What with factory ammo being $12-$13, I am curious if buying 9mm dies for my single stage Lee Challenger would be a waste of time?

I reload .308 for the same price as factory ammo, but I end up with a far superiour round. Can the same be said for 9mm Para?
 
If you shoot a lot (IPSC) reloading for 9mm will pay for a Dillon press in one year.
 
I used to load for my tuned Browning. gave my buddy a run for his money with his fancy dancy S&W 52.

I loaded 133 gr lead SWC over a reduced load of Bullseye. I got a new recoil spring and clipped two coils.

So, for accuracy, loading was a good idea. Pistol would last forever with this kind of ammo. I had access to an unlimted supply of factory 9mm which I did not care to shoot. (I was not in IPSC)

If you have a press, the purchase of dies is no big deal.
 
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What an interesting topic to think about. For a new handgun shooter like myself who is interested in reloading his own my only major set back is the start up fees........reloader, powder, bullets, brass, etc, etc, etc....

Needless to say, im still buying pre-rolled :)

Im going to go check the above link on this topic.
 
You can start re-loading with a lee anniversary kit for pretty cheap ( Ive been using the same press for years now) and re-load everything, not just pistol. If nothing else, its nice to have the capability to reload if ammo isnt so readily available in the future. I personally have all of the components to reload 9mm, however, it is still cheap enough(I buy bulk packs) that 9mm is probably the only round that I dont handload!
 
I shoot lead cast bullets (old wheelweights), a box of 50 comes to less than $3.50, compare that to $12/box and then you decide. There is of course a question of the value of your "time" which is not factored into the cost.
 
Just do as my kid does, he showes up with a bag od empty brass & leaves with a big box of loaded. A good deal if u can get it. Reloading & the reading u do before will make u a better shooter.(most times) AJ
 
Well I've been thinking long and hard about this topic since i've posted it.

Firstly, to get brass, it would probably not be the worst idea to just buy factory, shoot it, and then save the empties.

Secondly, It was said that SINCE i already have a press (since any press will do), that dies are cheap.

Thirdly, once I pick up some primers, powder and bullets, I can reload the brass I have and the result will probably be a round that costs the same but far superior in quality.

And when I get low on brass, go buy some more factory!

I mean, what else do I do in my free time :) .. Might as well reload something!!!

Thanks for all the points of view about this. I suppose it can all be summed up to "why not, you already have the equipment".
 
I hope it's worth it. I've just bought a set of Lee dies for 9mm because I've bought a Browning Hi-Power that hasn't even arrived yet! I already have a basic press, the Lee Reloader, and as I do with the other calibres I reload, I will buy factory ammo to start and then get the rest of the components as need arises to re-use the brass.

So, while I'm here, anyone have any reason to reccommend a particular powder? I'll be using Remington brass and 124gr fmj Remington bullets because the ammo I'll buy to start will be Remington UMC with that bullet.
 
Also keep in mind the cost of the brass is only paid once. After that until it dies it is free so you need to factor that in too. Also depends on what deals you can pick up on the EE too. I am reloading 223 for about 1/4 of factory and that is with first run brass. Next run is less. And as observed you can have whatever you want as a mix which is not an option with factory ammo. Another thing to remember is you can use your press for years and sell it for almost what you paid as well as a lot of the reloading tools. Free rent the way I look at it. Besides its FUN!
 
TheTooner said:
I hope it's worth it. I've just bought a set of Lee dies for 9mm because I've bought a Browning Hi-Power that hasn't even arrived yet! I already have a basic press, the Lee Reloader, and as I do with the other calibres I reload, I will buy factory ammo to start and then get the rest of the components as need arises to re-use the brass.

So, while I'm here, anyone have any reason to reccommend a particular powder? I'll be using Remington brass and 124gr fmj Remington bullets because the ammo I'll buy to start will be Remington UMC with that bullet.
Click to expand...

Titegroup is a great 9mm powder.
 
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