Newbie reloading question

rayzorloo

rayzorloo

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Hey CGN, I'm very new to reloading. I decided to try going the very slow/deliberate route and bought a Lee Precision 9mm loader. I've watched a few videos and read up on it. I was told by a buddy to seat a bullet but not charge or prime it the first time. This way I can measure and get the right bullet length that will feed/load in my pistol.

Now my my dumb question is how do I adjust the bullet seater that comes with the kit so that I don't seat the bullet too far into the case? First time I did it, the bullet went in way to far. Oh well I guess it gave me a chance to use a bullet puller for the first time. Thanks in advance for the help.

Cheers
 
I'm assuming you are using the manual method (non press version) using a mallet ie. https://www.amazon.ca/Lee-Precision-9mm-Luger-Loader/dp/B00162TIXG

Youtube video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk1KBHfUezI, check at 8:56 it shows how to adjust the seating depth.

FYI - I don't have a lee loader, but have a press. I just did a youtube search for ya.
 
Find your OAL using this method:

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...-Titegroup-(Confused)?p=13742903#post13742903

Once you know the OAL set the seating rod as short as possible. Keep lengthening the rod until the desired OAL is obtained.

*Note: If reloading for multiple firearms load to the shortest OAL but stay above the safe minimum. Different projectiles will produce different OAL's, so always check before reloading. Make sure your rounds work in the magazine. Always produce a small batch and test your rounds for functionality before making a $hit load of potentially useless rounds. Make sure your rounds plunk and spin in the barrel before test firing.

P.S. Get a press if you're going to reload for pistol.
 
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From Lee instruction:

Bullet Seating
Bullet depth is adjustable by screwing the stop collar in or out and locking in place with the lock nut. The charge table indicates the maximum overall length allowable so as to work through any gun. You may nd it desirable to seat the bullet a di erent length for various reasons. Accuracy can sometimes be improved with di erent bullet depth. Or, it may be necessary to seat to the crimping groove of the bullet if used in a tubular magazine.
Read yer instructions, please.

These are on the web. Google Lee Precision.
 
TO AVOID CONTACT WITH THE PRIMER AND POSSIBLE EXPLOSION, THE CASE MUST BE FREE FROM DIE AND RESTING IN THE DECAP- PING CHAMBER.
Seat the bullet. The bullet seater is adjustable. Set as required.

Sorry, the above post is from the Lee loader Rifle instructions, I guess the pistol instructions are not too helpful on this point
 
Don't take this wrong but you would be far better off getting either a cheap Lee single stage press or spending a few more on a better one that comes in a kit or finding a used one. I started with a Lee loader for a 45/70 Springfield trapdoor 45 years ago and it worked ok. But shooting those in a single shot is a lot different than loading and shooting a 9mm.
You are going to find using the Lee loader gets old really fast.
Back then there wasn't anywhere near the amount of choices there are today. But if you are going to load with what you have then keep loading dummy rounds until you get the seating depth correct.
 
Leatherstocking said:
TO AVOID CONTACT WITH THE PRIMER AND POSSIBLE EXPLOSION, THE CASE MUST BE FREE FROM DIE AND RESTING IN THE DECAP- PING CHAMBER.
Seat the bullet. The bullet seater is adjustable. Set as required.

Sorry, the above post is from the Lee loader Rifle instructions, I guess the pistol instructions are not too helpful on this point
Click to expand...

There really isn't any need for detailed instructions, it isn't rocket science. Lengthening the rod will shorten the OAL and vice versa.

This is for rifle but it's the shortest video I could find and the principles are similar:

[youtube]UeEl9wZyabc[/youtube]
 
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Even a single stage press would be a major upgrade from the Lee loader.

I shoot approx 1k of 9mm per year, and I do my reloading in winter, mostly.

Break it up into steps:

- size/deprime my brass about 100 at a time until it's all done. This might take weeks, but that's ok.
- prime/flare the brass, ditto.
- powder and seat the bullet.

I've done as much as 200 at a time on the last step, but I find that 100 is a better amount. By the time I was hitting 140 or so, I was regretting starting that next hundred.

Eventually, I'll buy a Lee turret press, but primers/powder/brass/projectiles are my priority just now.
 
A 9mm lee loader is the kind of stuff you'd use after the zombies have taken over and there's nothing left usefull.

Get a press and a set of dies. There's just no fun in making a single 9mm ammo per 45 seconds.
 
Where are you located in Ontario and what range do you shoot at?
I'm sure we can find someone near you who can assist.

I started my reloading with this old school system. If I remember correctly Mr Lee started making them in his garage in early 1950s and I believe pistol and rifle kits came out early 1960 or 1970. I also believe(know) it is a good system if you want to see if ;

a) Reloading is for you
a) Don't want to spend much $$$ at the start
b) Are going to make quality and VERY accurate ammo for hunting
c) You don't shoot much
and
d) You have a lot of spare time ;) ;) ;)

Two difficulties I have experienced;
Small learning curve to get primer in by tapping the case onto the primer and making sure that decapping pin is actually in the primer hole and not next to it. If it is next to it... it will break after you hit it few times with the rubber mallet. Also use a rubber mallet and not a work-hammer. Ask me how I know...

If you don't mind spending another 10-20$ I would grab a 9mm case & ammo gauge or even something like Lyman E-Zee Case Gauge - You can pick them up on Amazon.ca, Biz Forum Dealers or E.E.

Or you can just use your barrel and digital measuring calipers.

PM me if you have any other questions.

Lee Loader Classic - My bear ammo load development
Tikka T3 lite
Once fired brass from the same rifle
100m
Hunting Ammo
Shooting off a backpack prone

Load 1-small.jpg

Just remember Lee Loader Classic is a Gateway Drug!

In no time you will be rocking something like this -


He start at 0:56
 

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