New to reloading - did my first batch today

[jtb33]

Ok, so I bought all my reloading gear years ago (I drank the blue koolaid) and today, have just been able to get around to trying it out. I started off with pistol, since it's "easier". In my 4th station, I have a Lee carbide factory crimp die. All my other dies in all calibers are Dillon. Anyway, I used Remington 9mm 124 grain FMJ and Magtech primers. Powder was Accurate No 5. I used the "Start Load" for my powder measure and thus used 5.8 grains. My overall length was 1.150. Velocity is supposed to be ~1070 FPS. Did I make a mistake going with the "Start Load"? Is my overall length OK for a Glock?

I was having fun and ran out of 9mm (only had 100 bullets), so I moved on to .308. I loaded about 100 rounds of .308 using Accurate No 5. No, no, no - I'm just making sure you're paying attention.

I used Accurate 2520 for the 308's (I have toolheads and powder measures for each caliber I use). Bullets were 168 grain AMAX. I also went with the "Starting Load" of 41 grains, which is supposed to be about 2500 FPS or so. Also Magtech primers. My overall length was 2.855 and I did NOT crimp any of the 308's. I intend to shoot the 308's from my Remington 700 PSS with a 22" threaded barrel. Also wanted to possibly be able to use it in my M1A or LR-308. My question for the 308's are: is my overall length OK for the load and intended rifles? And 2nd - Did I make a performance mistake by using the "Starting Load" @ 41 grains? If so, should I pull all these, re-use the powder and reload them all with more powder?

Any feedback or suggestions are very much appreciated.

Also, I did weigh powder after every 20 or so cartridges to make sure it was consistent. Same thing with measuring OAL. When I do shoot my reloads for the first time, I'll be sure to bring a buddy with a cell phone in case I blow myself up.

 

[tacdrver]

Re: New to reloading - did my first batch today

as long as you are within the load data for that powder i would say youll be alrite.dont be worried about pulling the trigger being scared may result in geting scoped.... nobody enjoys a blood ring around there eye browl.. enjoy

 

[gunsnjeeps]

Re: New to reloading - did my first batch today

For the 9mm as long as it cycles the gun reliably it is a good load. I shoot with several bullseye shooters that load as slow a bullet as they can to reduce recoil. For the .308 I may not have started with 100 rounds but if they group well no worries.

Congrats on getting out your gear, I know it felt good to get mine set up finally.

 

[jtb33]

Re: New to reloading - did my first batch today

Yeah, I think I got carried away with the 308's. Luckily, I purchased the components a long time ago (4-5 years) so they were considerably less expensive then; yeah, I'm rationalizing.

So are there any tips to using a bullet puller on the 308's without damaging the AMAX tips?

 

[lsm62]

Re: New to reloading - did my first batch today

i use the rcbs hammer type puller and haven't damaged a bullet yet

i reload a hornady 168 hpbt for my dpms 308lr and go up to 44.4 gr varget but worked up to that from 42gr checking my brass as i went.

 

[jtb33]

Re: New to reloading - did my first batch today

That's what I have - uses collets. I pulled one on an earlier test when I was setting the seating die and it caused some deformation to the plastic tip of the AMAX. Was thinking that I could just put some kleenex in there, but then that would make the powder pretty much unusable...

 

[armorpl8chikn]

Re: New to reloading - did my first batch today

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jtb33</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's what I have - uses collets. I pulled one on an earlier test when I was setting the seating die and it caused some deformation to the plastic tip of the AMAX. Was thinking that I could just put some kleenex in there, but then that would make the powder pretty much unusable... </div></div>
Put a foam earplug in the nose of your inertia puller and no more worries of deformed tips and your powder will be fine as well.

 

[turbo54]

Re: New to reloading - did my first batch today

To know if ammo will fit a specific gun - you got to either load them short, or try them. I know it feels weird to chamber a round in a rifle at home - which is why I use an unprimed, empty piece of brass with a bullet seated. I keep a "master" for each gun I own, that is as long as the throat will allow.

 

[jtb33]

Re: New to reloading - did my first batch today

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armorpl8chikn</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jtb33</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's what I have - uses collets. I pulled one on an earlier test when I was setting the seating die and it caused some deformation to the plastic tip of the AMAX. Was thinking that I could just put some kleenex in there, but then that would make the powder pretty much unusable... </div></div>
Put a foam earplug in the nose of your inertia puller and no more worries of deformed tips and your powder will be fine as well. </div></div>

That's a great idea; thanks!

 

[lsm62]

Re: New to reloading - did my first batch today

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jtb33</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's what I have - uses collets. I pulled one on an earlier test when I was setting the seating die and it caused some deformation to the plastic tip of the AMAX. Was thinking that I could just put some kleenex in there, but then that would make the powder pretty much unusable... </div></div>

Mine came with a piece of foam in the bottom to catch the bullet