Getting back into reloading, need powder and bullet advice

[kf4zht]

Used to reload and was pretty random about it. Ended up with 8-10 different calibers, 20 different types of powders, etc. Also I was trying to load for pistol plinking ammo on a single stage. Sold it all during a move.

Now I am starting back, picked up a Lee Pro 1000. I know it isn't the best progressive but I can make it work and it gets me in the game cheaper. Plan to reload 45, 9 and 380. Have a few questions:

Bullets - I used to load Ranier copper plated, seems that Berry's is the new game in town on these also. Are plated still considered decent plinking ammo? IIRC you loaded them to lead specs, correct
Powder - I want to stick to 2-3 powders to make it simple. When I look in the reloading book there is 50 options for each caliber. What are good options for 45, 9 and 380? Best if they are good with the Lee thrower design

Also need to pick a new book. I used to use the Lyman and Lee books. Reviews are better on the Lyman, but the Lee may be better since it has the info for their disk numbers. Any recommendations?

 

[ngcsugrad09]

Xtreme bullets is a new player with plated bullets. In the samples I've shot, they seem to do pretty well.

On powder, I've always been a fan of Universal Clays. It's a solid, clean burning powder that works in almost all non-magnum pistol calibers.

 

[RamRoddoc]

For just a few dollars more I can get copper jacketed, if given the choice, I don't see why not getting them instead of plated. But if you are keeping the velocities sub-sonic and never consider pushing them more towards a self-defense velocity then no worries. I don't think I seen or heard of a big difference in the plating of Berry vs. Ranier but someone will correct me if they have had a different experience.

Yes load them to lead cast specs and all will be well.

The Lee is a decent machine, yes it takes more tinkering when setting it up but once set up it should blaze away compared to your old single stage press. Your experience with the single will serve you well on the progressive and make you appreciate it more for bulk plinking handgun ammo.

I still load some rifle on a single stage.

Ball type powders meter great out of most of the progressive type powder charging/throwing systems. The Lee is no exception. I would stick with a ball type of powder or something close (not flakes). I have never reloaded .380, never had the round until a couple of years ago. As for the 9mm and .45, I have used Accurate Arms #5 with nice results (I checked and it's listed for .380 as well). AA#5 has a faster burn rate than blue dot and slower rate than Unique or Win 231 if you ever had used them in the past.

For a seasoned reloader having both books seems most appropriate. I use several hard copy references, some old, a couple new and use the web more and more frequently the last decade.

Here are some good links to peruse.

http://www.hodgdon.com/

http://www.hodgdon.com/burn-rate.html

http://www.castpics.net/project2/CastDatalist.php?t=CastData&z_Cartridge=LIKE&x_Cartridge=9mm&v_Cartridge=AND&w_Cartridge=LIKE&y_Cartridge=&z_BulletWt=%3D&x_BulletWt=&z_Bullet=LIKE&x_Bullet=&v_Bullet=AND&w_Bullet=%3D&y_Bullet=&z_Powder=LIKE&x_Powder=&v_Powder=AND&w_Powder=%3D&y_Powder=&Submit=Search+%28*%29

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp

http://www.accuratepowder.com/load-data/

Lead cast shipped to your door: http://www.missouribullet.com/

Or Lead cast picked up at GA Arms: http://georgia-arms.com/lead%20bullets.pdf

Inexpensive Jacketed shipping included in price: http://www.precisiondelta.com/index.php

Welcome back!

 

[Buckeye76]

The Precision Delta ship times are getting better and like Ram said, for a few bucks more you can get FMJ. I like their product and it is worth the wait time if they are backordered.