New to reloading, Part II

[RickV]

New to reloading. I recently purchased a Lee Pro 1000. I got it setup the day after Christmas. After making adjustments (the mini videos on Lee's website helped alot) I have everything setup and I am making rounds. I made about 75 rounds of 40 S&W on Friday night. I used a load of 4.5 grains of W231 which is the starting load for a 170 g FMJ (I am loading 165 g FMJ). Went out to the Gun Club yesterday and shot about 60 rounds. Only had 2 squibs (was kind of proud of myself)one problem I did experience was on about 5 rounds I had stove piping going on. I figure this is due to the light load. Grouping was good.

I have a few questions in regard to reloading and loads. Is it ok to leave primers in the slider track there doesn't seem to be a easy way to remove them once they slide down into the track from the primer holder? I checked the weight of the powder out of the Auto Powder Disk on a scale and it weighed about .2 grains less (4.3 grains) I don't think that had that much effect on the rounds just the action on shell ejection. What would some of you more knowledgable loaders use for a powder load with W231 and a 165 FMJ I am shooting a M&P 40 fullsize? I was thinking of bumping up the load to 4.6 grains in hope of getting the gun to cycle better. Any input would be appreciated. :)

[ebb_tide33]

Hey Rick, welcome to the forum and reloading. I'm sure Kurt will chime in and give you the help ya need, he's a great resource! I see your in my neck of the woods, what range do you shoot at?

[RickV]

Hey Rick, welcome to the forum and reloading. I'm sure Kurt will chime in and give you the help ya need, he's a great resource! I see your in my neck of the woods, what range do you shoot at?

Fort White Gun Club on SR 47

[GSPKurt]

Your powder charge is too light. Especially on a minimum load. Put it in the middle of the range and you'll be good to go. I also shoot at FWGC.

[RickV]

With the W231 and 170g FMJ the load range is from 4.5g to max 5.3g was going to try 4.6g and see if that worked better then the 4.3g I loaded the other day. I figure since I am using a 165g FMJ it should be a big change. I live like 7 miles from FWGC and it is no big deal to go out and try'em. If you see a '98 Black and Silver Silverado with a "U" tag on the front at the Range come up and say hello. :)

[GSPKurt]

With the W231 and 170g FMJ the load range is from 4.5g to max 5.3g was going to try 4.6g and see if that worked better then the 4.3g I loaded the other day. I figure since I am using a 165g FMJ it should be a big change. I live like 7 miles from FWGC and it is no big deal to go out and try'em. If you see a '98 Black and Silver Silverado with a "U" tag on the front at the Range come up and say hello. :)

Try an even 5 grains.

[cflguncollector]

I am thinking of getting into reloading. Are there any books you could reccomend, or how did you get started?

Thanks

[Baldy]

I am thinking of getting into reloading. Are there any books you could reccomend, or how did you get started?

Thanks

There's many out there. I like the Speers#14, Modern Reloading by Richard Lee, and Lyman's Pistol and Revolver Handbook. They all will get you up to speed and are good reading. :D

[GSPKurt]

I am thinking of getting into reloading. Are there any books you could reccomend, or how did you get started?

Thanks

I recommend the Lee book, also. There is a wealth of information online as well.

[RickV]

Range Report:

I took 75 rounds of 4.6g and 4.9g out to the range this afternoon. Both loads cycled my M&P 40 just fine. The 4.6 seemed to have better accuracy more rounds of both will need to tested :lol:

Also took a new addition to the range a Charles Daly Hi-Power 9mm that I just picked up. Was impressed with it fairly accurate with WWB 115g range ammo. The wife really liked it she shot most of the 100 rounds we pushed through it. She also shot about 50 rounds through her S&W Airweight 38 spl. She is getting better with the 38 but I feel some Crimson Trace Grips are in the future. The 38 is new and the trigger pull is a B*tch I keep reading that after 1000 rounds it will loosen up.

[GSPKurt]

Range Report:
The 38 is new and the trigger pull is a B*tch I keep reading that after 1000 rounds it will loosen up.

Rick-
Take the gun to Pickett's and have Nick do a trigger job on it. He's a master.

[cflguncollector]

Thanks guys, I have some reading to do now.