Getting started

[clovishound]

Well, during the great shortage, a couple years ago, I had the "opportunity" to try several different powders from necessity. Once things got back to normal, I discovered two pistol powders that work extremely well for my needs and calibers for general range use.

I make sure I have plenty of these two powders on hand all the time. If for some reason, I get low, I have a bunch of powders I don't really like that much, but will do the job, available to make ammo with until I get my favorites back on the shelf.

For info, the two powders I use all the time are Universal, and Trail Boss. Loading for 9mm, .38, .357 and .45 ACP. I use Universal for 9mm, .357 and any plated or jacketed bullets, and Trail Boss for cast and coated in .38 and .45 ACP.

[Cofisher]

Thank you both for the tips. The a seven looks like a good idea. The universal, maybe not so much. There are reviews stating inconsistencies. I'm too new to deal with that.

[Cofisher]

Ohhh, that was a long wait. Just received powder and bullets. Immediately flared 10 cases to fit bullets.

First 10 will be 10.4 gn. For practice. Then will start up the scale to look for best load.

Thanks for all the help. Really liking this.

Will post shooting results asap. May have to acquire a chrony.

[BigAl52]

What powder are you starting out with?

[JEBar]

Will post shooting results asap. May have to acquire a chrony.

looking forward to seeing the results .... a Chrony is the type of tool you many not use often but when you do it provides some really valuable info .... not the least of which is running its info through a ballistics program where you will learn the trajectory of the bullet at any given distance

[Cofisher]

Using the 2400.

[Cofisher]

My new setup. I ordered the Lee single stage press. Still working with minimal space due to small apartment.

After about 500 rounds with the hand press, I decided to upgrade. The hand press is now set up for decapping. Latest batch of cleaned brass is drying.

My early loads were an assortment of loads using 2400. I will post the shooting results in the range reports.

I am now loading H110 with Zero 158 grn HP. I started medium high with this.
I hope to get out to try them soon.

I will be out this weekend with the American Eagle 158 soft points looking for deer.

The excitement continues to build.

Hat tip to JEBar for the lead to Zero bullets.

[JEBar]

looking forward to following your continued reports .... looks like you are well on your way

[CT_Shooter]

My new setup. I ordered the Lee single stage press. Still working with minimal space due to small apartment.

If you haven't done it already (I can't tell from the photo), you will find the quick change bushings for the Lee single stage will make a huge difference. They just pop in and out without the need for adjustments.

I look forward to reading about your progress, too.

[ESquared]

Great job getting it set up to your liking! It's fun diving into a new hobby like this. My Harbor Freight rock tumbler is churning away right now with my first load of 357 decapped, dirty cartridges.

The "recipe" is about a pound of brass, a pound of stainless steel tumbling pins and a pound of hot water with a squirt of Dawn and lemon juice.

Will give it a couple hours (+) and see how they look.

Keep us posted on your results - look forward to comparing notes!