I am extremely limited on both physical space and on budget, but I’m going to see how I like reloading.
backstory
I like learning how things work, and being able to make stuff under challenging situations. Homebrewing beer (all-grain, ranching yeast), baking bread, whatever. I like activities that require attention to detail and knowledge.
I’ve always thought I would enjoy handloading (aka reloading) both as an activity and as a way to get useful product on the end. Seems like the kind of thing my father and I would have done together but we didn’t and now he’s gone. He raised me around useful and potentially dangerous items and expected I would respect them. When he would teach me some new skill he’s start off with “remember, son, a [fill in the blank]1 is a tool, not a toy”.
intent
- learn another useful skill
- make 8x57mm in the configuration I want. It is not a popular round, and the ammo that is available is often derated or corrosive.
- make 9mm so I can practice more. Specifically I want to practice with ammo that is the same or similar to what I actually carry.
bucket list
make reloading “stool”learn to clean brassbuild cheap tumbler-
learn to deprime - 9mm
make first minimal loads- fire first handloads first minimal loads with FMJ, work up to normal loads, practice shooting
- 9mm carbine? 124gr normal? 147gr with reduced throw?
- bookmarks
- https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/245972-best-powder-for-9mm-blowback-carbine/
- https://www.rugerforum.net/threads/reloading-specifically-for-9mm-pc-carbine.377749/
- 8x57mm Mauser
- make first minimal loads
- fire first handloads with FMJ, work up to normal loads, practice shooting
- work up a softpoint load
reform .30-06, .270, etc brass into 8x57
blue sky
If I won the lottery I’d pick up a Garmin Xero chronograph.
Srsly: do not take my word (or anyone else’s) on matters of reloading. Read the manuals and be safe.
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gun, tractor, hand tool, frog gig, trot line, knife, stove, fire, etc ↩