How accurate are reloads

[Cedar Park Dad]

Debating about getting into reloading in the coming year. Let me preface with I shoot 9mm in IDPA and would like to shoot about 800-1000 a month once the Great Bullet Freakout of 2013 gets manageable again.

Having priced it out I can recognize cost savings (where I shoot picking up brass is more difficult generally so can't count on that savings). However a second question has arisen. With a multi stage press like a Dillon 550B, how accurate can your rounds be on average vs. lets say Remington UMC or Federal hard ball? If more accurate, does this require a major amount of effort beyond what you would normally do when loading?

Also I see others who reload with squibs on occasion. Is that a loading problem that cen be easily avoided? The thought of a squib and then not realizing and sending another one down the barrel is disconcerting.

[Keith B]

Reloads can actually be more accurate than factory loads as you can more precisely tune a load for its best performance in a particular pistol or rifle. When I was shooting PPC years ago I had a specific load that I would use that performed well out of my Model 66 PPC revolver. A small tweak in powder worked well for another officer's pistol.

As for squibs, the reason for the misfire would have to be examined. Did the primer ignite but the reloader failed to put a powder charge in? Was the primer hit hard enough to ignite in the first place? My gut will say most squibs for reloaders come from a failure in their reloading process and they don't charge the round.

[Cedar Park Dad]

Well thats good to know.

Assuming you're paying attention while reloading, is there greater effort required to being more accurate (and secondarily avoiding squibs)?

Sorry for such basic questions, but with things improving, this option is becoming a more realistic option for me if I choose it.

[Keith B]

Well thats good to know.

Assuming you're paying attention while reloading, is there greater effort required to being more accurate (and secondarily avoiding squibs)?

Sorry for such basic questions, but with things improving, this option is becoming a more realistic option for me if I choose it.

A good reloader will check and double check their loads to make sure they have not under or over charged the shell. It all boils down to quality control. I loaded tens of thousands of rounds of .38 when I was shooting PPC. I was very meticulous on my loading process and don't remember ever having a squib other than a primer failure. However, I did have an issue with a .357 round that I loaded. The rounds were just loaded for target practice and should have been a standard charge. I failed to catch a double charge and a friend of mine ended up with a nice cut in the webbing between his thumb and forefinger due to the revolver ratcheting back in his hand. Luckily it didn't recoil to the point of hitting him in the head, and it was shot in a Ruger Security Six revolver that had a solid frame and a top strap like a railroad tie so it didn't damage the revolver.

[jmain]

If you are shooting compeition, reloading allows you to create a round that:
1. you like - for example some people like to creae a load with less felt recoil, others want the round to cycle faster or slower, i.e. -some may like a snappy feel to the gun or more of a push
2. you can experiment with different powders velocities, bullet weights to make a more accurate round for your specific gun and the springs that are in it.

You can make a round that is less accurate or have a round that tumbles, but it is correctable.

Is it cheaper? Not in the beginning and only if you buy in bulk.
You need more than just the press - add it all up then see how much x-thousand of components cost and it gets pricey quick.
You will need a chrono to see what your loads are doing to be safe.

Squibs happen, I had one last year, but it didn't push the bullet down the barrell far enough to allow the next round to go into battery, so no BOOM.
I also know what that feels and sounds like. I saw/heard 2 oher squibs that same day doing USPSA, so it does happen.

In the end, I don't see it as saving money, because I just shoot more.

I have a 550b, great choice!

Good Luck!

[Cedar Park Dad]

Thanks guys. This has been helpful.

[jmain]

If you want to come check out a 550b in action before you buy, send me a PM.

A great resource for reloading is the brian enos forum.

I think I studied on there for a year before I finally bought a progressive press.

[OldCannon]

If you have a progressive press and don't have this in one of your stations....I feel sorry for ya.

https://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/MainSe ... uctId=4006" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Cedar Park Dad]

A measure to alert you or stop the press definitely sounds helpful.

[jmain]

What position would the lock up die go on a 550?
I am not thinking it will work as position 3 seems only likely choice.

Maybe I don't understand how it works..

[Piney]

IMO-- if one watches carefully while reloading (ie no TV, no kids, etc) a double load or a empty load is unlikely. I occasionally get a poorly seated or crushed primer. I catch that either when spot checking rounds or when loading a magazine. I can't recall having a squib round.

Accuracy-- With a little testing, one can develop a load for a specific gun and/or shooting style. As others have said, having a chronograph is something you'll want soon.

Brian Enos' forum is a good resource to learn about reloading-- especially the Dillon gear line. His prices are competitive. If you're able to catch him on the phone, he'll answer all the questions you may have about gear.