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How To Reload 9mm Ammo Properly?

Beginner Guide To Reload 9mm Ammo - Step By Step Guide

If you are a regular shooter of 9mm ammo, reloading can be a good saving option on buying 9mm ammo.

The 9mm caliber is known as the world's most popular centerfire handgun cartridges.

Check our previous posts for detailed information about 9mm, 9mm ballistics, 115 Grain Vs 124 Grain 9mm ammo & more.

How To Reload 9mm Ammo Properly?

9mm Luger is very simple & cost effective to reload. The cost of reloading 9mm is not more than $7 to $8 for a box of 50*. And, if you buy reloading components in bulk, you can trim that cost for sure.

This article will provide you a step-by-step guide for reloading 9mm ammo. You can also use this article as a guide if you are reloading other pistol calibers. You just need to take care about bullet weight & length.

Why should you reload your own 9mm ammo?

When we ask a gun owner, “why should you reload 9mm ammo? The simple answer will be “ to save money on buying new rounds.”

Saving money is one of many reasons to reload ammo. There are many other benefits of reloading 9mm.

  • Freedom to create special rounds: Reloading can give you the freedom to create special rounds with the dimensions, grains, and attributes you want.
  • Cost Control: Reloading your own 9mm ammo can be significantly cheaper than buying factory-made ammunition. You can save money by purchasing bulk components and reloading them yourself.
  • Quality control: When reloading your own ammo, you have complete control over the quality of each component, ensuring that you create consistent and reliable ammunition.
  • Availability: During ammo shortages or when certain types of ammunition are challenging to find, reloading your ammo can ensure that you always have a steady supply.
  • Educational value: Reloading your ammo can be a fun and educational hobby, allowing you to learn more about the intricacies of firearm performance and ballistics.

Important things to know before reloading 9mm ammo

Important things to know before reloading 9mm ammo

Reloading ammo can be a great way to save money and customize your ammo to suit your specific needs, but it's important to know some key safety considerations before you start reloading 9mm ammo. Here are a few important things to know:

  • Familiarize yourself with the reloading process: Before you start rebooting, make sure you have a good understanding of the whole process. Plenty of resources are available online or in reboot guides to help you get started.
  • Choose quality components: Ensure you use high-quality ingredients, including brass, primers, powder, and bullets. Resist the temptation to cut corners with poor-quality elements, which can lead to dangerous malfunctions.
  • Double-check measurements: It is essential to accurately measure each component and double-check all measurements before assembling the cartridge. Even small deviations in measurements can lead to significant differences in performance.
  • Use a reliable reloading press: Make sure you use a reliable reload press in good condition. A faulty press can cause accidents or inconsistent results.
  • Wear safety gear: Always wear protective equipment, including eye and ear protection. You should also avoid loose clothing and tie up long hair to keep it out of the press.
  • Start with low-pressure loads: When you're just starting, it's best to start with low-pressure loads and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable with the reset process.
  • Keep your reloading area clean: Make sure your reloading area is clean and free of clutter and that you're working in a well-ventilated area. Avoid smoking or using any open flames in the reloading area.
  • Store your ammunition correctly: Once you've finished reloading it, store it properly in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture.

These essential safety considerations can help ensure your reloading experience is safe, effective, and rewarding.

9mm Reloading Supplies

To reload 9mm ammunition, you will need the following supplies:

9mm Reloading Supplies
  • Reloading Press: This is the machine you will use to resize the brass case, load the bullet, and crimp the case. There are several transfer presses, including single-stage, turret, and progressive presses.
  • Die Set: The die set includes a resizing die, a bullet seating die, and a crimping die. The resizing die is used to resize the brass case and remove the used primer, and the bullet seating die is used for seating the bullet to the desired depth. The crimping die is used to crimp the case around the bullet.
  • Brass Cases: You will need brass cases to reload 9mm ammo. Brass cases can be reused several times if they are in good condition and properly cleaned and inspected.
  • Primers: Primers are small metal cups that ignite the gunpowder in the case. Several primer types are available, including small pistol primers for 9mm ammunition.
  • Gunpowder: You will need gunpowder to create an explosion that pushes the bullet out of the barrel. Several types of gunpowder are available, each with different burn rates and characteristics. Using the correct type and amount of gunpowder for your specific equipment is essential.
  • Bullets: Bullets are projectiles fired from firearms. Several types of bullets are available, including jacketed, lamellar, and lead bullets. Using the correct bullet weight and style for your particular load is essential.
  • Safety Equipment: When reloading ammunition, it is essential to wear safety goggles and hearing protection to protect your eyes and ears from potential hazards. In addition, you must have a safe and secure place to reload your ammo, away from children, pets, and distractions.

How To Reload 9mm Ammo - Step By Step

1st Step: Gather Materials

Gather Materials

You will need to have a reloading press, die set, brass cases, primer, gunpowder, and bullets to reload 9mm ammo. It is also recommended to have a reloading manual, safety glasses, and hearing protection to ensure proper safety during the process.

2nd Step: Start Material Cleaning

Start Material Cleaning

Clean the brass or casing material & remove any dirt. If any cases are damaged, discard them. Use a tumbler or a tool/die to clean the casings.

3rd Step: Resize And Deprime The Case

Resize And Deprime The Case

Sometimes casing may warp because of pressure & expansion at round firing time. The next step is to use a resizing die to resize the brass case to its original dimensions. This is necessary because fired cases can expand and deform, making them difficult to use in the future. The resizing die will also remove the spent primer from the case.

4th Step: New Primer Installation

New Primer Installation

After resizing the case, the next process of reloading is to install a new primer. Use a primer tool to insert a new primer into the case. It is important to use the correct size and type of primer for your specific load. Be careful not to over-prime or under-prime the case.

5th Step: Load Powder

Load Powder

The next step is to load the powder into the case. Make sure to verify and follow all load data carefully for your load. The bullets will have their weight, and you will need X amount of powder to create quality 9mm NATO or 9mm Luger with the correct muzzle velocity.

6th Step: Bullet Seating

Bullet Seating

Next, fit the bullet into the casing and then seat it. Use the bullet seating die to seat the bullet at the correct depth in the case. The bullet should be placed to the depth specified in your reloading manual. Using the proper bullet weight and type for your specific load is essential.

7th Step: Bullet Crimping

Bullet Crimping

Once the bullet is seated, the round must be slightly crimped. Use the crimping die to crimp the case around the bullet to hold it securely. A taper crimp is all you would need for a 9mm.

Congrats; you have successfully reloaded a 9mm Luger round.

8th Step: Check Again

Check Again

Once you've successfully reloaded a 9mm cartridge, be sure to check each cartridge for defects, such as a missing primer or improperly seated bullet. This is an important step to ensure the safety of using each round.

9th Step: Store Properly

Store Properly

The final step will be to keep your finished rounds in a sturdy box labeled with the caliber, load data, and production date. This will help you keep track of your ammunition and ensure that you are using the correct load for your firearm.

9mm Ammo Reloading : Pro & Cons

9mm Ammo Reloading : Pro & Cons

Reloading ammo is a great money saving option for gun lovers. Some shooters love this hobby to have a fun time.

Pros

  • Image Save Money: Reloading 9mm ammo is a great way to save money. A gun owner can reduce his or her total ammo expenditures by reloading own ammo.
  • Image Unlimited Shooting: If you are a regular user of 9mm ammo, this will definitely be more expensive. With reloading, you can enjoy unlimited shooting at an affordable price.
  • Image Improves Performance: Loading your own ammo allows you to experiment with various bullets, powders, primers, and other components to match your firearm for optimal performance.
  • Image Quality Control: Reloading gives you complete control over the quality of your ammunition.
  • Image Easy Availability: Availability is one of the best advantages of reloading ammo. Reloading your ammo can ensure that you always have a steady supply during ammo shortages or when certain types of ammunition are challenging to find.

Cons

There are some drawbacks of reloading ammo. Everyone must be aware of these before starting reloading.

  • Image Not Cheaper Over The Short Term: Reloading ammo only saves you money if you do it long-term. If you get into ammo reloading for the short term only to discover that you don’t enjoy the process, you’ll lose money upfront.
  • Image Time-Consuming Process: It is a very time-consuming process and requires a lot of patience and diligence.
  • Image Inherently Risky: Reloading is intrinsically risky. Handling firearms and explosives without proper knowledge and training can lead to severe injury or death.

How Safe Is Reloaded 9mm Ammo To Use?

The simple answer to this question is, “it depends on how accurately you reloaded 9mm ammo.

Whether or not reloading is safe or dangerous depends on the person doing it, their knowledge, and how careful they are. Reloads, if done right, can also be more accurate and cheaper than factory ammunition.

Reloads are no riskier than factory-loaded ammunition. Improperly loaded reloads are just as dangerous as improperly loaded factory ammunition. But, honestly, you’re more likely to find a faulty supply than a factory cartridge.

Personally, if you’re not sure about them, don’t use them.

Laws About 9mm Ammo Reloading

Laws About 9mm Ammo Reloading

Laws regarding reloading ammunition can vary depending on your state. So it is essential to do your research to ensure you comply with local laws.

In the United States, reloading ammunition for personal use is generally legal, as long as the person doing the reloading is not prohibited from possessing firearms and the reloaded ammunition is not intended for resale.

“Is a person who reloads ammunition required to be licensed as a manufacturer?”
The simple answer is - No if the person reloads only for personal use.
Yes, if the person sells or distributes reloads for livelihood and profit.

However, some states have restrictions on the type of ammunition that can be reloaded, the amount of ammo that can be possessed, or the equipment and components that can be used for reloading.

How Many Times Can You Reload 9mm Brass?

Knowing how many times you can reload a 9mm brass is essential for best results. The number of times you can reload 9mm brass depends on several factors, such as the quality of the brass, how it was fired, and the load used.

Generally, high-quality brass can be reloaded multiple times, as many as 10-20 times, or even more.

However, reloading may not be safe if the brass has been fired in hot loads or has developed cracks or other damage.

Wrapping It Up

It is not that difficult to reload 9mm ammo. The process is the same even if you want to reload different caliber rounds. You want to pay attention to specifics - the bullet grain weight, the powder charge located in load data, and the overall length of the round are all crucial to creating a safe round.

If you cannot reload properly, please don’t waste your money & time.

Author:
Lisa Earnest

Lisa Earnest

Feb, 25, 2023

Lisa Earnest has been a part of the Bulk Cheap Ammo team since 2018 and serves as the editor of Bulk Cheap Ammo content.

With a flair for language and an unwavering dedication to shooting sports, Lisa's diverse expertise combines to create an unforgettable experience for our audience.

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