Reloading your own 9mm ammunition can be a rewarding experience, offering cost savings and the ability to customize your rounds to your specific needs. However, choosing the right equipment is crucial for safety, efficiency, and accuracy. This guide will walk you through the essential components and help you select the best reloading equipment for your 9mm reloading journey.
Essential Reloading Equipment for 9mm
Before diving into specific brands, let's outline the fundamental tools every 9mm reloader needs:
1. Reloading Press: The Heart of Your Setup
The reloading press is the workhorse of your operation, the tool that performs the actual case resizing, priming, powder charging, and bullet seating. There are three main types:
- Single-Stage Press: Ideal for beginners, this press performs one operation at a time. It's slower but allows for meticulous control and is less likely to cause errors.
- Progressive Press: For high-volume reloaders, a progressive press performs multiple operations with each press of the handle. While faster, it requires more learning and setup.
- Turret Press: A good middle ground, turret presses offer faster reloading than single-stage presses but are simpler to operate than progressive presses.
Choosing the right press depends on your reloading volume and experience level. For 9mm beginners, a reliable single-stage press is recommended.
2. Dies: Shaping Your Cases
Dies are essential for resizing your spent brass and preparing it for reloading. A 9mm reloading die set typically includes:
- Sizing Die: Resizes the case to the correct dimensions.
- Powder Die: Meters and drops the precise amount of powder into each case.
- Seating Die: Seats the bullet into the case.
- Crimping Die (Optional but Recommended): Crimps the case mouth to secure the bullet and prevent it from moving during firing.
Quality die sets from reputable manufacturers like Lee, RCBS, Dillon, and Hornady are essential for consistent results.
3. Case Preparation Tools: Ensuring Clean Cases
Clean and consistent cases are paramount for reliable reloading. You'll need:
- Case Tumbler: Removes dirt, debris, and other contaminants from spent brass. Vibratory tumblers are popular for their ease of use.
- Case Lubricant: Reduces friction and prevents case damage during sizing.
- Case Trimmer: Trims the case to the correct length for consistent performance.
4. Powder Measure: Accurate Powder Charging
Consistent powder charges are crucial for safety and accuracy. A good powder measure will deliver precise charges repeatedly. Consider these types:
- Volume Powder Measure: Measures powder by volume, simpler to use but can be less accurate than weight measures.
- Weight Powder Measure: Measures powder by weight, providing greater precision and safety. Highly recommended, particularly for beginners.
5. Scale: Double-Checking Your Powder Charges
Always double-check your powder charges with a scale. This is a critical safety measure and ensures accuracy. A digital powder scale is recommended for its precision.
6. Bullet Puller: Removing Misloaded Bullets
A bullet puller is an essential safety tool. It allows you to safely remove misloaded bullets, avoiding potential damage to your equipment or injury to yourself.
7. Priming Tools: Setting Primers
Priming tools are used to seat primers into the case. You can use a hand-held priming tool or a mechanical one incorporated into your press.
Choosing the Right Brands
Several reputable brands offer high-quality reloading equipment:
- Lee Precision: Offers affordable and reliable equipment, perfect for beginners.
- RCBS: Known for its robust and accurate equipment.
- Dillon Precision: Produces high-quality, high-speed progressive presses favored by serious reloaders.
- Hornady: A well-respected brand offering a wide range of reloading tools and components.
Safety First: Always Prioritize Safety
Reloading ammunition is inherently dangerous. Always follow safety guidelines, use proper eye and hearing protection, and never rush the process. Consult reloading manuals and online resources for comprehensive safety information. Improper reloading techniques can lead to catastrophic equipment failure and serious injury.
This comprehensive guide provides a solid foundation for selecting the best reloading equipment for 9mm. Remember to prioritize safety, research thoroughly, and enjoy the process of crafting your own ammunition.
