Loading Sequence for 9mm Luger
and illustration of "Bullet Setting Roll"
The sequence of operations for loading any caliber is determined by the individual handloader to suit their own requirement.
This is how I load 9mm luger today (it could change tomorrow).
The same sequence works for .40SW, .45ACP, and .45AR calibers (.357SIG requires one extra resize step),
The cases you see here have been through the CasePrep process previously.
I load 9mm Luger on the RCBS Turret Press using a Lee Carbide Deprimer/Resizer die, a Hornady Case Activated Powder Die with the Hornady Powder expander with a Uniflow powder measure, an RCBS Seater Die, and a Lee Factory Crimp Die.
The "Bullet Setting Roll" is a method for setting a bullet on top of a charged case so it will remain straight without holding it with your hand as it enters the die, you only have to flare the case slightly (about .002" larger than the case mouth).
By keeping the case flare small you prevent overworking the case and reduce metal fatigue.
Please see the pics when the bullet is placed on top of the charged case before seating.
I don't know if its unique but I started doing it back in the late 60s when I was loading 30 Carbine rounds.
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I use the following dies in this sequence:
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Lee
| 9mm
| Carbide Sizer/Deprimer
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Hornady/RCBS
| 9mm
| Powder Drop/expander
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RCBS
| 9mm
| Seater
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Lee
| 9mm
| Factory Crimp
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Pick up a clean, unprimed, and sized case from the cup.
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Place the case in the primer tool.
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Prime the case (squeeze)
Note, I usually hold the case while its being primed but move my hand away from the open case mouth in case of a detonation (never had it happen, but being safe).
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Remove the primed case from the primer tool.
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Place the primed case in the shellholder.
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Charge and flare the case.
You can just see the expanding powder die in the top of the case.
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Pick up a bullet while the case is being charged.
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Set the bullet on the charged case as I rotate the turret with my right hand.
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Roll the bullet and case about 1/4 turn to align them with each other.
You can rotate it in either direction depending on what is the most comfortable for you.
The case must still be flared very slightly (about .002" larger than the bullet).
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Bullet ready to seat.
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Seat the bullet into the case.
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Rotate the turret to the factory crimp station, as the ram comes down just after it clears the seater die.
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Crimp the round.
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Remove the round from the shellholder.
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As I move the round to and place it in the ammo box I rotate the turret
2 clicks back to the charge station for the next round.
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