SpacemanSpiff

Maybe it was A-Merc. I said E-Merc in my original post.

For all you reloaders out there ... Is there any type of brass that you stay away from? I was just priming some S&B 9mm and boy are their primer pockets tight. I threw out 6 out of 100. I guess it doesn't seem like much, but I don't want a 6% failure rate in my reloads . It's the first brass that I've had trouble with. I do realize that tight primer pockets is not necessarily a "bad" thing. I heard from someone that "E-MERC" is brass to stay away from as well. I read reviews somewhere that their brass is thicker in places causing problems. What do you stay away from and why?

That's true ... When I started looking for my safe a few years ago, I was told by a number of people always get something bigger than you think you will need. Since I've moved here a little over a year ago, my safe has too much stuff in it. I keep my firearms, important papers, my wife's jewelry, plus ammo and some reloading supplies. I'm looking for a lockable cabinet to store the ammo and reloading supplies because I do not want that it my safe. Anyway to sum it ... I only had handguns when I bought my safe. I bought a 20 gun safe with movable shelves. It's about 8 years later and even with the ammo in the safe, I still have room for more longarms or handguns.

I shot my friend's father Korean War 1911. I already had my Kimber so when I shot his 1911, what a noticeable difference. You can feel the slide wiggle back then wiggle forward. I wouldn't complain about that if I had one though. A "collector" gun with some history behind it is priceless.

I practice with both hands. I started doing so earlier in the year. I started with shooting SA with my S&W 686, then moved to DA. Then I moved on to my Sig 226 and other semi-autos, but still going back to the revolvers. At one point for about a month, I shot strictly with my left hand and when I tried with my right, I found I was shooting better lefty. In real world situations, you may need to shoot with your weak hand, so I find it important to practice, strong, weak, and both hands. To answer your question, it's not hard to switch with practice. Don't expect to be amazing after one box of ammo. Since you've only been a handgun owner for a short time, you hopefully haven't developed any bad habits and should easily be able to switch back and forth.

It just seems, based on this topic, that they are waiting for you to call about your HCP. If you call and it's been a reasonable amount of time (not 1-20 days), they will issue it.

That's what I was told as well. We shot at 3, 7, and 15 yards at my HCP class.

I have a Liberty safe. You should be able to find something in your price range.

Spuds makes a good point. You can get used equipment. I'm sure you can probably find something on EBAY. Everyone told me single stage to start. The Lee single stage press was only $25 that I'm using. Most people I've talked to that use progressive presses, say that they do have a single stage for decapping or whatever. That's why I'm not too concerned about the $25 I spent on my Lee single stage. Right now, I cannot justify the cost of buying a progressive press. I'd love to get a Dillon, but the break even point could be a couple years. If I'm able to shoot more, then I'd be able to justify the cost.

Oh, I just remembered .... I'm required "by law" to go to Wally World and buy ammo now? Right?

WooHoo, guess what I got in the mail today. On day number 96 (last Tuesday), I called to ask the status. That's when then said that it would be issued and I can expect it in 7-14 days. It arrived in the mail today. It seems like they will only "issue" a HCP when someone calls.

I have a Lee single stage press and I use Lee dies. I, too, only load for handguns, specifically .38 spl, 9mm, and .45 acp. To start (besides the obvious) you will need ... case tumbler and media separator - need to clean your brass good caliper - don't get plastic, get a metal one scale powder measure primer pocket cleaner reloading book with load information As Bubba said, get with someone who reloads so you can watch and use the equipment. I did that and that was 100x better than reading reloading books. I still recommend reading because there's important info you will need. Also as Bubba said, powder selection is important. I've only reloaded for about 2 months and I've only used Accurate. I use #2 for .38 spl, #5 for 9mm, and #7 for .45 acp. I've tried different loads with those 3 powders for all 3 calibers, but settled on the powder/caliber combo that I just mentioned. The powder/caliber selection that I've decided on is good because it's obvious if I double charge because I would probably not be able to seat the bullet because the shell would be almost full of powder. Also, the steps that I follow would not permit me to double charge except if I was careless. Prior to me reloading, every time I went to the range I talked with people to "pick their brains" about reloading. Actually, I still talk with people. I found out the other day that I could do something a little different/better with my .38 spls. Hope this helps.

Welcome from middle TN

The formal training that I have had, the instructors have all said to carry at least one reload (one mag or one speedloader). You never know if you're going to have a stovepipe or a double feed and you need to clear it. You could also have a bad mag. With a revolver, is 5 or 6 shots going to be enough for multiple attackers? It's better to be prepared.

I was frightened by other "classmates" when I had my carry class. It turned out that 9 out of 12 people in the class had little or no experience with handguns. I was surprised that one of the guys had a .22 target pistol. That would be really convenient to carry.

I have a 19 and a 26. Great guns. Those will be my carry guns (not at the same time) when I get my permit.

I have had my Glock 19 since 1993. No finger grooves, no accessory rail, but I will never get rid of it. I have a Sig 26 and love it as well. If price isn't a concern then get a Sig. If you are on a limited budget then get a Glock. Remember, just because it's less expensive does NOT mean that it's cheap.

Yep, call before your 90 days. I was printed on April 23rd. I called them this morning and got what seems to be the standard answer, "Your permit will be issued today and you will receive it in about 7 days."

I just received August 2008 catalog for Midway USA. Right on the front cover they have .308 surplus. $109.99/200 or $529.99/1000. That's for 147gr FMJ.

I forgot to say that you can do that at home so don't have a loaded a gun that's why I put the no ammo needed. I sometimes flinch with or without ammo. Two different instructors recommended people doing that, not so much for anticipating the shot but to practice a smooth trigger pull. I was tired when I wrote that and didn't reread it before I posted.

Wow, thanks for all the replies. I guess maybe I should have stated that I'll be carrying my Glock 19 or 26. Not sure if that makes a big difference. So it seems the consensus is to forget the 115gr and go with the 124 or 147? I'll probably pick up a couple boxes and see how they are in my guns.

I saw some Grey Goose flying near that Skyy. Good vodka sure is tasty.

Agreed

What are your recommendations for carry/self defense ammo for 9mm? I was reading reviews on MidwayUSA for Federal Permium Personal Defense and similar rounds. These review are really not helpful except how they may or may not work in a certain guns.

I just had my Advanced Handgun 1 class yesterday. What an eye opener. We were shooting from the hip. I think it was referred to as "elbow to holster". I have to say that my ribs are a little sore from shooting there. My instructor said that most gunfights are within 4 feet, so you cannot shoot with your arms fully extended. We did some one handed shooting, both strong side and weak, while running or walking fast. Moving forward or backward to cover. Some things that I found valuable that I will be practicing will be reloading and clearing jams. During my limited formal handgun training, the instructors have all said that you need to carry at least one reload whether it's a mag or a speedloader. You never know if something will happen to your first mag or you need more shots than your revolver will hold. ***NO AMMO IS NEEDED*** An exercise to help you group better, if your gun will allow it, is to put a coin or empty brass on the end of your barrel and pull the trigger (dry fire). If you are steady, it stays on. If you move (such as anticipating the shot), it falls off. ***NO AMMO IS NEEDED***