Hanloading 38spec/.357 mag /9mm

[Deleted]

I'm starting to load cartridges for my .357mag ,38spec, and 9mm, handguns for the first time. I see a lot of used brass on E-Bay, Gunbroker etc. What is a good price for once fired clean brass for these calibers.

Another question? Most of the loads I'll be using are for plinking. Is there a best overall powder that will work for these three calibers....

One more ? I'd like to shoot cast bullets for $ sake...Where's the best supplier for these?
The .357 and .38 spec loads will be for a revolver and the 9mm is a semi.
I've reloaded rifles for years but handguns are new to me....Thanks for any info
Zen

[rossman40]

When I did reload for pistol I used plated bullets. A tad more then plain lead cast but a lot less fouling if you push the limit. Think ahead and price everything out, you just do not save a lot of money reloading 9mm when the ammo prices are normal which is why I stopped. With rifle it is different, you reload for accuracy. I stopped reloading .223 when I could get Black Hills blue box cheaper then what I could reload for and it was just about as accurate as what I could do.

[orion]

A good all round powder for just about everything is Unique and or Universal Clays. That would be for mid range to target type loads. Not positive on the 9mm.

Check out Midway, Natchez or Cabela's they all sell lots of good bulk cast bullets. Oregon trails, bullet meister, rainer-plated, berry's-plated are all good. Many others.

I like Oregon trails currently, or cast my own. The most important factor in cast bullets is the size not the hardness. Hardness allows for more leeway in incorrect size, and variations in velocity. Soft bullets can be driven quite fast if they fit correctly.

Don't fear leading. Too much is dangerous, but some is no problem. Just buy some chore boy copper scrubber pads. Cut a piece off and wrap around a jag. A few swipes and your lead is gone. Myself and many others have been doing this for years and it will absolutly not hurt your barrels. Forget lead removers and solvents they are a waste of money. Copper fouling is another story.

Buy a good book on shooting cast, you will learn alot. Most of what you hear is drivel from people who do not shoot them much. Lyman is supposed to be good, or if you can find one by Veral Smith.

[Deleted]

Orion....
Thanks for the info on the powder and bullets. I have a friend who is into Cowboy Shooting. He's lining me up with some cast bullets. I guess you can find anything you'll ever need at their shoots. I'm going to Cabelas in a couple days to get some powder and primers.
zen