2aHawaii
Tools and Uses => Reloading => Topic started by: 2aHawaii on February 17, 2010, 08:25:15 AM
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Just wondering who reloads their own ammo.
I probably don't have enough room at my place to get started reloading, but what equipment would you recommend, at the minimum, to get started reloading? Are there any resouces you would suggest before one gets started?
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My family reloaded when I was a child. All that gear is back on the mainland, waiting in Mom's garage for the next eenration of shooters to come along! As I recall, we had a single-stage Lee press, plus a single-stage 20 gauge machine.
With ammo prices doing what they are, and availability being what it is, reloading is beginning to look like a necessity. Fortunately, Ihave a couple of good friends who already reload, and who already have the dies for my two most likely candidates (.30-06 and .357 magnum). All I need to supply are the components.
Which works well for me because, like 2aHawaii, my limiting factor truly is space. I can't store or set up reloading equipment without first purging something else.
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I am currently reloading 300 Win Mag, 9mm, and 45acp, and have components ready for 40 and 223. Running a single stage Lee for the large rifle, a Dillon Square Deal for the 40 and 45, and a Dillon 1050 for 9mm and 223. As mentioned it does take up a lot of space, not only for the loaders but for all the components.
If you are looking for a cheap pistol progressive loader the Square Deal is a great little press. Not to mention caliber conversions are fairly cheap. The Dillon Square Deal goes for about $350 and comes with dies. Dillon is also great when it comes to warranties. I've had a few faulty parts and they have always replaced them no questions asked and quickly.
If you are looking into reloading for rifle, a single stage is a great way to start. Reloading 223 is kind of a bitch tho. You will need a swager to prep brass with military crimps. If I am not mistaken, Lee has a complete kit, less dies for about $150. Comes with a powder drop and scale, as well as the press itself.
Other than that, all you will need is a tumbler to clean your brass, a case gauge for the caliber you are reloading, some components and you are good to go! I would suggest buying your components in bulk. More and more people are reloading and components especially powder and primer are sometimes hard to find and are often times out of stock locally.
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Forgot to mention, the only drawbacks to the Dillon Square Deal is that it only does pistol calibers, and you manually have to feed brass. Some of the more expensive presses have case feeders and will convert to do rifle calibers. But for the price, you cant go wrong.
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I don't have interest in reloading (yet) and planned on just dumping my 9mm casings. Are there people who would be interested in them, or a location at the range that collects them? Save the environment and a little money for someone else.
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I don't have interest in reloading (yet) and planned on just dumping my 9mm casings. Are there people who would be interested in them, or a location at the range that collects them? Save the environment and a little money for someone else.
If I am not too late I could use 9mm brass. Let me know!
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anyone wanna give a student (me) some lessons? on a progressive system...im assuming you do all your case trimmings before it goes into the feeder...and as far as cleaning the primer pockets...thats out of the question on a progressive...
when its all done and final....case gauge each bullet?
I would like to get into reloading as well...308w are expensive!
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Houdni, I only use a progressive for handgun calibers and .223. For 308 and 300WM I still use a single stage. In terms of case trimming, yes it all must be done prior to the feeder or touching any dies.
Dont worry bro, I myself am still learning. Through it all you acquire what works and what makes sense to you. After all why do you think a notebook of your loads is so important.
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Lee starter kit with the single stage press is a good value to get started, the scale is not too great tho. Do a lot of
research on teniques and loads. Get a good reloading manual. Start low
and work up. (it can be dangerous). Be forewarned, reloading can get addicting! Haha
There is nothing like tuning a load to your gun.
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I think i am going to pick up one of those reloading books and go through it. I have very strong been considering this for the past few weeks. (Strong enough I almost just bought one to force myself to do it).
I know Alex reloads here, and almost all the guys at the IPSC. As far as space goes, it's a small unit... doesn't take that much. I know there are some stands for the Lee system, looks about the size /base of a tripod.
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Just started reloading a couple months ago. Didn't have the fortunate circumstances of any family members with the know-how so i bought the ABC's of reloding by Bill Chevalier. It's an OK manual. Bought a Lee Loadmaster due to budget reasons. I know a lot of people hate youtube, but im a visual guy and I have learned a whole bunch of reloading on there. It's one thing to read how to do it, but I love seeing tutorials on how things actually work. If anyone else uses a loadmaster, let m eknow... i'm having the infamous primer issues.... smooshing primers in the pockets. But overall, i've been happy.... been going slow and loaded up some 9mm that has been accurate and reliable.
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I want to watch someone reload lol, so I can really get an idea of what is going on and what all it takes.
mostly to see how long the process takes, because that will determine whether or not I get a better or worse machine. I gotta know what I can live with, if it takes me a hour to 100 rounds, I probably won't like it.
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IF and When we get out new place squared away, I hope to have my reloading bench set up. Two Dillons and an RCBS. Not to mention bullet sizer and casting equipment.
Trimming 308 is Necessary Only if you shoot it out af an auto loader. Most time with a bolt gun, just check case length is OK. Cases "grow" in a a semi auto
When running any progressive, caution is advised not to run out of primers and powder. Especially powder. You may not know when/where you ran out and how
many rounds were made without powder.
When reloading, Do Not have any thing that may distract your attention from the reloader. Ooops will be made. Ask me how I know.......
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the time consumption is in the setup (assuming you now know what you're doing) ..... quadruple checking powder charges... getting all the dies set up right etc. I loaded 100 9mm rounds in about 20 minutes after taking around 2 hours to set my Loadmaster up. I think the key is to load up a whole bunch of rounds once you get everything where you want it. I'm only loading 9mm now, but i'm going to start .40 and .45 soon.
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A few of my buddies reload 5.56. I didn't research it but I was told that reloading 7.62x39 almost isn't worth it. It's best to just buy it instead of making it. I better research. If it saves money, it's worth it...
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yeah, reloading some ammo like 9mm or .223 or AK rounds you probably won't save any money if you consider the less expensive ammo from OGC. But I can tell you that my first reloads are more accurate with my guns.
once I get what components work for me, i'll buy in bulk and maybe save a few pennies...
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When you calculate it out, you can make 10,000 rounds of .40 for the price you can buy 5,000. That is two uses of the .40 case (buying it brand new, at a high cost). I have not seen anywhere that said it's cheaper to buy box brand, I watched like a hour + of this guys video loading .223, he did about 2k rounds from start to finish.
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If you are gonna load high volume, (pistol, .223, 7.62X39) a progressive press is the way to go. I only have a single stage at the moment, and when I load for my .45, it takes forever.
What I do, though, is break it down into sections, I'll clean the brass one day; then on the next free day I'll resize, inspect cases, and seat primers. (I'll do a whole bunch and put em in a plastic baggie and store them in a ammo can, so that they'll be ready to go any time) Then I'll powder up about 50 or so, seat bullets, and taper crimp. I haven't been shooting too much pistol as of late, so it works out ok.
I'm thinking of getting me that lee progressive 808shooter's got. I'd like to get a whole bunch loaded up, in case TSHTF! ;D
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So heavies, start to finish... how long you think for 100 rounds?
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If my powder throw is setup and running smooth (checking powder weights of every 5th round) maybe an hour for 100.
But, like I said this is with a single stage, and a not so great powder throw. A progressive press, after the initial setup, would be much faster.
I mostly load for my F-Class rifle so speed is not a concern; Accuracy and repeatability is everything.
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I Load 223, 308, 45, and soon...30-06. Here's some of my equipment.
RCBS Rock Chucker Single Stage Presses
Redding Competition Dies
Lee Factory Crimp Dies
Dillon Swagger
Dillon and RCBS Vibrating Tumblers
Dillon Case/Media Separator
Gracey and Giraud Case Trimmers (WORTH EVERY PENNY! :thumbsup:)
PACT Digital Dispenser and Scale
Redding Beam Scale
Redding Powder Trickler
Neil Jones Powder Thrower
Mitutoyo Dial Calipers
RCBS and Lee Hand Priming Tools
Sinclair Primer Pocket Uniformers
Sinclair Flash Hole De-Burring Tools
Redding Stuck Case Removal Tool
I think that's it for now.
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anyone try the possum trimmers? The kind you can put on a drill?
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anyone try the possum trimmers? The kind you can put on a drill?
I have one for .223. Faster than trimming any other way EXCEPT with a Giraud. The Giraud is the king of trimmers.
Nakas, you forgot to disclose the secret of your blingy brass
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Dang Nakas. :o
I just have a bunch of Lee stuff, and redding comp dies. ;)
Do tell about the blingy brass.
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I don't have to trim pistol cases right? That shit was expensive lol
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I don't trim mine. I just check a few, in the lot, to make sure they are all good. Straight wall pistol cases don't seem to stretch much, and I usually loose them before they come to the point where they are no good to reload.
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you don't have to trim straight wall pistol, and I hardly hear anyone doing it but there are those that do it. I guess it would make for more consistent chrono'ng. That's why some people sort their brass and keep the # of times reloaded even.
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anyone try the possum trimmers? The kind you can put on a drill?
Everything else is caveman compared to a Giruad or Gracey trimmer. Trim a 100 cases (full length and chamfer uniformly) in less than 10mins. well actually more like 100 cases within 3 songs played on 93.1 the zone.
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Dang Nakas. :o
I just have a bunch of Lee stuff, and redding comp dies. ;)
Do tell about the blingy brass.
graff polish in corn cobb media for about 3+ hours. put in about 100 or so cases, then fill corn cob media impregnated with graff polish that it just covers brass, cook for 3+ hours=BLING! :thumbsup:
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Dang Nakas. :o
I just have a bunch of Lee stuff, and redding comp dies. ;)
Do tell about the blingy brass.
graff polish in corn cobb media for about 3+ hours. put in about 100 or so cases, then fill corn cob media impregnated with graff polish so that it just covers brass, cook for 3+ hours=BLING! :thumbsup:
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anyone try the possum trimmers? The kind you can put on a drill?
I have one for .223. Faster than trimming any other way EXCEPT with a Giraud. The Giraud is the king of trimmers.
Nakas, you forgot to disclose the secret of your blingy brass
the gracey is really good too. although the giraud comes with a better motor, blade and quick caliber change if you intend to do multiple calibers. i modified mine to be like a giraud. it took some time and effort, but if i were to to do it again i would have ordered 2 girauds.
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I reload for pistol only right now, .38/357, .44 SPL/MAG, .45ACP. I use a Lee Hand Press with Lee carbide dies, and I like the Lee factory crimp dies.
I also cast for all of the above using, you guessed it, Lee 2 cavity molds.
Given I live in a small place, move every 2-3 years, seldom shoot more than a couple hundred rounds at a range trip, an expensive bench mounted
set up didn't make sense to me. Not to mention that a lot of the old guys I know over at GBO admitted to me that they've pretty much gone back to a
hand press or simple press after reloading for decades. It takes longer, but I feel like I am more focused on each round. It also all stays in a tool box
that I can throw in the back of my SUV if needs be.
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I reload for pistol only right now, .38/357, .44 SPL/MAG, .45ACP. I use a Lee Hand Press with Lee carbide dies, and I like the Lee factory crimp dies.
I also cast for all of the above using, you guessed it, Lee 2 cavity molds.
Given I live in a small place, move every 2-3 years, seldom shoot more than a couple hundred rounds at a range trip, an expensive bench mounted
set up didn't make sense to me. Not to mention that a lot of the old guys I know over at GBO admitted to me that they've pretty much gone back to a
hand press or simple press after reloading for decades. It takes longer, but I feel like I am more focused on each round. It also all stays in a tool box
that I can throw in the back of my SUV if needs be.
+1 on that. I still got that single stage. But still, one of these days I am gonna get something quicker. I'd like to stock up on some, just for a rainy day.
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I've been reloading handgun ammo so far (9mm and 45ACP). I do have hardware for .223 and .308 just yet to test some loads. I'm basically using a Lee Turret Style Press. As for case preparation it's all drill mount hardware from Lee and Lyman. But all I have to say is "Talk about Chinese Torture" when initially prepping your brass especially when you have 1000+ of each.
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Reloading is a zen exersize. time is irrelevant. RCBS Jr single stage with a plethora of dies. Will be bringing to Hilo if I decide to move. Check out Ebay for reloading components. and make sure you have an RCBS trimmate for all your tools.
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I want to watch someone reload lol, so I can really get an idea of what is going on and what all it takes.
mostly to see how long the process takes, because that will determine whether or not I get a better or worse machine. I gotta know what I can live with, if it takes me a hour to 100 rounds, I probably won't like it.
Talk to Joe or Henry at Windward Guns. They can talk to you about the basics. Pretty cool guys.
I would start with a good manual (Sierra, Nosler, etc.) before you buy any equipment. The manuals will cover the basics.
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Thanks Gzire. I jumped into it and picked up a press and it's got the manuals and stuff. I just need to order the components to get going.
In fact -- montanna gold here I come lol.
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Henry does a great job when it comes to reloading bullets. He definately knows his stuff.
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If I did not reload it would greatly reduce my range time. When I got my first Dillon I thought that I would rarely need any of my other presses. I was wrong. I use my Dillon for pistol and small rifle reloads such as 223 and 762x39. Any larger rifle cartridges are reloaded on a single station press.
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I just got the lee hand press as well and was trying to load up my first batch of 9mm mak but the dang safety scale won't zero!
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I finally found a source for .357 ammo, so my "imminent" needs for reloading are postponed. But when that day comes, I am saving brass for .30-06 and for .357. Currently, I can still get ammo for .30-06 for $0.64/round, which beats reloading prices marginally. And .357, ordered thru Cabelas using a freight forwarder, is about .74% the cost of reloading. I don't expect either of those to last, but I am investing a considerable sum in ammo to forestall the day I have to reload.
Yes, I used the word "forestall." Deal with it.
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Working on .308 this week, resized and primed 1 ammo can's worth of loose brass, starting a second now. Waiting for the next paycheck to pick up 1000 175gr SMK's and 1000 MK319 mod 0 projectiles (130 gr barrier blind). Ill be glad when the .308 is done so I can focus on the 5 cans of .223 again.
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I reload using a Dillon 650
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I've been reloading for about a year with a Dillon RL550B. .223, .308, 9mm, 38spl, and 357 magnum. I can press out 500 - 600 rounds per hour once I get a good rhythm going. The powder measure is accurate to 0.1 gr which is close enough for me.
Cost per round is from slightly less to significantly less (especially for .308 & JHP), but more importantly, I can taylor my loads to my pistol/rifle for increased accuracy. Don't really save any money, I just get to shoot more. LOL
I really like my Dillon RL1200 trimmer as I can resize the brass at the same time and it has a vacuum attachment to suck out the brass trimmings.
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I know this thread goes back a bit. I second the Lee Hand Press. I have two now. I wore one out over years of heavy use. But they are very portable and work great as far as I am concerned. I am 60 and stuck in my ways I suppose, but I don't trust progressive presses, and hand loading isn't something I want to rush through either. I use Lee carbide dies. I have a powder measure that uses variable bushings to throw the powder charges. But I would never trust the advertised list of what powders throw what charge through each bushing. So I took my powder scale and threw a series of charges using some of the powders I used a lot of and carefully weighed a few charges and then listed them. I do have a case trimmer and a set of metal bits that chuck into an electric drill. I have a clamp on drill stand and I clean each case one by one using an abrasive cleaning pad. I also have a simple case chamfer tool to use after trimming a case. I used to compete several times a month and used the same Federal .38 Special cases over and over again with very few case failures .I also reloaded for a friend that competed with me, and he used a TC Contender in 32-20. My reloading equipment is all very compact yet works great. It can be stored away without taking up much room. I have heard stories of guys using progressive presses and had a problem and that destroys any time saved if you have to go back through 100 rounds to figure out how many got through after the powder hopper ran out or something. I also reloaded a lot of 30/30 for a TC Contender handgun with 10" barrel for 200 meter IHMSA matches. 30/30 may be a middle of the road cartridge in a rifle, but in a 10" handgun you have very potent shooter that can easily knock down a 60 pound steel ram at 220 yards. I still reload the way my Father taught me many years ago when I was 13-14 years old, and speed has no place in my reloading technique. But I have never reloaded a dud or had a misfire.
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I gotta admit that I love reloading almost as much as I do shooting my reloads.
I reload the following using a Lee Breech Load single stage press:
.32 ACP
.38 spl
9 mm
45 ACP
.223
.270
.30-06
7.5 Swiss
I try to reload every caliber I shoot except for 7.62X39 and 54R since they are still cheap. I probably buy firearms just so that I can reload them. Yeah, I know...I need professional help.
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And .357, ordered thru Cabelas using a freight forwarder
Which freight forwarder do you use. Can they ship powder and primers too or only ammo? Sorry for the thread highjacking :D
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I gotta admit that I love reloading almost as much as I do shooting my reloads.
I reload the following using a Lee Breech Load single stage press:
.32 ACP
.38 spl
9 mm
45 ACP
.223
.270
.30-06
7.5 Swiss
I try to reload every caliber I shoot except for 7.62X39 and 54R since they are still cheap. I probably buy firearms just so that I can reload them. Yeah, I know...I need professional help.
Nothing wrong with that? :shaka: