Any reloaders here?

[brucey]

Thinking of getting one to keep me occupied this winter. Plus it's nearly impossible to find .45 ACP anymore, much less the oddball .45 long colt.



Ive fired about 300 rounds a week this past summer and looking at prices it would take me about 6 months at that rate to pay for itself. And that's if I'm buying the brass and the slugs outright. Might get into casting eventually and of course I'll be recycling the brass.

That makes it greener, right?

[dcb]

yup, marginally greener. Might be a copper steel alloy if you are concerned:

Army replacing lead bullets but depleted uranium replacement still not identified The Medical Muckraker (www.epinews.com)

[bestclimb]

I reload. I reload for 45-70, 308, 45 colt, 10mm, and will be adding 45acp, 38sp, some time soon.

The 45-70 because it is stupid expensive not to reload it.
the 308 because I can load it to go into less than an inch at a hundred yards.
10mm because it is hard to find and when you can find it it's loaded to wimpy levels.
45 colt because it is way more spendy than it should be given the amounts that the single action types expend vast quantities of it.

I am using an RCBS rock chucker.

[Patrick]

I used to reload but haven't in a while. I recommend the Dillon Square Deal B if they have it in your caliber. It's a relatively inexpensive progressive press that really ups your output over just a single station press. Dillon Precision: Reloaders, Reloading Equipment, Bullet Reloading, Bullet Reloaders

Lee makes a cheaper unit, but I haven't used it: Lee Precision, Inc. Reloading Tools and Equipment: Lee Pro 1000

Harborfreight has inexpensive tumblers to clean the brass. 5 Lb. Metal Vibrator/Tumbler

[bestclimb]

If you are just getting started I would sugjest going with a single stage press. There is a lot going on with a progressive If your just learning. A beginner can pick up the process well with a progressive but the learning curve is a fare bit steeper.

[brucey]

I've reloaded on other peoples equipment before, so I have a basic understanding of whats going on, just don't have my own tools. Was looking at something like this to get started:

Amazon.com: Lee Load Master 45 ACP Reloading Pistol Kit Md: 90945: Sports & Outdoors

[dcb]

it sure is overpriced for what it is though.

[Old Mechanic]

Been reloading for close to 4 decades.

Most important is a visual inspection of the primed and powder charged cases, prior to seating the bullet.

Mass loading with a progressive press is great as long as you understand that the crucial verification of the volume of powder in the sized, primed and charged case is consistent before you seat the bullet.

If a progressive press allows this visual inspection then you are fine.

Avoid any possible distractions when reloading. The price could be very high if you ignore this earnest warning.

Once in 4 decades I double charged a 357 Magnum, with unique powder.

ONCE!

Fortunately it was in a Ruger Redhawk, which survived the firing of that round with no problem, but it sure was a wake up call.

We use a progressive press for pistol rounds when you plan on shooting a lot in one session, but most of everything I shoot these days are rifles, in .308, 30-06, and 7.62X54R.

I break down the 54R for the powder and bullet. Paid 8 cents a round two years ago for surplus. Loaded in my brass cases with boxer primers, means non corrosive, without the cleanup headaches.

My brother has enough lead on hand to cast 150,000 30 caliber bullets. Recovered lead would probably load another 80% of that number through each cycle.

regards
Mech

[Old Mechanic]

Originally Posted by brucey

I've reloaded on other peoples equipment before, so I have a basic understanding of whats going on, just don't have my own tools. Was looking at something like this to get started:

Amazon.com: Lee Load Master 45 ACP Reloading Pistol Kit Md: 90945: Sports & Outdoors

Personally I like the RCBS setup that is available here at Bass Pro Shops.

regards
Mech

[brucey]

DCB: You should see the price on the dillon models.

Old Mechanic: I am thinking for right now to use it to keep my handgun firing going. So I don't see me making a lot of rifle ammunition, in fact I don't own anything that big but am planning on getting a nagant soon. I mostly have handguns and shotguns and thankfully the 12 gauge is still cheap and plentiful.