Reloading 101 (ish!) - Page 3

Miggy · July 3rd, 2007, 09:16 PM

And bringing back this thread, I just made this booboo because I was distracted while installing the seating die.

I cannot even imagine the pressure on that sucker.

Stay alert & pay attention!

pgrass101 · July 3rd, 2007, 09:22 PM

Wow Miggy I've set some deep but never like that.

SammyIamToday · July 3rd, 2007, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowsbane

So I have to ask, on average, about how much does it cost to set up a small to medium reloading station? not counting brass

You can get a LEE hand press kit for like 25 bucks.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...416&t=11082005

Well, it's 30 bucks now, but that's how I started. Got a tumbling kit, the reloading kit and a few other odds and ends for less than 200 bucks. The only thing I've added is an automatic powder measure. I plan on getting a better press at some point, but I can reload 50 rounds in about an hour. Not going to break any records, but if I reload a few nights a week, I have enough ammo on hand for my shooting on the weekend.

P95Carry · July 3rd, 2007, 10:02 PM

Miggy - it happens! Remember my .223 that got over inserted?

Sammy - over time with additions you'll get your reload speed up. I mentioned before I think that cost savings increase almost with caliber. Regular stuff like .38, 9mm and .45acp are not that big of a saving but - just completed 200 or so .454 loads ..... even with spendy XTP bullets and a hefty charge of H-110, the rounds still only come out around 25 cents ........ buying Hornady factory stuff they cost close to $1 a pop!!!

Now that saving i like

Miggy · July 4th, 2007, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P95Carry

Miggy - it happens! Remember my .223 that got over inserted?

That actually looks like a wildcat round!

kavity · July 17th, 2007, 09:58 PM

How safe is it to reload in an apartment? I am in college and money is an object, so I would like to start reloading 38spl for my 642. I would get to practice more if I could reload, but I also live in an apartment and am afraid that if something went wrong I could send a round through the floor or something.

I have never reloaded before and if I decide to do so I would obviously take a course and read up on it first, but before I got into all of that I just want to make sure its feasible/safe to do in an apartment.

P95Carry · July 17th, 2007, 10:23 PM

Reloading done sensibly and safely can be done anywhere IMO.

If you have a firm base to use as a bench - to clamp a press onto then the rest is just following basic rules and safety measures. You sure ain't gonna start shooting thru floors reloading!!

Do read up of course and Dean Grennell's ''ABC's of Reloading'' is a good start point. Better still is finding someone who reloads already to take you thru the basics.

It is most certainly not rocket science and safe as many things when done right. You are more likely to have an accident cooking on the stove than reloading.!

Obviously common sense measures are needed over storage of powders, primers etc . and eye protection is more than desirable. In essence, get some basic gear and walk before running

kavity · July 17th, 2007, 10:46 PM

Any recommendations on quality inexpensive reloading gear? What exactly do I need?

I will see if I can go pick up that book tomorrow morning which is sure to explain all of that ^^ but I figured I would ask your opinion anyway.

P95Carry · July 17th, 2007, 10:59 PM

Well Dean Grennell is passed quite some time ago but - his words are solid for getting into the deal. A good alternative is 2nd Edition of "Modern Reloading'' by Richard Lee - in fact as that relates to Lee stuff maybe more useful - plus it has some load data. Consider that one.

Many will recommend Dillon gear but - that is a much more expensive start ... and so if you wanna stay with budget stuff that will do the job then IMO Lee will save you a good bit.

http://www.leeprecision.com/ will show you what they have on offer but - you'll save well if you buy what you want thru Midway.

If .38 spl is your main priority now then you'll need a die set - which also will actually do .357. get the tungstens - no case lube needed with those. To economize a Challenger (I think it is) single station press will serve well - but if funds run to it get a turret press. For your .38's a three position will do - you can crimp the rounds adequately on station 3 when seating bullet.

You must have some sorta scales . the Lee beam ones are OK but ...... RCBS or Lyman beam scales way better. You may find some stuff on ebay or Gunbroker actually, if someone is selling up or upgrading.

You can get cast bullets from several sources. I find midstate bullets good but there are others. I suggest 158 SWC's for 38 snub shooting.

Obviously you'll need powder and primers - you may save by getting those at gun shop as Hazmat cost for mail order is about $20. For general purpose Unique will serve you well - over a wide load range... but also Win 231 or Bullseye also good for target .38 loads.

There are many bits and pieces that also make things easier and one gets over time but I think what I have mentioned would kick you off adequately.

aus71383 · July 18th, 2007, 12:43 AM

What you are reloading for and how much you plan on shooting plays a big part. Here is a great link about reloading on a budget - everything you need can fit in a shoebox and costs less than $50 for all the tools.

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech...h_notes.htm/51

Austin

July 3rd, 2007, 09:16 PM	#21
Miggy Moderator Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Miami-Dade, FL Posts: 4,545	And bringing back this thread, I just made this booboo because I was distracted while installing the seating die. I cannot even imagine the pressure on that sucker. Stay alert & pay attention! __________________ You have to make the shot when fire is smoking, people are screaming, dogs are barking, kids are crying and sirens are coming. Randy Cain. GunFreeZone.net

July 3rd, 2007, 09:22 PM	#22
pgrass101 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 6,105	Wow Miggy I've set some deep but never like that. __________________ Noli nothis permittere te terere

July 3rd, 2007, 10:02 PM	#24
P95Carry Assistant Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: South West PA Posts: 25,366	Miggy - it happens! Remember my .223 that got over inserted? Sammy - over time with additions you'll get your reload speed up. I mentioned before I think that cost savings increase almost with caliber. Regular stuff like .38, 9mm and .45acp are not that big of a saving but - just completed 200 or so .454 loads ..... even with spendy XTP bullets and a hefty charge of H-110, the rounds still only come out around 25 cents ........ buying Hornady factory stuff they cost close to $1 a pop!!! Now that saving i like __________________ Chris - P95 NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member. "To own a gun and assume that you are armed is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!." If a BG dies as the result of pointing a gun at me, then he has merely succumbed to an occupational hazard of being a thug

July 17th, 2007, 10:23 PM	#27
P95Carry Assistant Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: South West PA Posts: 25,366	Reloading done sensibly and safely can be done anywhere IMO. If you have a firm base to use as a bench - to clamp a press onto then the rest is just following basic rules and safety measures. You sure ain't gonna start shooting thru floors reloading!! Do read up of course and Dean Grennell's ''ABC's of Reloading'' is a good start point. Better still is finding someone who reloads already to take you thru the basics. It is most certainly not rocket science and safe as many things when done right. You are more likely to have an accident cooking on the stove than reloading.! Obviously common sense measures are needed over storage of powders, primers etc . and eye protection is more than desirable. In essence, get some basic gear and walk before running __________________ Chris - P95 NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member. "To own a gun and assume that you are armed is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!." If a BG dies as the result of pointing a gun at me, then he has merely succumbed to an occupational hazard of being a thug

July 17th, 2007, 10:59 PM	#29
P95Carry Assistant Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: South West PA Posts: 25,366	Well Dean Grennell is passed quite some time ago but - his words are solid for getting into the deal. A good alternative is 2nd Edition of "Modern Reloading'' by Richard Lee - in fact as that relates to Lee stuff maybe more useful - plus it has some load data. Consider that one. Many will recommend Dillon gear but - that is a much more expensive start ... and so if you wanna stay with budget stuff that will do the job then IMO Lee will save you a good bit. http://www.leeprecision.com/ will show you what they have on offer but - you'll save well if you buy what you want thru Midway. If .38 spl is your main priority now then you'll need a die set - which also will actually do .357. get the tungstens - no case lube needed with those. To economize a Challenger (I think it is) single station press will serve well - but if funds run to it get a turret press. For your .38's a three position will do - you can crimp the rounds adequately on station 3 when seating bullet. You must have some sorta scales . the Lee beam ones are OK but ...... RCBS or Lyman beam scales way better. You may find some stuff on ebay or Gunbroker actually, if someone is selling up or upgrading. You can get cast bullets from several sources. I find midstate bullets good but there are others. I suggest 158 SWC's for 38 snub shooting. Obviously you'll need powder and primers - you may save by getting those at gun shop as Hazmat cost for mail order is about $20. For general purpose Unique will serve you well - over a wide load range... but also Win 231 or Bullseye also good for target .38 loads. There are many bits and pieces that also make things easier and one gets over time but I think what I have mentioned would kick you off adequately. __________________ Chris - P95 NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member. "To own a gun and assume that you are armed is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!." If a BG dies as the result of pointing a gun at me, then he has merely succumbed to an occupational hazard of being a thug

July 17th, 2007, 09:58 PM	#26
kavity Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Virginia Tech Posts: 591	How safe is it to reload in an apartment? I am in college and money is an object, so I would like to start reloading 38spl for my 642. I would get to practice more if I could reload, but I also live in an apartment and am afraid that if something went wrong I could send a round through the floor or something. I have never reloaded before and if I decide to do so I would obviously take a course and read up on it first, but before I got into all of that I just want to make sure its feasible/safe to do in an apartment.

July 17th, 2007, 10:46 PM	#28
kavity Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Virginia Tech Posts: 591	Any recommendations on quality inexpensive reloading gear? What exactly do I need? I will see if I can go pick up that book tomorrow morning which is sure to explain all of that ^^ but I figured I would ask your opinion anyway.

July 18th, 2007, 12:43 AM	#30
aus71383 Distinguished Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: United States Posts: 1,696	What you are reloading for and how much you plan on shooting plays a big part. Here is a great link about reloading on a budget - everything you need can fit in a shoebox and costs less than $50 for all the tools. http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech...h_notes.htm/51 Austin

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