Do you reload?

[MrGroundhog]

I'm curious as to how many of you reload your own ammo. What have you found to be some of the pros and cons? I'm trying to figure out if it's really worth it for me. I'm looking to primarily reload my 6.8 spc as well as my 223 and 30-30. I have been saving all of my brass for a while now. It sucks having to order 6.8 spc online and to go through the dealer to get it.

[Lawdwaz]

Yes I reload.

 

No cons, all pros.

 

Absofreakinglutely worth it.  Slowly start accumulating the necessary goods via web sites like this or even (dread!) EBay.  Read up on it, ask questions start shooting!

 

No down side....................

[ATbuckhunter]

So far I don't see a down side to reloading once you learn the basics. I hope to start reloading my self soon. Two of the really big pro's are tailoring the cartridge to what your gun likes as well as producing ammo at a cheaper price than store bought. 

[Paula]

I don't know anything about reloading, do you have a "recipe" to know what your doing and can you adjust to your liking?

[shawnhu]

Upside is cost savings, flexibility in ammo combinations, better marksmanship, gratification in shooting something you put together.

Downside is, you'll be at the range a lot more often.

X-Calibur Lighting Systems

http://facebook.com/XCaliburLightingSystems

[bubba]

Yes I reload. I have for many years. Only down side or original start up costs. But you can really fine tune a firearm and have a tack driver. Paula. There are loading manuals that lust all bullet weights per caliber as well as powder variations. Start small and work your way up in calibers

[ATbuckhunter]

Upside is cost savings, flexibility in ammo combinations, better marksmanship, gratification in shooting something you put together.

Downside is, you'll be at the range a lot more often.

X-Calibur Lighting Systems

http://facebook.com/XCaliburLightingSystems

That's a hard downside to deal with haha. 

[MrGroundhog]

I am almost 100 percent sure I'm going to get the lee single stage press kit. It has some good reviews and seems easy to use.

[fasteddie]

I have been reloading for a few years . I have reloaded 223 , 25-06 and 44 mag for myself and reloaded 270 for 2 of my sons as well as 44 mag and 357 for a son . I went through a couple of reloading books before ever starting . 

When I reload , no radio or TV or any other outside distractions . 

[shawnhu]

I don't know anything about reloading, do you have a "recipe" to know what your doing and can you adjust to your liking?

Simple version of it is put a primer in the case, pour some powder in, and throw on a bullet.

Not so simple version is, measure everything, and then measure it again.

X-Calibur Lighting Systems

http://facebook.com/XCaliburLightingSystems

[shawnhu]

I am almost 100 percent sure I'm going to get the lee single stage press kit. It has some good reviews and seems easy to use.

For rifle cartridges, this is what I got, after much consideration.

X-Calibur Lighting Systems

http://facebook.com/XCaliburLightingSystems

[airedale]

Back when I started it was all about saving money which equated into a lot more shooting. It was also pretty easy to better and improve the performance that was offered by the factory loadings, that still holds true for the most part today.

 

I have a few not so popular chamberings where it is hard to obtain factory ammo so without reloading  I would be screwed.

 

Al

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Buckmaster7600]

Yes, downsides are that you don't save any money because you shoot more and you find out about chamberings that you "have" to have in reloading books.

[philoshop]

Reloading becomes a hobby in and of itself. Whether that's good or bad for you, I can't make that call.

It costs a few bucks to get into it, but if you shoot on a regular basis or if you just enjoy tinkering to make a firearm the best that it can be it's well worth it.

FWIW I started reloading in 1979 and I've never regretted it.

[dbHunterNY]

i haven't yet but i'm working on it.  i've bought components, dies, and other stuff.  progressive presses there's too much going on when starting out.  plus i'm starting for accuracy with rifles.  I've got lots of pistol rounds.

[shawnhu]

I am almost 100 percent sure I'm going to get the lee single stage press kit. It has some good reviews and seems easy to use.

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/423081/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-anniversary-kit?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Reloading+-+Metallic+Reloading+Presses-_-Lee-_-423081&gclid=CjwKEAiAluG1BRDrvsqCtYWk81gSJACZ2BCeXMulpUM5D6soOqcF-atp-NqQrnkRTiik16bqQtVpchoCYL_w_wcB

Sorry, I meant to include a link in my previous post.

X-Calibur Lighting Systems

http://facebook.com/XCaliburLightingSystems

Edited February 9, 2016 by shawnhu

[RoadKill44]

Nope - Don't reload.

[Doc]

Most of the pros have been covered already, but one that I didn't read here is the idea of "ammo independence". With every government agency imaginable trying every trick in the book to deprive shooters of their rights, there has become increased legislative pressure on ammo. No bullets...no guns. That is the theory. So now we have all kinds of brainfarts by the anti's about background checks, imprinting on spent cases, ammo limits and all kinds of brilliant ideas that are simply harassments when it comes to purchasing bullets. So right now before the real fecal storm comes down on ammo, I have already secured what I consider a lifetime supply of bullet components. It's just a way to insulate myself from those that would deprive me of my 2nd amendment rights. A little pro-active preparation can save a whole pile of aggravation and harassment in the future.

[wildcat junkie]

I am almost 100 percent sure I'm going to get the lee single stage press kit. It has some good reviews and seems easy to use.

 

Which kit, the $130 version of the $267 dollar version? (Midway USA prices)

 

Neither "kit" includes shell holding blocks/trays, or a case tumbler/cleaner. Both will be essential if you are going to load any volume at all. You should clean the case lube off the cases before they are used to prevent transferring case lube into the chamber of your rifles. The trays/blocks allow you to keep track of your cases in the various stages. A powder trickler is also desirable to adjust the weigh of the charges thrown by the measure.

 

Here are the differences between the two.

 

The higher priced version has a powder measure that has critical parts made of metal while the cheaper kit has an all plastic measure.

 

The Higher priced kit also has a hand priming tool that is beneficial in feeling the seating pressure required to seat the primers. this is a very desirable trait.

 

The higher priced kit  has a case trimmer that is essential for safety as if case necks get too long for the chamber they will not be able to expand enough to release the bullet. That can raise chamber pressure dramatically.

 

The higher priced kit includes a Manual, but load data is available online & you will probably be able to get more comprehensive data fro bullet manufacturers.

[Doewhacker]

I started reloading after reading up on it here believe it or not. Here is the Reloading section on the page. http://huntingny.com/forums/forum/70-reloading/

 

Here is a post Culver made from 2012 with a list of items to consider. I think I go into it for @700 total when I started out but I got a progressive press.

 

Culvercreek hunt club

Culvercreek hunt club

Culver Creek Hunt Club

• 
• Members
• 
• 9927 posts

• LocationRush NY

Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:07 AM

http://www.midwayusa...gton?cm_vc=OBv1 Press Kit NEED

http://www.midwayusa...teel?cm_vc=OBv1 Caliper NEED

http://www.midwayusa...ler?cm_vc=sugv1 Bullet puller NEED

http://www.midwayusa...lue?cm_vc=sugv1 Reloading Tray NICE

http://www.midwayusa...iber?cm_vc=OBv1 Powder Funnel NEED

http://www.midwayusa...stud?cm_vc=OBv1 case trimmer lock stud to attach a drill NICE

http://www.midwayusa...rip?cm_vc=sugv1 case trimmer ball grip to do a few by hand NEED

http://www.midwayusa...-grain-capacity (Digital scale...very nice but not required)

http://www.midwayusa...umbler-110-volt case tumbler (not NEEDED but they sure look nice...lol) Nice

http://www.midwayusa...powder-trickler Powder trickler...again not NEEDED but makes it easier to hit exact powder amounts. NEED I think







http://www.midwayusa...gton?cm_vc=OBv1 I like these dies for a rifle becasue is give you full length sizing and neck sizing. ...for each caliber

http://www.midwayusa...ton?cm_vc=sugv1 I factory crimp everything I use. I shortens case life but increases accuracy and gives a positive bullet seat. IMO....for each rifle caliber


http://www.midwayusa...ret?cm_vc=sugv1 Turret Plate for each caliber you want to reload

http://www.midwayusa...ster?cm_vc=OBv1 Trim Guage for each caliber



Off the top of my head I can't think of anything else I got to start....of course that list always grows. I am sure I forgot something but maybe the other guys can add to the list. I tried to show what was needed and what is nice to have.



Oh forgot...brass, bullets, primers and powder....step one is read...read...then read some more before you start. It isn't hard to do it is just detailed and you shoulndn't be distracted when doing it.

Edited by Culvercreek hunt club, 28 November 2012 - 11:08 AM

 

Edited February 9, 2016 by Doewhacker

[wildcat junkie]

Which kit, the $130 version of the $267 dollar version? (Midway USA prices)

 

Neither "kit" includes shell holding blocks/trays, or a case tumbler/cleaner. Both will be essential if you are going to load any volume at all. You should clean the case lube off the cases before they are used to prevent transferring case lube into the chamber of your rifles. The trays/blocks allow you to keep track of your cases in the various stages. A powder trickler is also desirable to adjust the weigh of the charges thrown by the measure.

 

Here are the differences between the two.

 

The higher priced version has a powder measure that has critical parts made of metal while the cheaper kit has an all plastic measure.

 

The Higher priced kit also has a hand priming tool that is beneficial in feeling the seating pressure required to seat the primers. this is a very desirable trait.

 

The higher priced kit  has a case trimmer that is essential for safety as if case necks get too long for the chamber they will not be able to expand enough to release the bullet. That can raise chamber pressure dramatically.

 

The higher priced kit includes a Manual, but load data is available online & you will probably be able to get more comprehensive data fro bullet manufacturers.

 

 

 

I started reloading after reading up on it here believe it or not. Here is the Reloading section on the page. http://huntingny.com/forums/forum/70-reloading/

 

Here is a post Culver made from 2012 with a list of items to consider. I think I go into it for @700 total when I started out but I got a progressive press.

 

Culvercreek hunt club

Culvercreek hunt club

Culver Creek Hunt Club

• 
• Members
• 
• 9927 posts

• LocationRush NY

Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:07 AM

http://www.midwayusa...gton?cm_vc=OBv1 Press Kit NEED

http://www.midwayusa...teel?cm_vc=OBv1 Caliper NEED

http://www.midwayusa...ler?cm_vc=sugv1 Bullet puller NEED

http://www.midwayusa...lue?cm_vc=sugv1 Reloading Tray NICE

http://www.midwayusa...iber?cm_vc=OBv1 Powder Funnel NEED

http://www.midwayusa...stud?cm_vc=OBv1 case trimmer lock stud to attach a drill NICE

http://www.midwayusa...rip?cm_vc=sugv1 case trimmer ball grip to do a few by hand NEED

http://www.midwayusa...-grain-capacity (Digital scale...very nice but not required)

http://www.midwayusa...umbler-110-volt case tumbler (not NEEDED but they sure look nice...lol) Nice

http://www.midwayusa...powder-trickler Powder trickler...again not NEEDED but makes it easier to hit exact powder amounts. NEED I think

http://www.midwayusa...gton?cm_vc=OBv1 I like these dies for a rifle becasue is give you full length sizing and neck sizing. ...for each caliber

http://www.midwayusa...ton?cm_vc=sugv1 I factory crimp everything I use. I shortens case life but increases accuracy and gives a positive bullet seat. IMO....for each rifle caliber

http://www.midwayusa...ret?cm_vc=sugv1 Turret Plate for each caliber you want to reload

http://www.midwayusa...ster?cm_vc=OBv1 Trim Guage for each caliber

Off the top of my head I can't think of anything else I got to start....of course that list always grows. I am sure I forgot something but maybe the other guys can add to the list. I tried to show what was needed and what is nice to have.

Oh forgot...brass, bullets, primers and powder....step one is read...read...then read some more before you start. It isn't hard to do it is just detailed and you shoulndn't be distracted when doing it.

Edited by Culvercreek hunt club, 28 November 2012 - 11:08 AM

 

Yes indeed, I left out calipers and an inertial bullet puller both of which are essential.

 

The digital scale is also a lot more convenient than a balance beam IMO

[airedale]

MrGroundog, if you are on the fence you do not have to go hog wild and spend a lot of money to get your feet wet in reloading. The Lee handloader is still being manufactured and along with one of their powder measuring scoop sets could get someone started cheap but still have the ability to load decent ammo.

 

Lee also make a small press that sells for about $30, it would use conventional loading dies. I have one of those that I actually got for free for buying a Lee loading manual and use it along with a Lee universal depriming die exclusively for depriming all my cases. While it is on the light end of the press spectrum one could load good ammo with it with no problem.

 

If the reloading bug takes hold the sky is the limit and you can go hog wild on equipment that gives you plenty of speed and convenience. 

 

Al

Edited February 9, 2016 by airedale

[dbHunterNY]

I know with my intent I'm only initially loading for big game rifles and varmint rifle I mainly shoot woodchucks with.  so I plan on going relatively cheaper and not hog wild.  I'm trying to decide on what if any kit to get and what I'd prefer that would need to be purchased separately, which I've figured out is based a lot of personal preference and needs.  i know i can cut costs by buying used or stuff in a kit.  I've decided to go with a turret most likely so I'm not spending as much time as a single stage.

[Culvercreek hunt club]

  I've decided to go with a turret most likely so I'm not spending as much time as a single stage.

 and you still have to option to use as a single stage if you wish. 

[shawnhu]

I know with my intent I'm only initially loading for big game rifles and varmint rifle I mainly shoot woodchucks with. so I plan on going relatively cheaper and not hog wild. I'm trying to decide on what if any kit to get and what I'd prefer that would need to be purchased separately, which I've figured out is based a lot of personal preference and needs. i know i can cut costs by buying used or stuff in a kit. I've decided to go with a turret most likely so I'm not spending as much time as a single stage.

When I priced my stuff out, I realized that the kits didn't save a whole lot. So when looking at kits, buy only the kits that you'll use 80% and more of the items in such kit.

I went with the Lee Challenger Anniversary kit. Sales can be had for these kits if you wait for them.

Additional to the kit, I purchased calipers for measuring case and cartridge length. I purchased the Lee 4-piece die set for .243 but you can get away with just the full length sizing and the bullet seating dies. Bullets, powder, brass and primer and you're set.

Everything else, is just gravy IMO. You can make your own bullet trays, don't need an electronic scale, or a bullet puller. Don't need a better powder measure, as many will tell you the Lee Perfect Powder Measure is extremely accurate and repeatable. Don't need a fancy trickler as I use a spent 30-06 case and use that to trickle. Definitely don't need a tumbler. I downloaded some manuals online and got my data from research, all free.

Lee also makes a loader for $10, so you can literally start cheap, or go extravagant with this hobby.

Regards to a turret, I found that if you're loading in volume, you most likely will be doing each task in volume, i.e sizing all cases, then priming all cases, then throwing charges on all cases, then seating bullets on all cases. In this regard, I found that the new breech locking system Lee has is extremely simple to change out the dies for each task, and I find the turret not necessary. If you do one round at a time from start to completion, then I can definitely see the value in the turret system.

X-Calibur Lighting Systems

http://facebook.com/XCaliburLightingSystems

Edited February 9, 2016 by shawnhu