Printable View
hey guys im thinking of going out and buying my reloading kit. ammos geting to expencive and such. but reload supplies are hard to find too. any idea on when this will stop and be able to buy bullets and shells again??
also any tips for first time reloaders?
There always seems to be a reloading setup or components on Craigslist or in our local trade paper.
When will the frenzy buying end? If you don't have it bought up now for summers shooting it's gonna be tough I think unless you are ready to pay frenzy pricing unless you are lucky to have a gunshop that is not going nuts with pricing.
Good luck,it is enjoyable and fulfilling to roll your own. It's pricey at first but if you shoot a lot it don't take long to recover and start saving money.
I see you are another Buckeye, I'm down near St. Clairsville, we shoot the long range matches at Rayners near Cambridge/Zanesville. Be glad to have you join us on a practice day or one of the matches the 4th Sunday of each month starting in February.
Dennis
Tips:
1)Read.
2)Buy the Hornady Reloading Manuel and read it at least 3 or 4 times. It's a good reference source.
3)Don't simply trust what's posted on any internet forum.
4)ALWAYS start below the maximum load and work up. Watch for pressure signs such as "sticky" extraction and brass splits. . Primers do NOT always indicate what a load is doing!!
5) Always measure and trim your bottle neck cases.
Component questions: Yes...it will come back to "normal". Reloaders are going a bit over board along with newbies getting into the sport, and hoarding components.
Dave
I've heard some. : )
I load too, only way to go in my opinion.
yup. why do you have to trimm ammo?
I personally like the RCBS RockChucker reloading kit. I bought the RCBS electronic chargemaster, but it a luxury. Get a good set of dies, again RCBS Competition Dies, a strong reloading table, a good caliber, headspaceing guages-Hornady, and a Hornady guage to determine your distance from the lands.
Brass, powder, primers, bullets, a litte wax for sizing and you should be in business.
Hook up with a buddy that reloads and spend a session or two with him to learn what it should look like.
Get a reloading manual and read it. Get two.
Ask questions here. Ask a lot of questions.
Do not think faster is always better. More accurate beats more faster everytime.
Sean
You don't have to go out and buy the Cadillac of reloading supplies to get good stuff. There are lots of good choices out there. Heck, you don't even know if you'll like it. Read and research a lot. Always start loads low. Ask questions, there are lots of knowledgeable people out there who won't steer you in wrong direction. And have fun!
I'm a beginner too and have been loading for a few months, and I did not have much money to start out with, so I bought the Lee anniversary kit for just over $100.00. A great deal for what you get, IMO. Dies are a matter of opinion, but of the brands that I'm likely to find in stock I generally go RCBS, though I will use Lee crimpers. You'll need at least $100.00 for all the reload manuals--they are an absolute necessity as important as any hardware. Always listen to the voices of experience (as I do) as they may save you from unnecessary damage or catastrophe--but also remember you are loading for YOUR weapons--not theirs, so what works for them may not work for you the same way. You're starting out at a bad time when equipment, cases and bullets for popular calibers are hard to find--It's gotten to the point where I would seriously consider buying an odd-ball caliber rifle that stuff is still commonly available for--that's easy to figure out by simply surfing the net and going to a few LGS's. : ) But it's a fantastic hobby that will bring you extra satisfaction and pride with that good grouping or when you drop your game on first shot. In fact, I'm getting set to head out the door to ladder-test a batch of new loads--this is the fun part! : )
I just started out reloading with the Lee Anniversary kit. I would recommend it. I did not buy $100 worth of manuals. I used a lot of information from the Internet and I had the luxury of a gunsmith willing to spend time showing me what to do. You can use the Lee case trimmers which will set you back a few bucks per cartridge is all which is nice. Other than dies it has pretty much everything you need.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Cases will stretch a there shot and must be trimmed back to spec, very dangerous to shoot cases that are too long.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stevens M200 30-06
I have the lee breech lock kit and really like the lee press and dies, but I don't like there scale. I have one of the old American made rcbs / ohaus 10-10 scale. I am not real trusting on the less expensive digital scales. It's hard to cheat gravity.
A bit of advise from one who have been reloading over 50 years, buy and use a set of scale check weights. I don't care its a $5 yard sale gem or one plated in 24K gold costing $1,000. There is no other way to know if its weighing accurately and/or consistently.Quote:
Originally Posted by missed
For example, if I'm going to throw 45g charges, after zeroing I'll use a 40g and 50g weight to verify the scale is reading accurately within that span.
"Hard to cheat gravity"? You might be surprised how one small sliver of steel wool on a magnetic dampened scale does!
Bill
Don't buy the reload books? I guess there's no sense in knowing what the bullet/cartridge dimensions are, min/max loads, ballistic coefficients, drop tables etc are. : )Quote:
Originally Posted by bower4311
I "hear" all my reloads when I pull the trigger.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stevens M200 30-06
"Here" in this forum davemuzz and others have given you very good advice.
Read the front of your reloading manuals, I have been reloading for over 45 years and at least once a year I pick up one of my manuals and read and refresh my brain.
"All the information in the world is written in books and all you have to do is read"
Attila the Hun
In heaven there is no beer.
That's why we drink it here
When we're gone from here,
all our friends will be drinking all our beer!
Remember here, I stink and you smell.................
Sorry my oldest sister is an English teacher, after she reads my emails, she corrects them and sends them back to me. (I just wanted someone else to feel the pain)
I'm 18 and I do.
Going to start to anneal sometime this week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stevens M200 30-06
Why?
http://i29.tinypic.com/2ynkqdh.jpg
Of interest is the cartridge and the cast below it. Notice where the case mouth of the cartridge is compared to where it would be in the chamber. Also notice the transition(step) from the portion of the chamber where the neck would be to the freebore is tapered, not a square shoulder.
Now suppose the neck is too long on a loaded cartridge, the tapered transition would crimp the mouth of the cartridge on the bullet and without room for the neck to expand and release the bullet....Kaboom! The powder gases will take the path of least resistance, back in the action and your snot locker!
Bill
What are those two things below the cartridge? Are they pieces/casts inside of of the actual receiver and barrel with barrel blown off just past the lands??Quote:
Originally Posted by BillPa
They are casts of his chamber. Like the CSI guys do with foot prints and tire treads. But this is the guys barrel chamber and a bit of the lands/grooves.
All good sound advice..I have gotten 30 or more started in reloading over the past years..I have always had them start out with the Lyman manuals..Myself and several other think they are the most informative out there..You do not need a ton of manuals like some seem to think..I have over 75 different manuals and they all tell you the basics...I want to wish you the best of luck and be careful..In fact I am going to be cleaning out most of my collection of books and post them on E Bay.....I have to clean this place out...:attention:
Chamber casts made with Cerosafe. It the only way I know of to determine some of the chamber dimensions without having the reamer used to cut it. No, it wasn't blown off. Its were the patch was in the barrel to hold the molten Cerosafe.Quote:
Originally Posted by thermaler
A couple more...
http://i48.tinypic.com/34g1szm.jpg
A cast of my 338 Federal FL die, the chamber cast and a case.
Bill
Most all of that information can be had online. I did buy a cartridge specific book for 15 dollars which was a compilation of all available bullet and powder information.Quote:
Originally Posted by thermaler
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
More power to ya. I couldn't imagine not having them--but maybe that's because I'm a beginner--and I also like the advantage of being able to have everything at my fingertips where and when I want them.Quote:
Originally Posted by bower4311
I was set up by a gun shop owner and can call him at any point for information. I do have some "downloaded" copies of manuals that I can refer to. I am a beginner and I'm doing it without 100 dollars of manuals is all I'm trying to say. They are very useful though.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I have to say that I agree..One does NOT need all the books..But if you want to cross reference you will need another book to do so..lol
Alot of stuff on line I would be careful of..Unless you know for sure it is a reliable source..That is why I tell people to get the Lyman manual.It covers a lot more than the others..Of course there is the ABC's of reloading and it is not a bad book..I read it...
But suit yourself and do as you will..If you got everything people in forums tell you to get or what you need,you better be rich and have a huge reloading room...lol...John
"The internet is like a sidewalk. You have to step around the **** and the stale gum. Wear boots."
:amen:Quote:
Originally Posted by bower4311
[QUOTE][[QUOTE][[QUOTE][[QUOTE][/QUOTE]/QUOTE]/QUOTE]/QUOTE]
Quote:
Originally Posted by bower4311
Everything posted on the internet is true!! And 98.99% of all facts are made up on the spot!!!
If you want to believe all that is written by the honest people on the internet: 1. They have never missed a shot. 2. They can shoot 1/2 moa groups all day long at 1500 yards in a 50 mph wind, out of a 2" pistol barrel. 3. Everything they have ever shot dropped right there (DRT). 4. They have tried everthing, and only their way/item works and all the rest are junk. 5. They say they are 63 years old and have been shooting/reloading/hunting for 70 years. Oh, I forgot to mention, they are French models.
Uh... Bonjour...Quote:
Originally Posted by JackinSD
Yup been there done all of those.
But then again I'm also rich out my ears, have more model girlfriends than I can count, and have shot everything that can be hunted.
Oops sorry this isn't my dream. I really need to talk to somebody about those.
Sorry guys I couldn't help it.
Love it!
The best way is to find the people who are respected the most that hang around along enough for people to know them and not their fake personality. Find 5 of those guys and see what they agree on.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I want to know just how in tell did you know I was a French Model ? And I shoot 1/4 inch groups at 1 mile with my new 4 inch pistol..Quote:
Originally Posted by JackinSD
I could tell you were a French model by your accent, and the good looks were a given.Quote:
Originally Posted by acemisser
fighting over the internet is like the special olympics, even if you win, you are still special ;-)Quote:
Originally Posted by davemuzz
lets get some more reloading info. is this kit a good starter kit??
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121...la=ProductDesc
It gets the job done, and you can always fit quality dies in it. It's what I use as a beginner kit. The hornady and rcbs kits are more expensive, but as you start adding and upgraded the Lee set-up they become more competitive, so IMO if money is a factor definitely get the Lee kit to get to work and start reloading, but if you have the money take a close look at the other kits.Just my novice 2 cents.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stevens M200 30-06
I have that one. I like the press and there dies, the powder measure gets the job done, and so does the scale, but I use my old ohaus scale instead of the lee one.
I ran that kit for three years and still do...except i upgraded Yup an rcbs auto order measure.
The Lee will get the job done and well but its on backorder and I seriosly doubt it will be back in stock anytime soon.
I own 4 presses The Dillion stays set up for 204, and 223 most of the time and the other 12 calibars get loaded up with the RCBS IV. The old Lyman terrent served me well for 20 years but one sits now due to a broken bolt Lyman give me the runaround on=No more orange. I got a Lee press in a trade deal with the thought of useing it for a range press but have yet to use it much....Kinda cheesey compaired to the others.
I have only been reloading a few months and I use a Lee Breech Lock and have gotten along great with it so far. I like the Lee Deluxe dies since it comes with a Collet die. I bought the digital calipers from Harbor Freight and they have been flawless so far. I recommend trying to sell and get anything you can out of the Lee scale and upgrading to an RCBS beam scale. I tried an inexpensive digital scale and it was nothing but headaches. You'll want the Case Length Gage for your caliber to trim cases. I would also recommend the Hornady headspace and comparator gages. I would add a loading block and a tin of imperial sizing wax. Not saying this is the perfect setup but I am extremely happy with it and have under $300 in everything and feel I can reload ammo more accurate than I can shoot it.
my RCBS Jr. is over 50 years old and still cranking 'em out. my uncle started me at over 60 years ago with his old Lyman press. was a teenager then, will be 81 in May. I have been at it a good long time. just recently, a friend of mine ask me to reload some 44-40s, boy. is that a learning experience. you never stop learning at this game, but it sure is fun.
I have all RCBS equipment. Wouldn't go any other route. I have had AMAZING customer service. Not only did they ship me the replacement parts that I needed, they didn't charge me a penny for my part or shipping... The best part, it was my fault. They didn't care, thanked me for my business and hung up.
Someday I might get into loading,but until then I will stick with custom build ammo..Quote:
Originally Posted by Stevens M200 30-06
if you ask around you will find local shops selling them at reasonable price and have them in inventory.Quote:
Originally Posted by acemisser
Here in west michigan I went to the big box store and all the shelves were empty.
another jacked up their price and had a few primers and powder in stock.
I got a lead on a this small radiator shop that sells powder/primer etc also. The owner had a limit as to how much you can buy and prices where incredible.
When I first started reloading, I only had a press one set of 30-06 dies, and only trimmed the brass when it finally would not chamber, I trimmed them on a bench grinder, and used one of them flat wood drill bits to remove the burr, I didn't even have a scale I only used recipes that used a full case of powder ah yes the good old days. to tell you the truth, I had 10 times the fun and enjoyment back then than shooting today, don't get me wrong I still enjoy it but it's not the same.
Tanks Dean
Hello everyone. I've been read hear for a few months and just signed up. I've been reloading with my dad on and off from my youth. I've only been loading on my own for about two years. Anyway.... I have grown to love my RCBS Rockchuckers. I have 3 of them. One is a Jr. All used. They will last forever if you take care of them. Well worth the money. My dad still uses the ones he bought before I was born.(I'm 32) But I will say I have many Lee products and all have worked as advertised.
I started re-loading a little over a year ago for 30-30 and 30-06.starting to round up .223 supplies due to the current ammo shortages. I started with a lee loader (the wack a stick tool) shortly after I bought a lee challenger kit, its only a single stage but with the quick change bushings switching dies is instant. Not being a hi volume reloader its all I need and get consistent ammo as long as I do my part and don`t rush things
Reloading....or I should call it correctly....Handloading, is custom built ammo. It's custom built by me for my rifles. I try several types of bullet\powder combinations and bullet seating depths before arriving at the best one for my rifle. There is no factory load that can come close to what I hand load.Quote:
Originally Posted by acemisser
Dave