Reloaders/hand loaders... Who's doing it?

[Thorpe]

Just hit the go button on a RCBS rock chucker supreme kit, and a vibrating case tumbler... $310 shipped after discounts and rebates. Gonna give reloading a try, first the basics, then work toward precision loads... Who in here is the powder master? What's you choice of loading equipment?

[plastikosmd]

yep, welcome to 'saving money' by spending more money!
Standard rounds, Dillon 550's

(arg, cant find pic, will post when I snap a pic of my bench, presses, trimmer on a rockchucker etc, it is the bench seen in part in photo below,)





50BMG, Dillon BFR


I do it because I can tune loads. I cant do this with factory stuff out of a 1960 Remington 40x 22-250, 5 shots at 100 yards




It is also why I love blackpowder, reloading, just at the range.

[Poco Loco]

You will love your new hobby. Custom loads are the best. You chose a great entry level kit. That press can do it all. It just doesnt crank out the numbers the progressive or turret presses do. I have the same kit. It was the 1st press Ive owned. That is a lifetime quality press. I still use mine and Ive also included 2 more presses to my shop. Way to go!............ Long live the 2nd amendment!

[RIDE-RED 250r]

My brothers and I got into it about a year ago with a Hornady Lock and Load single stage press starter kit. It has been a most enjoyable hobby and being the tinkerer I am, I love what I have learned about my other obsession!

Keep it simple and by the book. Experimenting outside of published loading data is for the most experienced hand loaders only. Pay attention to detail.

It will seem overwhelming at first, but once you start going through the steps you are (or better be) reading in your loading manual, it becomes much less complicated and fun.

You WILL save money, especially if you have a taste for firearms chambered in pricey rounds.

Enjoy your new obsession and know that it is every bit as addictive as our trikes!!

[atc007]

Buddy has a turret. Brother in law and Nephew also have a press. Name escapes me. I always left the rifles to them and I LOVED doing the shotguns . All I was allowed to do was punch primers,tumble brass and weigh powder lol.. I'm selling myself a little short there. But As said above. You just started spending a LOT of time on bullets Very good hobby. Hope you have good ear protection. No joke. Long live ballsitic tips.

[Thorpe]

Going to Cabelas tomorrow to pickup a copy off Hornadys 9th edition handbook... Then I think I will hang the hammock and start reading, before my kit shows up... (The joys of being hurt, and at home during beautiful weather!) RCBS has a $50 rebate going for spending over $300, and then optics planet had 10% off today for Father's Day... So I got myself a present. My boys will appreciate the gift I bought myself when they get older...

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Here are some links to loading data published by powder manufacturers.. It is always good to have as much reference material as you can get your hands on....

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/
http://www.accuratepowder.com/load-data/
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/default.aspx

I use Hodgdons and Accurate Arms powders and loading data most frequently. You may find some inconsistencies in loading data between say Hornady and Hodgdon. Remember when I said pay attention to detail?? C.O.L. can and often does vary from one set of tables to another. Also take note to the type of primers.

Always work up to max loads incrementally, checking for signs of over pressure as you work up. Do not just load up rounds to max pressure right off the bat.

I have gained a fair bit of knowledge and experience loading 38spl, 357 mag, 44 mag, 460 S&W Mag, 500 S&W Mag, 380 Auto, and 45 Auto. I have not yet reloaded rounds for my deer rifle yet, but I will be soon. Feel free to pick my brain if you have some questions about those calibers I listed..

[Poco Loco]

Ride Red 250 wrote................ I have not yet reloaded rounds for my deer rifle yet, but I will be soon. Feel free to pick my brain if you have some questions about those calibers I listed..[/QUOTE]..............I too use the online support and print the Load Data. Ive done quite a bit of rifle loads. 30-06 .270 .223 5.56. On my hunting loads or match loads I throw the powder into the scale just short of the desired weight and use the powder trickler to get it dead on and then I funnel it into the cartridge. This gives a perfect grain weight each and every time. My pistol loads and my AR plinking loads dont get the same attension. Its a labor of love and a good way to spend a rainy or cold day in the shop.

[Thorpe]

Doctor said today, I got 3 months minimum off work, before even a chance of going back! So I have plenty of reading time... My main focus at this point will likely be 38/357, 45acp and for the rifle, 223 and 7mm rem... All your guys words of encouragement is getting me really excited... Waiting on FedEx now!

[jays375]

A big tumbler is really nice to have.Another thing is I have two powder droppers set up.One for large and one for small ammo.Plus to not get distracted while loading ammo.Or leave charged cases unfinished.Take your time and rely on reloading manuals.I don't go by stuff found online.

[Thorpe]

Anyone have any recommendations as to source some brass? Better to buy new brass, or once fired...? 38 special doesn't seem too hard to find, but 357 is proving to be a bit of a challenge...

[hoosierlogger]

Star line brass is available at a decent price. It's not bad brass either.

I reload and cast my own lead bullets.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

357 is one of the more popular calibers folks reload. It has been a bit harder to come by...

But I find this website helpful: http://www.gunbot.net/reloading/

Nothing wrong with once-fired brass. Just inspect for cracks/damage before you run them up into the sizing die. I have bought some from sources like Gunbroker.com when I can't find new brass in stock. Only issue is you will mostly get mixed brands. Not really a big deal unless you are being extra particular and loading for extra precise performance. But in handguns, you still won't see a significant difference anyway.

I also like Star Line brass....

Tip: clean your brass before sizing, you will get less buildup of crud in your sizing die.

[ironchop]

It sounds stupid but a lot of Loaders I know go to shooting ranges and pickup fresh brass casings off the ground and out of the trash. They clean up good in a tumbler and most ranges don't care to let you do it. I never thought you could get that much brass but they do (of course he hits Knob Creek after the machine gun shoot hahaha)

I bought a book by Lee which was a super comprehensive guide complete with other manufacturer`s powder/ primer/ load specs in the book. I cant remember the name of the Book but I`ll go dig it out this and get back with you..

Found it:

Lee Precision Modern Reloading 2nd Edition

[Poco Loco]

You can load the .38 sp to a max load that feels like your shooting a 357. really close in feel but not quit the exact performance. I actually perfer the .38 for target plinking. I like to down load for the 50 yd range. It just seems more accurate and enjoyable to shoot.