Thinkin' about Reloading?

[RanchRoper]

That case checker is cool. I will get one and use it too. Thanks for that.

[Mistered]

That will not happen again.

Ditto this - I too got caught 'behind the curve' after SH and it was slim pickins' for a long while.
I managed to 'scrape by' with alternative powders and what I could find but it was tough.
Interestingly bullets were not affected as much I think because of the other shortages (powder, primers) bullets were just left on the shelves.

[clovishound]

I had just started reloading when the shortage started. Supplies were available when ammo started getting scarce. After a month or two supplies became hard to find. I started casting because bullets became just as scarce as powder and primers. Online bullet suppliers were running 6 months or more behind orders. I found I really didn't care much for casting, but was willing to cast to be able to shoot. I probably should pick up a 2 cavity .45 ACP mold, so I would be covered for .45 if this happens again.

[Mistered]

If a person were frugal and looked around a bit there is more 'used' reloading equipment for sale now than I have ever seen - and some of it not even used.
I think a lot of people were buying it up in the event of 'eventualities' - and they were not reloaders to begin with and were more less panic buying.

[JEBar]

what are some good sources from which to purchase used reloading equipment ?

[Mistered]

what are some good sources from which to purchase used reloading equipment ?

This might depend on the 'environment' in which one is in.
Where I live we have a somewhat 'local' gun forum which is dominated by people in Oregon, Washington & Idaho with a lot of buying & selling of ALL gun related items (including guns) and always lots of reloading equipment.
A little checking might reveal local social media gun related forums or sites with classifieds. Gun shows always have lots of equipment for sale - at least in my area as we still have a lot of 'garage sale' type people displaying stuff for sale - kind of like the 'good 'ol days'
I'v actually seen some pretty good deals at local pawn shops.
A person might have to do some 'investigation' but stuff will show up.

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

Yeah I get bein safe with this kind of stuff and being careful as I am a measure twice cut once kind of guy.

RR I do like your setup looks real solid and portable and space efficient. I may well get the same system. One question did the stand come with the tastefully decorated cement? hanging off the bottom? I see we have some of the same books especially if there are some Louis L'amours in that pile of paperbacks.

Yeah I am aware that even the most powerful pistol cartridges like the 454 casull or 500 s&w won't get to 356 win power at 200 yds but maybe one might be acceptable. Ill have to think about this more. But that said what about the new henry 35 Remington with reloading. That may be the deal maker. I admit I'm drooling just a bit. I could get a 358 win but that would mean another Browning - not that that is bad mind you but my heart is with the traditional tube fed lever gun.

-Ed-

[RanchRoper]

Ha...yes there are several LL novels in that stack.

I had some blocks left over so put them to good use as counterweights. The stand is great, really works well and the press functions very smooth.
I did however change to a barstool height seat.

[Me78569]

I've used a few case gauged but the one I prefer is from Sheridan

They are slotted so you can see where your issues are if there is one.

SG65GRN_2.jpg (145.83 KiB) Viewed 3933 times

[Ernie]

Have press, dies, books, scales, powder, primers, cases, bullets, etc and want to reload 45 acp but I am VERY leery of jumping into it. An acquaintance offered to help me set up but I don't know him well enough to decide if I trust him for advice. Going to build a bench first ( think I may be delaying ). I need to have everything clear in my mind before I attempt this project.

[Jdl447]

Have press, dies, books, scales, powder, primers, cases, bullets, etc and want to reload 45 acp but I am VERY leery of jumping into it. An acquaintance offered to help me set up but I don't know him well enough to decide if I trust him for advice. Going to build a bench first ( think I may be delaying ). I need to have everything clear in my mind before I attempt this project.

What brand?

[Ernie]

Have a Rock Chucker Supreme and a Redding T-7. Figured that would cover my needs for most everything.

[RanchRoper]

Go at your own pace. 1 step at a time. Like I said, I sacrificed a few cases and lead just to get the bullet seating & crimp right. Primed a case and fired it to hear it go off so I know what to expect. Once you get a comfort level & a few rounds done, it's all good. Measure, measure, measure. Powder and OAL.

[JEBar]

when using our Lock-N-Load progressive press. we use an RCBS Powder Checker Die .... bottom line, it works really well in detecting a "no-powder" or a "double charge" condition


https://www.amazon.com/RCBS-87540-Lock- ... 145&sr=8-2

[RanchRoper]

I mentioned cost savings as an unknown early on but I think I am saving money. Generally reload more each session than I just shot. For example this week I shot 55 rounds but will reload 100. That's usually how it goes. I would go broke in a hurry with that ratio of factory ammo. At least that's how I see it.

[JEBar]

well understood .... the amortized equipment cost per round created on our 50+ year old RCBS single stage zeroed out decades ago .... it won't be long before the same can be said with our Hornady Lock-n-Load press

[Old Syko]

I mentioned cost savings as an unknown early on but I think I am saving money. Generally reload more each session than I just shot. For example this week I shot 55 rounds but will reload 100. That's usually how it goes. I would go broke in a hurry with that ratio of factory ammo. At least that's how I see it.

Good on ya if you're saving money. Can't say that's the way it works for me. Because I reload I shoot way much more. Do nearly all my loading in the winter when the weather makes it uncomfortable outside. About mid December I call the start of reloading season and it runs, off and on, until late February. Started the season this year with just over 4, 5 gallon buckets of empties. Now if I was just loading for me I would be golden but I have grandkids and the now 13 year old granddaughter would shoot me into the poor house if I wasn't careful.

The LNL makes short work of the pistol stuff but the "vintage" (don't ya love that word?") Rockchucker takes up some serious time on the bottleneck and specialty stuff. Every time a new gadget comes out, I have to try one. So, am I saving money? Who cares! That's not what I do it for.

[RanchRoper]

I only reload 1 caliber: 45 Colt. Pretty simple for me.

[JEBar]

The LNL makes short work of the pistol stuff but the "vintage" (don't ya love that word?") Rockchucker takes up some serious time on the bottleneck and specialty stuff. Every time a new gadget comes out, I have to try one. So, am I saving money? Who cares! That's not what I do it for.

AMEN .... reloading allows me to shoot more and shoot more often

[Old Syko]

I only reload 1 caliber: 45 Colt. Pretty simple for me.

As the old saying goes "Beware the man with only one gun. He likely knows how to use it." Now I suspect you have more guns but what you said brought that saying back into my head.

I seem to lack the filters that keep me from going 200% at everything I do. That can be both good and bad.