.40 Reloading Ammo Help

General0341 · #1 05-02-2011, 03:41 AM

Hey guys,

I am interested in reloading my own ammo. But I am new to this and have no idea where to begin and who to buy from and what to buy in order to make this work. any preferences or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Semper Fi!!

Goldstar225 · #2 05-02-2011, 08:31 AM

First, don't become overburdened with the thought that you must have hundreds of dollars invested in equipment.

Second, before buying any hardware, read up on reloading from a reputable source. I recommend two books, "The ABC's of Reloading" and the Lyman reloading manual.

The biggest decision is whether to use a single stage or progressive press. Both have their positives, let your true volume of shooting be the deciding factor. If you're going to shoot 200-300 rounds a month, a single stage will work just fine.

Used equipment is abundant at lower prices and, if taken care of, rarely wears out.

roarindan · #3 05-02-2011, 08:37 AM

Hope you have a "gun shop" near by that you can frequent, to get some of your q's answered. such as "anybody around here reload"?? how about your local rod an gun club?

Rule3 · #4 05-02-2011, 08:58 AM

Come over here to the reloading section. You will get more info then you know what to do with

First things first. Get a reloading manual or 2 or 3. and look at the websites such as Hornady and RCBS, they have videos and give you a good idea of what is needed, Order a RCBS catalog and it comes with a basic reloading guide.

To start off I recommend a Turret press, It can be used as a single stage and then turret to speed things up.

The 40 SW is fine to reload as long as it is not a Glock or Browning HP as they do not have supported chambers and not good for a new reloader.

Reloading

handgunner356 · #5 05-02-2011, 11:35 AM

First thing to remember is "Nobody ever saved any money reloading", they only shot a lot more! Once source is Dillion Precision, they offer everything you need for a progressive reloader. One thing to keep in mind is that the 40 is a high pressure round and is susceptible to "set back", where the bullet nose comes in contact with the feed ramp and pushes back into the case. This raises pressures very rapidly and can cause major problems for the shooter and their gun. The 40 is probably not the best round to start out with, but if that's what you have then proceed with caution.

shotslow · #6 05-02-2011, 02:09 PM

First thing to remember is "Nobody ever saved any money reloading", they only shot a lot more!

So true, so true.

Lee equipment is good and cheaper. I agree that starting with a single stage press or a turret press is a good idea. I have RCBS single stage, then got a Lee Turret press, then got a Lee 1000 Progressive then got a Hornady LNL progressive.

I still use them all. The turret and the single stage mainly for rifle.

I reload so I can afford to shoot as much as I do, also to make what I want. I can load a 140 grain lead in a 40 S&W at 1000 FPS and shoot USPSA Production. I can take the same caliber and load up to major power levers and shoot Limited or Limited 10. Take it slow and have fun. It is for me.