Good equipment for reloading .40 ammo?

[deezyp]

I own a S&W SD40 VE and after quickly burning through so many boxes of ammo, I am considering reloading my ammunition to keeping the expenses down to a minimum. I have been reading and researching on the internet and know the basics of the reloading process, but have not been able to find much on exactly what type/brand of equipment I should be looking at.

While I go through a good amount of ammo, I probably don't exceed more than 500 rounds every month or two, and would most likely be interested in a simple, affordable, single stage press. But that's about as far as I've got. Is there anyone experienced with reloading .40 cal ammo (or at least handgun ammo) that may be able to recommend appropriate presses and dies or other equipment that I should look into? Any tips for beginners are also appreciated!

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

A DILLON SQUARE DEAL B IS WHAT YOU NEED/WANT. JIM P

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

A bit slower perhaps, but I just finished loading 10 boxes of 40 on my REDDING turret press. An older one, it is used for all handgun ammo. There was a slight problem with some of a buddies and my brass while I was gone, but I seemed to have solved it in short order upon my return. Nothing like a 'hands on' operation to get to the meat of a problem. Which, by the way, seemed to be the brass. Some of it may have been expelled in a Glock, I cannot say. Brass fired in my SIG 250C had no such problem, nor did some of the Federal I loaded. The WIN, headstamped brass was fine as well, only the 'Winchester' marked brass had a problem, and not all of it at that. I posted the problem while I was gone and as usual, the forum provided many clues. THANKS EVERYONE!!! All the above is of course, JMHO.

 

[scooter123]

Keep in mind you do get what you pay for. Specifically, try and go cheap you'll find you either gave up on convenience/ease of use or accuracy. Believe me, I have learned that lesson very very well.

Press - RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. It's well made, and excellent value, and the only fault is the primer collection system that could be better described as the primer spewer. BTW, this is the one area where I didn't go cheap and thus got it right.

Scale - RCBS 502. It's a beam type balance scale and it's only flaw is that the heavy poise requires you settle it into the selected notch by tapping on it lightly with a pencil or powder dipper. Tried the cheap Lee Safety Scale and that @#*& thing is a real test of patience to set up and getting it zeroed is a 45 minute or more chore. The Lee Scale also won't hold zero on any surface subjected to any vibration.

Powder Measure - RCBS Competition, in your case the Handgun version. These are NOT cheap but worth every single penny you pay for them. BTW, tried the cheap Lee measures and they are only accurate with powders with a specific granule size or smaller and they leak BADLY with a really fine particle powder such as Accurate #5 or H110. Note, when the Lee measure starts leaking it's around the drum and the throw gets very very stiff.

Dies - Dillon, RCBS, and Lee are all brands of dies I use and IMO all are well made quality dies.

Hand Primer - RCBS Universal Hand Primer. Not cheap at nearly 60 bucks but it works very well and you don't need caliber specific shell holders because it's a Universal Hand Primer with spring loaded jaws. Liked my first one enough to purchase a second so I wouldn't have to change over between small and large primers.

Brass Cleaning - Thumlers Tumbler with Stainless Steel Pins. Not at all cheap at about 245 bucks but when you see the results you'll think your brass is brand spanking new again. Beats the heck out of hand polishing each casing one at a time. BTW, you will not get new looking brass from a tumbler or ultrasonic no matter what anyone tells you, I've been there done that. Nothing beats the Thumlers !

 

[blujax01]

The Question Is Which Single Stage Press

I'm no expert but that hasn't stopped me in the past, so...

I recommend buying a prepackaged deal.

FIRST check with your Local Independent Gun Shop. A good shop (like the one where I work!) is a valuable resource, and if they have presses, they likely have parts to keep it running as well as accessories. If not, check with a national retailer, like Cabelas and Bass Pro Shop. (/shamless plug for the little guy.)

There are several good deals out there on Single Stage Press starter kits. Lee, RCBS and Hornady all sell prepackaged outfits and there are rebates and incentives galore.

Generally speaking, these kits are a better deal for the novice than buying a la carte. You will no doubt add on to, replace and upgrade components down the road, but with the kit, you can get started making ammo "out of the box" so to speak. And don't worry, there is always a market for used gear. Always.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Rule3]

The first thing to buy is a manual or manual(S)

The ABC's of Reloading is a good one.

The 40SW is no different than loading any other handgun caliber so whatever press you get it can load all of them (with more dies)

As You asked for a SINGLE STAGE, AFFORDABLE the best deal out there for a all quality kit is the RCBS. This has everything you need except dies , powder and primers. It will last lifetimes and warranty for ever. You can get it cheaper elsewhere.

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Single Stage Press Kit

Another good set up is a LEE Turret Classic, Less money, Not as well built but can be a single stage or a turret (which is faster. The kit is OK but you need a better scale. Thow out the included one!

Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press Deluxe Kit


Just to add about speed. With a single stage you can load about 100 rounds per hour. With a turret about 150 or a little more.