Help for a Newbie with S&W 500 Reloading

[Flame Red]

Folks,

I have been a shooter for many years and a shooter of 500 S&W for quite a few also but have let others do my reloading for me. I just learned that the guy that has done a lot of the (500 S&W) reloading for me recently passed away.

Was considering either looking for someone else that can reload my brass or doing my own reloading. I lever did it before mostly because I don't have the room to store the stuff or to do it. But I figured with the cost of a few boxes of 500 ammo I could recoup my reloading investment if there was no one that can do this reloading for me.

Can you please post either:

The name and contact info for someone that can reload my 500 brass for me, or a complete list of stuff I would need to do my own reloading for this one caliber?

 

[DonD]

Personally, I wonder why someone would reload for another with the liability issues. People do make mistakes and I don't want to be responsible. Having said that, I think you need the following:

Reloading press, single stage or turret
Powder measure
scale
dies
vibratory cleaner

Nice to have items are:
case prep center like RCBS makes
hand priming tool

 

[epj]

Going out on a bit of a limb here, I suspect you don't consume the .500's in enormous quantity like some of us go through 38's .45's and 9mm's. That said, you might want to explore some of the more basic Lee equipment. Not refering to a "Lee Loader", but some of their starter kits with a single stage press. If you load only a few hundred rounds a year, that's all you need. A case cleaner would be a nice addition, but not really necessary. I loaded for years without one. If my assumption regarding quantity is off base, then proceed to the Dillon website.

 

[Flame Red]

Going out on a bit of a limb here, I suspect you don't consume the .500's in enormous quantity like some of us go through 38's .45's and 9mm's. That said, you might want to explore some of the more basic Lee equipment. Not refering to a "Lee Loader", but some of their starter kits with a single stage press. If you load only a few hundred rounds a year, that's all you need. A case cleaner would be a nice addition, but not really necessary. I loaded for years without one. If my assumption regarding quantity is off base, then proceed to the Dillon website.

For 500 S&W I go thru about 60 during an average water melon season

Looking at the Lee Kits, I see that they have a starter kit for 50BMG. I shoot those too. They say:

Kit also includes shell holder insert, large and small primer arms and die reducer bushing to accept standard 7/8-14 dies so you can load all your smaller cartridges

I guess I need a powder measure, thingy too.

Do does that mean if I buy this kit and the dies for 500S&W I would be able to do both calibers?

 

[epj]

For 500 S&W I go thru about 60 during an average water melon season

Looking at the Lee Kits, I see that they have a starter kit for 50BMG. I shoot those too. They say:



I guess I need a powder measure, thingy too.

Do does that mean if I buy this kit and the dies for 500S&W I would be able to do both calibers?

I haven't looked at that particular kit. Don't have a .50 BMG. It sounds like that is correct, and it would make sense that the larger press could handle the smaller rounds, though a bushing is apparently required to use the standard size dies. You need a powder measure thingy, and you really need a powder scale thingy, too. Rounds like the .500 and .50 BMG need exact powder charges.

 

[kennyb]

take your time...read the reloading book...twice...reloading is a fun hobby and you save a ton of money

 

[MWAG]

i personally would not spend the $ on the pricey 50 bmg press. it's overkill for loading the 500 mags. i use a small challenger press i got 2nd hand on ebay to load all my ammo. the dies are not interchangeable between the 50 bmg and the 500 mag.

 

[largecaliberman]

On an average weekend shooting, I usually shoot between 150 - 200. However, I don't reload them right away---I would accumulate around 800 or so then I get into some serious reloading. I have a Lee Loadmaster where I had to call in for the shellplate. The shellplate is not listed on their website (or at least the last time I checked). The only "humbug" is manually feeding the shells in the first station. The only thing about loading this caliber is to always keep an eye on the powder level because the powder goes pretty fast.

As far as having someone reload for you, I would advise against it. Because ---- B-O-O-M (nuff said). We have too many hungry lawyers in this country.

 

[mtb1bkr]

I have to disagree about the money savings. I originally got into reloading when I bought my 500 in 2003. I bought all the gear used from e-bay, gunbroker and yardsaling. Total out of pocket cost, around $300 for all RCBS gear. I thought "wow, now I can make rounds for the 500 for about .65 each, what a great saving. Then, as I started reloading, I found that I was now shooting the 500 about 3-4 times more than I used to, so I was buying more components at the rapid rate. Well, while I was out shooting the 500, I would also bring along a .40, .45 or .38 just for kicks. I was shooting factory stuff out of those still. Then I thought heck, why not save some more money and reload for these other three calibers. A few years later, I now reload for, 30 Carbine 32, 35rem, 380, 38sp, 357, 40, 45ACP, 45AR, 45 Colt and 500S&W Mag. I have been guilty of buying a gun so I could reload a new caliber (32 top break and 45 Colt.) So, in essence, if you are only going to shoot the same amount after reloading, then you will save money. The problem is, with more ammo on the shelf, it's hard not to shoot more. It is a great hobby though, enjoy.

Bill

 

[grit]

+1

So, in essence, if you are only going to shoot the same amount after reloading, then you will save money. The problem is, with more ammo on the shelf, it's hard not to shoot more. It is a great hobby though, enjoy.

Bill

I completely agree. I shoot WAY more now that I reload...but I would not have it any other way!