I M INTERESTED IN HAND LOADING 45ACP & 223/556, IS IT WORTH IT FOR ME, WHERE TO START

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brettskywalker

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I M INTERESTED IN HAND LOADING 45ACP & 223/556, IS IT WORTH IT FOR ME, WHERE TO START

I just watched a youtube video of a guy using a Lee reloading kit for 45acp that involved nothing complex, just doing things in the correct order with the correct supplied tool(s). Seemed simple enough for a caveman using that kit, did a little research & found that kit may not even be produced anymore. Then I stumbled onto the various hand priming tools that look easier & safer to use than the Lee kit which requires a bunch of hammering. My shooting schedule is usually every other weekend & can be anywhere from 100 - 300 rounds of 556 & 1-200 rounds of 45acp fired. Would it be worth it for me to reload? I would have time the on the off week & weekend that I do not go to the range, to reload. I'm not looking to spend a fortune on reloading equipment & really only want hand type tools that do not require mounting to a bench. As far as the tools go, what else do I need in addition to say a Rcbs hand priming tool?
 
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Hey there, the first thing you need is a reloading manual! They will take you through all the basics of reloading as well as load data. Then you will have a better idea of what you are considering. I would steer you towards bench mounted equipment, press's such as the RCBS Junior are very affordable and serviceable and will allow expansion into rifle calibers. You don't need a big bench if space is a problem. Is it worth it, that's up to you and what you load for and how much you shoot. Calibers such as the .38 Special and .45 Colt for example can be vastly improved upon with thoughtful loading. You may not have em right now but trust me you don't know what you may acquire tomorrow!
 
I don't know of a press that doesn't mount to something since you need to seat the bullet in the casing. Reloading isn't hard but it is serious business. You need to know what powder(s), how much, which primers, dies for each caliber just to mention a few.
I bought a Hornady single stage "kit" that included most everything to get started. Then I bought a set of calipers for measuring casings. I have bought other things, so the initial investment isn't "cheap" but if you shoot often it can be more cost effective than buying ammo. I'm sure others will add info.
 
I started out with the Lee Loader in .45 Colt. After the first time a primer went off while hammering it in, I bought the Lee hand primer. All that hammering quickly grew old and I bought an RCBS Rock Chucker. That was perfect for the small amount of ammo I was reloading.

At the minimum, you will need a powder scale to go with any reloader. Maybe a case chamfer tool and primer pocket cleaning tool. A digital caliper is also helpful for checking overall length, case length, etc. I didn't tumble my brass, I tediously used 0000 steel wool to polish it.

I don't have any reloading equipment anymore, but if I was to start all over again, it would probably be with something like the RCBS Supreme kit

Amazon.com : RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit, Green : Gunsmithing Tools And Accessories : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31GqQGcE7pL.@@AMEPARAM@@31GqQGcE7pL

That's a pretty good way to economically get started. Then all you need to buy are bullets, primers, and powder. Look for the one on Amazon for $279.99 and shipping is free.
 
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I second the rockchucker kit. I used one for years before upgrading to a progressive press. Handy do everything press that will pay for itself in no time.
 
Thanks for the insight guys. After watching the videos of a guy reloading 45 & a different guy reloading 223 with the Lee classic kit, it really made me take a closer look into reloading. I have a small bench but is plenty big to mount reloading equipment to. I'm discussing with father in law now, as we both have some of the same calibers 9, 45& 556. Difference is, he is retired so he could pump out more rounds than I could &.has more space & tools than me. He loves to buy in bulk, so buying in bulk to reload is probably a far better savings than buying ammo in bulk. Hell I ll put up 85-90% of the cost of equipment if he wants to dive into it.
 
Start cheap--with a reloading manual. Learn the basics and what's needed before investing and finding out it's not your cup of tea.

I endorse learning on a single-stage press. I did, and I'm still doing all my reloading on one after nearly 40 years. If you have a need for large quantities of ammo (and it sounds like you may) you can always sell your SS press and upgrade to a more efficient model turret or progressive.

Although some will make it out to be, reloading is not rocket science, just requires following procedures without distractions. Size, prime, load powder, seat/crimp bullet.

You will have to solidly mount the press to something. You might get by with a Lee hand press for handgun ammo, but it's not so good for .223/5.56 cases. I do use it for resizing & flaring all my handguns cases--while I watch TV!

I don't have a place for a dedicated reloading bench, so I mounted my press on a small piece of 5/8" plywood (about 1 foot by 20 inches) and clamp it to the kitchen bar counter for reloading. Once done it goes back in the garage.
 
As others have stated start with a manual and read the "how to" section a time or two or ten, lots of good info in there and a lot for an FNG to learn.
 
Caveman

Back in 1988 I started out with a SS Lee loader and have used it ever since. Its a great tool and I have used it on everything from .375 H&H to 22 Hornet and I shoot a lot of 45acp,allbeit 1917 S&W and Colt revolvers. I usually reload about 50 rounds in an evening. Tools that I find save time are: case cleaner/tumbler; SS press; dies; Lee case of shell holders for primer; Hornady reloading handbook; Lyman cast bullet handbook; a range of powders (see Hodgdon reloading website); case lube; a range of primers; Lee priming tool; RCBS electronic scale; caliper; and bullet puller! Note: the Lee press in the photo was mounted on a piece of 2x4 and C-clamped to a table when I first started out, to make it portable. Probably forgot something, but this rig has saved me a lot of money in the past. If you are concerned about ammo shortages, this can be one solution! Enjoy!!
 
One thing to remember is that once you start reloading you'll find you end up shooting more. So, in terms of savings you can see in your bank balance don't even bother looking. The good news is that in general you can save between 50 & 65 % per round so you'll be shooting a lot more.
 
scooter123 said:
One thing to remember is that once you start reloading you'll find you end up shooting more. So, in terms of savings you can see in your bank balance don't even bother looking. The good news is that in general you can save between 50 & 65 % per round so you'll be shooting a lot more.
Click to expand...

This is a good point and I see people point to this shooting more business a lot. In my instance I do shoot somewhat more, but not enough to eat up all my savings. I have sat down with a calculator several times and have recovered the cost of my equipment and saved a little. Theoretically, if you did not shoot more you could save quite a bit, but who wants to limit their own shooting over a few bucks?

I also have a far greater understanding of my guns, the ammo they shoot and my own limitations as a shooter. you can't really put a price on that.
 
If you like to tinker with things, you'll love reloading. It's now one of my favorite hobbies, and I'll proceed to do it even if it exceeds the cost of factory ammo. Conversely, if you don't like to tinker with things, you may find reloading to be tedious.

Net effect on my wallet:
My cost per round is WAY down since I'm only loading plated bullets, but I've spent more on reloading supplies in the last three weeks than I typically spent on factory ammo in a year.

Net effect on my shooting:
1) I now shoot every weekend at a minimum, and will continue to do so unless I run out of reloading supplies.
2) My double action revolver shooting is improving very rapidly because I'm working on my technique/shooting fundamentals more frequently and the muscle memory for the technique is repeated on a regular basis.
 
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Anyone who's considering starting reloading should invest the knowledge, time and money and do it right.

Definitely buy a reloading manual and other "how to" books on reloading, but forget the hand tools and the single stage press. Buy what you're going to end up with, it's cheaper that way.

Hand reloading tools are a waste of time and money. Buying a single stage press is like buying a car with no air conditioning and a manual transmission. Unless you need it for a specific purpose, I'd pass on the single stage press.

The Dillon 550b can be used as a single stage press until you become knowledgeable and confident enough to move on to the progressive features. Reloading is not rocket science and even a beginner can start with a progressive press.

And reloading does cost money, a lot of money. There's no way around that. My advice is to be sure that reloading is what you want to do and then jump in with both feet and do it right.
 
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First STUDY and LEARN a good manual.....

Bottleneck, straight wall rimmed and auto all have their own little quirks. There are also safety issues. Look at this starter guide:

MidwayUSA ? Shooting Supplies, Reloading, Gunsmithing, Hunting, Ammunition, Gun Parts & Rifle Scopes

For my money get a Rockchucker or other good single-stage press. I don't prime on the press but use a hand tool.

Don't forget the shellholder for the die. It's often overlooked.

When you decide what kind of loads you want to shoot you can buy some components. You are going to have to be flexible because pistol powder is scarce, but this can be overcome as long as you have data for another powder rather than your first choice.

You will NEVER be sorry that you moved on from the hand loaders. There are some aspects of reloading that the hand loaders don't take into a account so you'll learn some new stuff.
 
I still have/use the Lee handloading kits-not very much, and not very often. It's how I started out about 35 years ago. Didn't take long for me to step up to a used single stage press; I still have it and I still use it!

From there, I went to the original Lee 3 hole turret press with auto index and auto disk powder measure. Still have that too, although the auto index finally gave out :-( Last year I upgraded to the Lee Classic Cast 4 hole Turret press. Went from the 3 die pistol dies to the 4 die set. Still using the original auto disk, in addition to buying 2 more, so each die set has it's own powder measure. (38 Spec., 9mm, 45acp)

It won't take long for you to tire of all the hammering. A die set for a press can be had for the same money as the handloading kits. If you buy the Lee sets, they will come with the shell holder, powder scoop and load data sheet. A powder scale is a MUST! Don't skimp here-the Lee scale is not advisable.

There will be other things to come along; you will need loading manuals-I have all the current editions on my shelf-they are invaluable!

Good luck and happy loading :-)
 
Yes and find a friend and have him show you the basics. Before that, buy a few manuals and READ, READ, READ. When you are done doing that, READ them again.

G
 
Getting Started

It sounds as though you shoot enough to warrant reloading. I generally try to steer beginners away from progressives unless you have an experienced reloader you can apprentice with. With a progressive, there are more than five things happening simultaneously, all of which must be done correctly. For example, with a progressive, belling the case mouth is done simultaneously with throwing the powder charge at one station. Multiple jobs also occur at the first station.

I started with a used Lyman C-press, graduated to a Rockchucker which I still use for rifle ammo, then moved on to a Dillon 550B for all my pistol ammo.

With a progressive, you must not allow yourself to become distracted with a problem at stage one, double pump the press without advancing the shell plate and missing that you have thrown a double charge.
 
I have the Lee hand loader and the single stage press. If you have strong hands and are used to manual labor the hand press is fine for pistol cartridges.

For rifle a bench mounted press is the only way to go.

As others mention, as you'll shoot more it's really no savings but it's worth it if your time is cheap.

As long as you follow directions well and are methodical in the approach it's well worth it. I use a single stage as reloading is not a race for me and I feel like there's more control going step by step in one hundred round batches.
 
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