Itemized Reloading System COST

[HorizontalMike]

Interesting Example of Loading Workup

When working up a load.I start with 3 at min and 3 with less than max.
I load 5 to 10 different powders.
I load many different bullets.
check OAL over all length

Well,... as a newbie I have no interest in being THAT adventuresome with so many powders and bullet variants. My plan is to play it safe and use only the "accuracy loads" for each caliber as noted in Lyman's manual for my chosen bullet, and then work each of those up.

FWIW, I chose a historically accurate Sierra Match King 53gr bullet for the .222 and ordered 4k of them. And for the .357 I chose the Hornady 158gr JHP I use for personal protection. I ordered 3k of those.

The .222 bullets I got lucky and found them at a very good price (~$71/500). However my chosen .357 JHP bullets appear to be at normal retail. The Hornady were far from the cheapest option, though relevant for my overall goal of a personal protection load that I need to become proficient with.
At least that is the plan

 

[Twoboxer]

These are good points to remember. Thanks.

• I like the idea of starting with 3rd loaded at minimum and 3rd loaded at near maximum, in order to help with determining ideal loading.
  . . .

When a published powder range is narrow (eg. 9mm, Hornady 115gr FMJRN, HP38/Win231, shows 4.1gr to 4.7 . . . I'll make up two dummy rounds to make sure they feed at the OAL (if necessary) and then 3 rounds each (per firearm) at 4.1, 4.3, 4.5, & 4.7. They are fired from a rest and checked for function and accuracy at my desired distance.

If the 4.1gr doesn't cycle the pistol, I'll shoot the other two rounds single feed. If the 4.5 shows disturbing recoil/eject/pressure, I'll pull the 4.7gr. BOTH these events are unlikely, however, given the conservative nature of most recently published loads. I also get to compare performance and feel across the entire range at the same time - no memory required - not just near-top and near-bottom. That makes choosing a load that meets my purpose a lot easier for me.

If a powder shows a wide published range (eg same cartridge, Power Pistol, 4.8-6.7gr) I'd target a subrange and use a wider spread, probably like 5.5, 5.8, 6.1, 6.4gr.

With 12 rounds I'm pretty sure I've found the load I will use . . . although testing refinements might be desired if shooting 20 yds or more. Knowing the feel and performance of factory rounds, in either case I get a very solid idea how the handloads perform in one trip to the range and - except for any dummy loads - rarely are any pulldowns required.

 

[HorizontalMike]

Sorry Boxer, I have a revolver and cannot utilize what sounds like great information. Keep posting as all of this is good information.

 

[HorizontalMike]

Midway Order Arrives

Well, I finally got most of my order from Midway today.

And the PLUS factor is that one of my chosen Powders (H322 for the .222) was now available for ordering. Jumped on it and ordered 16lb and both calibers of primers. That will come within the week. And yeah, got stuck with a double HazMat fee, but I'll get over it.

Brass is still hard to come by,... NO .357 and I had to settle for Nosler .222 brass at $85.99/100, so I ordered just one 100 casing box. Trying to hold out for Lapua ($59.99) but since everything else is in delivery stages, I had to compromise. This will give me enough to get started. I have just 2-boxes each of .38 and .357 commercial ammo at this time. Since I'm still waiting on #2400 powder, I won't sweat it for now.

Yee Haw! Off to the races, er uh the "Range"...

 

[SgtLumpy]

Hooyah Horizontal Mike!

You got good equipment, not just "I can make it work".
You've got a solid bench.
You found some powder and bought a lot of it.
You "bit the bullet" in order to get some good brass and what not up front.

All that makes it a LOT easier to figure out how to hand load than starting at the pared down absolute minimum.


Sgt Lumpy

 

[Bugkiller99]

11/30---1/7. Not a bad interval from first post to ready to hand load. Welcome aboard (again). Now you can begin to reap the rewards of your quest.
Lots of thing to enjoy, some obvious (ammo), some not so obvious.

 

[novalty]

Congrats on the delivery of reloading equipment. Can't wait to see your bench once you get it set up.