To Re-Load or Not???

[stavman11]

My Lee said to screw it down till it touched and then screw it in 1/3 to 1/2 and tighten it down, we will find out what I should do. Thanks for your help guys.

DITTO here...

I musta not had it Touching on my earlier Loads... But now I am Dialed. I was kinda worried at first but every load I had shot (like 500) never had an issue... but now i know all is good

I still have 250rds old way still ta shoot, and never have had any issues yet... so not too worried..


yes Grover... it NEVER ends.. just when Things/Purchases slowed down.... i got a Chrono.. then a Lazer Range Finder.... $225 later here we are...

 

[oneyeopn]

Stav---I still borrow my Dad's laser rangefinder....having to buy things for around the farm now!!

 

[GMC man]

I pulled the trigger guys. I purchased a Lee Precision II Anniversary Challenger Kit (Red) with 6 Inch LCD Digital Caliper with Extra Battery and Case, RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center, Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-Ez Case Tumbler and RCBS Small Base Die Set (.223 Rem). I was going to get the .300 ACC blackout dies but they was sold out as that's my next purchase and I have 542 cases to reload lol. So did I get everything needed?

 

[MP22]

Ok guys.... this ADDICTION is getting serious

Now have had guns for years, Hunted etc... Buddies have reloaded for me... but never done it or seen it done

Ive heard ya can start at about $200 upto $1500 for equipement. have done some FORUM searching but got frustraded so figured i'd Start with YOU awesome guys for help

My main rd would be .223, with some 9mm and .38 special

Ive also heard anywhere from .10 to .25 to re-load.... I have started KEEPING my brass, more for a buddy, but maybe me as well

So what is some real Current costs/rd to re-load.
Plus's vs minus'

How long would it take to re-load 100rds of .223

Anyways, as always, thanks guys..... just wondering if this is something I can justify TIME wise for me.....
Sitting here on my day off. just cleaned all my guns from yesterday... and now wondering what to do...LOL

Later


Stav

You won't save any money reloading the .223 and 9mm. Very little indeed. If you enjoy reloading....as I do for my 22-250...then go for it.

 

[oneyeopn]

I pulled the trigger guys. I purchased a Lee Precision II Anniversary Challenger Kit (Red) with 6 Inch LCD Digital Caliper with Extra Battery and Case, RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center, Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-Ez Case Tumbler and RCBS Small Base Die Set (.223 Rem). I was going to get the .300 ACC blackout dies but they was sold out as that's my next purchase and I have 542 cases to reload lol. So did I get everything needed?

Do you have the 223 case length gauge, I use it with the shell holder to make sure my cases are the length the are supposed to be, It may be part of your trim Mate case prep center, I am unfamiiar with that, although I did tell BHarada that eventually I am going to get a powered case prep tool, the bulk of my time is trimming and chamfering and cleaning out the primer pockets. Also did you get media for your tumbler and some red rooster or something like that to add that extra bit of polish LOL, I have something by GrafandSons but I hear some liquid car waxes work great also. I just looked it up, you are still going to have to get something to trim your case length. I like the lee because it is a solid spindle that attaches to the trimmer and sits into the primer pocket then you put your brass in the shell holder and tighten it down stick the case length gauge on the trimmer into the brass and I use an electic screwdriver but a cordless drill also works to spin the brass and trim it to the correct length, no guess work, and you cannot trim it to far the way it is built.

 

[oneyeopn]

You won't save any money reloading the .223 and 9mm. Very little indeed. If you enjoy reloading....as I do for my 22-250...then go for it.

I actually do save money, on 223 but that is because I live in the middle of nowhere and by the time I get it here it costs a lot more. Plus my handloads are way more accurate than what I can buy, unless I spend a lot of money on ammo, some of the pricey stuff is pretty accurate. To each his own...also I cannot buy ammo that performs like it should for my 45colt lever action, all the ammo is built to a lower charge for the antique guns.

 

[GMC man]

here is the product descriptions
Product Description
At the heart of the Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger II Kit is the Challenger Press, a strong O-frame press with a larger-than-average opening angled at 30° for maximum hand clearance. Compound leverage easily performs full-length sizing on even the largest magnum cases. There’s a built-in, easy-to-empty primer catcher. Complete powder-handling system, including the precise Perfect Powder Measure. Case preparation tools include a cutter and lock stud to trim cases, an inside/outside case mouth chamber tool, primer pocket cleaner, and a tube of premium sizing lube. You also get two Breech Lock Quick Change Bushings. These bushings make changing dies a snap and accomplish the task in seconds. Once mounted on your die, you'll never have to adjust the die again unless you want to. It saves time, eliminates guesswork and ensures the consistency of your reloaded product. You spend less time fiddling and more time cranking out rounds. To use the case cutter and lock stud a specific shell holder and case length gauge is needed for each caliber to be trimmed.

Small Base Sizer Dies are usually required for reloading ammunition to be used in automatic, semi-automatic, pump, slide and some lever-action rifles. These dies size the body of cases somewhat smaller in diameter and also set the shoulder back slightly more than a Full-Length Sizer Die to ensure proper functioning in the actions of these rifles. Not recommended for ammunition used in bolt-action rifles. Small Base Set contains Small Base Sizer with Expander-Decapping Unit and Regular Seater Die with Seater Plug. Small Base Sizer Dies also available individually. Available in many calibers.
Case preparation is five times easier and faster with the RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center. Five gear-driven rotating heads turn the tedious task of chamfering, deburring, primer pocket cleaning, military crimp removal and flash hole deburring into child’s play. Works great with the Trim Pro Power Case Trimmer so you can do case prep and trimming at the same time. Two stationary positions hold case neck brushes, and a cupped area holds dry case neck lube. The Prep Center includes large and small primer pocket brushes, inside chamfering and outside deburring tools, medium and small case neck brushes and a packet of dry case neck lube. Two year limited warranty. Accessories such as Primer Pocket uniformers are manufactured with high speed tool steel cutters and true the primer pocket wall and bottom. Military Crimp Removers are made with hardened steel cutters and ream out the crimp ring found in military cases.

The Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler provides a quick, easy, and economical means to clean your brass. Used in conjunction with Frankford Arsenal Walnut and Corn Cob Medias, the Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler removes fouling, lube, and oxidation quickly and conveniently. It will hold up to 600 9mm or 350 223 cases.

ok so I need to buy media and a .223 gauge ?

 

[oneyeopn]

if it didnt say it came with media, you do, I just ordered some new walnut shell media the corncob gets hung up in the 223 cases.
the cutter and the lock stud work in conjunction with the lee case length gauge and shell holder. the case length gauge screws into the cutter and the lock stud screws into the shell holder
Lee Case Length Gage Shellholder 223 Remington
sorry but you are close to ready

 

[MP22]

I actually do save money, on 223 but that is because I live in the middle of nowhere and by the time I get it here it costs a lot more. Plus my handloads are way more accurate than what I can buy, unless I spend a lot of money on ammo, some of the pricey stuff is pretty accurate. To each his own...also I cannot buy ammo that performs like it should for my 45colt lever action, all the ammo is built to a lower charge for the antique guns.

I agree....more accurate when you roll your own. In your situation you man save a little on each box....but the .223 is dirt cheap around here. I save a bunch reloading my 22-250....buy in bulk...cut the cost in half.

 

[oneyeopn]

That is exactly what I ordered to start with and what I still use. There are a lot of them out there and a lot of people using them. You wont crank out 300 an hour but you will turn out quality rounds provided you pay attention. I have 2 books the Hornady Reloaders Manual 8th edition and the Lyman Reloaders Guide 49th edition, Hodgdons reloading data is online at Hodgdon - The Gun Powder People, These books will help you tremendously and are really necessary. Good luck and any help we can give you just ask.

 

[GMC man]

if it didnt say it came with media, you do, I just ordered some new walnut shell media the corncob gets hung up in the 223 cases.
the cutter and the lock stud work in conjunction with the lee case length gauge and shell holder. the case length gauge screws into the cutter and the lock stud screws into the shell holder
Lee Case Length Gage Shellholder 223 Remington
sorry but you are close to ready

thanks oneye I just ordered these:

Frankford Arsenal Perfect Fit Reloading Tray #2 17 Remington, 223 Remington, 30 M1 Carbine 50-Round Blue

Frankford Arsenal Impact Bullet Puller

RCBS Formula 1 Brass Cleaning Media Walnut Hull 5 lb

Lee Case Length Gage and Shellholder 223 Remington

lol its sure getting expensive I hope I got all the tools now

 

[JaPes]

GMC... you're not alone my friend. Since pistol caliber range time averages $20/hr, I'm a lower volume shooter because I only shoot a set amount of center fire rounds in 1 hr. I'm reloading using a Lee Breech Lock Hand Press. Via PM's, Grover encouraged me to get started and gave me advice on equipment needed to get started.

MP22 does make a good point. The cost/benefit to reloading is dependent not only on the amount of rounds you shoot, but also your local prices for factory ammo.

Figure it out here:

Handloading Cost Calculator

This will help you figure out at what point your ammo savings will equal your equipment purchase. After you hit break even, your savings ratio hits the sweet spot.

I enjoy shooting .38/.357. The recent price hikes in factory ammo pushed me over the edge into small volume reloading. I'm saving decent money there.

With Federal Champion 115gr 9mm now $13 at my Wal-Mart, 9mm is worth reloading to me. I can reload 50 rounds for $6.50.

The cool thing is now that I have the basic equipment, when I need to take up another caliber all I have to do is buy dies. I'm thinking of buying 45ACP dies.

There's also one more intangible benefit to reloading. I find it to be relaxing. While I'm reloading, all I'm doing is focusing on reloading. I'm not worrying about anything else.

 

[JaPes]

GMC,

I read your posts and may have missed it, but did you acquire a couple reloading manuals? I have a Lymans & a Hornady. I'm thinking of also adding a Speer.

I now know why it's a good idea to have two. I was loading a 115gr FMJ using W231. The Lymans listed load specs for a FMJ-FP. The Hornady had a generic load spec for a 115gr FMJ-RN.

 

[GMC man]

GMC,

I read your posts and may have missed it, but did you acquire a couple reloading manuals? I have a Lymans & a Hornady. I'm thinking of also adding a Speer.

I now know why it's a good idea to have two. I was loading a 115gr FMJ using W231. The Lymans listed load specs for a FMJ-FP. The Hornady had a generic load spec for a 115gr FMJ-RN.

Thats the first thing i purchased to see if I wanted to get into reloading, unfortunately books a million only carried one-- the ABCs of reloading 9th edition by c. rodney james. I plan on getting a .300 upper from s & w and thats where it will be really cost effective to reload so for now I can practice with the .223

 

[oneyeopn]

Thats the first thing i purchased to see if I wanted to get into reloading, unfortunately books a million only carried one-- the ABCs of reloading 9th edition by c. rodney james. I plan on getting a .300 upper from s & w and thats where it will be really cost effective to reload so for now I can practice with the .223

Honestly you cannot have too many manuals, well maybe you can but if you get the one from the bullets you use company and the powder you use thats a great thing, I got the lyman because it lists what they consider the best loads for accuracy. But because 300 is so new, information may not be readily availabe but do go to Hodgdons.com

 

[stavman11]

Great ta see a new Re loader among Us

As Oneyeopn says i also save money, well kinda...LOL went from as low as .30/rd to aprox .17/rd almost half.... now yes, as all others, i shoot more.... but each round is cheaper...

My Lee Pro works great for me....I also was going to get the Trim Mate case prep station but decided on the Lee Zip Tool... Like it alot.... and easy to re-size cases fast...

Not sure I saw ya get a Wilson Case Length headspace Gauge really GREAT tool to have... makes sure your neck on yer Brass is sized correctly.... I found out mine where a bit off and set my Die accordingly...


Like others have said... half the fun is just re-loading and then shooting what you created.....

Ya might as well start looking for a Chronograph and lazer Range finder Like I ended up getting

More toys for the toy Box


.....

 

[oneyeopn]

I recently discovered some more information for me to reload that I thought I would share. I have a Rossi "Golden Boy" lever action in 45colt (or long colt as it is sometimes called), its just a few years old. Up until about 10 days ago it hadnt had but one box of rounds (50) put through it. They were Cowboy Action Shooting rounds, very low powered. I really wanted to hunt with this rifle so I purchased about 250 rounds for it from Freedom and they were ok. Hornady came out with the leverevolution bullets and I was reading how much stonger and how good a hunting round they were. So I started shooting the Freedom and figured out I was good to about 100 yards with 4 inches of drop at 100. Hornady released the leverevolution bullets for reloading so for my birthday I snatched up a box and started reading the reloading data. Out of a rifle they claimed that it needed to run 1800fps and all I was getting out of my rifle was 1150 with the ammo I was shooting. I looked at all the reloading charts and they had the ammo running about the same except they didnt list the FTP's. The factory ammo was rated at the top end for about 18k of pressure. I did a little more research and found out my rifle is rated for 40k CUP. The factory produced ammo is made for 100 year old guns. So I started doing some more research and asking a lot of questions. And found loads using longshot that had me at 36k cup also running about 1900fps, Now I have a hunting rifle that is 2.25 high at 100 yards and dead on at 200 pushing a 225gr bullet. No signs of any problems. If I didnt reload and ask questions I wouldnt have ever known that my rifle was a legitimate hunting rifle. So this fall Deer and Wild Pig are on the menu..... Just thought I would share that!

 

[oneyeopn]

Ok I got my Wilson Case gauge and found out I am a couple of thousanths off. It is kinda cool, but I just figured out we have a bunch of AR shooters making match grade ammo...LOL

 

[stavman11]

Ok I got my Wilson Case gauge and found out I am a couple of thousanths off. It is kinda cool, but I just figured out we have a bunch of AR shooters making match grade ammo...LOL

EXACTLY!!!!

thats how we ROLL>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

[GMC man]

well I just got a new workbench just for reloading now all I need is to get the equipment in and set up so next is the actual supplies lol