To Re-Load or Not???

[zip777]

Whether or not you buy to sell I agree with JaPes. I'm thinking at worst they will re-institute the 94 ban making all future sales outlawed....and having no "sunset" provision. Pre ban firearms will be grandfathered although they may try and say once the owner passes on it must be turned in. I think MOST of the focus will be on magazine capacity. Worst case we will need to modify the 20s and 30s to use "outside the home". In sure pistol mags may be thrown in as well. I think the GOV knows they can't just take what we legally purchased at least without an Australian type buy back program which would be enormously expensive. I think they slowly want to disarm by attrition. One style firearm at a time. Just my 2 cents.

 

[rebs081]

I don't think a confiscation type ban would be legal and I doubt they have the money or funding for a buy back program at fair market value.
I also would like to know what a complete ban against sales would do to the economy and how many people it would put out of work and companies out of business ?

 

[zip777]

Agreed. I've been doing some math. A buy back of just AR/AK variants would run likely a trillion or more dollars when compared to the Australian buy back cost in 1997. As far as the jobs concern that's a PLUS for the pres in my book. Keep the poor poor and buy their votes with "assistance".

 

[zip777]

Some people I've talked with are saying people like us should sit on ALL factory rounds and not even designate a few hundred to reuse for reloading so we can enjoy what we enjoy. Crazy!! I just don't get it. How could someone think having a few thousand factory (purely hypothetical) be better in a SHTF situation than only a few thousand minus a few hundred to reload so you could actually ENJOY your firearm!? IMO if you think 4000 various caliber rounds vs 3800 if it all falls apart are a MUST to survive then you are really way too worried. Is it just me? Have I lost MY mind?!?

 

[oneyeopn]

Zippy---I am trying to figure out just what you are saying. Are they claiming that yuo sit on all of your factory ammo and not shoot and become proficient at relaoding, Where you could practice with the factory rounds and reload ammo that shoots better than the factory rounds, I guess my brain is totally nonfunctioning right at this moment.

 

[BHarada]

Ammo is ammo...and reloaded ammo is probably more accurate. Now if it's a matter of having factory rounds on hand versus a pile of reloadable components then that's a no-brainer. But if you have the capability to reload then I don't see any benefit in it.

 

[zip777]

It's odd. Their position is don't shoot at all period. Just sit on your firearms and ammo. No practice. No hunting. No enjoyment. All this even tho I said only a small part of my factory would be used for such a purpose (say 200 rounds) and that brass would be reloaded with plenty of available reloading components I will have. So yeah I'm puzzled as well. Sorry if my post was a little incoherent it was late and I was tired. lol

 

[zip777]

My thought being I don't get to shoot much and when it do its small volume...like 50 rounds...so I go practice reload those 50 and wait until the next time I shoot.

 

[zip777]

Question. I'll be ordering a Lee kit soon. I'll eventually buy both but should I start with the Lee manual or the Lyman??

 

[oneyeopn]

The Lee has a lot of great info in the beginning, the lyman does to but covers more for the bullet caster. I have both and more and want even more.
I am going to continue to shoot, stay proficient and reload when I have stuff to do that with. Which presently I do. I do not see any value to just sit on my rifle and do nothing with it. You become proficient through muscle memory and the only thing you will be proficient with is sitting and staring at your rifle and ammo.

 

[zip777]

The Lee has a lot of great info in the beginning, the lyman does to but covers more for the bullet caster. I have both and more and want even more.
I am going to continue to shoot, stay proficient and reload when I have stuff to do that with. Which presently I do. I do not see any value to just sit on my rifle and do nothing with it. You become proficient through muscle memory and the only thing you will be proficient with is sitting and staring at your rifle and ammo.

Completely agree. These guys are former LEO and military. I do respect them. I asked both "do you really feel safer with 3000 factory vs say 2800 with 200 you shoot and reload. Do you really think that will save you??"

Neither really addressed that question. One guy said "just shoot .22". IMO not the same.

I think I'll start with the Lee book and pick up others later.

As long as no one tells me I need to buy .223 dies and a press kit IMMEDIATELY I'm in good shape. lol

 

[zip777]

Ok this is really starting to piss me off!! .223 dies are in short supply. Just bought a set of pacesetters off eBay. A little pricey but not too bad.

Grover I know you told me about the breech lock quick change bushings. Do I just need a pack of 2 or a pack of 2 for every caliber I'll reload??

If I go online and the actual lee press kit is disappearing I'm gunna be pissed!! LOL

 

[BHarada]

Zip,
Ideally you'd have one bushing for each die. The whole point of the bushing is to save you the time of screwing the dies in and out of the press.

Just make sure that the press you buy accepts the bushings. haha

-Bill

 

[zip777]

Thanks Bill. When this madness ends I'm going to have to buy ya'll a bag of bullets for all your help. Lol I'm buying all Lee stuff and do cross reference by item number. Should be ok working off my list. I just had another oh **** feeling. Went to amazon...one left. Buy the time I hit the button it was sold. QUICKLY went to eBay for that purchase. Everytime I get that feeling things vaporize. Screw it. I think I'll just suck it up buy a few packs of bushings and the kit. I'm really tired of this "oh ****" feeling!

 

[zip777]

That's it. All purchased everything and its all on the way. Fsreloading was even out of the kits! Bought one for a few $ more off amazon and did get a handful of the adapters from FS. Now all I need to do is wait until it all gets here!! I have never EVER experienced a run on things like this in my 50 years. I just pray this madness will end soon and the consumables for reloading return. Absolutely insane!!

 

[JaPes]

As long as no one tells me I need to buy .223 dies and a press kit IMMEDIATELY I'm in good shape. lol

You need to buy .223 dies immediately. If factory ammo is running out giving people the impetus to start reloading, then dies become the next priority. Can't reload without dies... primers... powder... projectiles... then case lube for rifle cartridges... and some way to clean the cases....

Ok this is really starting to piss me off!! .223 dies are in short supply. Just bought a set of pacesetters off eBay. A little pricey but not too bad.

At least you got dies.

Grover I know you told me about the breech lock quick change bushings. Do I just need a pack of 2 or a pack of 2 for every caliber I'll reload??

Zip,
Ideally you'd have one bushing for each die. The whole point of the bushing is to save you the time of screwing the dies in and out of the press.

Just make sure that the press you buy accepts the bushings. haha

-Bill

^ What Bill said. One bushing for each die. Set it & forget it. For pistol cartridges, I use the standard Lee Breech Lock Bushing. For rifle cartridges, I like using the Lee Lock-Ring Eliminator Bushing.

I find the lock ring eliminator bushing makes it easier to set the dies. I don't have to eyeball compensate for the lock ring/bushing adjustment. Once the die is set, I tighten the collar on the lock ring eliminator bushing.

If I go online and the actual lee press kit is disappearing I'm gunna be pissed!! LOL

You're buying all this stuff without having a press?

Thanks Bill. When this madness ends I'm going to have to buy ya'll a bag of bullets for all your help. Lol I'm buying all Lee stuff and do cross reference by item number. Should be ok working off my list. I just had another oh **** feeling. Went to amazon...one left. Buy the time I hit the button it was sold. QUICKLY went to eBay for that purchase. Everytime I get that feeling things vaporize. Screw it. I think I'll just suck it up buy a few packs of bushings and the kit. I'm really tired of this "oh ****" feeling!

Have you gone to the website fsreloading.com? Their backorder ETA's are usually spot on.

The initial investment & gearing up to reload is a bit frustrating. Every time you think you have everything you need, something pops up. When you get over the start-up hump, it's smooth sailing my friend.

 

[zip777]

You need to buy .223 dies immediately. If factory ammo is running out giving people the impetus to start reloading, then dies become the next priority. Can't reload without dies... primers... powder... projectiles... then case lube for rifle cartridges... and some way to clean the cases....



At least you got dies.

Grover I know you told me about the breech lock quick change bushings. Do I just need a pack of 2 or a pack of 2 for every caliber I'll reload??




^ What Bill said. One bushing for each die. Set it & forget it. For pistol cartridges, I use the standard Lee Breech Lock Bushing. For rifle cartridges, I like using the Lee Lock-Ring Eliminator Bushing.

I find the lock ring eliminator bushing makes it easier to set the dies. I don't have to eyeball compensate for the lock ring/bushing adjustment. Once the die is set, I tighten the collar on the lock ring eliminator bushing.



You're buying all this stuff without having a press?




Have you gone to the website fsreloading.com? Their backorder ETA's are usually spot on.

The initial investment & gearing up to reload is a bit frustrating. Every time you think you have everything you need, something pops up. When you get over the start-up hump, it's smooth sailing my friend.

Yep! Started with what was disappearing first. Primers, bullets, powder. All on the way. Thought that would hold me off until after the new year. Wrong! Just bought 223 die set, breech lock press and the quick change bushings. Do not YET have lock ring eliminators or lube or cleaning supplies. Ugh! How many lock ring eliminators are needed? One per die also??

 

[oneyeopn]

I use mobil 1 for case lube now...somewhere in this thread is a youtube video where the guy uses mobil 1...check it out. and CALM down..its ok... Wow I missed things while I was working on guns. I use lock rings but not the eliminators, I load enough different style of bullets that I have to make adjustments.

 

[BHarada]

If you haven't tried them before I highly recommend Sinclairs. It's part of Brownells and their service is outstanding.


-Bill

 

[JaPes]

Yep! Started with what was disappearing first. Primers, bullets, powder. All on the way. Thought that would hold me off until after the new year. Wrong! Just bought 223 die set, breech lock press and the quick change bushings. Do not YET have lock ring eliminators or lube or cleaning supplies. Ugh! How many lock ring eliminators are needed? One per die also??

You either choose to use a standard breech lock bushing w/lock ring, or the lock ring eliminator bushings. Since you already ordered the standard bushings, give them a try first.

And yes. One bushing per die.

The lock ring eliminator bushings are nice, but not absolutely necessary. They just make the job of die adjustment a little easier and faster for me.

Case lube is cheap. Some use synthetic motor oil. I use Hornady One Shot case lube.

For case cleaning, I use a relatively inexpensive Chicago Electric 2.5L ultrasonic cleaner. It does not polish up the cases super shiney like a vibratory tumbler. It gets them clean. The added benefit of the ultrasonic is that I also use it to clean small firearms parts. It cleans up a BCG real nice.

 

[GMC man]

Ok this is really starting to piss me off!! .223 dies are in short supply. Just bought a set of pacesetters off eBay. A little pricey but not too bad.

Grover I know you told me about the breech lock quick change bushings. Do I just need a pack of 2 or a pack of 2 for every caliber I'll reload??

If I go online and the actual lee press kit is disappearing I'm gunna be pissed!! LOL

Dang zip I wish I was around more I have a extra set of RCBS small base Dies for 223. When I got that round stuck and I mean really stuck I thought I was going to have to send them off to get it out I went and bought a extra set from Amazon so they are sitting in my reloading table drawer.

Here is some cheap Lock ring eliminators from a place I got mine from

http://www.titanreloading.com/lee-breech-lock-quick-change-bushings

 

[oneyeopn]

I didnt think about that. I have a set of RGB dies that I bought when I stuck a case also, once I calmed down and was patient I got the case out but like GMC I have the spare set in the bottom of my reloading equipment.

 

[zip777]

Ok stupid question time.

With proper handling do these dies last a long time? Do I need a backup set?

I can start with Mobil 1. Might even have some in my garage.

So. Here is what I have coming. Is there anything more I need?? Grover has been kind enough to email me a list of things I'll eventually need but I'm talking immediate needs or things that may start disappearing...

Lee breech lock kit
Lee 223 pacesetter die set
Lee manual 2nd addition
6 lee breech lock bushings (a few extra for when I start 9mm)
1500 hornady bullets SP and V max
2000 #41 CCI primers (reusing 5.56 brass)
8 pounds hogdon H335 powder

Anything else I need or could become scarce???

After a quick calculation I've spent $2300 since I bought my sport a month and a half ago. Wow. I feel sick yet satisfied I'm nearly set. I do believe I will reconsider that ACOG purchase now. Lmao!!

 

[GMC man]

Ok stupid question time.

With proper handling do these dies last a long time? Do I need a backup set?

I can start with Mobil 1. Might even have some in my garage.

So. Here is what I have coming. Is there anything more I need?? Grover has been kind enough to email me a list of things I'll eventually need but I'm talking immediate needs or things that may start disappearing...

Lee breech lock kit
Lee 223 pacesetter die set
Lee manual 2nd addition
6 lee breech lock bushings (a few extra for when I start 9mm)
1500 hornady bullets SP and V max
2000 #41 CCI primers (reusing 5.56 brass)
8 pounds hogdon H335 powder

Anything else I need or could become scarce???

After a quick calculation I've spent $2300 since I bought my sport a month and a half ago. Wow. I feel sick yet satisfied I'm nearly set. I do believe I will reconsider that ACOG purchase now. Lmao!!

How long do the dies last? I have heard some are still around from the 50's. if you dont gouge them or damage them in some way they shouldnt wear out because brass is much softer metal.
I didnt see a set of calipers in your list or a way to clean the brass and did you get a crimp die or was it included in the set mine wasnt in the rcbs one?

 

[zip777]

The crimp die is in the pacesetter die set. One reason I chose that set. Calipers!! Ugh!! Ok. Recos???

Cleaning. Not sure if I want a tumbler, ultrasonic etc.... Or use that electrical cleaner just mentioned.

 

[BHarada]

Not everyone tumbles cases. I have a friend that washes his brass in a bucket of hot water and Simple Green. Then dries it off in a warm oven. Just enough to clean off the grime and grit. Of course then there are the anal retentive types, like me, who want bright and shiny brass at the range.

But tumblers shouldn't be hard to find since they're used in multiple hobbies. And crushed walnut tumbling media can be found at pet supply shops (reptile cage litter).

-Bill

 

[zip777]

I'm thinking hot water and simple green would work for me. All my brass will see is a magazine and a brass catcher! Lol

Maybe down the road but dang it I've spent enough! Good calipers are a must though.

 

[zip777]

I despise anything needing batteries. Will a quality dial type caliper accurate to 0.001" work alright??

 

[BHarada]

Yup. Just choose a quality made dial caliper. Mine is a 25 year old Mitutoyo from when I used to work as a mechanical assembly supervisor.

There's nothing that we do in this hobby that will require accuracy to the ten-thousandth of an inch. haha.

-Bill

 

[JaPes]

I can start with Mobil 1. Might even have some in my garage.

After resizing the brass, make sure to wash the brass to remove the oil.

So. Here is what I have coming. Is there anything more I need?? Grover has been kind enough to email me a list of things I'll eventually need but I'm talking immediate needs or things that may start disappearing...

Lee breech lock kit
Lee 223 pacesetter die set
Lee manual 2nd addition
6 lee breech lock bushings (a few extra for when I start 9mm)
1500 hornady bullets SP and V max
2000 #41 CCI primers (reusing 5.56 brass)
8 pounds hogdon H335 powder

Anything else I need or could become scarce???

Bill already mentioned a caliper. I don't see a case length gauge & trimmer. Rifle brass stretches. It needs to be measured and trimmed down back to length. A lee case length gauge & trimmer will do the trick.

Harbor Freight Tools can be a good place to buy inexpensive tools.

Digital Calipers - Save on these 6 Inch Digital Calipers

Ultrasonic Cleaner - 2.5 Liter

5 Lb. Metal Vibrator / Tumbler

I'm thinking hot water and simple green would work for me. All my brass will see is a magazine and a brass catcher! Lol

I use a hot water / simple green / vinegar solution in my ultrasonic cleaner. It works. For me the advantage of using a liquid solution is that I can deprime the brass, then clean it. I don't have to worry about media getting wedged in the primer pocket.

I've read that some people clean their brass by putting it in a lidded bucket with either crushed walnut media or a cleaning solution. They then leave it in the trunk (or bed) of their vehicle for a week. Over a week, the vibrations of daily driving clean off the cases.

After a quick calculation I've spent $2300 since I bought my sport a month and a half ago. Wow. I feel sick yet satisfied I'm nearly set. I do believe I will reconsider that ACOG purchase now. Lmao!!

You need to learn how to rationalize. Think about it this way. If you didn't buy a 15-Sport, you could be closer to $3K now. Reloading equipment will pay for itself over time. The more you load, the faster you'll reach the break even point.

You have to suspend normal logical reasoning when it comes to your firearms hobby. Use firearms enthusiast logic & all is well.