To Re-Load or Not???

[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.

 

[oneyeopn]

I have a vibratory and I do use it most of the time, some of the time though I dont. But what I do after I resize is I have one of those little bags that women wash their unmentionables (god that makes me feel old) in, it is a little zipper bag that is soft and extremely perforated. I will put my resized brass in it and run it through the dishwasher or washing machine with a load of laundry to wash the oil off. After that depending on how dark the brass has become I will either tumble it or not. Hey it works, but just know that you cannot put your wife's dainties in it anymore...

 

[zip777]

You guys are great! Thanks so much. Grover I need to go back and go through all the email you sent as well. Lots of good info (and I may reuse the "unmentionable bag" ONCE so I'm again banned from all laundry!! Ha!!) you sent me.

Thanks Bill I'll pick up a dial one.

JaPas case gauge length gauge and trimmer....duh! I had that on my fs reloading list and when they were out of the press my mind went south! I'm on that now. I like the ultrasonic idea. Cheap enough and I don't have to buy it today.

I hear ya about expense and you are right but from zero to sixty in a month WHILE shopping for Xmas was very stressful. Thank God for my girl and my extra work hours!

....and the good news is IM NEARLY READY TO JUST SHOOT AND RELOAD!!! WOOT!!! lol

 

[oneyeopn]

Zip, a word of caution, take your time, double and triple check your steps. Load just a few and shoot them before you go hog wild. Wash your hands before and after working on your loading. Be careful and if you have questions ask. It is a fun thing to do, it can be dangerous to do. Be Safe!!
The list of precautions can be a mile long just be safe!!

 

[zip777]

Thank you sir I certainly will be. This is the same great advice my buddy Buck gave to me yesterday. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions before I begin. The nice thing now is there is no rush!

Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays to you, your family and all my fellow reloaders and sport shooters. Enjoy!

zip >>

 

[JaPes]

One piece of related advice:

If for any reason your rifle malfunctions, stop shooting. You're on a one-way range. You're not in an urgent situation where a tap-rack-bang is essential. Take the time to safe the rifle, and diagnose the issue.

Individuals new to the AR15 do not understand some of the subtleties and causes of malfunctions, miss the tell-tale signs of a bigger issue, chamber a new round and...

BOOM

Shooting cartridges you loaded yourself is very satisfying. I can tell you from first hand experience that blowing up your firearm with an out-of-spec reload is a horrible experience.

Be careful. Go slow. Ask questions.

 

[zip777]

One piece of related advice:

If for any reason your rifle malfunctions, stop shooting. You're on a one-way range. You're not in an urgent situation where a tap-rack-bang is essential. Take the time to safe the rifle, and diagnose the issue.

Absolutely. My baby (and me lol) are of the utmost importance. I'm never in a hurry when I shoot anyway.

Case gauges and cutters on the way. Also picked up the zip trimmer because it sounds like it will help in the case prep process.

Still need...

Ultrasonic cleaner ( I'll look at harbor freight)

Dial calipers

Any recos on the latter?? Seen em as cheap as $15 to $60 and from what I read on reviews they are ALL THE same with different branding....all the way to $200! That's not happening. lol

It doesn't have to be the $15 ones because its a useful and important tool for many uses but I would like to keep cost reasonable. Thoughts??

 

[oneyeopn]

Mine are "Insize" Brand, I cant remember where I bought them from but I didnt spend an arm and a leg!!

 

[tinkerunique]

Have been reloading for decades. (OLD GOAT / retired) I inherited my press, scale and powder funnel. I have an old RCBS single stage. I reload for .303 British and .44 Spl, and have the dies for 9mm. It's cheaper here to go to the store for 9mm, but the rest is cheaper to load for my own use / I have a "pet load" for the .303 and two for the .44 (1 is for targets [wadcutters] and the other is for hunting and "predators" [SJHP and/or 'Black Talons'].

 

[rebs081]

when I reload I always prep the cases in the usual way, then prime them, then add the powder and always check the cases with a small flash light to be sure I didn't miss one, then seat the bullets. BUT always check for powder with a small flash light. I do not want a squib round.

 

[JaPes]

when I reload I always prep the cases in the usual way, then prime them, then add the powder and always check the cases with a small flash light to be sure I didn't miss one, then seat the bullets. BUT always check for powder with a small flash light. I do not want a squib round.

Conversely, you want to also look for a case that is obviously over-charged.

Not an AR15 but I had to learn reb's advice the hard way.