firemanstrickland
Member
hahahahaha so i have been told, im ready to gain this new addiction.......
Very interested in reloading
- Thread starter firemanstrickland
- Start date
- Status
firemanstrickland
Member
does anybody just happen to live in centrtal south carolina and want to show the new guy the ropes? if so, pm me.
cheygriz
member
If nobody PMs you, go down and join your local gun club!
That's a good idea anyway, since you'll make new friends that are fellow shooters, learn a lot from experienced folks, and just maybe, be able to get in on bulk purchases that the club makes for it's members that will save you some bucks.
That's a good idea anyway, since you'll make new friends that are fellow shooters, learn a lot from experienced folks, and just maybe, be able to get in on bulk purchases that the club makes for it's members that will save you some bucks.
firemanstrickland
Member
well, the only problem with that, is i live in south carolina, there are no gun clubs, in other places of this nation people have to form clubs to protect there rights, but here its not really something we have to protect....yet. i am luck enough for that. EVERYBODY has a gun here, you are the minority if you dont.
TeamPrecisionIT
Member
Full list of gun clubs in SC: http://www.traderscreek.com/gun_clubs/south_carolina.asp
I have to ask, but are you telling us that with a cold bore handgun you're more than 60MOA off target? Cold bore can cause a shift of maybe 2MOA at 100 meters, but 60MOA would be a big-time extreme cold bore shift. If you're gun is in dire need of repair, then no amount of ammo customization is going to help correct that extreme of a problem.
Anyway, what other questions do you have? Have you picked up the suggested reads or read the FAQ at the top of this forum? Trust us, they will help a lot to get those first-time jitters out of the way to give you the confidence you need to make the right purchases and follow the correct procedures when it comes time to get loading.
Damian
I have to ask, but are you telling us that with a cold bore handgun you're more than 60MOA off target? Cold bore can cause a shift of maybe 2MOA at 100 meters, but 60MOA would be a big-time extreme cold bore shift. If you're gun is in dire need of repair, then no amount of ammo customization is going to help correct that extreme of a problem.
Anyway, what other questions do you have? Have you picked up the suggested reads or read the FAQ at the top of this forum? Trust us, they will help a lot to get those first-time jitters out of the way to give you the confidence you need to make the right purchases and follow the correct procedures when it comes time to get loading.
Damian
Last edited:
firemanstrickland
Member
damian, thanks for the list i have done some research myself in the past i should have specified, there are just no clubs close enough for me to feasibly join because of travel time, i live out in the country, the big cities have the clubs.
I have talked to springfield, they have set up a return on my xdm.
and let me tell you, the first time jitters are driving me crazy, i have not had time to start getting material, but i will soon. i just want to do it rite. ive got lots of reading ahead of me.
I have talked to springfield, they have set up a return on my xdm.
and let me tell you, the first time jitters are driving me crazy, i have not had time to start getting material, but i will soon. i just want to do it rite. ive got lots of reading ahead of me.
rfwobbly
Member
Oh buddy, we're close!
Mr Strickland -
The guys have given you the technical end of choosing powder and primers. Now let's talk about reality. Primers and powders can only be sent to you via UPS, and then only with the addition of a Hazardous Material (HazMat) fee of around $22-25. So even though the primers and powders you see on the internet are very inexpensive, once you add on the HazMat it can become very expensive to buy a starter quantity. That's why I suggested that you research local gun stores and gun clubs who might sell reloading supplies.
When you get your reloading manual, you'll see a list of 10-15 acceptable powders to use for both the 9x19 and the 223 for AR. If you look on powder manufacturer's web sites, you'll see some more. You're going to want to buy your powder in 1 lb cans until you find the best powder for you. That's going to mean, due to the shear cost, buying the powders that are available locally. Later on when you're through testing and really know what you want, then you can order the 8 lb can and 5000 primers and save some money.
I see you now show your location. Thanks for that. I don't know about central SC, but if you are close to Anderson, then you are close to Dans Gun Room [5696 West Avenue, Lavonia, GA 30553, (706) 356-1760] who has an awesome collection of reloading gear. You can check the mileage on Google Maps.
See. And you thought no one was close to you!
Mr Strickland -
The guys have given you the technical end of choosing powder and primers. Now let's talk about reality. Primers and powders can only be sent to you via UPS, and then only with the addition of a Hazardous Material (HazMat) fee of around $22-25. So even though the primers and powders you see on the internet are very inexpensive, once you add on the HazMat it can become very expensive to buy a starter quantity. That's why I suggested that you research local gun stores and gun clubs who might sell reloading supplies.
When you get your reloading manual, you'll see a list of 10-15 acceptable powders to use for both the 9x19 and the 223 for AR. If you look on powder manufacturer's web sites, you'll see some more. You're going to want to buy your powder in 1 lb cans until you find the best powder for you. That's going to mean, due to the shear cost, buying the powders that are available locally. Later on when you're through testing and really know what you want, then you can order the 8 lb can and 5000 primers and save some money.
I see you now show your location. Thanks for that. I don't know about central SC, but if you are close to Anderson, then you are close to Dans Gun Room [5696 West Avenue, Lavonia, GA 30553, (706) 356-1760] who has an awesome collection of reloading gear. You can check the mileage on Google Maps.
See. And you thought no one was close to you!
Last edited:
firemanstrickland
Member
hahahaha yeah, this is true, there is one sporting goods store that sells powders and primers, im hoping that they have what i need. but, my luck, they wont. i got an itchy lever puller arm here guys hahahaha
35 Whelen
Member
Fireman:
You're going to get LOTs of advice on this subject, and lots of contrary advice.
I'd advise you to check out some of these forums:
http://www.handloads.com/
http://www.reloadersnest.com/index.asp
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve
Lots of help from people who love to reload.
Equipment:
I'll catch lots of flack for this next piece of advice, but here goes...
For the volumn of loading you're going to do, I'd avoid Lee equipment like the plague. Let me qualify that statement by saying I use some of their stuff...I LOVE their priming tool, use some of their cast bullet equipment and for certain applications their collet dies are fantastic.
Some of their stuff is good...some even ingenious, but it's inexpensive for a reason... I shoot competitively every month with 15-20 guys and they all reload. Every single one of them reload and NONE of them use Lee equipment except for their priming tool and possibly dies.
If you'll watch the classifieds here and watch eBay, you can get really good used equipment for as much or not much more than the new Lee equipment. RCBS makes very good equipment and their customer service is second to none. I have been using an RCBS press, that was given to me by my father, for close to 30 years and I've never replaced a single part on it...same goes for a ancient RCBS powder dispenser/measurer. I also use their scales and dies. I promise you RCBS will last the rest of your life.
Another company that make really high quality equipment AND specializes is Dillon. I've never used it but from all accounts it's probably the best made but they specialize in progressive type equipment.
One last thing. You'll probably be tempted to buy a progressive reloader, but I'd strongly urge you to start out with a single stage press where you perform each step of the reloadin operation one at a time. After you get the hang of it, THEN if you want a progressive, go for it.
Let the flames begin....
35W
You're going to get LOTs of advice on this subject, and lots of contrary advice.
I'd advise you to check out some of these forums:
http://www.handloads.com/
http://www.reloadersnest.com/index.asp
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve
Lots of help from people who love to reload.
Equipment:
I'll catch lots of flack for this next piece of advice, but here goes...
For the volumn of loading you're going to do, I'd avoid Lee equipment like the plague. Let me qualify that statement by saying I use some of their stuff...I LOVE their priming tool, use some of their cast bullet equipment and for certain applications their collet dies are fantastic.
Some of their stuff is good...some even ingenious, but it's inexpensive for a reason... I shoot competitively every month with 15-20 guys and they all reload. Every single one of them reload and NONE of them use Lee equipment except for their priming tool and possibly dies.
If you'll watch the classifieds here and watch eBay, you can get really good used equipment for as much or not much more than the new Lee equipment. RCBS makes very good equipment and their customer service is second to none. I have been using an RCBS press, that was given to me by my father, for close to 30 years and I've never replaced a single part on it...same goes for a ancient RCBS powder dispenser/measurer. I also use their scales and dies. I promise you RCBS will last the rest of your life.
Another company that make really high quality equipment AND specializes is Dillon. I've never used it but from all accounts it's probably the best made but they specialize in progressive type equipment.
One last thing. You'll probably be tempted to buy a progressive reloader, but I'd strongly urge you to start out with a single stage press where you perform each step of the reloadin operation one at a time. After you get the hang of it, THEN if you want a progressive, go for it.
Let the flames begin....
35W
mbruce
Member
sweet another Lee bashing.... poor ole Lee just can't catch a break around here. One day when I grow up i wanna be a RCBS reloader!
Single stage is for benchresters or guys with a lot of time on their hands -- if you're loading pistol and don't want to mess with a progressive then the turret is quite a fine way to go.
Last edited:
cheygriz
member
35 whelen,
EXCELLENT ADVICE!
EXCELLENT ADVICE!
mbruce
Member
Hey wait a minute -- are you and 35 Whelen the same person?? HA
which part was excellent?
cheygriz
member
No we're not the same person. (have the moderator check IP adresses if you wish)
What part of his advice was excellent???
Well............all of it, actually!
What part of his advice was excellent???
Well............all of it, actually!
35 Whelen
Member
Unwad yer panties, darling'.... It wasn't a personal attack and I'm not bashing anything...just speaking from experience. If you like Lee products, I'm happy for you.
Single stage is for loading PRECISION ammunition. Progressives are for loading blam, blam, blam, blam, blam... I know because I use one for shotshells.
And by the way, if you're one of those guys who "reloads in a hurry" as you indicate in your post, then you're an accident waiting to happen. As such, you might want to learn to type with your nose or some other appendage.
35W
mbruce
Member
now now let's not get too over the top...avoid Lee "like the plague" and me losing limbs because I'm using a turret or a progressive is a little dramatic...
I'm tempted to get a Co-ax with Redding competition dies just to see if it'll make a difference in my pistol groupings compared to the groupings of Lee reloaded cartridges...of course when it doesn't the only possible logical reasoning is because I don't know what i'm doing and i'm just not cut out for this precision stuff -- or i can't focus on precision reloading because my panties are in a wad.
I'm tempted to get a Co-ax with Redding competition dies just to see if it'll make a difference in my pistol groupings compared to the groupings of Lee reloaded cartridges...of course when it doesn't the only possible logical reasoning is because I don't know what i'm doing and i'm just not cut out for this precision stuff -- or i can't focus on precision reloading because my panties are in a wad.
Last edited:
billybob44
Contributing Member
^^^+1!!Yes there are Lee Kool Aid drinkers around. I use the BEST=Dillon and RCBS. Has worked for me for 35+years and my RockChucker also has ALL original parts.No we're not the same person. (have the moderator check IP adresses if you wish)
What part of his advice was excellent???
Well............all of it, actually!
mbruce
Member
dup
mbruce
Member
You've been drinking out of my spiked Kool Aid bowl if you consider RCBS the best -- guess Redding and Forster get thrown out of the picture. What's BEST is hard to pin point for any hobby, much less reloading. What's BEST should be determined by asking yourself what's best for you rather than what's the best on the market. One should buy for what his/her interests and goals are.... someone looking to just hit paper and have a good time shooting pistols doesn't need to invest in "The Best"...any advice other than that is bad advice. There's always that guy on the golf course with the pro clubs that is a +20 handicap...always the weekend bass angler fishing out of a 21' Triton with a 300hp Merc on back....I can go on and on..... The quickest way to disinterest someone is by being a spokesperson for a particular brand.....
Last edited:
I understand the Lee progressive presses might take a little bit of futzing around with. Most commercial reloaders use Dillon progressives.
But for a single stage press, I have to say that Lee Breechlock rocks. The thin O-frame leaves ample space 360 degrees around the shell holder. I've seen the videos showing how people load on several of the more expensive brands, and it's painful to watch. The press frame, lever, primer catch tray, and/or primer feed systems manage to limit access to the shell holder in some way.
On a single stage, getting the shell in/out of the press takes up a fair bit of your time, since you do it 3-4 times per cartridge. If you have never used a Lee press, you have no idea how much time you're wasting.
But for a single stage press, I have to say that Lee Breechlock rocks. The thin O-frame leaves ample space 360 degrees around the shell holder. I've seen the videos showing how people load on several of the more expensive brands, and it's painful to watch. The press frame, lever, primer catch tray, and/or primer feed systems manage to limit access to the shell holder in some way.
On a single stage, getting the shell in/out of the press takes up a fair bit of your time, since you do it 3-4 times per cartridge. If you have never used a Lee press, you have no idea how much time you're wasting.
billybob44
Contributing Member
I do stand corrected. As a retired GM Master Technician, I have assembled a fine assortment of Snap-On Tools. Many others have been able to do the job with Craftsman/Stanley/Globe Master tools. I have never been unhappy about buying too GOOD of tool. Can not say the same about buying too CHEAP of tool..Bill.
firemanstrickland
Member
whoa, easy fellas. i dont know reloading, but i have been blessed with some common sense, there IS NO best, everyones got an opinion, opinions are like rear ends, everyones got one, most of em stink, thank you for all the input i do appreciate it, but since im just getting in to this, after some thorough reading i will probly go with lee due to the prices, im not hand loading sierra rounds for my m-24 high in the hindu-kush. i just want something to do the job.
GP100man
Member
Get a couple of manuals , ABCs, Lyman & read,read,read!!!
While breaking, surf the forums & cruise for used equipment !!!
Most is from people up grading or changing colors or just plain cleanin up , ask for pics or an inspection period , if they buck any then probably something broken, missing or has been abused .
I still buy some equipment onceinawhile some at a deal & some not ,but I`m happy !!
Always compare the prices against new !!!
A good simgle stage press is a good start & will always be needed , as will a good powder scales !!
While breaking, surf the forums & cruise for used equipment !!!
Most is from people up grading or changing colors or just plain cleanin up , ask for pics or an inspection period , if they buck any then probably something broken, missing or has been abused .
I still buy some equipment onceinawhile some at a deal & some not ,but I`m happy !!
Always compare the prices against new !!!
A good simgle stage press is a good start & will always be needed , as will a good powder scales !!
firemanstrickland
Member
oh! btw, i got a digital caliper.....( i dont know if thats spelled rite) my Lt. just gave it to me, its very nice and brand new, he said he didnt need it. so.....will i even need it in reloading?....
billybob44
Contributing Member
For sure you will need a caliper!! Next to your scale, probably one of the most important tools that you will need. It is VERY critical that you do NOT seat bullets too deep on most all pistol loads. All pistol loads(and most rifle) will have a suggested Overall Length for that exact bullet/case. Most pistol loads will have a Min. OAL that should be adhered to. Too deep seating bullets can/will cause excessive pressure.
YES-the calipers will be used on every load you make.. Bill.
- Status