If and when I get around to buying a progressive, auto indexing press it will be a Dillon 650. I have used the 550 and the 650 and the 650 can not be beat, unless it is by the 1050. The heads on the Lee are easier to change but that is it.
Do you reload and do you think it's worth it?
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MinnMooney
Member
I chose the 1st option because it fit better (but not quite correctly) than the rest.
Reloading is time-consuming and takes years of practice to really understand the "what and why" certain things are done.
I have only been reloading for about 4 years (8,000-9,000 rounds) and am continually finding out new and safer ways to reload. I'm finding out why the manuals tell you to do it this way or do it that way. I'm getting better at checking every step during the reloading process. I have almost zero bad reloads now compared to the first 2 years of reloading.
What I'm saying is this - If you plan on making reloading a long-term commitment then go for it but don't think that you can get into it (as many books will tell you) with only a starter kit and a manual. You'll be disappointed and unsafe to say the least.
Do it for the long run and do it safely - slowly at first. Speed comes later - much later!!
Reloading is time-consuming and takes years of practice to really understand the "what and why" certain things are done.
I have only been reloading for about 4 years (8,000-9,000 rounds) and am continually finding out new and safer ways to reload. I'm finding out why the manuals tell you to do it this way or do it that way. I'm getting better at checking every step during the reloading process. I have almost zero bad reloads now compared to the first 2 years of reloading.
What I'm saying is this - If you plan on making reloading a long-term commitment then go for it but don't think that you can get into it (as many books will tell you) with only a starter kit and a manual. You'll be disappointed and unsafe to say the least.
Do it for the long run and do it safely - slowly at first. Speed comes later - much later!!
KBintheSLC
Member
I don't have room to reload right now, but I will start as soon as possible. Reloading is fun, and it can save a few bucks over time.
j21blackjack
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Am I the only one who uses a Lee Hand Press (~$30)? I haven't seen it mentioned on this thread yet. I started reloading for less than $100. I'm now up to about 1500 rounds and love it. I can sit on my couch and do everything but pour the powder while watching TV. I sit down at a table to pour powder so I'm not ditracted. I only shoot about once a month, but I keep re-using the same brass and only have to pay for lead, powder, and primers. Even if you don't shoot in high volumes, it's still a fun and valuable skill to learn.
M2 Carbine
member
I have been using a Dillon press for many years but still have the Lee. It's handy for doing small jobs where I don't want to change out the big press.
I also recomend it for people that have no room to set up a reloading press.
RoostRider
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Yeah, I keep a Lee hand press around for small jobs, or jobs that can be done in front of the TV (resize/deprime)... but I found it WAY too cumbersome to work with for complete reloading, I didn't even give it a shot with rifle ammo....
It has it's place, but anyone who wants to do more than learn about reloading, and have a rig around in case of dire need, it just doesn't cut it.
It has it's place, but anyone who wants to do more than learn about reloading, and have a rig around in case of dire need, it just doesn't cut it.
Black Knight
Member
I used to reload but don't have time now. I have planned on getting back into it. Glad I didn't get rid of my press and gear.
RainDodger
Member
MinMooney is correct. It takes years to REALLY understand what you're doing. Plus, it takes dedication and time to really know how to do it well. I've been handloading for 41 years now. It never gets tiresome. It's a lifetime hobby and pretty much equal to the fun of actually shooting. You'll take a lot of pride in putting together your own cartridges and tailoring them into the most accurate rounds for your particular use.
All that said... I reload because I want to, not JUST because it's cheaper in the long run. In fact, if you factor in your time, it may NOT be cheaper, depending on your family situation. You have to value your own time. As it happens, it IS cheaper, monetarily. If it was more expensive, I'd likely still do it. It's a great way to spend an afternoon if the weather is too crappy to go shooting, or you just want a relaxing, satisfying day.
All that said... I reload because I want to, not JUST because it's cheaper in the long run. In fact, if you factor in your time, it may NOT be cheaper, depending on your family situation. You have to value your own time. As it happens, it IS cheaper, monetarily. If it was more expensive, I'd likely still do it. It's a great way to spend an afternoon if the weather is too crappy to go shooting, or you just want a relaxing, satisfying day.
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huntsman
Member
I don't shoot enough .30/30 and I'm not comfortable with reloading pistol ammo but I do reload shotshells primarily so I'll have ammo after TSHTF.
Kitchen_Duty
Member
I use to reload, my current small apartment does not have the room to do so now. So my gear is in storage till I can use it again.
Lots of .22 and mosin nagant at the range till then.
Lots of .22 and mosin nagant at the range till then.
BushyGuy
Member
i dont reload cuz it is a pain in the ass, but i might reload in the future -if prices go down.
one has to do a LOT of shooting for reloading to PAY for itself, then for one to SAVE on ammunition, one must shoot even more. if one is just a hunter, one who kills a couple deer per year, maybe an elk every 3 years, hunts ducks 5-6 times a year, hunts squirrels 7-8 times a year, and zero's his "deer " rifle once before season opens, it will take many years to see a profit by reloading.
think about it. the average big game hunter (and repeated surveys have shown that the single most popular game animal in america is the whitetail deer) gets to hunt 4 weekends per year, that's only 8 days! how many times do you need to shoot your rifle before you are ready for your 8 total days of hunting? and how many times are you going to shoot at deer? for the average guy, just one box of factory ammo will last a couple years, if not longer.
however, if one enjoys just shooting (targets, cans, yotes, prairie dogs, etc.,) and gets to the range on a very regular basis numerous times a year, and has a keen interest in accuracy - then reloading is the ONLY way to go.
think about it. the average big game hunter (and repeated surveys have shown that the single most popular game animal in america is the whitetail deer) gets to hunt 4 weekends per year, that's only 8 days! how many times do you need to shoot your rifle before you are ready for your 8 total days of hunting? and how many times are you going to shoot at deer? for the average guy, just one box of factory ammo will last a couple years, if not longer.
however, if one enjoys just shooting (targets, cans, yotes, prairie dogs, etc.,) and gets to the range on a very regular basis numerous times a year, and has a keen interest in accuracy - then reloading is the ONLY way to go.
Palehorseman
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If you are undecided but just want to give it a try and have some brass, get a new Lee Classic loader for around $20.00. (they still make them after about 50 years) As per Lee Classic instructions, get a pound of powder and 100 of a recommended bullet weight, 100 primers, and you are good to go for just a few bucks. I started with the Lee Classic loaders back in early 1960s, no longer use, but still have them.
http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache...e+classic+loader+kit&cd=7&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
The Lee Classic is slow, but makes good ammo, all is there for one caliber and pertinent instructions are included.
http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache...e+classic+loader+kit&cd=7&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
The Lee Classic is slow, but makes good ammo, all is there for one caliber and pertinent instructions are included.
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It is worth it to me but not because of the cost. My press, 3 sets of dies, & other items only cost me $200 or a little less but I thought it was a lot at the time. I don't save enough to pay for my time but I enjoy it. My sons are getting into it also & I like the time spent with them.
I would really like a Lee Loader myself. I have been looking for one & would really like one for a .410.
I would really like a Lee Loader myself. I have been looking for one & would really like one for a .410.
Saturday at about 12:30 I had no 38 Special loaded and I wanted to be at the range by 2:00. I walked out to the garage, powered on my little digital scale to warm up, then dumped 100 primers on the bench and started picking them up with the tube. I placed my box of tumbled brass on one side and a box of bullets on the other and tried to clear my head a bit to be sure I was focused on what I was about to do. At 1:20 I put the 150 rounds of 38 Special I just loaded into my range bag.
That was after verifying the powder charge on 3 different rounds and stopping to fill the primer tube again. And I wasn't really going fast. Those 150 rounds cost me less than $20 and were a pleasure to shoot from my 686 when I got to the range just before 2:00.
Definitely worth it to me.
-Chris
That was after verifying the powder charge on 3 different rounds and stopping to fill the primer tube again. And I wasn't really going fast. Those 150 rounds cost me less than $20 and were a pleasure to shoot from my 686 when I got to the range just before 2:00.
Definitely worth it to me.
-Chris
Palehorseman
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[Kingmt
"I would really like a Lee Loader myself. I have been looking for one & would really like one for a .410. "]
As Lee no longer makes the Classic for shotshells, finding a used one would be the only recourse.
Have you considered Magtech brass .410 shells? (simple reloading)
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,4673.html
Also .444 Marlin cases work for .410 reloading, except for maybe annealing, they require no further reworking and work great.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...+for+reloading+.410&btnG=Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=
Here is some info on making .410 brass shotshells from different cartridge cases and also for shot reloading same.
http://www.endtimesreport.com/410reloading.html
"I would really like a Lee Loader myself. I have been looking for one & would really like one for a .410. "]
As Lee no longer makes the Classic for shotshells, finding a used one would be the only recourse.
Have you considered Magtech brass .410 shells? (simple reloading)
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,4673.html
Also .444 Marlin cases work for .410 reloading, except for maybe annealing, they require no further reworking and work great.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...+for+reloading+.410&btnG=Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=
Here is some info on making .410 brass shotshells from different cartridge cases and also for shot reloading same.
http://www.endtimesreport.com/410reloading.html
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