Going to start reloading, need help!

[EMace]

Hello everyone,

I will be taking a 12 hour reloading class soon, and I want to be able to reload a LOT of .45 rounds. I am planning on buying the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP from a local store.

(http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/...etail/Reloading-Kits/prod9999002230/cat100150)

I want to be able to make as much as possible without buying supplies, i.e. I want to cast my own bullets. What items would you suggest I get that aren't included in the kit to have the most complete set? Also, with casting my own bullets, am I able to make FMJ and JHP as well?

All help is greatly appreciated!

 

[esheato]

Basic reloading and casting are easy. Anyone can melt some lead, pour it into a mold, and stick it into a case.

On the other hand, handloading quality cartridges with high quality cast bullets is difficult...it takes time and effort and a bit of experience to do it right. What I'm trying to say is you may be biting off more than you can chew by taking on all of this at once, never mind the equipment investment required.

I would suggest starting a bit slower...concentrate on reloading for a while then branch into casting as a way to support the reloading.

Of course, this is assuming that you've never done this stuff before...

 

[EMace]

Also, if this kit isn't good for making a lot of rounds fast, what would you suggest?

 

[EMace]

Thank you esheato, I will definately get some experience before I do the casting. I guess the main point of that was to see if it is possible and easy enough to make FMJ/JHP rounds.

 

[SASS#23149]

fast is a good way to get hurt or blow up a gun..or both.
More 'black magic' than u might think to casting good bullets,it's a whole nuther ball game. I'd alos suggest learning one thing at a time.
cast bullets will be all lead,no metal jacket,althoug I think it can be done,but not sure how easy or cost effective it is.requires more equipment for sure.

in addition to the press,you wll want a scale,a tumbler and media for cleaning the brass,a dial calipe and a case guage for making ammo that will chamber easily and correctly.

ignore that 500 rounds per hour hype in the ad,it'll only get ya hurt trying to go that fast. you can do 300 easy AFTER learning the ropes.

amd do come back here and ask all the questions you can come up with,we were all newbies once.

 

[Mr. Dark]

If your going to be loading .45 ACP in a progressive press buy an rcbs lock out die for safety. It is a die that will lock up your press if you over or under charge your case. I feel it is better than a powder cop die especially if this is new to you.

I would also buy the "ABC's of reloading".

 

[qajaq59]

Learning to load is kind of like learning to type. Go for the best, most accurate bullets first, then speed will follow automatically as you learn.

 

[greyling22]

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00005095100 save you 60 bucks.

you will need a shellplate and dies, if you want to cast I recommend the lee lead pot http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000690009

the lee 6 cavity 45 cal mold http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000690289 plus handles http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000690005
plus some mold lube http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=763758
some 45 cal ammo boxes and 3 bottles of lee alox tumble lube http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=466811

a bucket of water to drop your lead into, powder and primers. wheel weights.

(if you're going to be casting a lot it's a good idea to get a large cast iron post and propane burner and melt your wheel weights down outside and pour them into clean ingots for use in your casting pot inside. melting wheel weights is a smoky messy mess.)

 

[rfwobbly]

Whoa !

I would suggest starting a bit slower...concentrate on reloading for a while then branch into casting as a way to support the reloading.

+1

Friend, doing everything at once from the beginning is like practicing to be Superman by jumping off a tall building as the first practice session. First learn reloading on a single-stage press using jacketed bullets. Then come back in a year when you master that step.

Crawl, walk, run.