I'm Hooked!

[billhilly66]

I just got back from the range and running my first 300 hand loads through my 1911 and I can’t get the grin off my face. I don’t know why it took me so long to get into this. Only 1 FTF out of the bunch and it was a SWC.

I’d like to thank the folks on the board or all your help. I’ve been lurking for a while and this is one of the only places that doesn’t universally hate Lee presses. I got the Cabelas turret press kit (when it finally got off back order) and dies for 45 and 44.

The Lee scale sucks. It seems accurate enough, it’s just a pain to adjust and if the wind blows outside, you have to readjust it. I’m thinking digital maybe? Or at least one that’s easier to read and adjust.

Now I need a place to find bullets. I bought 300, 230gr FMJ to start with along with 100 200gr LSWC, and a can of Unique and some Federal primers. The FMJ’s are easy to load but too much $$. The SWC’s not so easy as the OAL was hard to keep consistent. I’ll be heading to the gun show soon looking for RN lead pills.

Damn this is fun!

 

[NavyLCDR]

Glad to hear of your experience! Nothing like shooting your first box of hand loaded ammo!

Using the lee scale - are you locking down the sliding part? Pushing in the little pin on the sliding part to lock it? I release the locking pin by pushing it back out from the back side.

Check MidwayUSA or Midsouth Shooters Supply for bullets. I like the Copper Plated bullets from Ranier or something similar. I actually load 250 gr flat nose copper plated for my .45 acp's but you have to seat them deeper than the cannelure so they feed correctly.

 

[cmidkiff]

Me too

I've been loading for about 2 months now.

You're right, the lee safety scale is junk. I picked up one of those cheap frankford mini digital scales... it's better, but still not what I want. Seems a good scale may be worth spending a little more money one. I'm looking at the Pact portable electronic scale. Seems to be getting good reviews anyway.

 

[scrat]

hahhaha your hooked

$54.00 will get you 1000 cast bullets. Check it out

http://www.carrollsweb.com/gunshop/html/midstates_cast_bullets.html

 

[Walkalong]

I actually load 250 gr flat nose copper plated for my .45 acp's but you have to seat them deeper than the cannelure so they feed correctly.

Thought I was the only one doing that. The new Ranier 250 doesn't have the cannelure anymore. I was loading them at 1.215

Now I need a place to find bullets.

Berry's Plated bullets.

Midway for Ranier plated bullets.

There are other places for bullets, but I have had good luck with the Ranier 200 SWC. @ 1.260 O.A.L. and the Berry's 185 Gr. SWC @ 1.190 O.A.L., 200 Gr. HP @ 1.200 O.A.L., and 230 Gr. RN @ 1.260 O.A.L.
I am experimenting with the Berry's 185 Gr. HBRN @ 1.260 and it shows much promise as well.

I don't shoot lead these days, but most any brand lead bullet will generally shoot well. I had good luck with Magnus, Meister, Valley, and another that I can't remember right now.

W231, WST, WSF, AA# 2, AA# 5, and Universal Clays are powders I like for the .45.

 

[BsChoy]

Just wait till you start loading for rifles....you'll start buying rifles just to load them up!!

 

[billhilly66]

I've already got "plans" for my rifles. I started with pistols because I figured it would be a good place to start and I shoot a lot more pistol. But, I'm a fan of odd rifle calibers and I'm ordering a single stage Lee classic so I can indulge in the following:

458 win mag
375 H&H
6.5x55
7x57
8x57
280 rem
223 rem

That’s another reason why I want a better scale and powder thrower. I can see that the sickness will only get worse. Did I mention I ordered a case trimmer………..

 

[Shoney]

BEWARE THE DISEASE!
When I started loading pistol ammo on a progressive, and discovered I could load it so quickly, I quickly loast $25,000 - $35,000 . I shot more and became more proficient at pistol shooting. I decided to see how good I was, so I needed to shoot competitively. In order to be competitive, I needed better pistols, and in order to have even more fun, I needed to compete in several divisions (more pistols).

Next, I needed a more versatile and higher capacity press, so I purchased a better progressive and lots of extras to go with it. I buy powder in 5 to 8 lb jugs in 4-6 jug lots, bullets by 10K to 20K, and primers locally by 10K or more batches, and feel obligated to be well stocked on all components.
BEWARE THE DISEASE!

 

[Matt Dillon]

Look for an Ohaus/RCBS 10-10 scale. I saw one go for $65.00 on eBay. Then make sure you purchase a set of check weights to calibrate it. Very accurate, very quick, and may be the only scale you ever need.

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

Get the basic RCBS balance scale like the 5-0-5 and you'll be fine. The same scale is sold with a number of different vendors' names on it.

All scales have problems with wind because they are sensitive enough to measure the .1 grain or so.

Check out www.xtremebullets.com for clean, accuate shooting copper plated bullets.

 

[Starter52]

You ran THREE HUNDRED rounds of .45 ACP through the gun at one sitting? That's more than I fire in three trips to the range.

 

[WildeKurt]

I Agree About The Scale, But...

After my first session I had the same opinion about the Lee scale. After a few more go's though I've grown to at least tolerate it, if not like it. I'm only weighing the first few charges and then every 10th after or so, then maybe the last. If I were working up super accurate loads or weighing unknown amounts, it would be a pain. I'll replace it someday with a good digital but there are more pressing matters like a tumbler.

I figure when upgrading passable equipment, might as well wait 'till I have enough money to get the bees knees.

I never shoot less than 300 rounds at a go at the range. With an $18 fee, it doen't make financial sense.

 

[sansone]

I almost get bored now if shooting factory ammo. just be careful, double check EVERYTHING you do while reloading. don't let friends distract you, or smoke near you.

 

[billhilly66]

That's good advice sanson. I live alone so I don't have any distractions. I did learn to either turn the phone off or put in in the other room as my cell phone went off on the desk behind me during my first 50 or so rounds and scared the %$^% out of me. Glad no one was there to see me jump.