Just starting out with ideas and questions.

[GlockFan]

I thought I would give an idea, to those thinking about starting to reload, of what it may cost to start. I just placed a few orders last week and here is what I have so far. I would also like any input from the experienced guys as to what they think I may need additionally.

The ABC's of reloading
Lyman 49th edition manual
Lee Modern Reloading 2nd Edition Manual
Lees 50th Anniversary Breechlock Kit
Lee auto prime xr with shell holder set
Lee Deluxe Carbide 4-Die Set 9mm Luger
Lee Breech Lock Quick Change Bushings (2)
MTM loading tray
MTM Flip-Top Ammo Box (6)
Frankford Arsenal Electronic Caliper
Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Powder Scale
Lyman Turbo 1200 PRO Sifter
Lyman Turbo Brass Cleaning Media 6 Lbs

Total for this was $341.19

I also have orders in for components. I have been saving my brass.

1000 9mm 115 gr plated round nose bullets from RMR for $85.00
8 Lbs of Bullseye and 4000 CCI #500 primers from Power Valley for $248 delivered

So we are talking $675 total.

 

[blarby]

Not sure what you paid for your lyman turbo media, but when it runs out, try this :

http://www.drillspot.com/products/521055/econoline_526040g-40_40_lbs_blast_media

It got here in three days, and it works super-duper. No more flash hole plugging.

JC turned me on to this one, and it was a fantastic referral !

As a lee user for some time, you will also want these for your dies instead of the quick-locks :

http://leeprecision.com/lock-ring-eliminator.html


Same ease of use, but way better "set-it-and-forget-it" on die depth.

I would also suggest at some point an RCBS trim-mate, for when you eventually have to start doing more with your cases.

Other than that, I think you've got a fantastic start !

You cant go wrong with RMR- thats a fantastic web-store right there....and other than Mo bullet, the only web-store I'll ever use again !

 

[GlockFan]

Well the Lyman stuff was 14.99 for 6lbs of media. I am new, so that may not have been a good deal or the best stuff to use. I am very happy with RMR. I ordered it on Friday morning at 9 and it arrived today at 10. I would have got the lock ring things but I saw them after i ordered the quick locks. Oh well I will see how well they work. Thanks for the tips.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

While there certainly is nothing wrong with CCI primers, next time you order give Tulas a try and save a wad of cash.

 

[GlockFan]

I was pretty happy to see the CCI for $26 per 1000. I have been contemplating reloading for a few years now and saw the prices a few years ago. I thought I would get in while it is good before the election season.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Calipers that measure down to 0.001" and a balance beam scale (my prejudice against electronics which can be affected by stray electromagnetic signals, and FM - magic).

Lost Sheep

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm not sure why you bought Bullseye for loading 9mm ammo but IMO it's too fast a powder for that caliber. I would rather see you use powders from the burn rate of W231/HP-38 to Longshot.

Good luck, welcome to the addition called reloading and don't forget the range report when you shoot your first rounds!!

 

[shiftyer1]

I really need to get over the sticker shock and make room to start reloading. How many rounds does it take to break even? Knowing how and having the tools to reload are a bonus along with the savings.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The number of rounds it will take to break even will depend upon how much you spend and how much the factory ammo costs. You will break even much faster loading .44 Magnum and .45 Colt ($40+/box) ammo than 9mm and .38 Special ammo. ($15/box)

I shoot so much I broke even between 6 to 8 weeks of reloading.

 

[kutter]

If you load rounds like .400 Corbon or 357 SIG it will happen a lot faster than .223 or 9mm.

The irony, at least for me is if you really want to save money it won't feel like it since you have to order components in bulk to maximize savings. So that 8, or 16, or 32 pounds of powder and 10, 20, or 30 thousand primers adds up fast. But I just have to remind myself that I won't have to order anything for a very long time.

I should order 10000 bullets to go with my most recent order of powder and primers, but just the thought of lifting that makes my back hurt.

 

[kingmt]

I may be the only person that doesn't like CCI primers. I could have gotten by a little cheaper on tools. I like Bullseye in 9mm. I also like the O ring lock rings better then set screws.

I switch dies between presses so set screws are a pain to me.

 

[gamestalker]

I've heard about some having the occasion issue with Tula primers, so I personally think your CCI deal is just fine. I've use Win and CCI primers for many years, and have yet to experience a single mis-fire, or any other issues for that matter.

I would agree with others on the powder also. 9mm being the high pressure cartridge it is, I would have gone with HS6 or Longshot or anything else that fall into that slower burn rate range. Just be careful about your seating depth and powder charges and you'll certainly be OK.
GS

 

[GlockFan]

Darn i tried to do some reseach and it sounded like the bulleyes was a good all around choice. That was the main reason i got 8#s.

 

[Certaindeaf]

The Bullseye will be fine.

 

[Lost Sheep]

The Bullseye will be fine.

The reason I picked Bullseye in the mid-70s was because it had the most power per grain, so I could get more loads per pound (and per dollar) than any other available powder. That was its advantage. That is also its disadvantage. A little bit goes a long way and a little bit too much goes WAY too far.

I quit using Bullseye several years ago when I figured out how easy it is to miss detecting a double charge.

I started using Bullseye again because it is a versatile powder for low and medium power loads.

Bullesye is a great powder. Just be careful with it and BE SURE your charges are correct.

Good luck. Be safe, always, all ways.

Lost Sheep

 

[kingmt]

Most 9mm guns can handle +P loads so as long as your loading standard loads you have around a full gn to play with. A full diet of +P will beat a lot of them apart tho.

 

[Blue68f100]

Bulleye will work but not what I would consider the best choice. Rule #1 Never buy large quantities of a powder you never have used before. If you shot shotgun bullseye was very popular back in the 60's and is till used today by some.

May want to find someone to help use it up for you. If your shooting 20k rounds a year you will go through it pretty fast anyway.

 

[Buckeyeguy525]

I've been using Bullseye for 9mm for a while and it works well. I have dialed my charges down as low as possible that will still cycle. In the ABCs of reloading he says this is the best load for any gun because it minimizes abuse

 

[GlockFan]

I went with the 8#s because I was also trying to get the most from my dollar. When you factor in the haz mat fee, shipping and discount for buying bulk I thought it to be the best buy.

I plan on measuring the first dozen charges and then every 10th after.

Again, I am new and am open to any advice..... or criticism.

 

[GT1]

BE will be fine, as stated, especially for 115s.

Powder keeps well, and as long as you store it decently(dry and not in the attic where it gets to 100+ all the time) it will last for years. You are likely to load for other calibers eventually, anyway.

 

[BYJO4]

Bullseye will work just fine for 9MM. I've been using it for years. I also use it for target loads in my 357, 45 ACP, and 45 Auto Rim. I use Unique in 41 Mag, 44 Mag and 45 LC.