More on reloading the 5.7 x 28 FN Pistol

[Rule3]

First the question of dies. RCBS, Hornady LEE.
Lee is around $45, Hornady $60 RCBS $90, forget Redding way to expensive.
Yes RCBS has the best customer service, Hornady is good also, Lee, well not near the other two.

Is it really worth the price difference? I have LEE in a lot of calibers and find them to be just fine, but with the 5.7 are they good enough? I would spring for the Hornady but never used them. I have some RCBS dies but dislike the depriming pins.

Next, case gauge.
I only use gauges for rifle 556 and 308 but again with how tricky the 5.7 is the Sheridan looks like it would be worth the money, plus it's cool.
Watcha think?

Been on the fence about loading this, but now find data for powder I have (Power Pistol and Longshot) so I don't have to buy a small order of True Blue or AA 5 , AA 7 which was all there was a while back,

Here is a good video.

 

[Walkalong]

It’s a different animal reloading for it in the FN pistol etc where upon firing it blows the shoulder way forward.

It’s probably a lot of fun in pistol, but it was pretty boring in the AR -57 I had, so I sold the upper and don’t load for it anymore. I used Lyman dies, don’t remember why, but they worked fine.

 

[ericuda]

Get the Hornady dies. I tried lee and they wouldn't size correctly. Yes a case gauge is a must for this cartridge.

I tried Longshot and it'll work but true blue is way better.

 

[Rule3]

It’s a different animal reloading for it in the FN pistol etc where upon firing it blows the shoulder way forward.

It’s probably a lot of fun in pistol, but it was pretty boring in the AR -57 I had, so I sold the upper and don’t load for it anymore. I used Lyman dies, don’t remember why, but they worked fine.

When I bought the pistol (FN) way back when(one of those just got to have!) I got a case of AE and FN ammo. Now that the stuff is $.80 to $1.00 a round it is either reload for it or sell the gun
The trigger on the FN is heavy and there is nothing that can be done to lighten it I called FN about it as the spec is Trigger Pull: 4.4 - 7.87 lb.
Which is kinda nuts! But it is a combat pistol.

 

[Mk-211]

I hear you about Redding dies, they always cost more but they are one of the best made dies in the industry!

If I'm looking for a die set and it's Redding, if the price is right, I'll buy them first. Same thing goes if I just want a single die to add to a set. I'll buy them used also if the owner took good care of them.

 

[Rule3]

It’s a different animal reloading for it in the FN pistol etc where upon firing it blows the shoulder way forward.

.

I meant to add that yes, the nightmare with the shoulder is why I would think the Sheridan gauge would be well worth the money.

I have the RCBS three way trimmer head for 223 so trimming is not an issue.
I looked at my fired brass and can not tell if it is crimped? The FN and AE brass have the exact same head stamp markings down to the year. So see no difference in the brass.

 

[Mark_Mark]

the small base RCBS do good but I would have prefer the Hornedy seating die with the tube thing. the issue is the tiny seating depth, it’s like a little plug.

But it’s a cool round to play with. Do a green tip 5.7!!! that would be amazing

 

[Mark_Mark]

I meant to add that yes, the nightmare with the shoulder is why I would think the Sheridan gauge would be well worth the money.

I have the RCBS three way trimmer head for 223 so trimming is not an issue.
I looked at my fired brass and can not tell if it is crimped? The FN and AE brass have the exact same head stamp markings down to the year. So see no difference in the brass.

And that’s the other thing, tiny primer crimps

 

[SingleActionAndrew]

There is already a green tip: SS198LF

Love the Sheridan with the cutout

Barnes makes .224 projectiles in the 30-36gr range that are suitable for lead free reloads. The FN round is very light bullet - 27gr IIRC

 

[WiTom]

I use Hornady dies, and do not have a case gauge yet, but will soon, if I load much of this. I used AA#7 powder because I already had 4 lbs. of it. I also used Hornady V-max 40 gr. bullets, because at one time, I had a nice coyote load, that I was using them for, and had over 500 left, so my trial was with the stuff I already had, not because of choice. I am waiting for warmer weather so I can chronograph the load that I have, so far. Have fun with the caliber, and stay safe. I was in the same boat, learn to reload, or sell the FN, but I still hope ammo will make a comeback, as alot of people keep telling me it's getting better.