Questions about used equipment and reloading on the cheap

[Balog]

The more I read this forum the more excited I get about reloading. Right now I'm faced with two big problems.

1. I don't have a gun to reload for . I've only got a couple shotties in shootin condition, and I don't want to start with those.
2. I'm broke. I'm saving up for when I'm in boot camp, and any gun money I get is going into getting my wife her CCW.

However, I'm blithely optimistic that things will work out. I also believe in planning ahead. So, here's my plan.

I'll get a reloading manual. From what I've seen it's the best place to start, other than having an experienced reloader show you. Then I'll prowl estate/garage sales, gun shows, and this board for used reloading equipment. I'd loooove to get an old Star Progressive, but I'd settle for any quality equipment. Somewhere in there I'll get around to actually buying a .44 and .357 to reload for . I'll scrounge brass from ranges, and cast my own bullets from WW's. Actually, I'd probably cast my own even if I was filthy rich because it looks fun.

However, I have some questions.

What's the best reloading manual to start off with?
What should I look for in buying used equipment? Maybe we could do something like Jim March's revolver checkout for reloading gear?
Any recommendations on scrounging brass or lead?

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Balog

A good place to search for used reloading equipment
is e-bay. There are some "deal's" to be had; but one
must know his product's, and what they sell for
originally. If not, you could overbid and actually pay
more than the equipment cost new!

With that said, LEE equipment is the least expensive
and works like a charm. Their euipment is a no frills,
without bells and whistles form of handloaders tools.
They do have a new cast iron press that is suppose
to be equal to the RCBS "rockchucker", in some users
eyes?

I recommend starting with a single-stage press
for two reasons. First, it will be a lot less expensive
and secondly, it will give the novice handloader a
chance to handle each cartridge during the different
steps of the operation. I've been handloading for
over a quarter a century, and I still use a new RCBS
"rockchucker" press. Its a heavy duty press capeable
of handling all forms of handloading operations.

Another great buy, is the RCBS "Supreme" Master
Reloading Kit; as it comes complete with everything
you will need to get started, including Speer's 13th
edition handloading manual. I always like to compare
several manuals when working up a load; for instance
the Speer, Lymans 48th, Hornady, etc. Also, if you
plan on shooting cast bullet's, be sure and pick up a
copy of Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook. One very
important piece of equipment that you will want to
include, is a good dial caliper. Also, when deciding
on dies, look for handgun dies with a TC (tungsten
carbide) full length sizing die. It makes life a whole
lot easier, cuz the cases don't have to be lubricated.

After you get started, you will want to add "convience
type equipment", such as electronic scales, primer
pocket reamer, extra loading blocks, plastic ammo
boxes, etc. In other words, things that are useful
but that are not necessary. Thats about all I can
think of right now; so I hope this helps?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Balog]

Hello Ala Dan. Thanks for the reply, that's a lot of good info. Any favorite types of calipers? I figure I should spring for a good one, since I'm thinking of becoming a machinist when I get out of the Corps.

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Balog Senior Member

With over 1,200 posts in the body of The High Road list you ought to have a pretty good idea of where to start and how to go about it.

John Paul

 

[Balog]

Paul Jones: I must confess that I'm a bit confused. While I do indeed have a largish post count, I have zero experience reloading. Honestly I don't think I've ever seen most of the necessary pieces of reloading equipment in person.
I'd simply like some guidance on what to look for in purchasing used reloading equipment to make certain that it is still safe and serviceable. I'm sorry if you feel this is information I should possess by virtue of having made a lot of posts.
I have been reading the older threads to this forum about "Starting off" as a handloader, and I'll go to TFL after I've finished here. I've never seen anyone discuss the merits of using second-hand equipment, however, which is what started this thread. I apologize if this is a subject which has been discussed.

 

[BigG]

I would say an experienced reloader COULD do what you plan, however, a new reloadere would not know if used equipment was complete, useable, or etc. Get with an old hand to teach you the ropes before you go on your scavenger hunt. YMMV

 

[Balog]

BigG: good point. However, if I can pay large sums of money for a complex machine with hundreds of moving parts (a car), I hold some hope of being able to discern the condition of reloading equipment. Of course, the transmission on the first car I bought went out after two weeks... Any Arizona based old reloaders wanna show me the ropes?

 

[W Turner]

I am in a very similar situation to you right now. I recently finished buying the most expensive pieces of reloading equipment, all used and for good deals.

Here is my list:
Lee 3-Hole Turret press with .45acp dies installed--> new-$87(?) on Midway.com; paid about $50 for it

Lyman #55 powder measure--> new- $69, paid $25

RCBS 5-0-5 scale--> new $49, paid $30 shipped

Frankford Arsenal Tumbler--> free (Christmas gift from my parents)

Still to buy:
Lyman and Lee Reloading books
4-Hole update kit for the press ($13)
Calipers ($14)
Bullet Puller ($14)
Lee FCD for .45acp ($12)
plus components for loading .45acp

Mino

 

[Balog]

minotaur: how did you find them? Local newspaper ads, internet, estate sale?

 

[BigG]

MODERN RELOADING, by Richard Lee actually has a coupon in the back where you can give it to a tyro and Lee will sell factory reconditioned equipment to him at cost. Got to look back at my copy and see the details. One of y'all give Lee a call and see if they are still honoring the coupon, I would give it to the one who bleated their sad case the most convincingly.

 

[Ala Dan]

One thing I would like to say, is the fact that the LEE
factory crimp die for the .45 ACP is worth its weight in
gold. So far, I've used mine very sparingly; as its just
been too damn cold to handload in my unheated barn.
But, the 100 rounds that I have loaded; simply put, is
PERFECTION.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Ala Dan]

Another thought-

Before you guy's lay out hard earned cash, spend
$20 bucks for a copy of Speer #13 as it has
step-by-step instructions for the beginner. If you
purchase a RCBS Master (or Supreme Mater)
Reloading Kit, dis-regard; cuz a copy of the manual
will be included. Its packed full of useful information.


ATT: minotaur - I see where you are some
107.6 miles NNW of me, near the Joe Wheeler Lock
and Dam. Too bad you aren't closer, as I would be
glad to help get you started.

Between myself, and my ole' bud Big G we
have damn near a light years worth of experience
in the handloading department!
(Continously laughing VERY LOUD)

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[BigG]

Balog, Ole Ala Dan will give you good advice and he don't charge much.

Your analogy about the car is well taken but breaks down (ha ha) in the fact that a car comes all in one piece while a reloading kit is purchased piece by piece and some stuff is necessary and some is optional. Also, not all stuff works together and that's where the experience will come in. HTH

 

[Balog]

BigG: hmmm, I hadn't considered that.
So is Speer #13 considered the "industry standard" or is it simply a good example of the type?

 

[Ala Dan]

Balog -

I've used Speer manuals for year's; dating back to
Speer #8. It is a definitive work, as it puts in words
the art of handloading! Like I said, it will lay it out
step-by-step (including pet peeves of the 9m/m);
and if you follow it closely, you can't go wrong. And
it list data for both rifle, and handgun.

E-bay had a couple of copies floating around over
there yesterday; but time you pay S/H, it may be
cheaper to buy from a local bookstore?

FWIW, I keep my copy of Speer's #13 close at hand,
as not a day goes by that I don't use it!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Frohickey]

Do your research first. Speer #13 is pretty good, as its got plenty of pictures for the novice. It never hurts to reread it as well, twice or 3 times. It will cover the basics of reloading, not the specialized stuff such as primer pocket uniforming, primer flash hole uniforming, outside neck reaming, neck turning, etc, but the basics.

One thing it doesn't do, and I have not seen a lot of manuals do is describe what is headspace in gruesome detail. Since headspacing comes in multiple forms, via the belt, via the case head, via the case neck, via the case mouth, etc, you would need to ask for this info.

Start with a single stage press. That will get you into a good set of reloading habits. After you have mastered that, then move on to a progressive if you need to. I still keep my RCBS Rockchucker around.

 

[Ala Dan]

Balog-

Can't argue with Frohickey's comments; as he
is right on target. Would you believe in 30+ years of
handloading, I've NEVER owned a progressive press?
I just love single stage operation. Started with the
RCBS Jr, and in 2000 advanced to the "Rockchucker".
Now, thats keeping with good ole Tennessee hill-
billy tradition isn't it?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Dave R]

Balog, I essentially did what you are planning to do, so it can be done. In my case, I inherited a rifle in an oddball wildcat cartridge. If I wanted to shoot it, I had to reload for it.

I bought a press for $20 used. A buddy gave me his old powder scale (he bought a new one). One die (resizer) came with the rifle. A buddy with a machine shop made me a bullet-seating die. Spent $12 for a hand primer. Bullets came with the rifle. A buddy gave me part of a can of powder. I had load data with the rifle. I think at that point I started loading. No powder measure. Oh, yeah. I spent about $3. for a funnel. Have to have a funnel for .17cal. No calipers. I just made the new rounds match the length of the few loaded rounds I had.

Bought some used pistol dies for $20 and $25. Spent a whopping $35 for .308 rifle dies. This is all over the course of 6 months.

Later, I bought a used powder measure for $20 when I got sick of hand-pouring all charges.

Wife bought me calipers for a present. What a sweetie.

So take it one item at a time. Book first is a good idea. Talk to a lot of reloaders. You'll get wisdom that way, and people may give you their old manual stuff when they get new electronic stuff.

How can you tell if used stuff is any good? The universal method. Look for slop in joints or moving parts. Look for wear marks or worn places. Reloading stuff tends to last an awful long time. Most reloaders upgrade equipment well be fore the old equipment is worn out. For example, I'll bet Ala Dan's RCBS Jr. is still running.

 

[Ala Dan]

Yes Sir, Dave the RCBS Jr is still kicking!
The gentleman I sold it to, uses it often to tailor his
custom .25-06 loads for his next Colorado hunt!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[W Turner]

Balog- I bought the scale off of ebay, the press and powder measure came from a fellow member of www.glocktalk.com. I just posted a WTB and he responded.


Ala Dan- I have been meaning to get down your way for an IDPA shoot at Steel City and just haven't made it yet.



Mino

 

[klover]

You guys going for calipers: A brown and sharp dial micrometer caliper is worth every cent of the $90.00 from J&L. It is the best caliper to read up to .0005 every time. A life time of great accuracy where most other calipers I'd trust to only .oo1 or .002.

 

[Smokey Joe]

A primer on reloading

Suggest for studying up on the subject of reloading, nothing beats The ABC's of Reloading available from Krause Publications www.krause.com

The usual starter-manual suggested is the Lyman book; they are up to the 46th edition.

BTW—you are doing it right; studying up on reloading BEFORE charging out and spending $$$ on equipment before you know what you need.

I have to say, that Lee equipment is good, IMHO and IMX, but the book Modern Reloading by Richard Lee has been reviewed as a compliation of free info available from the various component manufacturers, coupled with relentless advertising for various Lee products. So I cannot reccommend spending $$ on it.