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Post by snowtop on Oct 13, 2017 18:47:32 GMT -5
For how cheap .223 and 9mm is (right now). Is the up front cost, plus all materials needed worth buying for these rounds? Thanks
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Post by deadeer on Oct 14, 2017 8:09:09 GMT -5
It is a substantial investment to get started, no question. Over time though, you save money if you do frugal things like pick up/buy used range brass, wait for sales, and buy in bulk. A lot depends on how much you shoot, and what your intentions are. Quantity or quality? One size doesnt fit all. Some guns require a lot of load development. If you shoot more than one gun, you will end up reloading for everything you own eventually. For me, it is a passion, a hobby, and my therapy. So, hard to put a price on that!
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Post by snowtop on Oct 14, 2017 12:04:49 GMT -5
Thanks Deadeer, high up front cost has always kept me away. Figured just buy what I like when it's on sale. Now like you mentioned thinking of trying my own loads for my other rifles too. Although the 9mm and .223 get shot the most. It's very easy to blow through a lot of rounds with them.
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Post by rojo23 on Oct 15, 2017 18:22:43 GMT -5
If you look at one of the kits that contain everything that is probably the cheapest way to get started. I started with the RCBS kit, and then added the items to it after getting started.
As far as accuracy it is hard to beat handloads. You can tune them you to gun for the best accuracy.
it is a fun hobby after you get completely set up.
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Post by deadeer on Oct 15, 2017 22:18:23 GMT -5
You just have to dedicate a place that let's you be undisturbed. We have a 7yo, and it is better for me to hand load when he is at school or sleeping. As said, a complete kit will get you in the door the cheapest. I started with Lee, and have slowly upgraded thru the years. My ammo suits me, and several buddies just fine. It puts a lot of deer on the ground every year. Nothing hard about it once you get the basics down pat.
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Post by smokelessk on Oct 16, 2017 5:04:50 GMT -5
One of the things I feel that makes it worth it is the ability to have on hand a larger quantity of ammunition. As long as you have a place to store everything. For example, I'll load over 3,000 rounds of 9mm whenever I run 9mm. Then sitting on the shelf I'll have the powder, bullets, and primers to load those cases at least one more time because I begin to restock the components I used after I finish loading. I do that with several cartridges I load for. That can save you a pile of money, depending on how the market is when you are in need of more ammunition. And you have in all reality double the ammunition on hand as long as you keep track of your fired cases. I've been loading for over half my lifetime and can't remember the last time I bought factory ammunition (other than rimfire and some specialty shotgun rounds). I encourage you to read, read and read on the subject. Having someone to mentor you helps too. There is so much information out there on the subject!
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Post by snowtop on Oct 16, 2017 10:14:17 GMT -5
Why do they discourage gettting a progressive press to start out with. Seen where it's a no no and also seen if you do your research and take your time it's ok. Same principle just more things going on at once.
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Post by dennis on Oct 16, 2017 12:21:59 GMT -5
I prefer single stage just because it gives you no choice but to take your time. Less mistakes for me anyhow. I have never owned a progressive press but have used a Dillon many times. Just like with SML, distractions are the enemy.
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Post by smokelessk on Oct 16, 2017 13:22:58 GMT -5
Safety and cost are the two big reasons. A progressive is a lot of operations at one time for someone who has little experience reloading to monitor without any mishaps. Mistakes happen no matter how long one has been reloading. It's the big mistakes that are most dangerous. Low powder charge, no powder charge, and an overcharge are just a few. Stuck bullets in barrels, bulged barrels, and worst of all ruptured barrels can and do happen. I use both single and progressive presses and each has its own uses. On my Hornady progressive I am capable of 400 rounds a hour with pistol rounds. (Actual time) I do not use the progressive without my RCBS lock out die. It has saved me twice when the powder measure malfunctioned and didn't drop a charge. Without the RCBS die I would have turned out two rounds with no powder in them. That would be a bad day at the range. A progressive will cost $300-$500 more to get running over a single stage. They are convenient for large amounts of ammunition. Especially pistol ammunition.
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Post by snowtop on Oct 16, 2017 14:20:50 GMT -5
Gotcha. Hopefully I'll get to have hands on at some point before I decide on brand etc.
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Post by smokelessk on Oct 17, 2017 4:09:42 GMT -5
Gotcha. Hopefully I'll get to have hands on at some point before I decide on brand etc. RCBS has been my standard but over the last few years Hornady has caught my attention. I've done easily 10,000 rounds on my Hornady progressive. The lock and load die bushing system is extremely user friendly. Being able to remove one die at a time without losing settings is super convenient. Plus the dies fit back in the die box with the bushings on them. You can't do either of those things with the interchangeable tool head design of other progressive presses. For progressive presses I prefer it over anything else. I've run a Dillon 550,650 and 1050. Still prefer the Hornady. And the 1050 is a $1,700 press. For single stage at some point I'll be converting my old rock chucker to accept the Hornady bushings. They sell conversion set ups that work for most presses. By all means though, do your own research. Get your hands on whatever presses you can try out and decide on what suits you best! It's quite an investment. I strongly suggest spending the money the first go around on the equipment you really want to have on your bench. Instead of upgrading as time goes on. It'll save you money in the long run. Best of luck!
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Post by joelmoney on Oct 19, 2017 12:13:02 GMT -5
I started with Lee equipment. I started with a Lee hand press and still use one from time to time along with the other bench mounted presses I have. Lee was a great place for me to start it was cheap and worked. I still use mainly Lee Carbide dies for my pistol loading. The only dies I have for my 416Rem are Lee and it shoots 3/4" groups on a cool barrel all day. I do like my Redding scale the best. Just some observations I've made over the years. Reloading does pay for itself quickest with odd cartridges. I replaced my recoil spring in my Glock 3 times in one summer but I have never loaded a round for it. That is because I load single stage only and I am not going to take the time to load that many rounds. If I get a progressive I may start loading 9mm.
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Post by nick50471 on Nov 6, 2017 11:03:05 GMT -5
If just getting started reloading rifle cartridges stick with single stage until you understand all the intricacies. If reloading shotshell or pistol ammo go ahead and buy a progressive press.
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