Reloading...I think I can do that

[MW surveyor]

The only brass I've bought since I started reloading are the factory 9 mm and 45 ACPs that I used to "break in" the new guns. No more than 150 rounds of each. Every time I go to the range, I leave with more empties than I made.

One thing is that my range also sells once fired or pick ups at 5 cents a piece. However, if you sort through the empties, they are freeeeeeeeee!

Long Colts have been in short supply though as far as my looking through the fired cases! Please don't get me started in looking for those as that's what happened with the 45 ACP (RO gave me a bag of about 250 empties, in four days had the new gun!)

[Bawanna]

[/QUOTE]Please don't get me started in looking for those as that's what happened with the 45 ACP (RO gave me a bag of about 250 empties, in four days had the new gun!)[/QUOTE]

And you make it sound like thats a bad thing. You love your new gun don't ya?

Now find some of that 45 Colt brass, Jimbar and I need some and if you happen to find yourself with a new 45 Colt we'll manage somehow.

[MW surveyor]

Yeah, I like the new gun (said in a contrite manner with head hanging down)

I'll be on the look out for the empty 45 LCs for ya'll. If I find some I'll put them aside until I get enough to send to one or both of you. But I'll tell you right now, I've only seen a few in the buckets.

[Bawanna]

Yeah, I like the new gun (said in a contrite manner with head hanging down)

I'll be on the look out for the empty 45 LCs for ya'll. If I find some I'll put them aside until I get enough to send to one or both of you. But I'll tell you right now, I've only seen a few in the buckets.

Ok and since it's only fair me and Jimbar will keep our eyes out for a nice 45 Colt for you to hang your head and like too. Maybe a birdshead handle vaquero or an Uberti cattleman.
No worries we'll put our heads together and find something for you to like.

Said with a cat swollowd the tweety bird grin on his face and a little drool coming out the corner of his mouth which you can't see on account of his manly mans mustache.

[MW surveyor]

Ok and since it's only fair me and Jimbar will keep our eyes out for a nice 45 Colt for you to hang your head and like too. Maybe a birdshead handle vaquero or an Uberti cattleman.
No worries we'll put our heads together and find something for you to like.

Gee thanks a bunch! The CW9 and the squirrel killer (Ruger Single Six with red dot and Hogue molded grips) made me take them to the range last Friday. The Para 45 and the S&W 422 are comp'in at the bitt to go out Friday. The Walther and the Ruger and the Marlin are extremely p'od that they haven't been out for a while.

I kinda like those birdshead handled six shooters. Almost bought one of those a while back. GET BEHIND THEE SATAN!

[Bawanna]

Ok Jimbar, he's following the bait. Keep eyes peeled for birdshead handles. Get ready to set the hook. I think we almost got him.

I love birdshead handles, I have a vaquero and an Uberti. The Uberti actually feels more like a real colt. Lighter and it's color case hardened. No transfer bar so you leave it on an empty hole.

Sadly our indoor ranges banned exposed lead bullets and I had like 2000 for the 45 Colt. Now I gotta find some jacketed stuff for it. They have been neglected lately too.

[dannyeller]

I have a Dillon 550 that I bought back in 1991. It is a semi-progressive but it also loads all rifle calibers besides pistol.

Using my own brass it cost me a little less than $10 a box of fifty. I used to load em just ten times each but now I load them until they crack, bulge (excessively), show signs of primer leak or are crushed somewhere in the reloading process.

I can load about 200 rounds in about an hour if I have everything already set up. That is at a good steady pace and not rushing.

But be warned. Don't have a TV on or any distractions. The 45 has a lot of room in that case and a double load is a possibility when you have a hick-up while loading. A squib is just as bad with only a primer. It will push your bullet only part way down the barrel and if you're not careful you could clear the brass with a follow-up live one in the chamber with a barrel obstruction. Those that I've seen though the bullet doesn't go that far and prevents the follow on round from fully chambering.

The biggest advise is that if you get into it is to pay attention. Other than minor mistakes that can cause bad issues it is pretty easy. Use your barrel as a chamber check for the rounds. After you have loaded them take your disassemble .45 barrel and drop each round in a clean chamber to make sure they all freely drop completely in and easily come out.

I did it so I could just afford to shoot more but it ended up being a whole new hobby. Searching for that clean burning, super accurate, 100% reliable load that will still knock down steel is a never ending journey.

[94zcar]

I load a lot of 9mm on a lee classic turret, I think it's one of the best, it fits a nice spot between a single stage and a progressive. And it's not very expensive but is a nice quality press. I started out reloading to save money but it is also an enjoyable hobby to make your own custom ammunition.
If you decide to buy a lee press check out Lee Factory sales they have the best prices on the net. They are selling the Classic Turret for $84.50....scroll down a bit once you get to the web page. I spent several hours on their site checking out all their equipment when I got started.
http://factorysales.com/html/xcart/catalog/classic.html

[ultratec1]

This is coming from a newbie here, I started reloading 4 months ago. At first I thought that is was a complicated process and took alot of knowledge when it came to powder types, bullet weights, the moons affect on gravity and the way the earth rolls on its axis. Its not that hard.

I started with a lee anniversary turret with auto powder dispenser. The problem I had with that was the auto disk was throwing inaccurate loads compared to what the Lee manual was claiming. I solved this problem with buying a RCBS chargemaster ( Nice piece of machinery). For my load ( .45acp unique powder and a 230gr CMJ) the starting recommended load was 5.9gr and the max was 6.6gr. I loaded 15-6.1, 15-6.2 and 15-6.3. Took them to the range and bagged the gun and shot each load at 15yrds. I determined that the 6.2 shot the best grouping out of the others and reloaded 150rds before work today.

Coming from a newbie at this game I will tell you that it is easy, fun and cost effective. Oh and by the way if you were not a hoarder before reloading you will be after. Every 9mm, 38, 357 or 45 acp I find goes home with me. This is no BS I have over 12,000 rds of once fired 9mm!!!! LOL.

[jimbar]

I'm still mucho interested in re-loading, but with the purchase of the Vaquero, then had to get new tires for the car, lastly,(been putting off for months),had to go ahead and get those new glasses. Be nice to actually see things downrange again. Add all that up, and re-load equip will have to wait a little while,.....however, I'll still be looking for brass when I go shootin' so I'll be ready.

[melissa5]

I looked at some powders and cases at the gun show yesterday, but didn't buy anything since I haven't priced theses anywhere else.