Reloading?

[Clickjack]

Next question: I always hear reloaders talk like failures,squibs, and other mishaps are more common once you start reloading. Why? Just human error?

[sigstroker]

Yes, mistakes made by not seating primers correctly or the powder charge. Just double check everything.

As others mentioned, a Lee hand press does the job if you don't have space for a bench or portable platform. I used a portable platform for years with 2 different Dillons and a Rockchucker.



But for straight walled cartridges, a hand press is fine. Especially if you're not loading large quantities at a time.

[johnk518]

A basic question; which do you guys recommend, Lee Hand Loader or Lee Precision Loader? I've been thinking about the Hand Loader Thanks!

[CSACANNONEER]

Next question: I always hear reloaders talk like failures,squibs, and other mishaps are more common once you start reloading. Why? Just human error?

Yup, just quality control. I've had the same failures with top shelf factory ammo.

[Carcassonne]

Get a Lee classic loader and a hammer.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012833230/lee-classic-loader

[TAS]

44 Mag and 45 LC usually aren't considered high-volume rounds and in my opinion, don't warrant going all in with a progressive press. A single stage or even a hand loader would be my recommendation. They take the least amount of investment and take up little space. You can always upgrade or add a progressive down the road.

Personally, I started on a Rock Chucker for my 45LC but after adding more calibers, I added a Dillon 650XL for my volume rounds (45ACP, 40S&W, 10mm, etc.). I still use the Rock Chucker for 45LC, 44Mag, 41Mag, and others, which I shoot in less volume.

Good luck. Read your books and take your time. Take a reloading class, if you can find one in your area.

[splithoof]

How hard is it to get into reloading?
NOT VERY HARD TO START, HOWEVER AS YOU GET DEEPER INTO IT, IT CAN BECOME MUCH MORE INVOLVED.THAT IS A GREAT WAY TO START. PROGRESSIVE MACHINES CAN AT TIMES GIVE YOU HEADACHES.

THIS LAST STATEMENT ALONE SUGGESTS IT IS NOT FOR YOU. RELOADING IS SOMETHING A BEGINNER SHOULD BE WILLING TO INVEST QUALITY, UNINTERRUPTED TIME INTO TO ENSURE QUALITY, SAFE AMMUNITION.
I say this after 38 years of reloading over a dozen calibers for a wide variety of firearms. I use both single-stage and progressive loaders as well.

[SnWnMe]

I've been reloading for almost 20 years now. All handgun cartridges. I'm glad I didn't start on a single stage. There is nothing complex about a progressive and it only takes up more room in the vertical and not actual bench space. SS makes for a tedious time while you can crank out 100 rds in 15-30 minutes with a prog. And all progs can be used as SS.

It requires no special study, just common sense and the ability to pay attention which I liken to driving and checking your dashboard gauges at the same time. IOW: Skills you already have.

Load data is free, instruction is free. Everything is on the internet. I print load data out from powder manufacturers and use those religiously unless I wish to develop my own loads and then I use them as starting points.

[SnWnMe]

You will spend just as much money if not more by reloading. You'll just shoot much more.
.

And this. You end up being a better shooter, not a frugal one.

[trackcage]

I'm glad I didn't start on a single stage.

Preach!

[drkphibr]

You will spend just as much money if not more by reloading. You'll just shoot much more.

Reloading is another hobby. If you don't want more hobbies, reloading may not be for you. I love to reload and enjoy the time I spend in the garage.

Just my advice to consider this carefully before diving in.

This ^. So true. If you approach reloading as a money saving process, you will be disappointed from what I've experienced. If you view it as a necessary chore, you will also not enjoy it.

I have found that reloading is as enjoyable as shooting and I look forward to the time I spend doing it. Find it somewhat therapeutic and relaxing, but then again, I'm not a competitive shooter. I enjoy finding new ways (and tools to enhance the process) of enhancing my experience and that usually translates into spending $. Certain amount of pride in creating something that you can effectively use and use well.

[DrewN]

There is nothing complex about a progressive and it only takes up more room in the vertical and not actual bench space. SS makes for a tedious time while you can crank out 100 rds in 15-30 minutes with a prog.

For a mechanistically inclined person with good measuring skills and using a powder check die, sure. Perhaps maybe a cartridge gauge on every so many completed rounds. I can crank out rounds on a single stage faster than my Chargemaster portions them out though, and gauge every one if I feel like it. A couple hundred is no burden,it's as almost as fast as my progressive for that small of an amount if I'm switching calibers, swappable die holders or no.

[gpark09]

Next question: I always hear reloaders talk like failures,squibs, and other mishaps are more common once you start reloading. Why? Just human error?

Unless you are kind of person having a Concentration Disorder or have no basic knowledge of reloading procedure, failures really do not occur much.

All these years of my reloading, I only had one round that did not go bang. Didn't have powder in the case. I was watching TV when I was reloading the batch in hurry for next day shooting.

That part is not something you should worry about much. It does take some KNOWLEDGE, but it's not a rocket science.

I know some guys in the thread recommended small hand loading set up out of good intention to help you out. But, don't ever get those. Just imagine yourself doing all those tedious work 300 times. That is if 300 rounds are average number of pistol rounds you shoot at a time.

You will be hating yourself and either throw them away or looking for replacements. Either way, waste of time and money.

Most of reloaders are not looking for save money. We reload for better accuracy or customization. There are some guys wants to save money, but most of them are in for hobby. REMEMBER, it take time and devotion.

[Phalanx20mm]

I started with a RCBS Jr. single stage press. I've reloaded thousands of rounds in .38 special, .357 mag., 44 mag. and 45 ACP on this press with great results.
I've also loaded .308 and 25-06.

I started reloading .44 mag. because of cost, read the reloading manual and follow the directions exactly. I prefer Unique for lead loads and Blue Dot for jacketed Mags, there are many more new powders now but that's what I've used.

[Clickjack]

I think the simple answer is I love 45 colt, rarely shoot more than a box. The cost per box sucks the fun out. I think if I loaded my own (even if the cost came out flush), I’d enjoy it more than handing 45 / 50 bucks to a store for 50 rounds.

Of coarse I’m hoping after initial investment it will be less and I’ll shoot more.