Reloaders a dying bread

[30Cal]

I would imagine that loading pistol rounds are similar right? I mean the difference would be the dies, the casings, the projectile and the amount of powder. All things that would change if I were to only load rifles anyway. While I do not have a pistol yet (very soon I will) I think even learning to do that would instill a bit more confidence than I have right now. I would definitely like to load both and would like a setup that would allow me to do so.

The process of handloading for pistol is the same as for a rifle, but much simplified. In general, rifle cases tend to grow, so there's some additional case prep involved.

Getting small qty components is still pretty easy around here, but I generally go big and order the biggest box I can (ie. 500-2000 bullets at a time, powder in 8lb jugs). If you post something like "I'm ordering powder; who's with me!" you're guaranteed to find someone willing to split Hazmat with you.

[phish]

It's a shame Bullets, Bullets, Bullets in Fremont closed down. They carried a good selection of components.

He was only 10 minutes away from my old building off Auto Mall.

I didn't bring enough cash during his fire sale, went back that afternoon, all the RL15 jugs were gone!

[Turbinator]

I would imagine that loading pistol rounds are similar right? I mean the difference would be the dies, the casings, the projectile and the amount of powder. All things that would change if I were to only load rifles anyway. While I do not have a pistol yet (very soon I will) I think even learning to do that would instill a bit more confidence than I have right now. I would definitely like to load both and would like a setup that would allow me to do so.

I see that someone else already answered the pistol vs rifle reloading question, so I'll address the next issue - a setup that will allow you to do both.

I'm a big fan of Dillon, and I really like their line of progressive presses. I'd suggest looking at a 650XL, because that will allow you to do both rifle and pistol in the same press.

Your initial cash outlay might be a bit much, but this press will last several lifetimes and even if it doesn't, you can always send it back and they will generally refurb it for free.

It uses standard dies and has many options available to allow you to grow into the hobby of reloading.

Turby

[joebob]

I learned from a book plus asking questions over email.

I was a little nervous the first time I fired one of my rounds, but since I spent a lot of time double and triple checking everything, I was confident enough to pull the trigger.

Get a loading databook, pick conservative (middle of the table) bullet weights, powder loads, and seating depths, and you should be OK.

Weight your powder throws until you get a feel for it and if two charges of your powder could fit in your cartridge without spilling out, take extra precautions to avoid making that mistake. My loads fill the cartridge too much for that, but I hear that it is a common danger with handgun loads.

Handloading actually gets more dangerous when you have been doing it a long time and get bored and sloppy.

[PanzerAce]

In general, rifle cases tend to grow, so there's some additional case prep involved.

how much additional prep? I plan on reloading for 6.5 Grendel. What is the average amount of shots you get out of a case before it cannot be used any more safely?

[NRAhighpowershooter]

I got into reloading back in '84 when I got back into shooting.. and I'll be reloading and shooting until the day I'm pushing up the daiseys......

[Roy Mustang]

I started reloading few months ago book + advice from other shooters was really helpful that was what I shot today. 3 Shots @100 yards that's a 3" target I used AA 4350, Hornaday SPBT out of a Remington 700

[chris]

i have been reloading for some time now. friend and I reload both our rifles and pistol ammo. there is a store in OC off Beach Bvld called the Stockade. if anyone who lives in the area. they have a good selection the last time i was there. but i do order bullets online that i cannot find at the store. i have to say reloading is not dying out just maybe a slow resgurgence in a new generation getting into it.

[30Cal]

how much additional prep? I plan on reloading for 6.5 Grendel. What is the average amount of shots you get out of a case before it cannot be used any more safely?

With pistol brass (straight wall cases), you can just size them and move on. Bottle neck rifle cases will have to be trimmed on occasion. I would guess every 3rd firing for that caliber, but I'm assuming it'll behave similarly to .308 or .223 in that respect. After you trim, you have to deburr the outside and chamfer the inside of the case neck. If you like to spend gobs of time with little reward, you can do more case prep--neck turning, etc. Of note; with the RCBS X-die, you only trim once.

There are also unique concerns with loading for some of the semi-autos, especially those with freefloating firing pins. For the M1/M1A, I uniform the primer pockets and clean them out each time to ensure that primers will be seated below flush which mitigates the risk of slamfire. I toss my brass after 5 firings. If you are loading for just one boltaction rifle, you can neck size only and then they'll probably last 10+ firings.

When you start shopping for reloading equipment, don't buy any cutting tool that cannot be spun with a motor. Case prep is a major chore.

My cost breakdown assuming 5 firings:
Bullet 8-24¢
Powder 8¢
Brass 2¢
Primer 1¢

Ty

[chris]

it is slow work but worth it though. i do one step at a time. that is when i finish one i'm done for the day. but i inspect my cases after i clean them. if i suspect they are bad in the trash they go. brass is cheap anyway. i find it more safe to toss suspect brass and use new one.

[tankerman]

Great expirience

I would encourage anyone serious about shooting to start reloading. It will teach you more about your weapons and the art of shooting than any cheap can of cheap ammo will. It is as important as learning basic gunsmithing skills.
One reason for not as many stores carrying reloading supplies, besides the added cost, is that much of the equipment in reloding is recycled. presses. trimmers. dies all sorts of stuff is available used in excellent condition.
If interested in this activity I suggest finding someone to show you the ropes.

[Gunsrruss]

How I got smart

it is slow work but worth it though. i do one step at a time. that is when i finish one i'm done for the day. but i inspect my cases after i clean them. if i suspect they are bad in the trash they go. brass is cheap anyway. i find it more safe to toss suspect brass and use new one.

Ok, boys and girls here it is. I ordered three way trimers from RCBS. It does all the triming deburr and chamfer all at one time. Saves hours of work.
I also ordered the Pact powder despenser with matching scale. This to separates the men from the boys. All you need to do is calibrate,then dial in the desired grains and hit despense. Then you need to make sure you don't double up your loads. The machine doesn't do everything for you.
Cheap is expensive and expensive is cheap. I got those things because I process alot of rounds when I need too. I don't reload for the next day,I reload for the next 6 months.
I use the three way cutters with the RCBS electric case trimmer. Again it saves time. Anything going through automatics are reloaded five times. After that I use them in Bolt action until they crack. I hand load all my rifle loads on a single press because I don't trust the progressive press's on the powder. I shoot NRA rifle matches and can't afford to have problems. Reloading exp. 6 years. I hope this helps someone. I tried to do it on the cheap...That doesn't work

P.S. You will need Small base dies for .308, .223, 30.06 if your using them in an automatic. You can get them from RCBS

[thmpr]

I am interested in purchasing a reloader (automatic). What brands would you recommend? Thanks!!!

[ohsmily]

I am interested in purchasing a reloader (automatic). What brands would you recommend? Thanks!!!

Well, none are truly "automatic". Progressive loaders accomplish some various tasks automatically every time you pull the lever, but you need to be there to operate and WATCH it for each and every pull.

BUT, start with a single stage press if you have never reloaded before. Learn the basics. Reloading can be dangerous.

[TMC]

I'm with the others, its not a dying thing its just when you shoot allot and want 10,000 9mm bullets, 2 sleeves (10,000) primers and 8 lbs of VitaVori 3n38 and you go the local store and they only have 200 primers and never heard of VitaVouri you have to go online.

The last time I went to a local store to buy primers I called first to make sure they had what I wanted. I asked for Federal small pistol primers, the guy said he had them, I asked "how many" he said "2 boxes", I ran right down only to find that he had 2 boxes of 100 not 2 boxes of 1,000. What am I going to do with only 200 primers? That's not even 1 match.