Reloading pros and cons?

[Cowboy T]

With the Lee Turret Press you can change calibers in about 4 seconds.

The biggest "pro" to me was sense of accomplishment. You sit down at your reloading bench, go through the motions and when you're done you have fifty shiny brass and copper cartridges. It feels so good you just start over and do the whole thing again.

That's exactly how I felt after making my very first box of 50 rounds. It was .357M, and it took me about 4.5 hours with all the paranoia-checking and triple-checking. But it was time well spent. Subsequent boxes were made much more quickly.

Shooting that first box that you make may fill the beginning reloader with some trepidation. I sure felt that. But nothing bad happened, and there was a big smile of satisfaction that crept across my face as the lead went downrange. :-)

In 2013, after the terrible Sandy Hook incident, we had range practice ammo when a lot of other folks didn't. That felt pretty satisfying, too...more than anything else because we knew we were prepared for a rainy day.

[GeeBee49]

This makes a lot of sense to me. Is there anything to watch out for when looking for used equipment?

In my case I was given the three main components from a guy who bought it new and for some reason decided that reloading wasn't for him. So it was used but looked almost new and I doubt that he loaded more than a couple of hundred rounds. I got the Lee Turret Press with a set of .357 magnum dies, an RCBS powder measure and an RCBS M500 scale.
I'm not really sure what to look for in older used equipment because everything else I accumulated I bought new. Maybe some members who have gone through a variety of equipment over the years can post some tips on what to watch out for.

[GeeBee49]

That's exactly how I felt after making my very first box of 50 rounds. It was .357M, and it took me about 4.5 hours with all the paranoia-checking and triple-checking. But it was time well spent. Subsequent boxes were made much more quickly.
Shooting that first box that you make may fill the beginning reloader with some trepidation. I sure felt that. But nothing bad happened, and there was a big smile of satisfaction that crept across my face as the lead went downrange. :-)
In 2013, after the terrible Sandy Hook incident, we had range practice ammo when a lot of other folks didn't. That felt pretty satisfying, too...more than anything else because we knew we were prepared for a rainy day.

I know what you mean. My first trip to the range with ammo I had loaded myself was cautious but everything did just what it was supposed to do and I was hooked. My ammo locker filled up in no time.

[five.five-six]

If you buy Dillon stuff, most of it is guaranteed for life even if you are not the original buyer. However, I would want to test drive the machines b4 buying.

I've literally called up Dillon, told them bought one of their presses at a garage sale from a guy who got it in a locker at a storage unit auction and part X was broken, it was in my mailbox within a week no charge.

[Mr. Blue]

I've literally called up Dillon, told them bought one of their presses at a garage sale from a guy who got it in a locker at a storage unit auction and part X was broken, it was in my mailbox within a week no charge.

Thats awesome.

[tabascoz28]

In my case I was given the three main components from a guy who bought it new and for some reason decided that reloading wasn't for him. So it was used but looked almost new and I doubt that he loaded more than a couple of hundred rounds. I got the Lee Turret Press with a set of .357 magnum dies, an RCBS powder measure and an RCBS M500 scale.
I'm not really sure what to look for in older used equipment because everything else I accumulated I bought new. Maybe some members who have gone through a variety of equipment over the years can post some tips on what to watch out for.

Only bought new here too, but having some old equipment I would say rust on the main ram post and looseness of the linkages. All other rust can be cleaned and painted. I would just buy new to eliminate that part of the paranoia equation. You have powder, seating depth, crimp and overall length to worry about.

[not-fishing]

300 rounds an hour, thats pretty quick. So the material needed would be the brass, primer, powder, bullet and everything to prep the materials? Do you pick up used brass or buy it? Has the availability of components become more available, or are things as dry as ever? Would you recommend any setup? Should I skip the $500 starter kit and invest the money into a real system, as that is the progression anyway? I assume there are different types of loaders, some that work 1 at a time and others that will pump out 5 at a time? Any particular models you would recommend that I look at?

I used my manual turret press to load for me and my two sons when we were shooting IDPA. Figure 900 rounds per month with practice.

The thing most people forget to include in their startup costs is all the extra equipment you should buy because it makes a difference. For handguns it was a case checker and factory crimp die for seating and crimping in two steps. For (accurate) rifle it was my Giraud Case Prep machine and RCBS auto dispenser to weigh every load.



Available Cartridge Sizes

.17 Mach 4
.17 Hornady Hornet
.17 K Hornet
.17 Rem Fireball
.17 Remington
.204 Ruger
.20 Practical
.20 Tactical
.20 Vartarg
.218 Bee
.22 Hornet
.22 K Hornet
.22 Nosler
.220 Swift
.221 Fireball
.222 Remington
.222 Remington Magnum
.223 Remington
.223 Remington Ackley Improved
.223 WSSM
.224 Valkyrie
.224 Weatherby Magnum
.22 BR
.22 PPC
.22-250 Winchester
.22-250 Winchester Ackley Improved
.240 Tomahawk
.240 Weatherby
.243 Winchester
.243 Winchester Ackley Improved
.243 WSSM
6mm AR
6mm BR
6mm BRA
6mm BRX
6mm Competition Match
6mm Creedmoor
6mm Crusader
6mm Dasher
6mm GT
6mm Hagar
6mm PPC
6mm Rat
6mm Remington
6mm Remington Ackley Improved
6mm SLR
6mm SST
6mm X
6mm XC
6mm WOA
6-.250
6-.250 Ackley Improved
6 x .284
6 x 45 (.223)
6 x 47 (.222 Mag)
6 x 47 Lapua
.25 Sharps (.25 x .223)
.25 SST
.25 WSSM
.250 Savage
.257 Roberts
.257 Weatherby
.25-06 Remington
.25-20 Winchester
.25-35 Winchester
.26 Nosler
.260 Remington
.260 Remington Ackley Improved
.264 Winchester Magnum
6.5 Creedmoor


6.5 Grendel
6.5 SS
6.5 SST
6.5 x 47 Lapua
6.5 x 284
6.5 x 54 MS
6.5 x 55 Swedish
6.5 Jap Arisaka
6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge
6.5 RSAUM (GAP 4S)
6.8 SPC
.270 Weatherby
.270 Winchester
.270 WSM
.277 Wolverine
.28 Nosler
.280 Remington
.280 Remington Ackley Improved
.284 Winchester
.284 Shehane
7mm-08
7mm BR
7mm Boo Boo
7mm Creedmoor
7mm LRM
7mm Raptor
7mm Remington Magnum
7mm RSAUM
7mm RUM
7mm SS
7mm SST
7mm STW
7mm TCU AR
7mm Weatherby
7mm WSM
7 x 57 Mauser
7 x 64 Brenneke
7.5 x 54 MAS
7.5 x 55 Swiss
7.62 x 39
7.62 x 40 WT
7.62 x 54R
7.65 Argentine
7.7 Jap Arisaka
7.92 x 33 Kurz
.30 BR
.30 Carbine
.30 Herrett
.30 Nosler
.30 Sherman Magnum
.300 Blackout (Whisper)
.300 H&H Magnum
.300 Norma Magnum
.300 Precision Rifle Cartridge
.300 Ruger Compact Magnum
.300 RUM
.300 RSAUM
.300 Savage
.300 Weatherby
.300 Whisper/Blackout
.300 Winchester Magnum
.300 WSM
.308 Norma Magnum
.308 Winchester
.30-06 Springfield
.30-06 Springfield Ackley Improved
.30-30 Winchester
.30-40 Krag
.30 x .284
.30 x .338






.30-378 Weatherby
.303 British
8 x 50R Mannlicher
8 x 56R
8 x 57 Mauser
.32-20
.325 WSM
.33 Nosler
.33 WCF
.33 XC
.338 Edge
.338 Federal
.338 Lapua Magnum
.338 Lapua Magnum Improved
.338 Norma Magnum
.338 RUM
.338 Ruger Compact Magnum
.338 Snipe Tac
.338 Winchester Magnum
.338/378 Weatherby
.340 Weatherby
.357 Magnum
.358 Winchester
.35 Remington
.35 Whelen
9.3x62
.37 XC
.375 H&H Magnum
.375 Chey Tac
.375 Raptor
.375 Ruger
.375 RUM
.376 Steyr
.378 Weatherby
.40-65 Winchester
.404 Jeffery
.408 Chey Tac
.41 Magnum
.416 Barrett
.416 Remington Magnum
.416 Rigby
.416 Ruger
.416 Weatherby
.44 Magnum
.444 Marlin
.45 Raptor
.45-70
.45-120
.450-400 Nitro Express
.458 Lott
.458 SOCOM
.458 Winchester Magnum
.460 S&W Magnum
.460 Steyr
.460 Weatherby Magnum
.470 Nitro Express
.50 Beowulf
.50 Browning Machine Gun
.50 DTC
.50-90 Sharps
.500 Nitro Express
.500 S&W Magnum

.22 Meplat
6mm Meplat
6.5mm Meplat
.30 Meplat
.338 Meplat
.375 Meplat

[bigbossman]

As others have said - the biggest pro to reloading is actually having ammo on demand. There is always another shortage/panic around the corner.

[the86d]

Pro #4:
500 124gr pills ready to go in under 4 hours, going slow...

[Gryff]

I'm not an expert, but I've been reloading 9mm and .38 Special for competition and recreational shooting for 6-7 years.

Some things I've learned:

- Reloading is very much about specifics, which can be different based on caliber, intended use, components, etc. Be careful getting recipe data from one source and think you can utilize it even though you are working with a different caliber or powder or bullet. Minute differences have a major impact in this hobby

- It is almost a hobby in its own right (and can very much be a full-blown hobby depending on how deep you get into it or how many different calibers you load for). If you are not prepared to dedicate substantial time on the learning curve, don't get started.

- Caution and attention to details are a must. Mistakes can cost you your gun, your hand, your eyes, etc. This is not really an activity you should do while binging Game of Thrones.

- Spend the money up front to get the gear you need. You may not need every bell and whistle, but research what experienced people wish they had bought when they got started. I started on an Dillon XL650 (someone gave it to my Dad, who never used it so he gave it to me), and BrianEnos.com's page on Dillon gear talked about how the strong mount and roller handle were Must Haves.

- Buy your components in bulk, and stock up during the good times. You can save significantly if you buy in quantity, especially powder and primers which have an additional hazmat shipping fee (the fee is a single charge for a shipment and not per-item). Need a thousand bullets? Order three to five thousand. Need a couple pounds of powder? Get 8 or 16. Buy primers in 5000 or 10000 blocks. Come into the bad times (like now or back when the Newtown shooting happened) with a supply of components that will let you ride it out. I'm watching idiots buying 9mm for $.40-.50/round, and I'm loading it at $.11. And I won't start sweating availability until I've cranked out about 10,000 rounds.

[the86d]

I'm not an expert, but I've been reloading 9mm and .38 Special for competition and recreational shooting for 6-7 years.

Some things I've learned:

- Reloading is very much about specifics, which can be different based on caliber, intended use, components, etc. Be careful getting recipe data from one source and think you can utilize it even though you are working with a different caliber or powder or bullet. Minute differences have a major impact in this hobby

- It is almost a hobby in its own right (and can very much be a full-blown hobby depending on how deep you get into it or how many different calibers you load for). If you are not prepared to dedicate substantial time on the learning curve, don't get started.

- Caution and attention to details are a must. Mistakes can cost you your gun, your hand, your eyes, etc. This is not really an activity you should do while binging Game of Thrones.

- Spend the money up front to get the gear you need. You may not need every bell and whistle, but research what experienced people wish they had bought when they got started. I started on an Dillon XL650 (someone gave it to my Dad, who never used it so he gave it to me), and BrianEnos.com's page on Dillon gear talked about how the strong mount and roller handle were Must Haves.

- Buy your components in bulk, and stock up during the good times. You can save significantly if you buy in quantity, especially powder and primers which have an additional hazmat shipping fee (the fee is a single charge for a shipment and not per-item). Need a thousand bullets? Order three to five thousand. Need a couple pounds of powder? Get 8 or 16. Buy primers in 5000 or 10000 blocks. Come into the bad times (like now or back when the Newtown shooting happened) with a supply of components that will let you ride it out. I'm watching idiots buying 9mm for $.40-.50/round, and I'm loading it at $.11. And I won't start sweating availability until I've cranked out about 10,000 rounds.

^A+^
Addendum:
1) Start saving your brass now (or don't, I'll gladly sweep it all up for you....).
2) Get a powder that will work with multiple calibers you want to reload, even if not ready or don't have dies for the second/3rd caliber yet,
cross reference in a reloading manual 1st, so you don't run out one power for just that specific-caliber...
3) Some places will charge like $108 for 1000 115gr FMJ, but only $166 for 2000...

[Jesse 2]

As for stockpiling, is there any city rule for maximum powder and primers in household? What happens to insurance policy if there is a fire accident? Will powder expire or degrade over time?

[GeeBee49]

As for stockpiling, is there any city rule for maximum powder and primers in household? What happens to insurance policy if there is a fire accident? Will powder expire or degrade over time?

The last time I checked in California there is a limit of 20 lbs of smokeless powder in the original containers. I believe you can have up to 50 lbs if it's stored in a box or cabinet with 1" walls.
Powder will last a very long time (indefinitely?) if unopened and stored properly but once it's opened it will gradually weaken.
You should check your own insurance policy because they can vary from one carrier to the next.

[SoCal1911]

Have been reloading everything I shoot except 22LR. It is a hobby that over the 30+ years that is rewarding and satisfying when you find the magic load for your firearms that beats any factory ammo. Must do it smart, follow the manuals. I have paid for my equipment many times over. Only Con I have is not finding any primers.

[five.five-six]

I'm not an expert, but I've been reloading 9mm and .38 Special for competition and recreational shooting for 6-7 years.

Some things I've learned:

- Reloading is very much about specifics, which can be different based on caliber, intended use, components, etc. Be careful getting recipe data from one source and think you can utilize it even though you are working with a different caliber or powder or bullet. Minute differences have a major impact in this hobby

- It is almost a hobby in its own right (and can very much be a full-blown hobby depending on how deep you get into it or how many different calibers you load for). If you are not prepared to dedicate substantial time on the learning curve, don't get started.

- Caution and attention to details are a must. Mistakes can cost you your gun, your hand, your eyes, etc. This is not really an activity you should do while binging Game of Thrones.

- Spend the money up front to get the gear you need. You may not need every bell and whistle, but research what experienced people wish they had bought when they got started. I started on an Dillon XL650 (someone gave it to my Dad, who never used it so he gave it to me), and BrianEnos.com's page on Dillon gear talked about how the strong mount and roller handle were Must Haves.

- Buy your components in bulk, and stock up during the good times. You can save significantly if you buy in quantity, especially powder and primers which have an additional hazmat shipping fee (the fee is a single charge for a shipment and not per-item). Need a thousand bullets? Order three to five thousand. Need a couple pounds of powder? Get 8 or 16. Buy primers in 5000 or 10000 blocks. Come into the bad times (like now or back when the Newtown shooting happened) with a supply of components that will let you ride it out. I'm watching idiots buying 9mm for $.40-.50/round, and I'm loading it at $.11. And I won't start sweating availability until I've cranked out about 10,000 rounds.

Bold part is interesting. In principle I agree, bite the bullet and buy what’s needed once. Buy once cry once. Personally, I don’t see the need for strong mount or roller handle, I’ve used both

Reloading workflow is very personalized. As you develop your workflow, buy the things you need I absolutely love my loading bench, but it probably wouldn’t work well for a lot of other people.