Reloading pros and cons?

[lewdogg21]

I got into it due to the lead ban for hunting as some of my calibers don't have non-lead factory offerings and of course the "can't have ammo shipped to your house ban". I started buying stuff maybe a couple years ago and slowly squirreled away enough to get started. I've spent way more on it than I would regular ammo purchases in the same time period but I've found I enjoy it and view it more as a hobby than a necessity.

I'm about to drink some blue kool-aid so I'm really going down the rabbit hole of $$$$$, lol.

[Donny1]

I got into it due to the lead ban for hunting as some of my calibers don't have non-lead factory offerings and of course the "can't have ammo shipped to your house ban". I started buying stuff maybe a couple years ago and slowly squirreled away enough to get started. I've spent way more on it than I would regular ammo purchases in the same time period but I've found I enjoy it and view it more as a hobby than a necessity.

I'm about to drink some blue kool-aid so I'm really going down the rabbit hole of $$$$$, lol.

What about the "your hand loaded ammo isn't legal for hunting in CA" scenario.

https://wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/nonlead-ammunition#25046246-where-can-i-find-a-list-of-nonlead-ammunition-legal-for-hunting

These Fuc**rs never stop.

[bigbossman]

What about the "your hand loaded ammo isn't legal for hunting in CA" scenario.

https://wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/nonlead-ammunition#25046246-where-can-i-find-a-list-of-nonlead-ammunition-legal-for-hunting

These Fuc**rs never stop.

Lead-free bullets certified for CA use are legal, and many hunters reload for that purpose. Barnes TTSX is a popular choice, and I killed several pigs and deer with those bullets.... all legally.

The list: https://wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/nonl...tion/certified

[M1NM]

I started in 1968 with one of those cheapo Lee kits and a hammer. Quickly went to an RCBS Jr single stage press. Within the last 3 years I've sold everything but 1 of my Rock Chucker presses and a 12 ga Texan (Jr, Rock Chucker, Progressive, 2 shotgun). I can do about 100 and hour on a single stage in any of the 20 or so calibers I have. Starting out get yourself a few loading blocks. When you size and prime put them in the block primer up. When full look an each to make sure primer is seated. Then dump in your powder and set them in the block primer down. When done grab a flashlight and look in each one to make sure it has powder and they are all the same depth. Finally add the bullet and you're done. Load books are handy but you can get the same info you need off the powder makers website for free. A set of Lee scoops and a funnel are good enough to get you started. I've never owned any gauges and actually set my early rounds on the page in the reloading book to see if the OAL was right.
You can reload 22LR but cost and time wise it's not worth it. There is a kit where you can take spent 22s and swage them with lead wire into .22 bullets for your 223/556 - also not worth the time and trouble.

[godofgamblers]

I read somewhere once about being careful, and that it's not "if" but "when" you get something like a squib. I thought, "nah, won't happen to me, I'll just be careful".

Well a few years ago I had two squibs in a short time frame. Luckily I caught both of them, and no damage to any body parts or to guns. I found out the culprit was my lee autodrum powder measure -- there are some scenarios where it QUITE drastically doesn't drop enough powder. I love Lee, but I had to stop using that powder measure and go with a Hornady case activated system as a replacement. Haven't had any unfortunate squibs since then -- but I've also made sure to be way more diligent now -- for example I've added some LEDs around my progressive press to ensure I have a good view of the case.

Anyways, that was a long winded way of saying BE CAREFUL DUDE.

[five.five-six]

I got into it due to the lead ban for hunting as some of my calibers don't have non-lead factory offerings and of course the "can't have ammo shipped to your house ban". I started buying stuff maybe a couple years ago and slowly squirreled away enough to get started. I've spent way more on it than I would regular ammo purchases in the same time period but I've found I enjoy it and view it more as a hobby than a necessity.

I'm about to drink some blue kool-aid so I'm really going down the rabbit hole of $$$$$, lol.

Blue Kool-Aid is yum.... but there are far more expensive rabbit holes.

https://turban-shop.de/produkt/heavy-praezipress-150-en/?lang=en

[GeeBee49]

I read somewhere once about being careful, and that it's not "if" but "when" you get something like a squib. I thought, "nah, won't happen to me, I'll just be careful".

Well a few years ago I had two squibs in a short time frame. Luckily I caught both of them, and no damage to any body parts or to guns. I found out the culprit was my lee autodrum powder measure -- there are some scenarios where it QUITE drastically doesn't drop enough powder. I love Lee, but I had to stop using that powder measure and go with a Hornady case activated system as a replacement. Haven't had any unfortunate squibs since then -- but I've also made sure to be way more diligent now -- for example I've added some LEDs around my progressive press to ensure I have a good view of the case.
Anyways, that was a long winded way of saying BE CAREFUL DUDE.

The person that taught me said when I bring the lever down I should give it an extra tap to make sure all the powder dropped out. I also kept a small flashlight on my bench to visually check all fifty cases to make sure the powder levels were consistent.
Like you said, be careful from beginning to end. Some mistakes can be very costly in more ways than one.

[Cowboy T]

Blue Kool-Aid is yum.... but there are far more expensive rabbit holes.


https://turban-shop.de/produkt/heavy...50-en/?lang=en

Wow, that German press is expensive, all right. But perhaps the market for reloading gear isn't as large as it is here in the States?

I've traditionally drunk the red (Lee) Kool-Aid, though a few years ago I bought a Dillon XL650 from a friend, and it's a good press. The XL650 ended up replacing the Loadmaster for doing .45 ACP. I still use my two Lee Pro 1000's most of the time, though, since they continue to produce very good ammunition.

Now that I have experience with the XL650, I absolutely would *NOT* recommend it, or any other progressive press, for someone new to reloading until first getting some good single-stage experience. That's why I bought it from my friend; it was just too much press for her as a newbie. But for an experienced reloader, yeah, it's pretty good.

Remember, everyone, the most important thing here isn't what "brand" one uses, but rather for people to *get started* in the first place. Once we get folks started, then we can do all that Ford/Chevy/Dodge thing if we want. But that doesn't matter if they ain't pulling the handle at all yet.

[ar15barrels]

Among the stickied threads in this very subforum, you will find this gem:

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=158086

The prices might be outdated, but you can go to the linked websites and see what current prices are.
Components are difficult to get at this time.
Don't start reloading NOW.
Start PLANNING to get into reloading 6-12 months after the election when components are widely available again.

[the86d]

Wow, that German press is expensive, all right. But perhaps the market for reloading gear isn't as large as it is here in the States?

I've traditionally drunk the red (Lee) Kool-Aid, though a few years ago I bought a Dillon XL650 from a friend, and it's a good press. The XL650 ended up replacing the Loadmaster for doing .45 ACP. I still use my two Lee Pro 1000's most of the time, though, since they continue to produce very good ammunition.

Now that I have experience with the XL650, I absolutely would *NOT* recommend it, or any other progressive press, for someone new to reloading until first getting some good single-stage experience. That's why I bought it from my friend; it was just too much press for her as a newbie. But for an experienced reloader, yeah, it's pretty good.

Remember, everyone, the most important thing here isn't what "brand" one uses, but rather for people to *get started* in the first place. Once we get folks started, then we can do all that Ford/Chevy/Dodge thing if we want. But that doesn't matter if they ain't pulling the handle at all yet.

I STARTED on the XL 650 like 8.5 years ago, but you MIGHT want to avoid it if you not at all mechanically-inclined. I didn't have any issues, but there was a learning time-buffer, as there is a lot that can go wrong...

[ghideon]

Also started on an XL650, over ten years ago. I think it was a great press to start with, but you gotta out in the work.

[vaka]

Mine never have


Pro: without any new components, it will be years before I run out of ammo.

With the invention of NETFLIX, HULU, INSTAGRAM and FORTNITE along with High speed internet the family never even notices your gone till one of the kids says " What are we eating tonight ?"

[TKM]

I may as well mention the 03 Curio and Relics FFL and COE option.

Many wholesalers offer dealer pricing to 03 C&R FFL holders. Not Midway though....

With both in hand you can order ammo to your door from friendly shippers. This really only makes sense for dirt cheap ammo like 22LR or 12Ga. target loads.

Not a bad option to have when others don't have any options.

[Gryff]

Now that I have experience with the XL650, I absolutely would *NOT* recommend it, or any other progressive press, for someone new to reloading until first getting some good single-stage experience. That's why I bought it from my friend; it was just too much press for her as a newbie. But for an experienced reloader, yeah, it's pretty good.

I have to say that I learned on a XL650. Zero loading experience before I got the press (a re-gifting from my father). Learning curve is steeper than on a single-stage, but while I'm not particularly handing with tools, I found that it wasn't insurmountable. I did do a lot of reading beforehand on the principles of reloading, so I did have a basic understanding of the variables that are important considerations. And I took it slow.

Since I only load for handgun, and I shoot a decently high round count per month, if I were to do it again, I would do it exactly the same. Buying a single-stage "just to learn" would be a waste of money to me.

[Gryff]

Many wholesalers offer dealer pricing to 03 C&R FFL holders. Not Midway though....

I've never heard this before (I have both the 03FFL and the COE). I have mail-ordered to my door many times, but where do I look if I want to get better pricing from "wholesalers"?