Considering Reloading, opinons

[Sofatactical]

I typically shoot 1k of 9mm per month . I buy reloads for under $200 per 1k

So my question is, is it worth the money and time to pursue reloading 9mm?

I realize I can get better loads by refining a load for my gun, however I rarely see any targets past 20 yds in competition. A super accurate load isn't so imperative.

Can I do better than 19 cents per round? And how much time will one spend creating 1k of 9mm?

Thanks guys!

[XDRoX]

You can reload 9mm for about half of that or around 10 cents a round using jacketed bullets. Lead bullets would be less.

With an inexpensive $100 single stage press you could load 50 rounds an hour. With a $200 turret press you could load 200 rounds an hour. With a $600 progressive press you could load 500 rounds an hour.

[Sofatactical]

Thanks XD.
Watched a video about the Dillon RL550B , that looks pretty darn sweet.

[XDRoX]

Thanks XD.
Watched a video about the Dillon RL550B , that looks pretty darn sweet.

Ya that press will load 500 rounds an hour at a comfortable pace. There's a video of me reloading at around 650 rounds an hour pace somewhere on YouTube on an RL550B. I think I did like a hundred rounds in about 9 minutes or something like that.

If you don't want to spend that much check out the Lee Classic Turret. Great press for way less money.

[Bill Steele]

I agree with Chris (XDRoX) above, but my numbers from an output rate standpoint are a little slower for the turret about 150/hr all in (Lee Classic Cast) and about 400/hr all in for my 550B.

If you get setup with a 550B you will be very happy.

You will likely pay for it in just over a year. Plus Dillons hold their value the best of any press, so you aren't risking a lot to see if it's for you.

[XDRoX]

Here's me doing 100 rounds in just barely over 9 minutes. That comes out to about 665 rounds an hour assuming pre loaded primer tubes.

I've always wanted to make a video and YouTube it of me loading 700 rounds in an hour. I bet I might even be able to break 750. One of these days when I have time I'll try it

[Blue]

Hey XD how many primers are left in the tube when the warning buzzer goes off?

[Sofatactical]

nice video, I can see 500/hr no problem.
what about the dreaded double powder charge I keep hearing about?
How does this happen?
Also with reused brass, how much prep time is involved prior to loading?

[XDRoX]

Hey XD how many primers are left in the tube when the warning buzzer goes off?

Three.

[XDRoX]

nice video, I can see 500/hr no problem.
what about the dreaded double powder charge I keep hearing about?
How does this happen?
Also with reused brass, how much prep time is involved prior to loading?

[Sofatactical]

I see, since i am a total newb, what benefit would a slower burn rate offer?
I do like the idea that you would see spillage using that powder in the event of a double.

[Solus]

xd your video makes me glad I have a 650xl with auto indexing. How stated before the dillons are nice and hold there price. Lee is an ok press for the price. Its all on how much money you are willing to spend on a press. I started with a lee turret press when I was younger and didnt have a good job but now that I have a dillon 650xl I wont go back to the turret press it just sits taking up space.

[Divernhunter]

To crank out rounds I prefer my Dillon 650XL with case-feeder and all the safety alarms.
Now is a very poor time to start reloading with the lack of products(equipment and supplies) out there and the overly high prices.

[rm1911]

I see, since i am a total newb, what benefit would a slower burn rate offer?
I do like the idea that you would see spillage using that powder in the event of a double.

powder burn rate is not a consideration regarding the "reloading" part of reloading. you choose a powder based on the caliber/bullet/gun combo. slower burn rates are for magnum rounds, longer barrels, etc. faster burn rates are what is more common for most auto pistol rounds as well as lighter revolver loads.

for instance, blue dot, H110, and AA No. 9 are all slower burn rates and work great in heavy 357/44 magnums, but are totally inappropriate for 9's and 45's. faster burn rate powders like bullseye, 231, AA No. 5, and Unique, work great in 9 and 45. but, here's the thing. they also work great in lighter loads for 357/44 mag.

for example, if you want to load a PD round in 357 use blue dot or a heavy hunting load for the 44 use H110 or No. 9. but if you want to shoot 158 SWCs at paper, use bullseye.

choose the powder for the intended application. always work up loads cautiously and carefully. always ask for advice and input. and I highly recommend that reloading not be a speed race. take your time in all phases. after you get experience everything speeds up naturally, but don't think you have to load at that pace. trust me, slow and steady will produce plenty of ammo.

[russt]

I have a lee classic turret that I love and can crank out about 200/hr if I'm trying to go quick, but if I was loading 1000rds a month that would take probably 6-7 hours which is a lot of time. For your volume I would recommend the dillon.