Ask the Reloading Experts

[Stagman]

I pulled the trigger and bought the Lee Breech Lock Challenger kit, I know it's not the best press but it will not be my only press I just thought it was the right direction to go to get started reloading. I still have other components to buy, but I am getting a lot closer to reloading. :rockon:

 

[SouthBound]

Awesome! You'll love the breech lock setup and that powder measure is a good one! I have a lot of the same equipment that comes with that kit and it works great... the scale is a little tricky to use but it works. Be sure to pick up some reloading trays and you will be ready to go (with the correct dies and components of course).

 

[posthuman13]

Congrats Stagman, I wish I coukd make myself go get one. Everytime I have enough money, I find something else on the forum to buy. Now it is a scope lol. At least they are good deals and worth while purchases but still dying to get a press. Oh well, it gives me time to get the small odds and ends to go with it before I get it.

 

[Stagman]

Awesome! You'll love the breech lock setup and that powder measure is a good one! I have a lot of the same equipment that comes with that kit and it works great... the scale is a little tricky to use but it works. Be sure to pick up some reloading trays and you will be ready to go (with the correct dies and components of course).

I already have some trays and as for scales I plan on upgrading to digital scales soon, but first I have to buy media and a set of dies. Any suggestions on a set of dies for a .308 and 9mm?

 

[TennJeep1618]

Awesome! You'll love the breech lock setup and that powder measure is a good one! I have a lot of the same equipment that comes with that kit and it works great... the scale is a little tricky to use but it works. Be sure to pick up some reloading trays and you will be ready to go (with the correct dies and components of course).

I have to disagree. You'll need a trickler to compliment the perfect powder measure, IMO. Mine was pretty inconsistent, so I just kept it adjusted low and used the trickler to top off the charge. I also could never get the scale that came with my kit to work properly. I picked up a Hornady electronic scale for about $35 and it made life much easier.

 

[TennJeep1618]

I already have some trays and as for scales I plan on upgrading to digital scales soon, but first I have to buy media and a set of dies. Any suggestions on a set of dies for a .308 and 9mm?

Most any 308 dies will work, just different brands are designed differently.

For 9mm, I recommend a set with a carbide sizing die. That will keep you from having to lube your cases before sizing. I also prefer a separate crimp die instead of a combo seating/crimp die. I use the Lee 9mm Deluxe die set.

 

[Stagman]

Which trickler is recommended?

 

[Calculated steps]

I have the hornady trickler it likes to move a little when you use it. I have used rcbs trickler it stayed where I put it.

 

[JohnAL]

I have a 40+ year old Ohaus which I think is the same as RCBS. It's heavy enough that it stays put.

 

[TennJeep1618]

X3 for RCBS. The base of mine is filed with lead and is steady as a rock.

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[Stagman]

I have a 40+ year old Ohaus which I think is the same as RCBS. It's heavy enough that it stays put.

That's older than me :lol:

 

[TennJeep1618]

That's older than me :lol:

Barely...

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[SouthBound]

I have the Hornady and would avoid it if you were to get a trickler. I ended up gluing a heavy lead weight in it and put some non-skid on it. I like the Lee dies and RCBS dies. I have a separate Lee Crimp die for my rifles since I also like to crimp after seating.

 

[JohnAL]

That's older than me :lol:

I probably have underwear older than Brant.

 

[Aaronious45]

I probably have underwear older than Brant.

I didn't know thongs were popular back then

 

[Burnt Drag]

I'm getting in late on this subject, but I've always preached that a good caliper is essential for checking case lengths, O.A.L., verifying bullet diameters and many other chores. Most reloading manuals (if not all) give a blueprint of the case and a standard OAL. Guages can be purchased for this purpose, but having that digital caliper brings a new dimension of accuracy to the game.

Recently, I met a gentleman who could write his own book on this subject. Lets see if he chimes in on this thread.

 

[M.O.A.]

I'm getting in late on this subject, but I've always preached that a good caliper is essential for checking case lengths, O.A.L., verifying bullet diameters and many other chores. Most reloading manuals (if not all) give a blueprint of the case and a standard OAL. Guages can be purchased for this purpose, but having that digital caliper brings a new dimension of accuracy to the game.

Recently, I met a gentleman who could write his own book on this subject. Lets see if he chimes in on this thread.

100% agree. I'm an analog guy myself but quality calipers and a set of bullet comparator inserts are must have tools for accurate hand loading of rifle ammo.

 

[Stagman]

About how much money could I save by reloading my 9mm plinking ammo vs buying something like a 50 rd box of PMC bronze? I know it will vary according to what powders and bullets you buy, but just a in the ball park figure. Thanks!

 

[M.O.A.]

About how much money could I save by reloading my 9mm plinking ammo vs buying something like a 50 rd box of PMC bronze? I know it will vary according to what powders and bullets you buy, but just a in the ball park figure. Thanks!

Before the stupidity it was about 50% savings pretty much all calibers using commercial components. With component prices sky high right now its a wash. Anyone that gets into hand loading to " save money" is kidding themselves. The only exception being cast bullet loads. My current cost for 9mm and .40 is approx 8.6 cents per round

 

[TennJeep1618]

About how much money could I save by reloading my 9mm plinking ammo vs buying something like a 50 rd box of PMC bronze? I know it will vary according to what powders and bullets you buy, but just a in the ball park figure. Thanks!

My current cost to load 9mm using plated bullets is about $.12-13, not counting the cost of brass.

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