gasmandave
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If you out in the field can, say 45 Colt be loaded in the field if you have primers, black powder .454 lead ball and powder measure?
Can handgun ammo be reloaded
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ColtPythonElite
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You could use an Original Lee loader and bullets.
Sistema1927
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Yes.
I have an old Lee hand press that works quite well for this. I have actually worked up loads at the range using this simple setup, not with black powder, but with smokeless. No reason why you couldn't do it with black powder either.
As earlier suggested, you could use an Original Lee Loader with a mallet, a hand press (there were several brands of these), or even with a little improvisation you could fashion a workable tool set.
I have an old Lee hand press that works quite well for this. I have actually worked up loads at the range using this simple setup, not with black powder, but with smokeless. No reason why you couldn't do it with black powder either.
As earlier suggested, you could use an Original Lee Loader with a mallet, a hand press (there were several brands of these), or even with a little improvisation you could fashion a workable tool set.
https://buchananprecisionmachine.com/products/buchanan-precision-machine-hand-reloading-press
You can reload just about anything you wish in the field.
You can reload just about anything you wish in the field.
Varminterror
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I prefer a scissor press to the whack-a-mole set up.
Hokie_PhD
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Those are really nice
But for low volume and something to throw in a bag and costing much less, the Lee Hand press woeks really well.
WestKentucky
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steel box tube + steel plate + drill + welder and your truck suddenly is a bench.
Varminterror
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Go to 100/200 benchrest event sometime - everything gets loaded at the range, day of.
I kept my old Black & Decker Workmate bench I used in a temporary apartment because I could do load development at the range. It’s a LONG ways from what I consider, “the field” though - which I assume is the premise for the OP’s question. I’m expecting since he mentioned round balls he’s planning more of a SHTF, take what you can carry game.
Round ball = waste of time. Either make proper ammo with proper bullets, or at least do your campfire casting into a proper bullet mold. We’re not talking Mel Gibson “aim small, miss small” stuff here.
I kept my old Black & Decker Workmate bench I used in a temporary apartment because I could do load development at the range. It’s a LONG ways from what I consider, “the field” though - which I assume is the premise for the OP’s question. I’m expecting since he mentioned round balls he’s planning more of a SHTF, take what you can carry game.
Round ball = waste of time. Either make proper ammo with proper bullets, or at least do your campfire casting into a proper bullet mold. We’re not talking Mel Gibson “aim small, miss small” stuff here.
Most definitely, you can reload "in the field".
Folks make press stands that fit in a 2" receiver hitch tube.
All of my presses are mounted to free standing floor stands and they can be taken anywhere.
As mentioned, there are various reloading systems available on the market that make reloading portable.
Many years ago, for the paper company that I worked for assigned me to temporary duty at a couple of different paper mills. For evening entertainment, I developed my portable press set-ups and was able to reload in the evenings to fill time. I'd go home on weekends and shoot skeet or metallic cartridges that I had loaded during the week.
Folks make press stands that fit in a 2" receiver hitch tube.
All of my presses are mounted to free standing floor stands and they can be taken anywhere.
As mentioned, there are various reloading systems available on the market that make reloading portable.
Many years ago, for the paper company that I worked for assigned me to temporary duty at a couple of different paper mills. For evening entertainment, I developed my portable press set-ups and was able to reload in the evenings to fill time. I'd go home on weekends and shoot skeet or metallic cartridges that I had loaded during the week.
The 45 colt maybe a tad new for what you want. If you get yourself one of those percussion cap revolvers they come with a reloading press mounted under the barrel to press the round ball into the cylinder.
https://www.lymanproducts.com/brands/lyman/dies-die-sets/lyman-310-tool.html
Lyman 310 tool is very compact
Lyman 310 tool is very compact
sparkyv
Member
I watched a YouTube review on the Buchanan once. The guy struggled with the press, though he was trying to really sell it. That video talked me out of it. Still using the trusty Lee hand press with satisfaction.
Tip - get a kinetic bullet puller:
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/quick-n-ez-impact-bullet-puller?a=1336205
All of these loading kits require adjustment of the dies to get the right overall length. The bullet puller will come in handy so you can reuse the components while you are making your initial adjustments of the dies.
Get yourself a Reloading Manual and read it. Also I recommend The ABC's of Reloading. I found this to be an interesting read:
https://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Reloading-Definitive-Novice-Expert/dp/1440213968
All of these small hand reloading tools are a "gateway drug" to buying a formal reloading press. You have to wonder are they really worth it, wouldn't you be better off loading at home with a standard press?
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/quick-n-ez-impact-bullet-puller?a=1336205
All of these loading kits require adjustment of the dies to get the right overall length. The bullet puller will come in handy so you can reuse the components while you are making your initial adjustments of the dies.
Get yourself a Reloading Manual and read it. Also I recommend The ABC's of Reloading. I found this to be an interesting read:
https://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Reloading-Definitive-Novice-Expert/dp/1440213968
All of these small hand reloading tools are a "gateway drug" to buying a formal reloading press. You have to wonder are they really worth it, wouldn't you be better off loading at home with a standard press?
jmorris
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How did you get to the field? I never pulled a trailer with this Jeep. Put the 2” receiver on it so I could have a sturdy place to mount a press, to work up loads in the field.
Another pretty solid mount is a tree stump. A bucket let’s you carry everything and makes a decent seat too.
Another pretty solid mount is a tree stump. A bucket let’s you carry everything and makes a decent seat too.
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OP
OP
gasmandave
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All good Dave. I personally am on a 9 year break from reloading. Been working overseas over that time and just don't have time, when home in the US, to reload. My press is still boxed up in the garage.
I figure I have about 6 more months of overseas work and then plan to be home for good. Recently I've been shooting lots of 38 Special and 45 Colt - I could see getting one of these small tools as they don't require me to set up my press.
OP
OP
gasmandave
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What is the purpose of the re-sizing die. Does a straight wall cartridge really need sizing!
I was wondering about an air gap in the cartridge, the video cleared that up.
I was wondering about an air gap in the cartridge, the video cleared that up.
Only if you want it to fit in the chamber and hold onto the bullet.
I believe not a few outdoors types (cowboys, hunters, trappers) back in the day did just this. Not sure why you'd want to carry black powder as opposed to a smokeless one in this day and age. I suppose black powder substitutes do lend themselves to storage and transportation better than real black powder.
So behind your question there is a reason? You have a limited amount of brass? You're going to be away from the house for an extended period of time? Or are you thinking of very long term survival?
jmorris
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When you fire a round the brass case expands to fit the chamber. You size it back to original dimensions so it can hold a bullet in place for the next firing.
You don’t always need to size the entire case but you do have to size the portion that holds the bullet.
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Patocazador
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I have a Lyman 310 tool. It is easy to reload ammo for the same gun the ammo was shot in. I have dies for .30-30 and .243. It will not full-length resize a case so that it will always chamber in another firearm.
berettaprofessor
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Must be something about red Jeeps and reloaders...I’m in the club too! But that blue press in jmorris photo just doesn’t fit the jeep
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