Getting closer and closer, sigh

[John3921]

In the process of trying to get set up to load handgun on the L N L some 11 internet orders later and a lucky primer score at a local brick and mortar and I can almost load something!

I have everything I need for the 9mm now. Except dies. Midway moved the backorder date back on them until late June. Bullets haven't shipped yet - but I have confirmation of 1000 bullets.

I have everything I need to load the .357 mag - just waiting for the H&I .358 sizing insert. This is due in tomorrow.

I have everything I need to load the .45 acp - except the mould handles, H&I .458 sizer and #460 top punch (actually found the mould - just can't buy lyman 4 cavity handles). I finally got confirmation today that the dies have shipped. If Hornady sends along their 'free' 500 .45 bullets from their promo I may be actually able to load .45!!

closer and closer :banghead:

 

[Walkalong]

Tough time to start. Glad you have most of it.

 

[silicosys4]

Try eBay on the mold handles. That's where I got mine. Might have to pay a little more though.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trk...R2.TRC1&_nkw=Lyman+handles&_sacat=0&_from=R40

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lyman-4-Cav...882?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a2b301922

Lyman is also listing them on their website as available

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/bullet-casting/mould-handles.php

9mm dies too.

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/dies/pistol-die-details.php?brand=1&cartridge=5&die=16

Couple of weeks shipping wait though.

If you are casting, depending on your bullet profile and weight, you can size .357/38 spcl. bullets down to .356 if you have the 9mm sizing die, and load them for 9mm. Definitely want to check on that, but I have a few molds that are interchangeable....HP molds with rounded profiles, not swc's.
Be prudent when working up those loads concerning powder weight, case overall length, seating depth, etc. if you can't find published data for that bullet in your recipe.
From what i have read you can use Lee 6 cavity handles with Lyman 4 cavity molds in a pinch, but you'll need to grind on them because they are too thick to fit as as manufactured.

 

[FROGO207]

This will serve to make you more efficient when things return to "regular" levels of stock. FWIW I try to keep a minimum 2 years supplies ahead when finances allow for it, to moderate in times such as this. And I will not drop below a predetermined component level or I simply stop shooting until I restock.

 

[John3921]

I haven't really looked into casting for the 9mm. Thinking about a 124 grain ish truncated cone mould. I think I'll see how the .45 goes first.

Got a lead on some mould handles. Hope to hear back yet today on that.

John

 

[vtail]

In the process of trying to get set up to load handgun on the L N L some 11 internet orders later and a lucky primer score at a local brick and mortar and I can almost load something!

I have everything I need for the 9mm now. Except dies. Midway moved the backorder date back on them until late June. Bullets haven't shipped yet - but I have confirmation of 1000 bullets.

I have everything I need to load the .357 mag - just waiting for the H&I .358 sizing insert. This is due in tomorrow.

I have everything I need to load the .45 acp - except the mould handles, H&I .458 sizer and #460 top punch (actually found the mould - just can't buy lyman 4 cavity handles). I finally got confirmation today that the dies have shipped. If Hornady sends along their 'free' 500 .45 bullets from their promo I may be actually able to load .45!!

closer and closer :banghead:

The free Hornady bullets are running about 60 days to ship.

 

[John3921]

If the mould handles come through, and if I can find an H&I .452 die not actually on backorder I'll be gtg on the .45. I know where I can get 500 or so 230 gr plated rn if I need to.

I can make a top punch on the lathe so thats not an issue.

I've been following Midsouth Shooters a bit also - the only 9mm Hornady dies they list though have the Hornady part no. for roll crimped dies (546515). Their website says they are supposed to be in stock yesterday - but they are still shown out of stock as of today. I have the separate Hornady taper crimp die and plan to use it as a final operation so I don't think a roll crimp die set is an issue for me as I'm only using that die to seat. Actually I think I only really need a sizing die and a seating die anyway since with the PTX setup the expander die isn't used.