Getting into Reloading, What Do You Think of My List?

[hcinciripini]

Hey Everybody. Long time lurker, first time poster

I just got a new Springfield XDm 9mm and couldn't be happier with it. However, to be proficient with it as I'd like will require regular shooting. And the cost and availability of ammo leaves some to be desired. I intend to remedy this by reloading.

A little background...
I'm a stay-at-home-dad, with a 2 year old girl and a 1 year old boy. My wife makes a decent income but budgeting for hobbies can be a challenge. I only have a small window of freedom to pursue interests away from the living room/kitchen, so I can't live in the basement for hours on end. Thank god for nap time. I like to hit the range once a week, and usually go through 100-150 rounds, but I would like to double that (minimum). I borrowed my grandfathers single-stage RCBS when I was 16 and handloaded some match .30-06 following his recipes. Kinda crazy now that I think about it. 9 years later I still have a handful of those treasured tack-drivers.

I've done A LOT of reading on here and other forums and watched hours youtube tutorials and comparisons. I never said I didn't have free time.
So I think I've come up with a list of equipment to get started on the cheap, and grow into a more economical setup. I you don't mind, I'd like your input/advice. Did I miss anything? Also, if you see any "junk" on here let me know, I'd rather spend more the first time on quality than cheap out and spend even more later.



The Wet Tumbler Goal can be found here.

My logic...
I'm cheap, but I like the sound of "frugal". I hate unnecessary equipment that costs me money and takes up space. For this reason, I was initially interested in starting off with a progressive press. But that brings my initial cost WAY up, delaying the start of this hobby. So I looked into single stage bench models, pretty expensive for something that will be phased out, but necessary with the Lee sizer die (when I start casting bullets). Then I read about the hand press being used for case handling on the couch. Turns out people size bullets with them too! Perfect!

I have no idea when it comes to die sets. But I've read good things about the Factory Crimp Die from Lee. Input here would be great!

Thanks in Advance,
-H

 

[Potatohead]

Welcome to THR, you found the right place. These fellas have taught me how to load over the past year or so. Someone will be along soon to help, I shall refrain from spilling to much advice since Im pretty deep into noob territory still. Fyi, be forewarned, the FCD stirs up quite some sentiments.

 

[FMJBT]

You can buy the harbor freight tumbler for $45 http://m.harborfreight.com/dual-drum-rotary-rock-tumbler-67632.html

And buy pins. All you would need is ~2 lbs. 1 for each drum.

Buy a 3 die set instead of a 4 die. You don't need the factory crimp die

Lastly, the hornady case prep center is a waste. Save your money.

You can save your money by passing on case gauge. They are nice convince, but you can just use your barrel instead. I have them, don't get me wrong, but with a budget minded build, spend that money towards a good scale.

. Fyi, be forewarned, the FCD stirs up quite some sentiments.

good call

 

[Vol46]

You will need a scale - balance beam or digital - as well as some way of measuring your powder charge. I think a Lee dipper may come with your die set, but you still need a scale to check the charge, adjust your technique, etc. to be sure you are getting the correct charge. If 9 mm is your starting caliber, you will not likely need the case trimmer and associated accessories. I don't think I have ever trimmed 9 mm cases.

 

[PistolPete45]

I have friends that love their lee set up I bought a RCBS rock chucker Master kit years ago . Have some RCBS Dies 6 Hornady and 3 Lee dies , I like the Hornady best . Bought the RCBS hand primer and would not be without it again ..

 

[FMJBT]

I don't see a manual in there either. ABC's of reloading and Lyman #49 are good ones to have. You can never have enough manuals, or data to cross reference

 

[hcinciripini]

You guys are fast! I really appreciate the feedback.

Thanks FMJBT! 6# capacity for $45?!! Thanks for the link, I don't think I could build one for that price!

Thanks Vol! I forgot to mention that I already have a digital scale I use for homebrewing. Accurate to .1 grain.

Thanks Pete! What do you prefer about the Hornady dies? I was looking at hand primers, but the Lee hand press kit comes with a primer seating die set, so I figured I could shave $65 off of my starting costs. It does look like a PITA to handle each primer 1 at a time though.

Now I have to figure what the fuss is about the FCD.

 

[hcinciripini]

I plan to have a library of loading and casting manuals. I umm, "found" some online for previewing to see which I'll purchase in hard copy. It sounds like Lee, Hornady, and Lyman are pretty well praised.

 

[CraigC]

IMHO, you need a better scale, that is not the place to go 'that' cheap. A standard beam scale will do fine and it's something you can trust.

I agree on the FCD, I've been handloading for 15yrs and never saw the need for one.

Also agree on the case trimmer. Straightwall pistol cases require very little case trimming and you can do all that with a standard manual trimmer for less than a hundred bucks.

Skip the case gauge.

I would heartily suggest you spend the money we just saved you on a real bench mounted press. That hand press will get real old, real fast.

For $30/yr, you can subscribe to LoadData.com and have access to everything ever printed in Handloader and Rifle magazines plus nearly ALL published manuals. Something to consider.

 

[FMJBT]

Don't forget the 20% off coupon If you order that tumbler

http://m.harborfreight.com/20off-coupon912-aff-17547.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

 

[oneounceload]

Unless I missed it, I do not see a scale or some form of bullet puller for those OOPS that happen from time to time. I also do not see any bullet lube for your cast bullets

 

[USSR]

A lot of unnecessary and wasteful items listed there. The items that CraigC mentioned are spot on.

Don

 

[pretzelxx]

Get a hot plate for your aluminum molds, they need to stay very hot and one heat quickly, hovering over your pot will do it, but a plate is much better. Make sure it's not an open coil plate.

You can also get lead cheaper than that. Doesn't have to be anything other than soft range scrap or wheel weight alloy. Buy from people on castboolits, they sometimes sell by the half ton.

 

[PistolPete45]

Those Hornady dies have a small shield that kind of guides the bullet into the brass You do have to buy shell holders with Hornady and RCBS The lee sets come with the shell holder

 

[blarby]

3 loadbooks.

If I see another "ima start 'loadin" list without books on it, wreckin' will ensue.

They are equally if not more important than any metal tool, and should be first on your list- not the part forgotten.

It speaks volumes to your mindset , what makes it on your kit list for any endeavor.

 

[grogetr]

I am new to reloading also and think it would be a little overwhelming to try to learn casting my own bullets at the same time I am trying to figure out the reloading part. I started with lead bullets and soon found out that can be challenging by itself. Get the books first and read them a few times so it makes sense to you. There are lots of smart people on here always ready to help. I know I have learned things here that are hard to pick up in a manual.

 

[UziLand]

I'll Jump into the FCD thing. Been loading since Bill Clinton (first term) talked about a 200% ammo tax. I recently used an FCD for the first time. The only reason is that I was loading 7.62x39 for an AK. The bullet movement in those actions is wild. I've seen rounds sucked in .008 to .012 in the mag. I've also had popouts (xtreme bullets in this cal are scary, short and no cannelure). The FCD helped (on jacketed rds w/cannelure) minimize the movement. Otherwise, I am with the guy's that don't see the use for them.
Welcome to the twilight zone of reloading. You'll learn to love your basement

UL

 

[tightgroup tiger]

Ok, you asked for our opinion. Mine is the presses you have listed.
First off you need to get a good Single stage press instead of a $45.00 hand press because you talking about jumping from a hand press to an ammo plant. You will need a single stage anyways for the ammo plant, everyone does no matter what progressive they decide to buy.

I don't think if you have bigger plans and are buying all the other things you have listed, that a $45.00 hand press is going to cut it. I'm basing this on the fact that you think you will need an ammo plant later on.

I would spend a $55.00 more and buy the Lee Classic Cast turret press to start with even if you had to delete some of the other things on your list. You will be much happier with it. It will load single stage or semi progressive either one. It will be a press that won't end up thrown under the bench latter on when you decide you need something more efficient and can't afford the ammo plant yet. It only makes financial sense to buy, one time, what you will use the rest of your life. If you are planning on taking the hand press with you shooting so you can adjust loads on the fly, it's a press that will work well for you but you can afford one of them anytime.
If your planning on starting to load pistol and rifle both with your components the Lee Classic Cast press won't wear you out doing it.

I know people on this forum that have been using the Classic Cast turret press as their primary for decades, they never did go to a progressive. And it won't break the bank buying it.

Just my opinion.

 

[Millamber457]

there are some great deals on the lee starter kits out there , that hand press would become a real pain in short order , and those kits come pretty much with everything you need to start loading , scale , measure , primer tools , all you need are the dies powder and some bullets , and for gods sake get a good manual or three

 

[dab102999]

Check you local library for reloading books...abc of reloading is a pretty good book for newbees but after that not extremely useful. Layman, lee, speer are all good books and will serve you for many years (decades). If you are on facebook look up reloading and gun sites. (Only usefull thing I have found on facebook) as long as you know value you can find some real good deals. I just missed a fully set up loadmaster with lots of extras for less then a third the price of a press by itself. Also watch craigslist. Presses and dies dont wear out to often.

 

[KingM]

I can't see your list so I can only comment on what I've read. I have loaded a bunch of 9mm on the Pro1000. You are going to burn yourself out doing 9mm on a SS but if you are set on it the Lee Precision Reloader Press at $35 can fill the bill. I doubt you have put a swage on that list but I would suggest it for 9mm since most of the 9mm brass I get is crimped anymore. I have Factory Crimp dies for everything I load but I have yet to ever try one. Harbor Freight 25 off coupon 50101088 . I don't really worry about cleaning brass & I have never trimmed handgun brass. Your barrel is the best cartridge gauge you can get. I also have lots of dust on my manuals since I use Reloaders Reference or online data that is free from the manufacturers web site.

Now if you have plans to load anything else this advice may change.

 

[hcinciripini]

IMHO, you need a better scale, A standard beam scale will do fine... Also agree on the case trimmer....you can do all that with a standard manual trimmer...Skip the case gauge ...suggest you spend the money...on a real bench mounted press. That hand press will get real old, real fast.

I was concerned about the scale, I use it regularly and seldom have to recalibrate it. I have no problem upgrading to a better scale, but it will be digital. I've used beam balances and I find them too tedious. The expensive triple-beams at school are nice but really expensive.

I fully expect the whole reloading process on the hand press to get old. I'll probably move the Lock n Load AP to the first upgrade after my initial investment. I didn't plan to go more than a month or tow without a mounted press. The hand press appeals to my need to be away from the (downstairs) reloading area. It would be on my list anyway, if for nothing else but case sizing/belling.

Don't forget the 20% off coupon If you order that tumbler

You are awesome!

I do not see a scale or some form of bullet puller I also do not see any bullet lube for your cast bullets

Good call on the bullet puller. How often do you guys use those? Kinetic or Cam-lock preferences? As far as lube goes I was planning on trying the homemade recipes from the Ingot to Target book by Fryxell, the barrel conditioning moly lube sounds pretty appealing.

A lot of unnecessary and wasteful items listed there.

Anything other than what Craig listed?

Get a hot plate for your aluminum molds, they need to stay very hot... Make sure it's not an open coil plate. You can also get lead cheaper than that...

I'll have to look into the hot plate idea. Are you talking about the griddle style for cooking?

Those Hornady dies have a small shield that kind of guides the bullet into the brass You do have to buy shell holders...

Now that you say that, I remember a Lock n Load video on youtube where the guy says he prefers the Hornady seating die. That must be why.

3 loadbooks. If I see another "ima start 'loadin" list without books on it, wreckin' will ensue. It speaks volumes to your mindset , what makes it on your kit list for any endeavor.

Wreckin'? Don't tell me you're one of those macho-behind-the-screen forum contributors. I've been looking into load manuals, they just didn't come to mind when I was picturing each step of the process to come up with this list. Please give me some insight to my mindset, having read apparently only one of my few posts. I digress.

... it would be a little overwhelming to try to learn casting my own bullets at the same time I am trying to figure out the reloading part. I started with lead bullets and soon found out that can be challenging by itself...

You're right, learning both at the same time would be a lot to ask. I plan to get a handle on the basics with jacketed bullets, and then start casting my own. I figure, you can always melt the flawed castings.

I'll Jump into the FCD thing...The bullet movement in those actions is wild. I've seen rounds sucked in .008 to .012 in the mag. I've also had popouts (xtreme bullets in this cal are scary, short and no cannelure). The FCD helped (on jacketed rds w/cannelure) minimize the movement. Otherwise, I am with the guy's that don't see the use for them.
Welcome to the twilight zone of reloading. You'll learn to love your basement

This makes me want to crimp. Are there any disadvantages to crimping? If not the Lee Factory Crimp, taper crimp?

I already love my basement. That's where my kegerator is! Don't worry, I won't be handling explosives and homebrew at the same time.

First off you need to get a good Single stage press... You will need a single stage anyways for the ammo plant, everyone does no matter what progressive they decide to buy. I would spend a $55.00 more and buy the Lee Classic Cast turret press... I know people...using the Classic Cast turret press as their primary for decades, they never did go to a progressive. And it won't break the bank...

Wow. That thing is impressive for the price. I'll have to look into that a bit more. Why do you say everyone needs a single stage? Unless they're hand loading precision bullets or sizing casts, I see no reason to go back from a progressive if you already have one.

There are some great deals on the lee starter kits out there, that hand press would become a real pain in short order , and those kits come pretty much with everything you need to start loading...all you need are the dies powder and some bullets , and for gods sake get a good manual or three

Okay okay, I'll add the manuals to the list! I'm still not sold on the single stages, but I'll look into them some more. That Lee Classic Turret makes me wonder what else I haven't seen yet.

 

[FMJBT]

If you want to do any rifle rounds, especially anything bigger than a 223, you'll want a single stage. You're arms will get over it very quickly

 

[larryh1108]

http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision...challenger+breech+lock+single+stage+press+kit

Highly recommend.
A hand press has it's charm but will get old, fast.

 

[hcinciripini]

I'm looking at various die sets, and the Hornady site shows 9mm dies available in 9x18, "9mm Luger-9x21", 9x23, and 9mm-380. I don't see 9x19 anywhere.

What's up with these?
http://www.hornady.com/store/9mm-Luger-9-x-21-.355-3-Die-Set/
http://www.hornady.com/store/9mm-Luger-9-x-21-.355-Taper-Crimp-3-Die-Set/