I only shoot 9mm and .22 so I would only load 9mm but my collection seems to be growing rather than shrinking so who knows what I will be shooting in a couple years. I am leaning towards reloading because I will have this stuff for life and it sounds interesting and something I would be into. Would it be worth casting 9mm If I have alot of free time? With the lack of small pistol primers would it be worth investing in a single stage setup that includes everything needed(including manual) ~$150 with cast tools.
Should I start reloading/casting?
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wankerjake
Member
I would only recommend casting if yo uhave a lot of free time. I wanted to do it but realized I just don't have the time. I buy 9mm lead bullets @ $20/500. Also I'd recommend a turret press over a single stage for 9mm. It is waaaay faster, you won't be disappointed. The best deal I found was thru kempfgunshop.com, I got the lee classic turret press package and I love it. I shoot 9mm for like $4.50 a box and it's good stuff. I do about 200 rounds an hour when I get rolling. The only thing I recommend adding to the setup is a set of scales to make sure your powder thrower is accurate. Sometimes it is off a little and it pays to be certain. Good luck, reloading is fun and fullfilling.https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=630&category_id=26&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41
jfh
Member.
wankerjake hit the highlights pretty well.
As he said--
If you're only going to be reloading for handgun ammunition, a turret press--the Lee presses, specifically--is a better way to go. You can use them as a single stage press to learn on, then use them as a "semiprogressive" to work faster when you know your basics.
IMO, casting is an entirely different element of the hobby, and I would buy bullets for now, setting aside the casting part for later--after you've decided whether or not you like reloading.
Other questions, ask away....meanwhile, read the stickys at the top of the page, and use search here to find more threads on lists of equipment suitable to the type of reloading you want to do.
Jim H.
As he said--
If you're only going to be reloading for handgun ammunition, a turret press--the Lee presses, specifically--is a better way to go. You can use them as a single stage press to learn on, then use them as a "semiprogressive" to work faster when you know your basics.
IMO, casting is an entirely different element of the hobby, and I would buy bullets for now, setting aside the casting part for later--after you've decided whether or not you like reloading.
Other questions, ask away....meanwhile, read the stickys at the top of the page, and use search here to find more threads on lists of equipment suitable to the type of reloading you want to do.
Jim H.
Cosmoline
Member
Casting involves a good deal more molten metal and can get tricky. You have to know a fair amount just to know what to buy, and usually folks work up a lot of loads before investing in a mold for their ideal weight and dimension for a particular firearm.
I'd suggest starting out with handloading. I use a Lee hand press and really love it. You can use carbide dies for the nine and just whip through the brass. I also use a hand primer.
I'd suggest starting out with handloading. I use a Lee hand press and really love it. You can use carbide dies for the nine and just whip through the brass. I also use a hand primer.
RustyFN
Member
I would recommend learning to reload before you think about casting. If you decide to cast you want to make sure you have a good supply of cheap lead. Most people get wheel weights from tire stores. If you can get the lead cheap enough or free the it only cost the price of primer and powder to load. That's where I am with 45 auto. I am planning on casting for the rest of my pistols in the near future. I would also recommend starting with the Lee classic turret if you will be loading pistol.
On my Lee 50th Anniversary single stage I load about 50 rounds per hour, using the batch loading process.(do one step on 50 cases, switch dies and do the 2nd step on that50 etc.) On my Lee Classic 4-hole turret it is 150-200 rounds per hour. 4 handle pulls and you have a finished round.
The actual inital cost difference between single and turret kit is really not that great. Down the road if you add calibers you just buy another $8 turret, set the new dies up in that and you're good to go.
The actual inital cost difference between single and turret kit is really not that great. Down the road if you add calibers you just buy another $8 turret, set the new dies up in that and you're good to go.
RustyFN
Member
With a single stage you will load in batches. Size a bunch, then prime, then expand, then charge and last seat and crimp. Each different step requires you to change the die in the press. Most people load 50 to 75 rounds per hour on a single stage.
With a turret all of the dies are in the press at the same time and you can load a round from start to finish. With the Lee classic turret the turret will auto index allowing you to load close to 200 rounds per hour. This is the classic turret in action.
http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/videos/Turret%20Press/loading%20on%20turret-1.wmv
I have been loading on a classic turret close to four years and think it's a very nice press.
With a turret all of the dies are in the press at the same time and you can load a round from start to finish. With the Lee classic turret the turret will auto index allowing you to load close to 200 rounds per hour. This is the classic turret in action.
http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/videos/Turret%20Press/loading%20on%20turret-1.wmv
I have been loading on a classic turret close to four years and think it's a very nice press.
Seedtick
Member
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I say start reloading now and as far as components go, read primers, they seem to be a little more available every few days. In the beginning you'll have enough to keep track of without casting and you'll know when you're ready to start making your own boolits.
It is almost a given that you will be shooting more when you are shooting ammo that you have built.
Trust us on this.
But if you decide to start with a single stage that ain't a bad choice either. You will always find one as handy as an extra pocket on a shirt. It won't be wasted money wherever this adventure goes.
So go ahead and take the plunge it's a lot of fun. Welcome to the addiction.
ST
I say start reloading now and as far as components go, read primers, they seem to be a little more available every few days. In the beginning you'll have enough to keep track of without casting and you'll know when you're ready to start making your own boolits.
I couldn't see myself shooting over 400rds per month would it still be beneficial? end quote:
It is almost a given that you will be shooting more when you are shooting ammo that you have built.
Trust us on this.
But if you decide to start with a single stage that ain't a bad choice either. You will always find one as handy as an extra pocket on a shirt. It won't be wasted money wherever this adventure goes.
So go ahead and take the plunge it's a lot of fun. Welcome to the addiction.
ST
I'm curious what you guys think of my potential setup. I will probably purchase the bullet molds just to save on shipping. Anything missing or anything I don't need? a single stage would save me $40.
powder funnel
reloading tray/s
lee carbide 3 die set 9mm
lee 2 cavity 124gr 9mm mold
mold dipper
Lee 3 Hole Turret Press with Manual Index
Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner
Lee Perfect Powder Measure
Lee Safety Magnetic Powder Scale 100 Grain Capacity
Frankford Arsenal Micro Reloading Electronic Powder Scale 750 Grain Capacity
Lee Auto Prime Hand Priming Tool
powder funnel
reloading tray/s
lee carbide 3 die set 9mm
lee 2 cavity 124gr 9mm mold
mold dipper
Lee 3 Hole Turret Press with Manual Index
Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner
Lee Perfect Powder Measure
Lee Safety Magnetic Powder Scale 100 Grain Capacity
Frankford Arsenal Micro Reloading Electronic Powder Scale 750 Grain Capacity
Lee Auto Prime Hand Priming Tool
IMHO get the Classic 4-Hole turret kit (like from Kempf's) The Classic is cast iron, not aluminum. I've only loaded with Lee's 4 die set myself. I also prefer to drop charges on the turret so I use the Pro Auto-disk powder measure with the adjustable charge bar and riser..
I rarely use the Lee beam scale and mostly use a $30 digital from MTM, their DS-1250.
You also need calipers ( I find the $30 Harbor Freight digital works just fine) and of course a reloading manual or two.
I only buy Berry or Ranier plated bulets so others can comment on what all you need to cast your own. Buying any of the low cost cast bullets would be cheaper but my local indoor range does not allow them.
I rarely use the Lee beam scale and mostly use a $30 digital from MTM, their DS-1250.
You also need calipers ( I find the $30 Harbor Freight digital works just fine) and of course a reloading manual or two.
I only buy Berry or Ranier plated bulets so others can comment on what all you need to cast your own. Buying any of the low cost cast bullets would be cheaper but my local indoor range does not allow them.
i stumbled upon this kit 4 hole turret press with auto index. What else would i need other than this kit,reload book,hand primer,dies,tray,and caliper?
This Deluxe Kit includes: Turret Press with Auto Index, Auto Disk Powder Measure, Safety Scale, Primer Pocket Cleaner, Cutter and Lock Stud and Chamfer Tool.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=622290
This Deluxe Kit includes: Turret Press with Auto Index, Auto Disk Powder Measure, Safety Scale, Primer Pocket Cleaner, Cutter and Lock Stud and Chamfer Tool.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=622290
rfwobbly
Member
+1 for Seedtick.
If you want to shoot lead, then order some bullets from Missouri Bullets and get on with it. Working out the reloading process is going to take several months by itself. Why would you want to make things harder by having to learn lead alloying at the same time? Besides smelting and pouring lead is an outdoors summertime job, not an indoors winter thing.
Sure. Start gathering wheel weights and casting supplies now. Read up on fluxing your lead, the lubes to use, find out about sizing, but save the casting for next summer. You'll feel pretty stupid if you order an expensive bullet mold now and then find out your gun doesn't like that shape bullet! The best way to prevent that is to order 100 of every 9mm shape Missouri Bullet makes, and then shoot them. Work out your loads and find the right powders with someone else's bullets first!
Start with baby steps.
There is also this one, just need to add a scale?
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41
or you can build up your own kit from these folks who have great prices:
http://factorysales.com/html/xcart/catalog/index.html
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41
or you can build up your own kit from these folks who have great prices:
http://factorysales.com/html/xcart/catalog/index.html
I'd also strongly suggest you read all the posts on this reloading forum and others,. Do searches under Lee Turret and you will get lots of hits. Most Lee folks will recommend the Classic turret, not the Deluxe. But in the end it's all up to you and your needs vs budget.
Heck I started out by buying the Lee 50th Anniversary single stage kit, and within a month I went to Cabelas and bought the Classic turret and then ordered extra turrets, the auto-pro and other items from Midway USA
Heck I started out by buying the Lee 50th Anniversary single stage kit, and within a month I went to Cabelas and bought the Classic turret and then ordered extra turrets, the auto-pro and other items from Midway USA
bullseye308
Member
Start to buy everything you can as you can afford it or find it. You will at some point need it or be able to re-sell it and break even. If you decide to get into casting later, you will by that time have what you need to get started. Start looking for sources of lead and primers now, as those two seem to be what is holding most folks back. They make great trading material if needed later on.
Just get it now if you can, you'll have it if you need it later on without having to piece it all together.
Just get it now if you can, you'll have it if you need it later on without having to piece it all together.
qajaq59
Member
I have to go along with the "learn to load first" and then add the casting. You'll have enough to do when you start, so there's no point in overloading yourself. Collect the casting stuff as you go along though for later.
I haven't bought from Missouris bullets because I cast my own, but he seems to have a good reputation, and if you write him for info he probably would be helpful.
And read everything you can find on both hobbies, plus start building a good solid bench to work on. There is nothing that will make you more crazy then a shaky reloading bench.
Loading is actually quite easy. There are less then 10 steps to it, and if you simply follow the rules you'll never have a problem. Just remember, when it says MAX, it means max.
I haven't bought from Missouris bullets because I cast my own, but he seems to have a good reputation, and if you write him for info he probably would be helpful.
And read everything you can find on both hobbies, plus start building a good solid bench to work on. There is nothing that will make you more crazy then a shaky reloading bench.
Loading is actually quite easy. There are less then 10 steps to it, and if you simply follow the rules you'll never have a problem. Just remember, when it says MAX, it means max.
lordgroom
Member
Casting is an investment in time and some up front $. I enjoy it as much as reloading and as much as shooting. That said, reload first using lead bullets and then cast. I would not buy a 2 cavity Lee mold because the 6 cavity are so much faster, especially for handgun rounds. I can make about 600-700 bullets an hour with a 6 cavity and only about 240 an hour with a 2 cavity. I also never use a dipper. It is a cheap way to start but I prefer using a bottom pour pot.
Reloading: I started with an inexpensive electronic scale and eventually bout a used Ohaus beam scale the is exactly the same as an RCBS 10-10. I don't regret it.
For your needs I would recommend a Turret press. Also, I am not impressed with the perfect powder measure.
The deluxe kit looks good.
Reloading: I started with an inexpensive electronic scale and eventually bout a used Ohaus beam scale the is exactly the same as an RCBS 10-10. I don't regret it.
For your needs I would recommend a Turret press. Also, I am not impressed with the perfect powder measure.
The deluxe kit looks good.
Vern Humphrey
Member
One great advantage of a turret press is you can set everything up and leave it set up. In my 6-hole Lyman Spar-T, I usually have a 3-die pistol set, a 2-die rifle set, and a universal decapper. When reloading pistol ammo, I can switch from sizing/decapping to flaring to bullet seating without changing dies. The next day I can load a batch of rifle ammo, again without changing or re-adjusting any dies.
Fatelvis
Member
Reloading and casting are two different "hobbies". I would learn all about reloading, and know what you're doing completely (using store bought cast bullets first). Then when you have reloading mastered, start casting. Oh, and when buying bullets for 9mm, try .357" diameter cast bullets instead of the commonly used .356" ones. (If the caster offers a choice, of course!). I have noticed that the vast majority of pistols will shoot more accurately, with no leading, using the slightly larger bullet. Good luck!
Bula
Member
I cast everything I shoot. When you're only shooting 9mm, it isn't worth the effort. Once you get into 44 mag or 45 colt, thats a different story. 310 gr gas checked bullets are very expensive when compared to my cost for casting them. I'm betting once you start loading, you'll venture into calibers that frightened you because of the cost of feeding them. Enjoy, read a ton on the subject, and post your questions no matter how simple you think they are. Lots of good, very intelligent, experienced people here. They're always willing to help.
It may be worth it for me as money is tight these days.
buying bullets $133 1000rd 11 for powder 28 for primers 22hazmat 72 for bullets
casting free lead = $58 per 1000 (assuming I can get free wheelweight)
casting with lead at $1 per lb = $76
buying bullets $133 1000rd 11 for powder 28 for primers 22hazmat 72 for bullets
casting free lead = $58 per 1000 (assuming I can get free wheelweight)
casting with lead at $1 per lb = $76
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Nate1778
Member
Start reloading, wait on the casting.
I also cast everything I shoot, I have a good lead source though and time to do it. It is a different hobby though all together. Sometimes it can be tough enough coming up with a decent load with all factory parts. When you throw in home cast boolits it add a whole new amount of things that can and will go wrong with any given load. IMO I would hate for you to get frustrated right out of the gate and give up.
Now that said, order the mold. Mess around with it. cast a few off the gas burner of your grill. Give it a shot, but have other bullets to start loading with. I would be lying if I said I didn't like casting.
And contrary to what has been said, casting is perfectly fine on your health. Ventilate when smelting and don't chew the stuff and you'll be OK.
Check out Missouri Bullet, you can get bullets much cheaper than you think and they offer a THR discount.
http://www.missouribullet.com/
I also cast everything I shoot, I have a good lead source though and time to do it. It is a different hobby though all together. Sometimes it can be tough enough coming up with a decent load with all factory parts. When you throw in home cast boolits it add a whole new amount of things that can and will go wrong with any given load. IMO I would hate for you to get frustrated right out of the gate and give up.
Now that said, order the mold. Mess around with it. cast a few off the gas burner of your grill. Give it a shot, but have other bullets to start loading with. I would be lying if I said I didn't like casting.
And contrary to what has been said, casting is perfectly fine on your health. Ventilate when smelting and don't chew the stuff and you'll be OK.
Check out Missouri Bullet, you can get bullets much cheaper than you think and they offer a THR discount.
http://www.missouribullet.com/
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