Used stuff

[WestKentucky]

I am looking for some dies and possibly some tools like a case trimmer. I am a touch short on disposable cash and was considering buying used stuff off of eBay or some of the other auction sites. Anybody done this? I have bought from people I know before and have tried the stuff before buying, but never from a stranger. Opinions would be welcomed as would suggestions on where to buy cheap gear.

 

[Havok7416]

I bought my whole press and accessories off ebay (about $1,400 worth for $700). I use a Dillon 550b and have no problems with it or the equipment. The press had some gunk on it, but that was taken care of in minutes. There was an older powder measure in the grab bag too, but it still works just fine.

Most of the press manufacturers have good warranties anyway that extend through the life of the press, not the life of the owner.

I say go for it! As for places to get stuff like that, ebay works, as does the classified section of this very forum.

 

[clearcut]

Hey West stay on the highroad and look or post in pay it forward or private sales.

CC

 

[loose noose]

Buyer beware! As far as buying used Dies I would say no, from a stranger, as far as scales absolutely no! so what does that leave, buy once new and be forever satisfied, unless you can see it and use it first, I'd definitely say no! Just think how much your firearms cost, not to mention what your life is worth.

 

[John C]

I disagree with loose noose about dies. I actively seek out used dies, and have not been burned yet. Dies stand up to tens of thousands of repetitions before wearing out, and most reloaded won't come near that in several lifetimes.

 

[plmitch]

Well said John C. I've bought lots of used dies and no problems.

 

[W.E.G.]

The best used bargains are on the more-expensive presses.

I would not hesitate to buy a used press or micrometer powder measure that has all the parts. Problem is, by the time you pay the auction price and shipping for a "nicer" used press, you might have bought a cheaper press new, and locally for about the same money.

I guess I'm saying there is a certain minimum you are going to spend to get into reloading no matter how you slice it.

 

[jaguarxk120]

Buying used works, it is just you have to know what your looking or buying.

Sportsman swaps are great as you can look and see how they operate.

I have several "used" presses, RCBS A2, Texan Turret, Hollywood universal turret. All out of production, but there is nothing made today that can compare to them.

I would buy used in a heart beat.

 

[flashhole]

I have never ... ever ... had a problem with any piece of used reloading equipment. Dies, presses, trimmers, gauges, measures ... all function flawlessly. Just avoid buying something that looks like it's been abused. eBay is not what it once was for used reloading equipment. I see a lot of used stuff going for near new prices. Still, there are good deals to be had if you are patient.

 

[Jimfern]

Used stuff is generally OK, esp. if you can try it out before you buy it. Garage sales are a good source if you have the time.

 

[lightman]

I would suggest trying the classifieds on this site and any other that you like to visit. I browse Gun Broker and E-bay for kicks, and the prices are way too high, on the average. Local newspapers or the for sale board at your local range or club may produce something worthwhile. Lightman

 

[JWH321]

I have new expanding, seating, and Crimping dies. I have a new scale.

Everything else is used (including the brass). There are lost of folks who start out with "starter" equipment (duh...) and quickly need more complex stuff. Their starter equipment goes for pennies on the dollar, and in many instances is hardly used.

My Rock Chucker was several years old when I bought it for under $40. I took it home, cleaned it, lubed it, and put it to work. There was hardly any wear, and most of the paint was even still intact. My Lyman #55 was also under $40. It looked horrible. I put it in the dishwasher after soaking it for a bit. Then I polished up the brass parts and replaced the powder container ($8.00). It works perfectly. I wanted new main die sets, but I was willing to settle for used for the decapping and primer seating dies. Bought the pair for $30. I wanted a balance beam scale, but the used ones looked pretty used so I bought a new one, and a new Hornady digital while I was about it. I also bought a used puller die and a couple of new collets. I have way under $500 -- probably under $400 in my whole bench. I've put out about 3K 9mm rounds. All of them went bang. And I had a helluva lot of fun learning new stuff.

The day may come when I find powder again so that I can continue the process. Used powder is pretty hard to find though.

 

[WestKentucky]

I want to use ye olde thr trading post but I R not able yet. As soon as I get able-ified I will post my wants there...and here...257 bullets of the extreme light variety for use in a .256 win mag. .256 press dies (lee classic hand loader sucks), 44 mag dies, .430 lead and a case trimmer. Oh yeah and a partridge in a pear tree.

 

[rcmodel]

I would have no worries about buying used dies, scales, presses, powders measures, or anything else on eBay.

If I could only get past their anti-gun policies.

The good stuff on eBay comes from estates and auctions.
Or dealers.

Just keep in mind, It is what it is when you get in the mail!

Could be scratched or galled dies?
Could be a rusty or cracked press?
Could be a .308 sizing die and a 30-30 seating die?
Could be brand new and you paid more for it then you would have at Midway.

The folks who sell reloading stuff on eBay are one of three types.
* Either junk dealer eBay sellers who know nothing about reloading.
* Or re-loaders unloading old equipment to up-grade.
* Or reloading supply Dealers who have learned they can sell for a higher price on eBay then they can sell any other way.

rc

 

[loose noose]

I would say clarification is in order here, basically what RC said, I'm not a big fan of buying sight unseen from unknown persons such as E-Bay. You never know what your getting, further the LGS I work at part time, had some Mec Shotgun Presses and a Lyman Turret Press, "slightly" used that he was selling for very close to new, as well as some reloading dies, and casting molds. The owner of the LGS has no idea how much this stuff actually sells for and just slaps a price tag on it. When told about it he just stated somebody will buy it, and believe it or not some fool did.

 

[Hondo 60]

I say go for it!
Bought my 550 used

If it turns out that you bought a loose press, the mfgs are all pretty good about fixing 'em.

 

[wgaynor]

Seek out those that want to Mentor others in this hobby. I've had two such kind folks set me up with a used Rock Chucker, dies, manuals, lead pot for casting, ladles, bullet molds, and lubrisizer.

PM sent to ya. I might have some stuff for you.

 

[rbernie]

I've bought a few used MEC presses used from a local shop, and been very happy with the results.

 

[hartcreek]

You have to keep your eyes open everywhere. Two cases in point.....my current Rock Crusher I picked up for ten bucks at the Goodwill I also got my vibe tumbler there for $15.

 

[witchhunter]

Well, I would like to hear about the .256. I have no problem with used dies, as long as they look good. Good luck.

 

[Maj Dad]

Shop Local - THR

I would trust this site before eBay, but I have bought from both. Use your noodle, ask questions, ask for pics if need be, and establish a rapport with the seller (on here, at least). I have made friends here, buying and selling; I think that is representative of us shooters & reloaders.

 

[WestKentucky]

Don't get me wrong, I have presses and dies, I just want to add two sets of dies to my bench rather than use lee classic hammer loaders til the cows come home. I have 4 ss presses, 2 of which I use, one earmarked for dad and one that is a good candidate for an anchor. Case trimmer is needed for .256, especially when I start forming from .357 mag. I even have 3 sets of rcbs dies to trade off that I don't plan to use in 38spl (I load through 357 dies) .270 win (have 3 sets due to buying complete benches, one earmarked for dad) and 45acp which I despise, but should keep to feed dads 1911...so earmarked for dad. I have 38/357, 44m/s, 256win mag, and 223 lee classic sets that I hope to never have to use again. I also need to find homes for 3 powder drops that I can't operate to suit me. Not to mention the extra powder drop and scale earmarked for dad. I have a whole extra bench ready to go...just need him to finish cleaning out my niece and nephews crap from my old room. Oh well...I will keep posting on Facebook trade sites and hope to land a trade/sale/deal.

 

[kerreckt]

I have bought lots of used reloading equipment and have never had a problem. I always communicate with the seller and try to get a sense of the person. If, I can't communicate with the person, I consider it a bad omen and stay away. I have gotten to know some folks this way and they will many times offer me stuff before they list it to the general public.

 

[x_wrench]

i have bought a fair amount of used reloading equipment over the years. i have also sold some. the most recent was a used Lyman 450 for $65.00 shipped to me. it turned out pretty good, but it did need a new pressure screw. i have bought some stuff that was junk also. but overall, i would "guestimate" about 75-80% of it was good. ask lots of questions, and hope they are not trying to mis lead you on purpose.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I am looking for some dies and possibly some tools like a case trimmer. I am a touch short on disposable cash and was considering buying used stuff off of eBay or some of the other auction sites. Anybody done this? I have bought from people I know before and have tried the stuff before buying, but never from a stranger. Opinions would be welcomed as would suggestions on where to buy cheap gear.

If it were me I would search the "for sale" forums on sites like this or other guns sites. You are less likely to get beat because most guys on the forums want to keep their good name. Also, unlike Ebay the people on the forum are not anti-gun!

What are you looking for?