Author Topic: Reloader or New Grips? (Read 909 times)

Gdbyrd · « **on:** January 08, 2007, 03:44:30 PM »

For my next purchase..AFTER getting my Encore(On order..please hurry) I'm considering making one of two purchases...I plan on shooting quite a bit..so I'm thinking seriously about getting into reloading...but everyone Ive talked to said you don't end up saving money with reloading as opposed to buying ammo in bulk. And the main reason I'd get into reloading is to save money. So if I'm going to end up breaking even..or spending more than I would buying in bulk, then it's something I'll stay away from for now.

My other option is to just make what I'm getting more comfortable and pretty-Georgia Jim is going to be more than happy to set me up with something.

So, grips from Mr. Jim..or a reloader..looking specifically at Lee's Anniversary kit as it's really cheap and has just about everything I'd need aside from dies.

spinafish · « **Reply #1 on:** January 08, 2007, 05:31:20 PM »

here's the way I look at it..reloading is addictive.. you will find all sorts of equipment and gadgets you will JUST have to have..not necessarily to save money, but to build the best ammo you can get for particular firearms..especially the way components have skyrocketed in price as of late..go ahead and get the grips you want..shoot factory for a time, but save all your and your buddies brass. When you have the funds built back up..get into reloading..Just remember you don't have to jump in with both feet..I loaded for ten years with a handheld Lee press..check out e-bay..estate sales..or just ask around..maybe some of your hunting/shooting buddies some equipment they are no longer using..you will want to get into reloading at sometime, it adds a whole new dimension to the shooting sports.

flyfisher · « **Reply #2 on:** January 09, 2007, 05:42:13 AM »

As far as reloading for the Contender/Encore pistols is concerned, it is a great thing. Those shorter barrels seem to do much better with my handloads rather than factory loads. I use only 14" barrels and each barrel likes particular loads that are not offered from any factory. By handloading for the shorter barrels and choosing the proper powders and quantities, I think that you'll find your loads to be more accurate and more efficient than what factory loads have to offer. That's not to say that factory loads won't work...

As far as loading presses and tools, I always try to buy good stuff, and I find that RCBS is just that. Sure, you can buy more expensive stuff and sure, you can buy cheaper stuff, but I really prefer RCBS to anything. I've found most all of the Lee stuff to be junk. Sorry, but just my opinion.

Any way you look at it, if you start reloading, you're going to be addicted and you're going to sink a bunch of money into the hobby, but you only live once...have some fun while you're here.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 09, 2007, 06:04:29 AM »

Reloading does save money if you don't shot a lot. Take for instance my 500 Mag, at anywhere from $25.00 to $40.00 for 12 to 20 rounds. I can reload 100 rounds for just one box of factory rounds.

Where you don't save is, you get to shoot more. That is why you don't save any money. But you do get to SHOOT more.

Tae a 44 Mag and load up 100 rounds, then go buy 100 rounds and see what cost more. Now your initial cost is going to be there but in the long run you make up for it.

If you get into reloading, get the RCBS reloader, better than Lee in my opinion. Also reloading you make custom ammo tailored to your gun. Nothing like rolling you own.

Kywoodwrkr · « **Reply #4 on:** January 09, 2007, 11:01:24 AM »

gdbyrd,
You can save a lot of money!
As long as you look at all the money you have invested in reloading gear as a savings account.
I'm doing real well saving.
I have $4550.50 savings in 125 sets of reloading dies and forming dies.
Also have a savings of $4350.00 in 136 bullet moulds.
Now if you do indeed want to save money, I suggest you find someone as dumb as me and ask him or her to reload for you.

I've been reloading since 1957 when I started using a Herters press in our old farm garage.
I see someone suggested RCBS.
You can't go wrong with RCBS.
However Lee has two presses, I am very much in favor of.
They are the two cast iron presses, one is single stage and the other is the turret.
They are both outstanding presses, as is the RCBS Jr and Rock Chucker.
I don't like Lee's alloy presses for anything except small basic jobs-ie seating bullets, crimping pistol ammunition.
You need to know how to reload to be able to shoot rifles like the Siamese mausers and various others for which ammunition is non existent or fairly high to buy, but easy to form and reload.
You have to shoot an awful lot of say 40 S&W to save any money when you can buy the loaded ammo for about $9.50 a box.
You have to ask yourself-Do I enjoy things like reloading?
If you do then its a hobby. As a business I don't think you'd make it.
Just my, maybe warped, opinion.
FWIW
DaveP kywoodwrkr

rickyp · « **Reply #5 on:** January 09, 2007, 11:08:07 AM »

Reloading will save you a lot of money (after you are set up) or let you shoot a lot more for the same amount. I even cast most of my own bullets this saves me a lot of money. for about $35 to $45 (depending where I get my powder and primers) I can load about 500 rounds of 454.
for someone starting out the lee kit is great and will serve you well. lee is nothing fancy and doesn't have all the bells and whistles as others, but works just as well.

You will also want to get you a set of G.J. grips well worth the money I have a set and it helps with recoil of my big boomers. Jim Is a great person to deal with, he made me just want I needed and went well above.

jw4570 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 09, 2007, 04:04:53 PM »

I say go with RCBS, everything I own of theirs is quality, and the warranty cannot be beat.

LEE equipment has it's place. You can save money with LEE. The example of 44 Mag is a good one. It doesn't take long to recoup the investment. However, it's like everything else, it's an economy of scale. The LEE generally won't last as long.

I have know two people to buy the new RCBS Supreme starter kit (yeah, like $250) in the last couple years. Both are pleased. One was a new reloader, and one was a previous reloader and that was getting serious again and decided to upgrade equipment because the package price was really good (and it was on sale).

I will say this, buy a LEE shellholder set, it fits most common calibers, and it's only like $15 for 10-11 shellholders. You can add the rare cartridge ones later one by one.

Later, I got a Dillon 550 for high production, but I still think everyone should start single stage. I still load odd calibers single stage.

Gdbyrd · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2007, 05:45:51 PM »

I'm beginning to think that if I can save money from reloading..I should go that route..Today I spent 100 $$ on ammo..jut for plinking..and this is cheap FMJ stuff. I was given the advice from another forum I used to frequent to pick up a

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0032406215925a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=lee+kit&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=lee+kit&noImage=0

Then to pick up a set of dies: For me right now after getting a SRH today in .44 http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=search-cat20847_TGP&id=0012803214611a&navCount=29&podId=0012803&parentId=cat20847&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20847&hasJS=true

Then get a reloading manual and I'd be set on a small scale for less than what I spent today for my hour of plinking.

Gdbyrd · « **Reply #8 on:** January 09, 2007, 06:08:36 PM »

I'm very hesitant to spend a lot of money on this as I'm the kind of person that has seasonal hobbies. It's rediculous the number of things I've put money into and only use but a few times a year...and with season ending soon my life will switch back to beach going, kayaking, and snorkeling....and most of my guns will be put up..only to be shot a couple times a month hunting piggies or javelina.

So, I don't want to spend a lot of money because I won't be using this year round..I'm just trying to find a way to save money on a something I've really begun to enjoy....and I'm getting tired of promising the wife..no honey, this time I won't spend a lot buying shells..only to come home with a bill and a smile that doesn't last through her complaining about me spending way too much.

Sharps-Nut · « **Reply #9 on:** January 10, 2007, 03:11:43 AM »

Don't overlook gunshow for both components and used reloading stuff. I have out fitted several friends with good used rcbs presses powder dumps and scales a gunshowns for half new price.

hardertr · « **Reply #10 on:** January 10, 2007, 09:32:07 AM »

I dealt with the same issue you are...only 10 years ago.

I chose to go the route of a Lee Anniversary kit. It has done everything I asked it to, and more. When I started, I reloaded for my 30-06, 270, 357 mag and 44 mag. I used to keep track of EXACTLY how much my components cost (brass, bullets, powder and primers) as well as a total invested in equipment. It took about 6 months to make my money back when I compared it to the cheap ammo I would have otherwise bought....not BULK...just "white box" ammo.

A lot of experienced reloaders will bag on Lee, and especially the press that comes with the anniversary kit. I have nothing but positive comments on the kit. It did a wonderful job FOR A BEGINNER. I have since moved to a Dillon 550, but keep my Lee mounted to the table as well. I plan to use it for my mil-surp (7.62X54, 7.5X55 Swiss) and even my other rounds I only use a box or two of shells per year (like the 243, 7-08, 300 WinMag and 30-06). Once you get into reloading a lot of handgun rounds (100+) you will probably want to move up to a better progressive press. Progressives also come in handy when it's time to reload for the my AR and SKS.

My suggestion, go with the Anniversary kit....and keep track of how quickly it pays for itself. You will also get the satisfaction of knowing YOU built each and every round sent down range.

Gdbyrd · « **Reply #11 on:** January 10, 2007, 10:31:17 AM »

Hardertr, ty for the comments. I found a shop about an hour away that said they could get me setup, out the door with everything for 70-100...but I don't know if that includes powders and dies, etc.

What else..after buying the Lee Anniversary kit is needed to start reloading? Dies, powder, and primers right? It says it comes with a chart for reloading...would that get me by until I could pick up a manual?

hardertr · « **Reply #12 on:** January 10, 2007, 12:09:05 PM »

Most importantly....get a good reloading book! You can usually find "last years edition" fairly cheap at the bookstores. You won't need the latest edition. The reloading instructions in the reloading kit do a fairly good job at explaining the basic concept of reloading, but you will benefit from having a Lymann, Hodgdon's or Speer book for information and data. "The ABC's of Reloading" is also pretty good. Most of the data you will need for basic reloading will also come with each set of Lee dies.

If you get a set of Lee dies, they come with the shellholder. If you get another brand, you will need to buy the shellholder too.

Get your bullets, primers and powder from a local dealer (Walmart usually has the best deals, or try a local gun shop). Shipping is pretty expensive for powder (explosive) and bullets (lead is heavy).

That's really about all I can think of right now that you will need to get started. Make sure you save your brass (and pick up extra brass you find at the range). Eventually you will also need to pick up a case trimmer (the cheap lee trimmers work) and a tumbler to clean your brass.

When you go to the shop, ask them if they will cut you a deal on a kit, dies and all of the components. The kit by itself should be under $80 with tax.

neald · « **Reply #13 on:** January 10, 2007, 01:54:27 PM »

well here is my two cents worth.
First , you can shoot a lot more for the same amount yhay you would spend on factory ammo.
Second, you will save even more if yo start casting bullets.
You can pick up used equipment fairly reasonable, just have to make sure it is not worn out or abused.
I will not bad mouth Lee loaders, they have ther place. Some can only afford the more inexpensive stuff. I would not buy a non-steel or iron unit. no matter whos name is on it,

I have a few sets of Lee dies, they work just fine. My only dislike is the O-ring under the locking nut. It works just fine except the die has to be readjusted ever time you remove it and reinstall it.

I bought a Lyman turret so I can set up the dies and leave them be.
RCBS and Lyman are both good, prices go up from there onmost of the other brands, some are heaveir or just higher priced because of lack of sale( my own opinion)

NOW FOR THE DOWNSIDE OF RELOADING.

It can get very addictive!!!!!!!
Now days I go shoot just so I can reload.

Most of the T/C barrels I have bougt over the last few years Are calibers that have to be hand loaded for, no factory ammo available.
Such as the 300 Whisper, 30 Herrett, 357 Herrett. 22 CCM.
Good luck on your decesion.
Neal

hardertr · « **Reply #14 on:** January 10, 2007, 02:44:03 PM »

I just read some of your old posts, and realized you have a 460. This means you will be either buying or RELOADING 460, 454 and 45 colt.

I also saw you plan to get a 308 and maybe 45-70 in the future. You can get by with cheap 308...but you'll want to reload the 45-70.

That reloading set-up will pay for itself LONG before you realize it

Gdbyrd · « **Reply #15 on:** January 10, 2007, 05:34:03 PM »

I also just recently got a SRH in .44, like to reload for that also...I called the local place again after I made the post and they have no kits in stock. The idea of buying everything seperate seems better to me but I'll have to wait and see what they try to set me up with tomorrow. Would have loved to have gone today, but wife skipped out with her mom to do some shopping..so me and the baby learned everything the history channel had to offer us, lol.

My next bit of questions..do you have to have a tumbler? I was reading for revolvers it's more of a voluntary thing, so I'm thinking it'll be the same for my encore. Another site said you can take your brass and soak them in warm water to get them nice and clean also...For case trimming, you said I should pick that up later..I thought that was a necessary thing to do after firing 2-3 times on the same brass. How many times can you reload a given brass..some being higher quality than others..but just say average with normal loads..nothing hot.

I'm despertly trying to keep costs down on this in anyway I can. Im going to pick up a reloading manual tomorrow..then stop by and see what all I can get. Hopefully I'll have a better idea tomorrow as to where I'm going with this...If I don't like what I hear then I'll just order an Anniversary kit from cabela's and go from there.

In the case of the 460..do I have to get dies for the 454, 45LC and 460?

rickyp · « **Reply #16 on:** January 11, 2007, 05:30:38 AM »

If you are looking for reloading stuff how about checking out mid south shooting supply [url][http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com//url]

They have the lee ANNIVERSARY RELOADING KIT for $77.55 and according to the website it is in stock.

or you can try midwayusa.com

You will need a tumbler sooner or latter. the tumbler does more then make the brass shine it also cleans it. If you have a speck of dirt on a case when you resize it it will scratch the die you can use several liquid solutions to clean the brass and they all work OK some better the others but all are messy and require you to let the brass dry before you use it.

Gdbyrd · « **Reply #17 on:** January 11, 2007, 06:08:43 AM »

My biggest question now is do I need a seperate set of dies for 45LC, 454, and 460? If so I think I'm going to cry a little, lol.

My mind is made up though and I am going to get into reloading..I'll try and get setup for as little as I can and see where the addiction takes me.

I played around at Cabela's last night and found I could get everything to reload 44 mag shipped for 60 $..excluding powder, primer, bullet. It'd be a hand press though, and although that'd be GREAT for saving room..and add to the fact that it gets as hot at 110 here in the summers and my garage is not cooled, it's looking pretty good.

So for 60 bucks I'd get a hand press, a case trimmer, a chamfer tool, a set of .44 carbide dies, and a powder measure kit(How is this for beginning compared to a scale?). The more I think about it being hotter than hell outside the more I want to give this a chance...if I really hate it I could pick up a press from a gunshow or if needed order one..

Chuck White · « **Reply #18 on:** January 11, 2007, 06:21:43 AM »

Gdbyrd
Once you get your reloading kits amortized, then you will save, cartridge-for-cartridge!

However, there is no doubt that as you reload, you will shoot more, thus you are spending more money!

If your quantity of cartridges shot doesn't increase, you will be saving money!

Approximately 60% of the cost of factory ammo is the cost of the brass, which can be reused several times when reloading!

Gdbyrd · « **Reply #19 on:** January 11, 2007, 06:32:26 AM »

Hey Chuck, That's what I hear, hehe. I am on more of a time strain than anything for my shooting. I usually only have a couple hours at absolute most to go plink or kill some paper. And that includes getting everything together the drive to and from...so at most I'm finding..between everything I take..I can only shoot about a box..maybe box and a half..I try to take 4-5 guns on purpose so I spread things out a little, lol.

Gdbyrd · « **Reply #20 on:** January 11, 2007, 12:35:44 PM »

Well...staying up late made me stupid..I went ahead and ordered some stuff on Cabelas to get me started....I'll pick up a manual locally and I'll let you guys know how things go. Thanks for all the info and help.

I was still curious, will dies from a 45LC load 454 and 460? I ordered a set of carbide dies in .44

Pharmboy · « **Reply #21 on:** January 12, 2007, 12:32:31 PM »

I say the reloader.
I picked up a TC Contender at a pawn shop. It had 4 barrels 10" in 22lr, 222Rem,44Mag and a 357/44 Bain and Davis. I didn't realize that the Bain and Davis is a Wildcat Cartridge.

I picked up a Lee Anniversary Press, Magtech brass, IMR 4227 Powder, Hornaday dies (full length sizer and seater), Hornaday 125gr XTP bullets, Winchester primers and a shell holder. Now I am a WILDCATTER and having a blast. It costs around $120 start up but you can easily get that money back in what you can save from purchasing factory ammo and to know that you can make your own loads is good for the ego.

Reloading is therapeutic for me. Good Luck>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Jerry