Author Topic: Putting the cart in front of the horse (Read 1561 times)

leverfan · « **on:** January 09, 2005, 07:20:40 PM »

I just ordered a bullet mould, and now I have to buy another lever action rifle to go with it. I didn't even want the dang rifle before, until I saw a really nice mould to go with it. Who else puts their carts in front of their horses around here? This isn't a unique condition, as least not with fellow bullet casters.

Have any of you bought a really nice set of reloading dies, and then started a search for a rifle that actually took that caliber?

I promise, no spouses will be contacted (and told what's really happening to the kids' college fund).

P.S.- When I started this thread, I foolishly expected everybody to read more than just the subject line. Most of you have, and I thank you. For all the other folks out there, I have simplified things by dropping the original, joke subject line.

Just to clear the air, my handle is "leverfan," and it has been since back when I was cruising the old shooters site. My son's name is Henry, like the rifle. Lever actions will always have a place in my safe. The original subject line was just there to generate interest, and it had nothing to do with the actual post. Your results may vary. All rights reserved. See reverse side for details. I'm outta here. :bye:

STW · « **Reply #1 on:** January 09, 2005, 08:09:04 PM »

No, but I had a long look at a m94 style BB gun :grin: at Sportsmans wharehouse for 79.99 last night when I went to pick up some 30-30 cartridges to go shoot my new-to-me '52 m94 for the first time. This is my second '52 30-30 which makes me look obsessive to the wife. I don't know why I need two of them either, but apparently I do.

Had a look at dies and reloading stuff for 30-30 while I was there and don't have any idea where to start. Haven't reloaded and don't know anyone who reloads--don't meet many shooters in my profession. I've read that 30 wcf is a good cartridge for reloading and I've wondered how to get set up with a simple reloading kit for doing a few dozen rifle cartridges at a time.

When I got to the range last night I read the sign on the door saying they don't allow centerfire rifle cart. to be fired anymore

so I still haven't tried out the new rifle. Frustrating but I shot a couple boxes of .45 acp anyway.

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #2 on:** January 09, 2005, 08:23:22 PM »

leverfan,
So you got a set of molds so you can get some cases to load your new bullets in. Next you need a rifle to wrap around your new cartridges.
Sounds perfectly logical to me.

What did you get?
Later,
TnNuc

leverfan · « **Reply #3 on:** January 09, 2005, 09:18:55 PM »

Well, I had a big, wonderful post, and I just sent it to cyber limbo. Dang.

STW, if you ever want to get started reloading, start by reading the latest Lyman manual. If reloading still sounds good, get a Lee Anniversary reloading kit, dies, and cartrdge components. Powder companies will send you load info for free, so you can get extra info to confirm your loads' safety. You might want to start saving brass now. Midsouth is the best place to get good prices on virtually any reloading gear. Midway's selection is bigger, but the prices are higher. If space is short at your home, you might look into Midway's press stand, though. I use one for mounting my spare press, and it fits easily into any closet.

Great handle, Tennessee. I've got a grandmother by that name, and from that state. I need to go get a 44 WCF lever gun to go with a Lee 6 cavity Mav Dutchman special order that I'm mailing off. The rifle will likely need a couple of revolvers to keep it company. Dies, brass, and lots more black powder will also need to be purchased to give meaning to my bullet mould's existence. I didn't realize how badly I needed to own this mould earlier today, and I didn't want a 44 WCF rifle or pistols any more than I want any other caliber, and less than I want some calibers.

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2005, 12:25:48 AM »

Sounds like you have a mixture of Bullet casting/reloading/lever gun sickness to me, I think that would make you incurable.
Welcome to the club. Part of the illness, is inventing new ways to ignore the question (from wife) "how many ....... do you have now?
:-D

Wilbe Lead · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2005, 07:03:34 AM »

Leverfan,
You had me thinking I was going to see something new in my safe from you again!
I got a guy at work into reloading years ago.He travels the back roads of Oregon alot.He started picking brass up everywhere he could find it.
When he got to 1000 rounds of brass.He would get dies and start working the brass in prep for reloading.Then he would start looking for a gun to shoot the shells.
223 and 9mm where first.Last time I talk to him,he had got a 45/70,444,30/06 and 44mag.
He is retired and thats just something loves to do.
Later
Wilbe Lead

leverfan · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2005, 07:59:30 AM »

Quote from: John Y Cannuck

Part of the illness, is inventing new ways to ignore the question (from wife) "how many ....... do you have now?
:-D

Not with Mrs. Leverfan. With her cowboy action arsenal, hunting rifles, etc., I think she might have more guns than me. I do most of her reloading and casting for her, so that gives me carte blanche to buy whatever supplies I "need".

Wilbe Lead-

Not a chance, at least not anytime soon.

I'm still not into picking up brass when I'm out on the logging roads, especially for the guns that Mel is shooting. With her shooting some right handed guns off her left shoulder, I'm sticking to brass with known histories for her. Have you gotten a notice about Lone Oak, yet? I went to the Gun Shop and paid, and they said Gary hasn't even mailed the renewals yet. :shock:

armory414 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 11, 2005, 06:06:03 AM »

I've bought several nice scopes over the years that I need rifles for. . .does that count? I had the chance to pick up some .243 factory ammo pretty cheap a few years ago. Gave me an excuse to buy a .243 rifle last year!!!

Kurt · « **Reply #8 on:** January 20, 2005, 11:09:46 PM »

I had a scope fog up and ended up with a new win FWt classic in 280rem with new Leopold scope. 900 bucks later I had the scope problem fixed.

leverfan · « **Reply #9 on:** January 21, 2005, 08:07:26 AM »

With tax returns just around the corner, I'm already planning on spending up to $1500 to get a rifle and scope to go with the $60 worth of reloads in 260 Remington that I have. I have been trying to talk myself into a less expensive rifle....maybe....

MGMorden · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2005, 01:31:07 PM »

Quote from: leverfan

Have any of you bought a really nice set of reloading dies, and then started a search for a rifle that actually took that caliber?

Somewhat (not on a lever though). I ran across a really good deal on a set of .257 Roberts loading dies so I picked them up. I had a Mauser action sitting around mulling over what to chamber it in. Coming across the die set has made me decide on .257 Roberts :lol:.

george · « **Reply #11 on:** January 21, 2005, 07:57:39 PM »

Quote from: leverfan

Have any of you bought a really nice set of reloading dies, and then started a search for a rifle that actually took that caliber?

Sheepish look as I confess... I tend to continually 'stock-up' on factory ammo, projectiles, cases & yes even the reloading dies, for cartridges I intend to one day have rifles for... the only problem seems to be that my mental wish-list keeps growing

hoser · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2005, 04:19:23 AM »

I thought that was how it was supposed to work. First I pick up a set of dies or a couple of boxes of brass for some caliber I don't have at a auction or garage sale. Then after doing a little research on the desirability/usefulness of that cartridge, I get fired up and start looking for a suitable firearm to utilize my bargain dies/brass in. My wife has caught on to this after many years of watching but she has given up on me and my sickness anyway so she doesn't protest much.

hoser · « **Reply #13 on:** January 22, 2005, 06:31:39 AM »

I thought that was how it was supposed to work. First I pick up a set of dies or a couple of boxes of brass for some caliber I don't have at a auction or garage sale. Then after doing a little research on the desirability/usefulness of that cartridge, I get fired up and start looking for a suitable firearm to utilize my bargain dies/brass in. My wife has caught on to this after many years of watching but she has given up on me and my sickness anyway so she doesn't protest much.

glock29 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2005, 04:34:17 AM »

I personally would never give up ANY action type !
I like them ALL, and each has their own unique features that makes them better for certain tasks.

leverfan · « **Reply #15 on:** February 20, 2005, 07:25:24 AM »

Quote from: leverfan

I'm kidding, it's just that it's been slow in here today! :-D

Looked like I needed to repeat this first line of my first post on this thread.

Smoky Mountain Red · « **Reply #16 on:** February 23, 2005, 08:41:55 AM »

You guys are still salvageable...

I find this really nice lookin set of dies and even some fresh brass at the gun show. So I thinks to mysef "Sef, you been looking for this set of dies and brass and have finally found them."

I buy em and run by the guy in the corner and get me some fresh primers and gets to the house. I go to the safe and guess what? I can't find my gun!

Now I knew that it was in there last time I looked. Well, I turn the house upside down and started thinking I had been robbed...

Well, about that time momma comes home and asks me why I'm so upset. When I tell her she just starts laughin and reminds me I done sold that gun to her brother cause I can't find no dam brass!

Well I guess I'll start lookin for another gun now... maybe a new one too!
:wink:

Smoky Mountain Red · « **Reply #17 on:** February 23, 2005, 08:49:33 AM »

I forgot to mention. While I was lookin for that rifle, I found an old shotgun I thought I had sold. Bad part was, I was sitting there on the porch thinking about the last time I had seen that rifle and noticed something that didn't look right down in the orchard. There leaned against an apple tree was an old shotgun I had used on a snake last summer while I was working on the tractor.

Funny, I thought I had sold that one to my brother in law...

:-)

papajohn428 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 06, 2005, 01:23:42 PM »

I've been thru this process so many times I think I've got it perfected. The latest example was two weeks ago. I go into a pawnshop (first mistake) looking for a 44 Mag revolver. They show me a Marlin 30-30. I deny any interest in it. A week later I'm buying components (second mistake) and see some 30-30 ammo on sale. Then I realize I don't have any .308 bullets at home. (Third mistake). So I buy everything I don't have, and on the way home I stop in and get a really good deal on the gun, which almost pays for all the other stuff I already bought for it. Then I try to explain to my Honey (fourth mistake) why it was such a bargain. Then I take it to the range and it shoots reeeeeeeeeally well. (Fifth mistake) So now I'm hooked on a gun and caliber I had (past tense) no use for. But that row of Marlins in the gun safe sure looks purty!

And sure as I'm sitting here, it'll happen again. "My name is John and I'm a Marlin Junkie..............."

PJ

gallatin · « **Reply #19 on:** March 06, 2005, 05:57:18 PM »

don't give up on levers, but you could add a nice 45-70 double rifle
John

kenscot · « **Reply #20 on:** March 07, 2005, 01:19:24 PM »

Your right they useless inaccurate has beens that should have been done away with a long time ago

Only kidding love my Marlin 45-70 guide gun

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inluvwithsara · « **Reply #21 on:** March 09, 2005, 01:26:55 AM »

oops...you mean like buying dies for a caliber you don't have, but you know there are at least 4 guns you'd like in caliber...naw, never done that...my pop used to collect brass of all calibers, "Just incase" he ever started reloading that round...6 more reloading die sets later...
Heck, I buy holsters/grips/sights before I get the gun!