Reloading Your Own Cartriges/shells. - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

strife · 11-05-2003, 03:31 PM

Couple of questions I have:

I am strapped for cashed at the moment and probably will be for sometime, so I was contemplating starting to learn how to reload my own shells/cartriges. Here are my questions:

How difficult is to reload your own cartriges/shells?

Is it cost effective to do it yourself?

Are there any drawbacks to doing it yourself, and how dangerous is it?

Does anyone know of any good websites that you wouldn't mind listing for info on the topic?

j8ear · 11-05-2003, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by strife

How difficult is to reload your own cartriges/shells?

Is it cost effective to do it yourself?

Are there any drawbacks to doing it yourself, and how dangerous is it?

Does anyone know of any good websites that you wouldn't mind listing for info on the topic?

1. It is actually VERY easy to reload.
2. It is extemely cost-effective to reload, assuming you consume the rounds you make frequently enough. Once set up with the right tools (easily a $300.00-500.00 expenditure) the rounds end up costing close to 10 cents on the dollars of store bought ammo. Even cheaper if you can scrounge brass from a local range.
3. Danger is minimal assuming you remain within reloading guidelines. I can see no draw backs, except for deciding reloading is not for you after you've outfitted yourself with all the right equipement.
4. http://dillonprecision.com/default.cfm? I think they are the defacto reloading industry standard bearer and supplier of choice.

-bear

strife · 11-05-2003, 03:48 PM

Wow, that was fast, thanks a lot!

How long can shells sit for (i.e. Do they expire?)?

DEI37 · 11-05-2003, 05:30 PM

As far as I know, shells don't expire, but if you're reloading shot shells, you don't want to reuse them too many times. And, you want to re-use high quality stuff. Like the ultra premium stuff...Federal AA's, or better. If you're shooting clays, you're cheaper to just buy the cheap stuff, and don't re-use it. You'll save about $0.15/box that way. If you're shooting the high quality stuff to begin with, you'll be able to save anywhere from $1.50/box on up, and you'll get a higher quality load, and you can customize it.

If you're shooting other centerfire stuff, reloading becomes a lot more cost effective. We didn't sit down and do the math on this, like we did on shot shells, but we do know that it's more favorable. And, as you probably know, you can't reload rimfire...like .22LR.

Moonduck · 11-05-2003, 07:05 PM

If cash is a problem, reloading isn't all that hot due to the $400-500 minimum that you'll shell out for a workable kit that will continue to expand as your hobby does. It is cheaper to shoot reloads, yes, but you really have to load for quite some time to realize the savings simply due to the initial outlay for the press and such.

Dillon is probably your best bet for progressive kits as theirs are tough, reliable, and accurate enough for anyone not shooting for competition.

Ammo generally doesn't have a shelf-life if stored properly (dry, constant temperature, good components), though I would guess that certain chemicals become less usable after a few years. Your casings are reusable too, just make sure that you retire them after a set number of reloads, and that you only use shells that you know how many times have been fired.

As far as safety goes, your reloads will be as safe as you make them. With you being the one at the crank handle, your own diligence and thoroughness are the final arbiters of your own safety. So long as you follow recommended guidelines on pressures and types of powder to use, you should have no problem. Don't reload while tired, distracted, or under the influence as you are highly likely to damage your weapon and possibly yourself if you doublecharge a shell.

The bottom line is that it is cost-effective if you shoot a lot. Otherwise, buy ammo off the shelf and stock up if you see a sale.

Aesik · 11-05-2003, 09:56 PM

Check out garage sales, estate sales, pawn shops, e-bay, etc. You can pick up lots of good reloading stuff if you keep your eyes open.

Moonduck · 11-06-2003, 06:46 AM

If you go secondhand, be VERY careful. When playing with combustibles, it doesn't pay to be sloppy or use someone else's kit without THOROUGHLY checking it out beforehand. The biggest piece to be concerned about is any automatic or preset powder measures. Triple-check their accuracy. Hell, check it four or five times.

mtsgsd · 11-06-2003, 07:41 AM

If you shoot on a regular basis, reloading is the only way you'll ever be able to afford to do it unless you win the lottery. My Dillon 650 paid for its self in 6 months, but I was shooting action pistol back then and went thru LOTS of ammo! No matter what, it will pay for its self eventually, so find a way to do it.

It's easy to do, but like so many other things, you need to learn what you're doing and pay attention. The biggest danger from reloading isn't the reloading itself, but what happens later. The most common mistake for people to make is to accidentally create a "squib" round. There's a primer and a bullet, but no powder! The primer will often be strong enough to drive the bullet into the barrel and sometimes even cycle the action, chambering a new round. Want to guess what happens next? Most ranges I've seen have a blown up gun mounted on a plaque or in a gun case to remind people to be carefull.

There is no one that makes a better machine than Dillon. You can't go wrong with one.

strife · 11-06-2003, 01:29 PM

Any comments on the MEC stuff?

Thanks a lot for all the info, and thanks to the future responses

splck · 11-06-2003, 01:32 PM

I can't imagine how much money I've saved by re-loading. It sure didn't take long to recoup the cost of my 7mm Rem Mag dies.

hrdwareguy · 11-06-2003, 03:38 PM

Do a search, find this thread:

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthr...threadid=20119

strife · 11-06-2003, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hrdwareguy
Do a search, find this thread:

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthr...threadid=20119

Ah sorry, thanks for the pointer, won't happen again.

123dsa · 11-21-2003, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtsgsd
If you shoot on a regular basis, reloading is the only way you'll ever be able to afford to do it unless you win the lottery. My Dillon 650 paid for its self in 6 months, but I was shooting action pistol back then and went thru LOTS of ammo! No matter what, it will pay for its self eventually, so find a way to do it.

It's easy to do, but like so many other things, you need to learn what you're doing and pay attention. The biggest danger from reloading isn't the reloading itself, but what happens later. The most common mistake for people to make is to accidentally create a "squib" round. There's a primer and a bullet, but no powder! The primer will often be strong enough to drive the bullet into the barrel and sometimes even cycle the action, chambering a new round. Want to guess what happens next? Most ranges I've seen have a blown up gun mounted on a plaque or in a gun case to remind people to be carefull.

There is no one that makes a better machine than Dillon. You can't go wrong with one.

Squibs=bad news. Be careful.

LSD

MrFuzzy469 · 12-08-2003, 09:25 PM

I agree with everything everone said above. Useint a reloader is lots cheaper and an reloader will pay for it's self in time. But, that start up cost is what kills you. I also agree Dillion is the way to go with their "NO B.S." warranty you just can't beat it.

blockmaan2000 · 12-09-2003, 09:05 AM

I learned to reload on a Dillon 550. Still have it and it's my favorite press. I reload 38 Super, 40, and 45. The startup cost is a killer, but you can recoup your money soon if you shoot enough. As it was passed to me "You won't save any money by reloading, you'll just shoot more."

block

11-05-2003, 03:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
strife Insane Location: Chi-Town	Reloading Your Own Cartriges/shells. Couple of questions I have: I am strapped for cashed at the moment and probably will be for sometime, so I was contemplating starting to learn how to reload my own shells/cartriges. Here are my questions: How difficult is to reload your own cartriges/shells? Is it cost effective to do it yourself? Are there any drawbacks to doing it yourself, and how dangerous is it? Does anyone know of any good websites that you wouldn't mind listing for info on the topic? __________________ You are what you love, not what loves you. strife

11-05-2003, 03:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
strife Insane Location: Chi-Town	Wow, that was fast, thanks a lot! How long can shells sit for (i.e. Do they expire?)? __________________ You are what you love, not what loves you. strife

11-05-2003, 05:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	As far as I know, shells don't expire, but if you're reloading shot shells, you don't want to reuse them too many times. And, you want to re-use high quality stuff. Like the ultra premium stuff...Federal AA's, or better. If you're shooting clays, you're cheaper to just buy the cheap stuff, and don't re-use it. You'll save about $0.15/box that way. If you're shooting the high quality stuff to begin with, you'll be able to save anywhere from $1.50/box on up, and you'll get a higher quality load, and you can customize it. If you're shooting other centerfire stuff, reloading becomes a lot more cost effective. We didn't sit down and do the math on this, like we did on shot shells, but we do know that it's more favorable. And, as you probably know, you can't reload rimfire...like .22LR. __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

11-06-2003, 01:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
strife Insane Location: Chi-Town	Any comments on the MEC stuff? Thanks a lot for all the info, and thanks to the future responses __________________ You are what you love, not what loves you. strife

11-06-2003, 01:32 PM	#10 (permalink)
splck it's jam Location: Lowerainland BC	I can't imagine how much money I've saved by re-loading. It sure didn't take long to recoup the cost of my 7mm Rem Mag dies. __________________ nice line eh?

11-05-2003, 07:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	If cash is a problem, reloading isn't all that hot due to the $400-500 minimum that you'll shell out for a workable kit that will continue to expand as your hobby does. It is cheaper to shoot reloads, yes, but you really have to load for quite some time to realize the savings simply due to the initial outlay for the press and such. Dillon is probably your best bet for progressive kits as theirs are tough, reliable, and accurate enough for anyone not shooting for competition. Ammo generally doesn't have a shelf-life if stored properly (dry, constant temperature, good components), though I would guess that certain chemicals become less usable after a few years. Your casings are reusable too, just make sure that you retire them after a set number of reloads, and that you only use shells that you know how many times have been fired. As far as safety goes, your reloads will be as safe as you make them. With you being the one at the crank handle, your own diligence and thoroughness are the final arbiters of your own safety. So long as you follow recommended guidelines on pressures and types of powder to use, you should have no problem. Don't reload while tired, distracted, or under the influence as you are highly likely to damage your weapon and possibly yourself if you doublecharge a shell. The bottom line is that it is cost-effective if you shoot a lot. Otherwise, buy ammo off the shelf and stock up if you see a sale.

11-05-2003, 09:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
Aesik Tilted	Check out garage sales, estate sales, pawn shops, e-bay, etc. You can pick up lots of good reloading stuff if you keep your eyes open.

11-06-2003, 06:46 AM	#7 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	If you go secondhand, be VERY careful. When playing with combustibles, it doesn't pay to be sloppy or use someone else's kit without THOROUGHLY checking it out beforehand. The biggest piece to be concerned about is any automatic or preset powder measures. Triple-check their accuracy. Hell, check it four or five times.

11-06-2003, 07:41 AM	#8 (permalink)
mtsgsd Addict Location: Wisconsin, USA	If you shoot on a regular basis, reloading is the only way you'll ever be able to afford to do it unless you win the lottery. My Dillon 650 paid for its self in 6 months, but I was shooting action pistol back then and went thru LOTS of ammo! No matter what, it will pay for its self eventually, so find a way to do it. It's easy to do, but like so many other things, you need to learn what you're doing and pay attention. The biggest danger from reloading isn't the reloading itself, but what happens later. The most common mistake for people to make is to accidentally create a "squib" round. There's a primer and a bullet, but no powder! The primer will often be strong enough to drive the bullet into the barrel and sometimes even cycle the action, chambering a new round. Want to guess what happens next? Most ranges I've seen have a blown up gun mounted on a plaque or in a gun case to remind people to be carefull. There is no one that makes a better machine than Dillon. You can't go wrong with one.

11-06-2003, 03:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
hrdwareguy "Officer, I was in fear for my life" Location: Oklahoma City	grrr..... Do a search, find this thread: http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthr...threadid=20119 __________________ Gun Control is hitting what you aim at Aim for the TFP, Donate Today

12-08-2003, 09:25 PM	#14 (permalink)
MrFuzzy469 Banned	I agree with everything everone said above. Useint a reloader is lots cheaper and an reloader will pay for it's self in time. But, that start up cost is what kills you. I also agree Dillion is the way to go with their "NO B.S." warranty you just can't beat it.

12-09-2003, 09:05 AM	#15 (permalink)
blockmaan2000 Crazy	I learned to reload on a Dillon 550. Still have it and it's my favorite press. I reload 38 Super, 40, and 45. The startup cost is a killer, but you can recoup your money soon if you shoot enough. As it was passed to me "You won't save any money by reloading, you'll just shoot more." block