interested in reloading

jarredt

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Ok, so I don't get to shoot near enough as I'd like to. I'm interested in reloading because of the cost difference.
I plan on doing this for 9mm now and .45 in the future, but that could change.
I plan on casting my own bullets if I can source enough wheel weights.

I've done a little research and I have found I will need the following:

Lee Pro 1000 progressive Press---------------------$170
RCBS Hand priming tool-------------------------------$40
RCBS Primer Brush pocket tool----------------------$14
electric caliper-------------------------------------------$25

bullet casting
Lee Pro 4 20lb. Furnace 110volt--------------------$65
Lee Lead dipper----------------------------------------$4
Lee 6 cavity bullet mold-------------------------------$40
muffin pan(ingot mold)--------------------------------$free
RCBS Lube-a-matic-----------------------------------$153


Am I missing anything?

Also Is there anywhere cheaper in the okc area where I can get primers and powder for less than on MidwayUsa?

Midway Prices
Alliant Bullseye powder 8lbs.-------------------------$147 after hazmat and shipping fee.
Winchester small pistol primers(5000)--------------$180 after hazmat and shipping fee.

Does anybody have any suggestions

According to this handload calculator, using 5gr of powder per round the total should be around $2.50/box of 50 assuming I cast my own bullets and already have brass.
 
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I can tell you from my experience. I bought the lee load master and a lee turret. Then ended up selling them and getting a dillion. The 2 are night and day, I wish I spent the money up front and just got the dillion would have saved me in the long run. But for what I spent on the 2 lees i was already half way there. I think the saying Buy once cry once fits perfect when talking about presses.
 
Don't forget a good electronic powder scale. RCBS makes a nice one around $100.00 but well worth it and you will use it no matter what press you use. I started off with a Lee turret press and while I have gone on to a Dillion 650 and 550 these days the turret press is a good way to get your feet wet. When you are ready for more than 100 rds per hour the dies will transfer to the new press so there is really not that much lost. To start with a Dillion go with a 550 first, it's the most user friendly and has the least cost for caliber change. The 650 is fairly pricey for caliber change and takes some time to change as well.

Unless you are JUST WANTING to cast your bullets I would buy them localy, your time and health might not be worth the extra $$ on casting. I think J&K sells 9mm 147gr cast lead bullets for $62.00 a thousand. Also might want to try http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/ for powder and primers they seem to have great prices and since they are very close the shipping time is very quick.

Wes
 
I like the Dillion 650, but was not cheap. Dillion makes a low volume Square Deal Press for the much less.

I usually get my powder and primer at H&H or Heartland in Edmond.
 
I have 2 Dillon 650's, one for .45 and one for 9mm and wouldn't think of getting anything different; yes, they cost a bit more but it sure makes it enjoyable.

I would second the suggestion of Powder Valley; they have some good prices and have sales from time to time.

I only load FMJ and/or plated bullets since I have no clue about casting and would rather spend that time reloading.
 
+1 on the 650

If you really want good cheap lead. Give GAT bullets a call. They are $53/1000 for .40. Lowest price around by far. If I remember his 9mm was in the $40s
 
You need a way to clean your brass, and drop the primer pocket brush. Cleaning pistol primer pockets isn't worth it.

Look at a Dillon SDB in 9mm. It will produce very nice 9mm ammo quickly.

I tried the casting thing since lead for me was about free. It sucked, I stopped doing it and now I buy bullets and am happier.
 
I have a buddy with a Hornady lock-n-load press for sale.
New, in the box, unused with the casefeeder for $500.

PM me if youre interested and I'll put you in touch.
 
I have a buddy with a Hornady lock-n-load press for sale.
New, in the box, unused with the casefeeder for $500.

PM me if youre interested and I'll put you in touch.
That is a hell of a deal. I have the LNL, and am completely happy with it. It has one more station than Dillon for a powder cop die if I'm not wrong.
 
Got 2 550's but I found myself wanting more speed, so I bought a 650 to dedicate to 9mm, while I have one 550 in 45 and one 550 in whatever other caliber I'm messing with. If I had to do it all over again I'd get 2 650's and a 550.
 
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