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Ammo and Reloading Factory Ammunition, Reloading, Components, Load Data and more. |
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#1
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"Bass Ackwards" wanta be reloader
With all the frigging laws coming, especially regarding ammo, in addition to stocking up on ammo I'm absolutely going to start reloading. Because reloading supplies will most likely be on the "hit list" next, I decided to start buying them first before the manuals or equipment. Bought the following from "WIDENERS:"
16 lbs. "Bullseye" powder 5,000 CCI small pistol primers 5,000 Winchester large pistol primers 2,500 bullets of different types and gr in .9mm and .45AP Already have 2,000, 9mm and 45AP cases Except for buying supplies I want to take this nice and slow and really educate myself. Any suggestions and/or other comments on which reloading manuals (I definitely want several for cross checking) to obtain? I will gradually progress to other pistol calibers and probably 5.56/.223. Like they say, once you get into this it's addicting!! Thanks. |
#6
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Like I said, I want to take this nice and slow. This obviously won't be my one and only purchase but I figured it was a good start. I know I'll hit a few "bumps" along the way but we all gotta start somewhere. Any suggestions on reloading manuals? Thanks.
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#7
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You could also maybe look into a reloading workshop in your area. They pop up from time to time. You just need to check out the forum on timing. I learned quite a bit ago with the help of my friend who reloaded from many years and a previous version of the Lyman manual. With so many resources on the Internet now, it's fairly easy to get info. Good luck!!
__________________
"Mistaking consequence for cause, I call this reason's intrinsic form of corruption." - Friedrich Nietzsche |
#8
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Think of that #16 of Bullseye as an investment in the shooting sports.
It's a great powder that performs well in a large variety of cailbers and it will last forever if stored well. It also meters very well and is not position sensitive in large cases. I keep my Uniflow set at 4.5 grains for 125 grain .38 Specials, 115-124 grain 9MM and 185-230 .45ACP. Works well in .45 Colt with cast bullets and can be used in small cases such as the .32 SWL. You are off to a good start and bullets will be the item you will want to stock up on after primers. Have fun. irh |
#9
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I like Bullseye for 9mm, work well for me, though I prefer Titegroup which is currently widely available.
I'd definately get the Lee book, tons of good stuff and data in it. If funds are available i'd definately get more powder and primers, I'd be sweating if that's all I was sitting on, and they're the first to quickly go in a panic. If you find reloading is not for you, as many do, you can always re-sell. What kind of press are you thinking of?
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"Hence it happened that all the armed prophets conquered, all the unarmed perished." - Niccolo Machiavelli |
#10
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I have a RCBS single stage that, along with other pieces of equipment, was in a container that hadn't been looked at in over 6 years! Belonged to my son-in-laws dad. Disposed of the powder and some primers contained therein and am looking to see what is salvageable. Still up in the air if I'll try and use it or buy one. Maybe I'll do both.
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#11
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As other posters have mentioned, it's usually better to develop loads for your specific gun before buying a large bulk amount of powder...but that being said, I think you made one of the better choices for generic loading of 45 ACP and 9mm.
Bullseye should be able to run the whole bullet weight list in both calibers, but it will work better in those calibers as a target load. Small amounts of fast burning powder behind lead and plated bullets "usually" gives good accuracy and low recoil, but it won't give you maximum velocity. For that, you will need a medium bringing powder. Since it sounds like you are planning to reload to stock up on blasting ammo to avoid the coming ammo crunch, your choice of powder should work well. |
#12
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I have loaded more Bullseye than all other pistol powders combined, so as a hedge against future shortages, I think you made an excellent choice. You got about 22K rounds worth of powder, so you can maybe expand you primer buys for a while.
As others have mentioned, for max velocity in 9mm, you will want some medium burning powder as well, but for general accurate blasting powder, it is hard to beat BE. I load it in 9mm, 40S&W and 45 Auto, lots and lots of it. I think the Lee 2nd Edition is the best "how to" book. The first 150 pages are full of terrific information about not just how, but why. You just have to know that Richard Lee is a shameless self promoter. He had made a lot of contributions to the hobby, but so have a lot of other people.
__________________
When asked what qualities he most valued in his generals, Napoleon said, "give me lucky ones." |
#13
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Now go to a reloading class and learn how to reload safely and effectively. Depending on your level of mechanical competence, you don't have to take a class, you can teach yourself but go slow and double and triple check each step, especially powder drops. I highly recommend the Sinclair International Series of videos on YouTube (Sinclair is the parent company of Brownells). If you carefully follow this series, you will get everything a good reloading class would give you and more. You just will be missing the hands-on guidance you would get from an instructor but like I said, go slowly, be methodical and always check all of your work before proceeding.
Bullseye is our go to pistol powder in our reloading classes, I think it's a fine choice to start with. Of course, you have Calguns as a resource too, there is a massive amount of knowledge here in the reloading forums and most of the guys here are pretty generous and will help you with the finer points. Reloading is a GREAT part of shooting, you will make much more accurate and reliable ammunition at lower cost than factory ammo. Keep an eye out for deals, many of us recently scored tens of thousands of S&B primers at less than .02 ea. from Cabelas when they had a big blow out sale and $5.00 shipping. Right now, it seems that most reloading places have great stock so buy more primers and lots of bullets, the cost and availability will never be better. Good luck!
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NRA Certified Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor, Shotgun Instructor and Range Safety Officer Last edited by Capybara; 08-21-2016 at 4:20 PM.. |
#14
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Thanks for all the info people! I will take this nice and slow. Didn't mention this before but I struck up a conversation with an electrician at work and found that he's been reloading for years. When I told him I was thinking of reloading (this was about 2 months ago) he had me over to his house and "held my hand" while I loaded 100 rds of 9 mm under his critical eye. If I came away with nothing else, it was the fact that, while not difficult, you have to be focused, accurate and crosscheck, crosscheck! I will occasionally ask him for guidance but I don't want to bug him too much!
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#15
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Make sure to keep that much powder stored correctly.
As for the amount of powder in each cartridge, remember, there is 7,000 grains in 1 pound of powder. So you will need a few more primers to balance your supply.
Bullets can be molded and you can reuse your brass. Just as a boat has two motors, get a second high quality press. I've never known a RCBS Rock Chucker to go down. Mine has not in +30 years of reloading. However, my recommendation for a 2nd press would be a Redding Big Boss 2. Redding still makes their all presses in America as far as I know. You can have all the high end components in the world. No reloading press no reloading. All Dillion owners I know are happy, and all still have a robust single stage press at the ready. Plenty of spare parts for you dies. Especially your resizer. Old time non carbide resizer dies are cheap cheap at most any gun show. I'm on my 2nd job right now working to afford some of this mentioned reloading equipment & supplies. Reloading is not for the financially faint hearted. |
#16
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Get the Lyman manual and read it. Have your friend help you when you need help.
Be real careful of double charges with bullseye powder. It is very easy to do so and blow up a pistol. Probably more pistols have been blown up using Bullseye and any other powder. Just check each powder charge. Once you get loading you may want a faster unit for those pistol rounds. Also for the 9mm I find them a pain to handle due to small size. IF that happens get a Dillon and never look back. I got a Dillon 650 with case feeder and really like it especially for 9mm. With your single stage just batch process your brass and you will always have some ready for powder/bullet.
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A 30cal will reach out and touch them. A 50cal will kick their butt. NRA Life Member, NRA certified RSO & Basic Pistol Instructor, Hunter, shooter, reloader SCI, Manteca Sportsmen Club, Coalinga Rifle Club, Escalon Sportsmans Club, Waterford Sportsman Club & NAHA Member, Madison Society member |
#17
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__________________
When asked what qualities he most valued in his generals, Napoleon said, "give me lucky ones." |
#18
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Really? I was unaware that Bullseye has been around since 1904??
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NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun and Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor California DOJ Certified Fingerprint Roller Ventura County approved CCW Instructor Utah CCW Instructor Offering low cost multi state CCW, private basic shooting and reloading classes for calgunners. CCW SAFE MEMBERSHIPS HERE KM6WLV |
#19
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Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk |
#20
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Just as important is your scale and powder measure. A powder measure will likely need a small chamber to accurately throw pistol charges unless it is something like a Little Dandy, which requires individual rotors. Calipers are needed to measure the col of whatever flavor you're reloading. I'll also suggest Lyman's manual, as well as ABC's of Reloading should be on your shopping list. Good luck! |
#23
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__________________
NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun and Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor California DOJ Certified Fingerprint Roller Ventura County approved CCW Instructor Utah CCW Instructor Offering low cost multi state CCW, private basic shooting and reloading classes for calgunners. CCW SAFE MEMBERSHIPS HERE KM6WLV |
#24
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Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk |
#27
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"Bass Ackwards" wanta be reloader
OP you're definitely covered on powder for now. Like others have said you need more primers. I figure that a pound of pistol powder will yield just over 1200 rounds and I make sure to keep an enough primers on hand to cover my powder supply.
The other supply that you'll need is bullets. As others have commented you have enough powder to load 19k rounds but you only have 2500 bullets. Right now 9 and 45 bullets are available everywhere, when the panic hits again they won't be as plentiful. I started out with a single stage and recently upgraded to a Dillion Square Deal B. I would advice anyone new to reloading to start with a single stage and learn each step. Also invest in a good digital scale and powder measure, it saves a lot of head aches. Last edited by davek8s; 08-22-2016 at 10:36 AM.. |
#28
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One of the best presses in my very humble opinion is the lee classic turret press. I load pistol with a 3 die set and use the 4th station for a rifle die since I reload single stage for rifle. Gavintoobe has great press videos on youtube
I also suggest getting a manual from the manufacturer of your press. LEE seems to have the most load data ( no 300 AAC ).
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CALGUNS DICTIONARY "FLIER": when a shooter wants to turn a 1 inch group to a half inch group because he flinched. Last edited by stand125; 08-22-2016 at 5:50 AM.. |
#29
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#30
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bullseye is just fine for 9 and 45 you wont regret it
i'n my reloading life so far i do not think ive used 16 pounds in the last 10 years cause it goes a long way 3.5 for 9 and 4.5 for 45 casting bullets is another activity you may enjoy if you find a source for lead |
#31
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiO-XEajyH4 |
#32
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You can find a PDF flie of the 48th edition of the Lyman manual for free online. Bullseye is ok a little goes a long way. Buy your primers 5,000 at a time they are a little cheaper. Max out primer and powder orders to spread the hazard fee over more items. Buy quality reloading stuff it will last a lifetime. A single stage press will do a couple hundred rounds in an evening. Get carbide dies when they are available in your caliber. I reloaded 20+ years before I bought a tumbler. Trimming cases will become a necessity after awhile Forester manual case trimmer is good and get a caliper from Harbor Freight. I use an old balance beam scale and a RCBS powder measure. If I'm doing just a few I use Lee powder dippers rather than set up the powder measure. Figure out what calibers you want to load for and see which single powder will work in them. You don't need 10-15 different types unless you're looking to tighten up that group a few more thousandths. There are 7000 grains per pound so a little math will tell you how many per pound you can load. I've always been happy with everything I've bought made by RCBS. If you want to load bigger rifle calibers 308 up through belted magnums you'll find the compound lever of the RCBS Rockchucker works well. Use Youtube as a guide when shopping for a press or basic techniques.
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#33
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Rifle cases will need to be trimmed and chamfered. Straight walled pistol cases I have never needed to trim
Yes get Carbide type dies for your pistol rounds.
__________________
A 30cal will reach out and touch them. A 50cal will kick their butt. NRA Life Member, NRA certified RSO & Basic Pistol Instructor, Hunter, shooter, reloader SCI, Manteca Sportsmen Club, Coalinga Rifle Club, Escalon Sportsmans Club, Waterford Sportsman Club & NAHA Member, Madison Society member |
#34
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It's a great press and I really like mine but if he's seriously planning on loading 16 pounds of Bullseye worth of rounds any time soon he might need to step up to a progressive sooner rather than later.
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#35
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This is your litmus test for books. Forget recipes. You can find those anywhere. The books really help with the "how to". Much better than internet yahoos on youtube.
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