Reloaded my first ammo

Linefinder

Over the years, I've spent a ton of money on supplies and equipment. Some get used every session, and some gathering layers of dust after a single use. Outside of the basic (and I mean very basic) equipment, there are 3 investments I consider required if you go off the reservation....

#1) A chronograph. Even a cheap one. Without one, aside from accuracy and feeding reliability, you don't really know anything about your load. MV is key to any serious experimentation/conjecture about your load.

#2) QuickLoad software. I can't imagine the money I would have saved over the years experimenting with various combos of components had I had this software as a starting point. Granted the learning curve is a little steep, the owners manual reads like a physics book (you better read it though....I recommend at least 3 times) and you better cross your T's and dot your I's when entering data....but it's a remarkable program and has never let me down or led me astray.

#3) Hornady (used to be Stoney Point) COL gauge with caliber appropriate collets. No two chambers are exactly the same, and rifle specific info is a very helpful.

Mike

Diver43

Good info Mike
That level of loading is way ahead of my level, but I sure will remember it as I gain myself some experience.

Linefinder

Diver43 said:

Good info Mike
That level of loading is way ahead of my level, but I sure will remember it as I gain myself some experience.

I understand that. At this point, it is over your head. BUT...if your interest turns out to be more than a passing fancy (no harm in that....lots of folks try reloading and decide it's easier and cheaper to buy factory depending on their needs), pay attention to what I posted. It'll save you a ton of time and money. Trust me on this one.

Mike

Zee

Diver43 said:

Zee said:

Diver43 said:

knitepoet said:

Well done Ron.

Thanks Paul, I was hesitant to start, but by the numbers worked fine

First realization I had was that........by the BOOK numbers was NOT where I wanted to live. There is so much more to life and reloading than following book numbers and people like Teach/Knitepoet who follow rules and tech numbers.......saying I can’t/shouldn’t do what my firearm says I can. 

The Dark Side is SO much more fun!!!!

We have cookies off the reservation!!!

OH I LIKE COOKIES  as long as they are not on my computer

I totally understand what you mean, but this was my first less than a handful of round loaded.  Hell I was happy seeing that the first bullet i seated was a tad long but only took a few adjustments and i was on spec and locked it in.  
Mike told me that this rifle will handle any published data,  when I learn more of how different bullets work with different powders, i do plan to experiment some.  With the Ruger .45 Colt  I already have some buffalo bore that numbs my hand after only two rounds.  Thats enough, but when those are gone, I plan to make some of my own at that level.

Once components become available again, I for sure will branch out and learn a whole lot more.  Right now I am at a stand still again.  Until recently I gave away my brass as I didnt reload.  Now its a pain to get to the range and THANKS to luck and fantastic forum brothers I have tools, primers, but little brass and zero bullets.  I have been all over online and can get powder, but bullets i can not find.
Anyways, off the reservation is fine, even fun and I plan on making that trip, just not yet

By all means!  Learn the process and techniques. Learn the do’s and dont’s. Learn the truths and consequences. Start slow and gain your confidence. 

Then.........knock the wall down. 😎

10canyon53

I had no plans to start reloading until I retired (15-18 years away) but when the current shortage is over I may change my mind so I do not get caught by the next shortage....  I have not been to the range much lately because I do not want to use up ammo that I can't replace at the moment.

kansashunter

Diver the last time I looked Missouri Bullet would let you order and they would fill them as they became available. I have used their cast ones and now they are coating some and I was going to try them. I have not found the dies I need yet so I haven't ordered any yet.

NN

Nice work can't wait to hear how they shoot

Uncle Fester

kansashunter said:

Diver the last time I looked Missouri Bullet would let you order and they would fill them as they became available. I have used their cast ones and now they are coating some and I was going to try them. I have not found the dies I need yet so I haven't ordered any yet.

I don’t know if they are any good, but I got 500 coated 9mm cast boolits from Montana Bullet Works in the mail today.   At first glance, they looked fine to my untrained eye (they will be my first attempt at firing cast boolits).  

I am planning on casting my own once winter sets in.  

pjames777

GunNut said:

Fun and highly useful endeavor!!!  I’m getting closer every day to firing my old press back too.

Got me going again!  Even took my new Rockchucker 1600 out of its box and set it up.  Did 300 9mm last two days.  Have lots of 40sw and .45acp brass to work on as well.  

Antonio

Diver43 said:

.....Once components become available again, I for sure will branch out and learn a whole lot more.  Right now I am at a stand still again.  Until recently I gave away my brass as I didnt reload.  Now its a pain to get to the range and THANKS to luck and fantastic forum brothers I have tools, primers, but little brass and zero bullets.  I have been all over online and can get powder, but bullets i can not find......

Cast your own bullets. Locally components are not available so a handful of reloaders have resorted to making their own.