Time/effort to reload .223/5.56

[meketrefe]

That press is good for starting and will always use it later on as mileteg advised.
But the problem with these kits is that some of the stuff it comes with you might never use or use it only a few times.
The lee powder dispenser works great with stick powders but it jams with smaller / ball pistol powders so you
would need to buy a Hornday or RCBS dispenser.
If you consider progressive at some point there is a good argument for the hornady bushing system (similar to lee Breech)
that shares the same bushing with their progressive presses.
so why not get their single stage hornady and then add the hornady dispenser (very accurate) and a simple JVG scale?

Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press

For trimming you will end up gravitating towards a motorized unit anyway. For a tray you can use anything.

Hornday even comes with a primer system that actually works sizing and priming in one move.

 

[MilesTeg]

Here's the place I bought my case kicker from. Inline Fabrication - Inline Fabrication they have videos showing how they operate. I would highly recommend getting one. They greatly speed up brass prep.

I agree with Meke the kits come with stuff that you might not need. The problem is you have no experience with what you need and don't need. I started with the RCBS kit and I use most of the stuff it came with. I would think about how you plan on trimming your rifle brass. I went with RCBS 3 way with a prep center. Nothing what I do now I would have went with one of the motorized trimmer/deburrer/chamfer tools i.e. world's finest trimmer. And for crimp removal get the Dillon swedge tool.

 

[Checkers]

That press is good for starting and will always use it later on as mileteg advised.
But the problem with these kits is that some of the stuff it comes with you might never use or use it only a few times.
The lee powder dispenser works great with stick powders but it jams with smaller / ball pistol powders so you
would need to buy a Hornday or RCBS dispenser.
If you consider progressive at some point there is a good argument for the hornady bushing system (similar to lee Breech)
that shares the same bushing with their progressive presses.
so why not get their single stage hornady and then add the hornady dispenser (very accurate) and a simple JVG scale?

Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press

For trimming you will end up gravitating towards a motorized unit anyway. For a tray you can use anything.

Hornday even comes with a primer system that actually works sizing and priming in one move.

Alright, how is this looking? Other than of course brass, bullets, primers, and powder.

 

[MilesTeg]

I would add a hand prime unit because I hate priming on the press. That is a personal preference thing. Also you don't need it right away but a bar scale and check weights in the future. It's always nice to be able to check your digital scale against the bar scale and check weights.

 

[MilesTeg]

Also I don't know if that digital scale reads in grains. If not your going to need to do math. Also you should get a loading block and a stand or someway to mount the powder dispenser.

 

[Checkers]

Actually, this kit below is just a little more than buying the press and powder dispenser seperately. It seems like a good idea, even if I don';t use some of it

https://www.amazon.com/Hornady-85003-Classic-Reloading-Press/dp/B000PD9YTU

Also guys, thank you SO much for this. I really appreciate everything

 

[MilesTeg]

Next fun adventure is component search. What's your first caliber your going to try?

 

[Phazer]

I hated pulling bullets from defective cartridges with the "hammer" kinetic puller.

I moved on to using a single stage press with the Hornady Cam-Lock bullet puller die:
https://www.amazon.com/Hornady-50095-Cam-Lock-Bullet-Puller/dp/B000PCZZO4

Collet needed for 9mm:
https://www.amazon.com/RCBS-35-Bull...480&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=cam-lock+9mm+collet

 

[Phazer]

Scale I've used:

https://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Ar...r=8-1&keywords=DS-750+Digital+Reloading+Scale

Also, consider a factory crimp die:

9mm Lee factory crimp die
https://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precisio...007&sr=8-1&keywords=lee+9mm+factory+crimp+die

 

[Checkers]

Next fun adventure is component search. What's your first caliber your going to try?

I think I will start with 9mm to avoid having to trim cases, plus I shoot a casual IDPA type event every week, so that's probably 500 rounds of 9mm a month right there. I also have a .357 Sig but I'm not sure I want to deal with trying to reload that.....

Next will be 5.56, and definitely .308 once I finish my AR308 build. I want to get into precision long range stuff (Well, as long as I can find around here which I think is 300 yards) and I think reloading will be good for that

So you think the kit (That's about the same as the press and dispenser), dies, shell plate, and bushing/dies I linked will work? I'm pretty happy with the choices and prices

 

[Phazer]

I think I will start with 9mm to avoid having to trim cases, plus I shoot a casual IDPA type event every week, so that's probably 500 rounds of 9mm a month right there.

I've ordered projectiles from many places.

Northeast Target and Shooting Supply doesn't always have the largest variety. But, when they've got what you want, they ship really fast ('I've received orders in 2 days). Check this out for example:

Berry's 9mm 115 Grain Total Metal Jacket (500 count) - 9mm/9x19 - Pistol Bullets - Projectiles - Products

124gr 9mm plated for just under $0.08/bullet (when 1000 ordered): Berry's 9mm 124 Grain Total Metal Jacket(500 count)

I've ordered MANY projectiles from The Bullet Works (The Bullet Works).

If you shoot 115gr 9mm plated, they have 3000 for $214 including shipping ($0.07/bullet): 09-115 PL RN

Have fun.

 

[MilesTeg]

I started with a kit there's nothing wrong with them other than maybe some extra equipment included.

Well 9mm is common round to reload for so there is a lot of info out there. Your next quandary will be components.

Brass- hopefully you've been saving some or can get some from you range if not I like to buy from here http://www.monmouthreloading.com

Primers- for the most part doesn't matter for 9mm. Some people have preferences. I seem to stick with CCI but that's more of a comfort thing.

Powder- until you find what you like I recommend finding a local supplier and buying a pound and trying it out. Personally I standardized to one type of pistol powder (bullseye). I reload for 45 40 and 9. But there are many other powders out there.

Lastly there are bullets. This is where most debates occur. I like shooting coated lead. I either use xtreme plated or woke sort of hi teck or powder coated bullets. With shooting lead like that you have some special rules to follow. If you choose a jacketed bullet reloading 9mm becomes easy the downfall is jacketed bullets are considerably more expensive than lead bullets.

 

[MilesTeg]

Bullet links.

9mm

9/115gr (500) - Black Bullets International

9mm 115 Grain RMR Full Metal Jacket Bullets *NEW* ***MADE RIGHT HERE AT RMR!***

 

[Phazer]

Bullet links.
9/115gr (500) - Black Bullets International

I had problems with a few batches of Black Bullets in 9mm. They wouldn't fit well into the barrels of several of my 9mm pistols. They caused some serious jams for me. So, I had to stop using them.

 

[MilesTeg]

I admit I only used then once for 45 and they preformed great. So it's a really small sample for me to draw a proper conclusion. Did you check out the new RMR made in house jacketed? The price is almost as low as coated lead. If I need 9mm bullets before I start casting I will probably buy those.

 

[meketrefe]

You will get a thousand opinions based on personal uses and preferences.
The hornady single press alone is a good place to start with a super easy and reliable
priming system.
Look at midway for the offers and discounts now in hunting season. RCBS has rebates now.
The $10-15 dollar scale is going to be so-so. This is another piece of equipment that
you will use for years to come. Check the jewlewry scales and make sure you can
accurately measure 1/10th of grain or even lower therefore higher the precision of the scale
is better for small cases like pistol. Normally you need to spend a bit more to get that
precission so beware of the majority of pocket escales. I don't trust scales without calibration
weights. don't need to spend $100 or $80 but look for the ones around $50 vs. $10-$20 cheapo
deals. Even hornady basic electronic like other popular reloading brands are not consistent compared to a good jewlerly scale.
A quality jewlery scale with a lithium AA or AAA batteries will give you years of service.
The best dies are made by Redding, Forster and RCBS but for pistol I would just
go with LEE vs hornady. Lee sets are perfect for pistol and cheaper!
You don't need a bullet puller or tray to start. Can improvise with ammo packaging
bases and a wire cutter to pull a bullet here and there. Might be able to make
a tray yourself with a piece of scrap wood and a drill bit that is 10 times better
than any light crappy plastic one.

Make a list of essentials before going for brands and things that are not needed right away
and anyone can get "as you go" and "as needed" anyway.

 

[Checkers]

Alright Jesus, bear with me while I reply to everyone

Phazer - I've heard decent things about Berry's, but I do shoot mostly 115gr and $0.07/bullet looks like one of the best prices, thank you!

Miles - I have been saving brass, I have probably 750ish rounds of 9mm, and maybe 200 rounds of 5.56. Primers I was going to go with CCI just because they're a brand I know, and for powder, everyone seems to use Bullseye so I think that will be my first attempt

Meketrefe - I did actually look between Midway and Amazon, and Amazon was cheaper in almost all fields. I also didn't realize the dies were mostly the same, I thought I had to use Hornady dies with Hornady presses, Lee with Lee, etc. I will check them out. I will also spring for a better scale as well. I didn't even think about grams vs. grains vs whatever

I will definitely take all this info and use it guys. I'll say it again, thank you so much for all the help. I would be so lost without all your help

 

[meketrefe]

BTW I have a GEM pro

My Weigh GemPro 500... with FREE Electronic Interference Suppressor

But also have the JSVG 20 easier to take to the range that gives 1/20th of a grain precision so
unlike many others like Hornady, Frankford, etc.. doesn't jump from lets say 4.4 to 4.5 grains of power all the sudden.
Cheaper pocket scales just do not have the sensitivity to manage 1/10 of a grain accurately.

JSVG 20
Jennings JSVG20

For a bit less one could use a GEM 20 from American Weight company...
AWS Gemini 20 x 0.001g Digital Scale Gram Carat Grain Reload Jewelry Milligram


Or if that if the above are too sensitive like for example to bring to the range (sensitive to noise and wind)
then one could use a bit less sensitive like GEM pro 20.

AWS Gemini PRO 20 x 0.001g Digital Milligram Scale Jewelry Reload Carat Grain | eBay

Those are good scales with warranty and the precision needed.

 

[meketrefe]

you will find out there is little different in cost between lead bullets, plated bullets and actual FMJ value packs
when you buy bulk. I would stay away form lead anyway.

I have gotten several packs of 3,000 for $298 each here locally.... 9-11 cents each bullet.

HORNADY 9MM(.355) 115gr FMJRN BULLET 3000/CS - Graf & Sons

 

[Checkers]

Alright, so here's my finished list

Hornady Reloading Kit
Includes:

• Press
• Powder Measure
• Scale
• Handbook
• Die bushings
• Primer catch
• Priming system
• Hand priming tool
• Chamfering and deburring tool
• Primer turning plate
• Case lube

Lee 9mm Carbide Dies

Hornady Shell Holder

Vibratory tumbler

How is all that looking? I think that covers all the initial stuff, then I will add in other things as I go. And this is all coming in at under $300 from Amazon

 

[MilesTeg]

You need a way to mount the powder measure. Unless the kit comes with one of the metal tabs. They look like a bottle opener bartenders use. I use one of these tabs. They work but aren't the most convenient.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003...er+measure&dpPl=1&dpID=410UzdklwuL&ref=plSrch

 

[meketrefe]

hornady comes with one bracket that one can either attach above the die or simply clamp into a corner or a block of wood.
RCBS does not have this so one needs something but it can be improvised in many ways w/o spending now if the budget is
a concern.

 

[Checkers]

You need a way to mount the powder measure. Unless the kit comes with one of the metal tabs. They look like a bottle opener bartenders use. I use one of these tabs. They work but aren't the most convenient.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003...er+measure&dpPl=1&dpID=410UzdklwuL&ref=plSrch

Oh awesome, thanks. It never even crossed my mind I needed a mount.....

hornady comes with one bracket that one can either attach above the die or simply clamp into a corner or a block of wood.
RCBS does not have this so one needs something but it can be improvised in many ways w/o spending now if the budget is
a concern.

Wait so does this kit come with one or not? I'm a little confused. But anyways, my 'budget' is really just me being stingy. I don't mind springing for the proper mounting equipment

 

[Big John]

Hey everyone,

So I've been doing a lot of research on reloading lately, and from what I've seen, rifles seem to take forever. Is it really worth it? I mean, my time isn't super valuable, but compared to pistols it just seems insane

1. Deprime all brass
2. Clean it all
3. Inspect for damage/deformation
4. Measure it all
5. Trim if necessary

And that's all before even actually doing any reloading. Looking at and measuring 500 individual pieces of brass and trimming, say, 100 cases, sounds like it will take hours..... Am I making a mountain out of a molehill, or is it as time-consuming as it seems?

I totally understand why people reload, especially for accuracy, but reloading plinking ammo and once fired brass just seems insane.

Your time has little to do with "worth it" what is it worth to you having the accurate ammunition fired through your weapon? If that worth out ways your time spent cost to you.......

 

[MilesTeg]

This shows the tab.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...er+measure&dpPl=1&dpID=41rFtYNnrkL&ref=plSrch

 

[ManrisFrack]

I bought a kit very similar to what you've got on your list. I wasn't happy with the scale. It wasn't repeating every time and seemed to drift over time. I replaced it with a beam scale but it's slow. Looking back, I should've dropped the $100+ on a good e-scale like the one meke linked.

Now that I'm looking, the kit I bought matches the number of the kit I bought (85003). Mine did not come with the primer feeder that is pictured on Amazon. I think you can still use the press to prime (hence the "positive priming system" feature listed) but you'll be putting primers in individually by hand. I use the hand priming tool that comes with the kit and have no complaints.

I use a c-clamp on the tab to secure the powder measure to the bench. Works just fine.

 

[MilesTeg]

Also have you looked at my picture in the reloading bench in that thread. I find it a good setup for single stage. I work left to right here's the order. Open space to load reloading block. Powder measure. Then open space this is where I setup my scale, data and calibers. Then I have my press with bullets behind it but accessible to the right of the press I have my ammo box to put finished rounds.

I just realized you don't have a powder trickler. These are handy for precision rifle rounds. The goal is drop below the charge and trickle up to the desired charge. The idea is this is more precise than trying to drop the desired charge. This is also handy when working up charges. When your varying your powder charge it's easier to set the dispenser low and trickle up to the desired charge. Which you will be doing with your first rounds.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...+reloading&dpPl=1&dpID=41ff4JZMDSL&ref=plSrch

 

[ManrisFrack]

I just realized you don't have a powder trickler.

That kit should come with one unless that particular seller is throwing together their own kit while advertising it as the Hornady item number. Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Reloading :: Metallic Reloading :: Presses and Kits :: Lock-N-Load® Classic :: Lock-N-Load® Classic Kit

 

[meketrefe]

Again, the kits look like great deals but a lot of stuff you will end up not using.
The most efficient is tailored to you based on calibers un mind and how one is going to scale.

 

[Checkers]

Again, the kits look like great deals but a lot of stuff you will not end up using.
The most efficient is tailored to you based on calibers un mind and how one is going to scale.

I picked the kit because the press and powder dispenser come to about $200, or for $230 I can have both of those, 3 bushings, the book, a block, priming tool, etc etc.