How many handloaders/reloaders do we have in here?

[cjlandry]

Post up with your hardware!

Right now I have a Lee Loadmaster, and a Challenger press. The "Load" master truly lives up to its name, sometimes in good way, sometimes not so good. In other words it tends to crap out at the most inopportune moments. I don't trust it for rifle rounds.

Not good enough for me.

The Challenger (O-shaped press), works OK for rifle rounds, but the cheap cast parts on the lever aren't worth a ****. I've had to replace them twice. They're inexpensive, but cheap sometimes means cheap.

Either of these machines would be fine for a single handgun caliber, and I like the Challenger press for .38 Special and .357 Magnum. The Loadmaster works fine for .45 ACP.

But I want durability and accuracy when I load rifle rounds. They're an entirely different world from handguns, and I'm getting the Hornady LnL so that I can do quick caliber changes and have a durable press at a reasonable price. The "1000 bullets" rebate deal makes it even sweeter.

I like Hornady bullets, and getting 1K of them for free is quite the incentive.

[itisbruno]

That is something I'd "like" to do, but question my skills and ability.

M2Carbine made it sound simple and safe, but I'm not sure it is something I could do.

Time is not on my side anyway.

[cjlandry]

That is something I'd "like" to do, but question my skills and ability.

M2Carbine made it sound simple and safe, but I'm not sure it is something I could do.

Time is not on my side anyway.

I think too many people are frightened by the impression that it requires some sort of mad skills or talent.

Can you measure stuff accurately? Can you pull a lever down, and then return it to the up position?

Sure, it's sort of like "rocket science" if you're loading for the most precise long range shots imaginable.

I take my time with a lot of rifle rounds to ensure that each case weighs and measures the same, each bullet weighs the same, and each powder charge is weighed before charging those cases.

The bullets and cases which are slightly out of spec get placed in a separate box for plinking.

For handgun ammo, particularly .45 acp, precision just isn't necessary for me. I'm no match pistol shooter. If my bullets go where I send them, within reason, I'm happy.

I've loaded probably 5000 rounds on my POS Lee Challenger press, and probably 10000 on the Loadmaster.

I want to increase those numbers, comfortably.

[Bogey]

:mememe:


I have a Dillon 550.

I load no rifle rounds, cuz I don't own a rifle.

I load 9 and .45. May start .38 Special depending on whether I start shooting revolver division.

Typical loads are:

Montana Gold 147 gr JFP
3.2 gr Titegroup
WSP
1.15 OAL
.368 crimp
Range brass

Zero 230 gr FM
4.8 gr WST
WLP
1.255 OAL
.472 cr
Range brass

Bear Creek 230 gr Moly
3.9 Clays
WLP
1.25 OAL
.470 cr
Range brass

All loads make power in SSP,ESP and CDP respectively.

[Bogey]

That is something I'd "like" to do, but question my skills and ability.

M2Carbine made it sound simple and safe, but I'm not sure it is something I could do.

Time is not on my side anyway.

If I can do it, you can too.

Find someone that's got a cheap 550 for sale. It doesn't matter what kind of shape it's in....you can send it back to Dillon for a nominal fee and get it refurbished.

It's worth it if you shoot more than a couple three thousand rounds per year, IMO.

[cjlandry]

****, with today's ammo prices, especially in revolver calibers, it's worth it if you shoot up to 1K rounds per year, to at least get a $40 press.

If I had nothing to shoot but the revolver, the Lee Challenger press would serve my needs forever.

Semi-auto pistols and rifles tend to be more fun and burn a lot more ammo, so they require a better setup.

[zoyter2]

The Lees are great for you pistol ammo, but I use a T-Mag for rifle precision ammo.

I get better rounds than FGGM at about 1/3rd the cost.

[Jason D]

http://i34.tinypic.com/2ibhwrl.jpg
Redding press.

http://i33.tinypic.com/imi1av.jpg
Redding powder measure.

http://i37.tinypic.com/2w5q8md.jpg
Die collection

http://i33.tinypic.com/106kh0y.jpg
Bullet luber/resizer

http://i36.tinypic.com/2lszcdz.jpg
70 pounds of virgin lead waiting to be turned into bullets. Still got about 1 ton of lead shot left.

[cjlandry]

http://i36.tinypic.com/2lszcdz.jpg
70 pounds of virgin lead waiting to be turned into bullets. Still got about 1 ton of lead shot left.

My next goal for handgun ammo.

Thanks for that!

:rock:

[Jason D]

I also have a 12 gauge Mec press.

[Jason D]

My next goal for handgun ammo.

Thanks for that!

:rock:

I had to scrap about 40 pounds of lead wheel weights, because they were contaminated with zinc. Made for some crappy bullets. This stuff though, is virgin lead melted down from lead shot.

[frank4570]

Rcbs rock chucker, Lee Pro 1000, Hornady L-N-L progressive.
Gearing up to start making .458 Socom ahead of deer season on the L-N-L.

[cjlandry]

Rcbs rock chucker, Lee Pro 1000, Hornady L-N-L progressive.
Gearing up to start making .458 Socom ahead of deer season on the L-N-L.


How do you like the LnL progressive?

The only complaint I've read consistently has been with the lousy instruction manual.

[frank4570]

It has some issues with kicking out the finished shells, especailly with really small stuff like the 10mm. And it doesn't like the Lee factory crimp die.
It is a blemish on an other wise pretty great design. I still wouldn't buy a dillon over it if I planned on changing dies.
If I was going to stick with one caliber I would go with the Dillon, no doubt about it.
I get about 300 per hour when I'm rolling, that includes everything.

[El_Ron1]

The "Load" master truly lives up to its name, sometimes in good way, sometimes not so good.

http://i33.tinypic.com/140ycyt.jpg

[gjk5]

Lee Classic Turret w/autodisk and auto prime for 9MM, .45ACP, .38/.357 and .223. RCBS with Uniflow for 7MM mag, .308, .300 sav and .25-06.

Have a MEC 12 ga sitting in my mother's garage in TX, need to get her to send it to me.

[Fred Hansen]

I've got a Hornady LnL that I do my pistol stuff on (mostly 10mm, but some 9mm and even some 38/357 for my uncle, and some .40 Short & Weak for a friend LOL) I still do my rifle stuff on an old Lyman T-Mag style press that I've had for almost a quarter century now, and I load for my 12 ga. on an old MEC 600. In fact I need to make some time this evening to load up some 12s.

[frank4570]

I've got a Hornady LnL that I do my pistol stuff on (mostly 10mm, but some 9mm and even some 38/357 for my uncle, and some .40 Short & Weak for a friend LOL) I still do my rifle stuff on an old Lyman T-Mag style press that I've had for almost a quarter century now, and I load for my 12 ga. on an old MEC 600. In fact I need to make some time this evening to load up some 12s.

Have you had trouble with the LnL ejecting finished rounds?

[Fred Hansen]

Have you had trouble with the LnL ejecting finished rounds?Yep. I gave up on that heavy wire damn thing, and I pull each round out by hand.

[GotGlock1917]

I don't do it any more but I have reloaded thousands of rounds of 9mm, .38 sp, .357 mag., .44 sp, .44 mag., 30-30, .30-'06 and .308.

I don't currently have a setup or room or time.
I did all mine one step at a time and hand measured charges and used an old RCBS jr. press. It was really time consuming but very rewarding.

[frank4570]

Yep. I gave up on that heavy wire damn thing, and I pull each round out by hand.

Same here.
If I get the time I'm going to make a lever that rotates around each stroke to sweep the loaded shell out of the holder.
Pretty annoying pulling each shell by hand since it isn't supposed to need it.
I still like the machine in spite of it.

[cjlandry]

From Hornady, regarding the ejector issue:

*Note: Some manufacturers taper crimp dies may interfere with the ejector wire when they are used in station 5. Hornady New Dimension Taper Crimp Dies are designed to work flawlessly in station 5. If you will be using dies other than Hornady, we suggest that you use our powder through expander and install the taper crimp die in the 4th station. Ejector wires are set at the factory and we DO NOT RECOMMEND adjustment.

*Note: Shell plates have been re-designed for case ejection. We added a chamfer that allows cases to move easily in and out of the shell plate

[frank4570]

From Hornady, regarding the ejector issue:


Based on my experience, the powder through expander should be the starting point.

[mitchshrader]

i bothered to buy the lee turret, and a lee cast single stage.. for .38/357 and .30-06.. and some start on components, a few cases worth..

at the point ammo restrictions prevent economical purchases, (soon, I would guess, 2 - 3 years) .. i'm ahead of the curve. Not that I'm a handloader per se, more like I'm a guy who doesn't intend to run short of ammo. . but I'm doing my best to stick to commercial ammo specifications and ignoring 'bargain' components..

I can afford to pay retail (already DID) for commercial ammo, no more'n I shoot.. but that won't last. I just wish I had another 5,000 premium bullets..

[cjlandry]

i bothered to buy the lee turret, and a lee cast single stage.. for .38/357 and .30-06.. and some start on components, a few cases worth..

at the point ammo restrictions prevent economical purchases, (soon, I would guess, 2 - 3 years) .. i'm ahead of the curve. Not that I'm a handloader per se, more like I'm a guy who doesn't intend to run short of ammo. . but I'm doing my best to stick to commercial ammo specifications and ignoring 'bargain' components..

I can afford to pay retail (already DID) for commercial ammo, no more'n I shoot.. but that won't last. I just wish I had another 5,000 premium bullets..

For rifle, I'm using premium bullets for my actual ammo stash, but keeping to surplus and mil-spec bulk bullets for most range duty. They work very well for me when I sort 'em by weight and condition.

Same goes for handgun. Premium bullets don't often get fired at the range, but I have 'em and continue collecting 'em.

I need to buy some larger quantities of primers and powder too.

[BobRicks]

Just started this about 3 months ago. Bought a Lee turret press and am reloading 9mm and .45ACP at the present. I have an older RCBS RockChucker press just laying around. I need to clean it up and start loading .223 on it so I can play with my AR more than I currently do.

[cjlandry]

Just started this about 3 months ago. Bought a Lee turret press and am reloading 9mm and .45ACP at the present. I have an older RCBS RockChucker press just laying around. I need to clean it up and start loading .223 on it so I can play with my AR more than I currently do.

I would think the Lee Turret press would be ideal for rifle rounds. I was planning on one of those just for that purpose, until I decided to go with the Hornady machine.

[Lone_Wolfe]

A Square Deal and a 550. The 550 is more versatile, but I prefer to do revolver rounds on the SD.

Reloading definately make it possible to feed the hungry mouths I have here....

[frank4570]

I put together my first batch of .458 Socom reloads last night. Testing today.

[cjlandry]

I'll be ordering the LnL progressive on Friday. I've already ordered the shell-plates and some extra die-bushings, along with a Frankford Arsenal portable reloading press stand.

Since my big wooden reloading bench has been given different duties, (work bench in the garage), I need something more compact. The closet in my home office is going to house my reloading equipment. I plan to modify this "portable" stand so that it's mounted more sturdily and won't take up much space.

When I get home from Italy, the closet mods begin. Basically, I'm gonna be set up so that no one will see any reloading gear in my office, unless I open the closet doors, at which point I can just sit on one of my stools and crank out some ammo.

[QNman]

I have a nice Lee progressive starter kit and all I need to start making .45 ACP, but haven't mustered the courage to give it a go yet... I wish I could watch someone do it a couple times first... and I hate to admit I'm a little intimidated by it, but... well, there it is.

[frank4570]

There is a thin coll spring which goes all the way around the shell plate. It looks a lot like a rubber band. It is fragile, but it is cheap. Hornady actually replaced my first one for free, I chose to buy another one to have it on hand. If it gets damaged the press is pretty much out of commission. Ask me how important that little spring is when you're trying to come up with 1,200 rounds for an up coming gun class and you're almost out of time.

I'll be ordering the LnL progressive on Friday. I've already ordered the shell-plates and some extra die-bushings, along with a Frankford Arsenal portable reloading press stand.

Since my big wooden reloading bench has been given different duties, (work bench in the garage), I need something more compact. The closet in my home office is going to house my reloading equipment. I plan to modify this "portable" stand so that it's mounted more sturdily and won't take up much space.

When I get home from Italy, the closet mods begin. Basically, I'm gonna be set up so that no one will see any reloading gear in my office, unless I open the closet doors, at which point I can just sit on one of my stools and crank out some ammo.

[cjlandry]

There is a thin coll spring which goes all the way around the shell plate. It looks a lot like a rubber band. It is fragile, but it is cheap. Hornady actually replaced my first one for free, I chose to buy another one to have it on hand. If it gets damaged the press is pretty much out of commission. Ask me how important that little spring is when you're trying to come up with 1,200 rounds for an up coming gun class and you're almost out of time.

Do you have a part number handy? I'd like to be ahead of the game.

With the Lee machine, There are several spare parts that need to be kept on hand, at the quantities I spit out. Nothing's worse than being shut down waiting on a mail order part that costs 25 cents, but $8 in shipping and handling.

[frank4570]

Do you have a part number handy? I'd like to be ahead of the game.

With the Lee machine, There are several spare parts that need to be kept on hand, at the quantities I spit out. Nothing's worse than being shut down waiting on a mail order part that costs 25 cents, but $8 in shipping and handling.

I did a quick look for my parts manual before I posted about the part. Tonight I will have another look. I need to organize my stuff anyway.

[cjlandry]

You're a good man, Frank. No stake through your heart tonight.

[Fred Hansen]

Do you have a part number handy? I'd like to be ahead of the game.

With the Lee machine, There are several spare parts that need to be kept on hand, at the quantities I spit out. Nothing's worse than being shut down waiting on a mail order part that costs 25 cents, but $8 in shipping and handling. Here it is on Midway: http://www.midwayusa.com/Eproductpage.Exe/showproduct?saleitemid=721452

Hornady #: 392363 Qty.1 SPRING CASE RETAINER

[Lone_Wolfe]

You're a good man, Frank. No stake through your heart tonight.

Steak... yummmmmmmmm ... :eat:

[schild]

A Lee press is a good thing to have, that way when you get a Dillon you'll realize how well the Dillion is made......and yes, I had two Lee presses before I got my Dillon 650.

[frank4570]

Here it is on Midway: http://www.midwayusa.com/Eproductpage.Exe/showproduct?saleitemid=721452

Hornady #: 392363 Qty.1 SPRING CASE RETAINER

Yep, that's it. Thanks Fred.

[QNman]

A Lee press is a good thing to have, that way when you get a Dillon you'll realize how well the Dillion is made......and yes, I had two Lee presses before I got my Dillon 650.

The price of the Lee was too good to pass up... ESPECIALLY since I haven't done this before. I figure if I stat and get to enjoying it, I'll consider "upgrading".

[cjlandry]

Here it is on Midway: http://www.midwayusa.com/Eproductpage.Exe/showproduct?saleitemid=721452

Hornady #: 392363 Qty.1 SPRING CASE RETAINER

Thanks, Bane. I appreciate that.

Any other recommended spare parts for the LnL progressive?

The price of the Lee was too good to pass up... ESPECIALLY since I haven't done this before. I figure if I stat and get to enjoying it, I'll consider "upgrading".

I agree. I got mine from a GT member at a considerable discount from retail, and I figure I can probably sell it at little loss, or give it to a friend, who only has the little Challenger press right now.

[Fred Hansen]

Thanks, Bane. I appreciate that.

Any other recommended spare parts for the LnL progressive?



I agree. I got mine from a GT member at a considerable discount from retail, and I figure I can probably sell it at little loss, or give it to a friend, who only has the little Challenger press right now.I got the Powder Cop Die (http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=199393) which makes it very easy to keep track of potential squib loads. Just set it for depth, and if the right amount of powder was thrown a small white o-ring will appear as you raise the shell holder.

[frank4570]

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=786036&t=11082005

Die bushings. Based on my experience(not everybody is like me), I would say just buy twice what you think you need, and be done with it.

[cjlandry]

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=786036&t=11082005

Die bushings. Based on my experience(not everybody is like me), I would say just buy twice what you think you need, and be done with it.

I've already ordered twice what I think I need, perhaps I should go for thrice.

[frank4570]

I've already ordered twice what I think I need, perhaps I should go for thrice.

I think you've got it under control.

[HAVOC]

I've got a Dillon 650, an RCBS RockChucker II (with a now out of favor Piggyback II) and a Lee Hand Press.

Currently geared up for:

9mm Parabellum
9x25 Dillon
.38 Special
.357 Magnum
.40 S&W
10mm Auto
.44 Special
.44 Magnum
.45 ACP
.45 Colt

.223 Remington
.243 Winchester
.308 Winchester
.30-06 Springfield
.300 Weatherby Magnum

[freakshow10mm]

Load using a Dillon 550 and a Lee Classic Turret. Also have an MEC 600 JR for 20ga shotgun. I cast my own pistol and rifle bullets and shotgun slugs. Size boolits with a Star sizer. Life doesn't get much better than that.