RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

One final thought on handloading; I got into it ostensibly because "It was cheaper". (I can actually hear a few of you chuckling). My old Lyman turret press and most of the tools were donated to me by an interested friend. What I actually ended up with was a moderately expensive habit that has brought my father and I closer together than we had been for decades. He's a retired cop/hunter/handloader/gunsmith who kept waiting for one of his four boys to take up the cause. Since he had had to sell most of his equipment years ago to support a growing family, he is now able to pass on wisdom and wit on those cold Colorado nights when neither of us has anything to do. Whatever I spend on loading, I regain a hundredfold in lost time.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

"spend the money now, or spend it twice later". I could have bought a cheap used Lee press for $25, but eventually I'd likely replace it with a Rockchucker anyway.
Driftrider when I started reloading they didn't even make Lee presses and RCBS was a new company . I was just thinking how it had changed over time . 53 years to be exact . Thinking out loud . Hal

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

driftrider congrats on the new hobby

i myself just recently got into reloading and i cant tell you how much the people on this forum can help you

i have posted most of my problems here and recieved excelent advice in a very small amount of time

enjoy the new hobby and if you have any probs. dont hesitate to ask.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

One of my best purchase was a 3 ring binder that I keep all my hand loads and range/ field reports in. I record any useful information on my pet loads as I can, from how well it groups at the range too bullet performace on game. In a couple of years you will have a good history of what you have done.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

If you have access to a drill press, you can make some great loading blocks out of blank wood blocks. I had some large blocks of cedar that I made about 6 blocks from. Made them quite deep for more steadier holding of the cases. (35 Whelen)
Oh, it might pay to get a little something for the missus, just in case she figures out what all that stuff you got is worth. LOL

Russ

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

Actually, I do have access to a drill press to make loading blocks for myself. My dad's an accomplished woodworker and has an extensively equipped workshop. I just hadn't thought about making my own blocks, but it is a great idea, thanks.

As for the missus...maybe a night out on the town, a dozen roses, a nice necklace...and a bullet proof vest for me in case the first three don't passify her! She's a better shot than I am! :D;)

Mike

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

Ahhh, that explains the need to reload ...... practice, practice, practice. :)

Sounds like you have a nice set up, good luck and enjoy.

A word of warning .... casting your own bullets usually follows

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

I'm actually very proud of her shooting skills, because I'm the one who taught her to shoot. She had never even touched a gun until she met me, and I taught her everything I know about marksmanship. She's a classic case of the student surpassing her instructor. I also credit a lot of her performance to the fact that whe was a "gun virgin" so to speak, so she had no bad habits to break and learned to do it right from the start. I, on the other hand, was taught to shoot by my dad who did his best, but the Marine Corps really taught me how to be a rifleman. I'm still trying to break some of my bad habits that go back to when I was a kid.

I'm just fortunate to have a shooting buddy who's also my wife. It makes it a lot easier to justify buying to much ammo if I bought some for her too. Women like her are hard to find, so I guess I consider myself blessed to be with her.

Mike

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

Congrats, looks like you got some good stuff there. Reloading is a great hobby that you'll never get bored with. I will make a suggestion though. Make more room because once you get started you'll always see something else you want to add. Don't forget those safety glasses! Good luck.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

I agree with mykey, I also started with the rock chucker and moved on to an additional rock chucker with a lee progressive and a dillon 550b. All work excellent and I use them for different applications. There's also one more item you will eventually need and that's a case remover for when a case get's stuck in your die. They sell them made up or you can make your own with a 1/4 X 20 tap, 1/4 X 20 bolt, drill bit for tapping 1/4 X 20, some fair size flat washers, and a couple of good size nuts.
Polack