The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Reloading => Topic started by: Ender on April 11, 2014, 08:49:21 PM
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Hey my name is Ben and I decided about a year ago that I was going to start reloading my own ammunition. Well that never happened... but now... money is good and the dream is alive once again!
I have chosen my press... the Hornady L-n-L AP Press!
I know that I need to buy....
-9mm Die Set
-Hornady ONE SHOT
-Primer Flipper
-Retention Spring
-A few stack-able bins
-Digital Scale
-Calipers
-Degreaser
-Manual on Reloading
-Powder, Primers, Bullets, and Casings
Would any of you Gents be kind enough to go over my list and suggest which items I need to make sure and buy a specific type or brand... and which items don't really matter and I can just get anything.
Also, I am sure I have things missing from my list. I intend to start reloading 9mm.
Thanks for any tips or suggestions you might have! And I just wanted to let you know that I have been through http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=15225.0 and found tons of great tips and info already.
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All the light you can stand over your loading bench. A good set of loading manuals, A small shopvac to suck up spilt powder. A bullet puller, Check weights. A Thumbler tumbler with stainless steet pins. Dawn dish soat, lemishine.
If you use Hornady one shot, you shouldn't have to clean sizing lube off. If you have carbide 9 mm dies you may not need any sizing lube at all.
Case trimmer, something to deal with military primer pockets if you choose to reload the,
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Welcome Ben.
Like DeltaM said, you're going to need a tumbler. (I've used a Frankfort Arsenal for 20 yrs now)
I have a regular RCBS scale that I double check with check weights. The digital scale I have is good but I don't use it loading pistol rounds.
My digital is a Pact that 'talks' to the powder measure...that setup I use for rifle loads. Using my manual Hornady powder measure is much faster when doing a batch of pistol.
You will need a bullet puller. You can get an inertia one for about $30.
FYI, Dillon dies don't bell the case mouth, that is done by the Dillon powder measure on their presses.
Good luck finding pistol powder....if you see some for sale, BUY IT even if you don't have anything else yet.
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Hey thanks for the tips guys.
What do you think about manuals... Lyman or the Hornady?
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Here's a link that may help some .
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=15225.0
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Hey thanks for the tips guys.
What do you think about manuals... Lyman or the Hornady?
BOTH! And look on-line for other loading suggestions. You will find that they do not all agree, but with multiple sources you can find a good average.
GB
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Okay great, thanks guys.
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**UPDATE**
I went shopping today and got just about everything I need, but still have a few Question marks.
Got my Hornady LnL press - $440
#8 Shell Plate - $35
Lymans - $20
RBCS Primer Flipper - $5
and here is a weird one... The guy at the store talked me into buying a 4 pc. Set of LEE Dies.
I thought it was odd, but he said he preffered the LEE dies with the HORNADY press...
But I didnt argue because I got 4 dies instead of 3 and saved 10 bucks!
Question1: What do you guys think about the LEE dies? the $10 doesn't really matter to me, I just want a smooth operation.
Question2: Is powder a preference item? Any suggestions for powder brand when loading 9mm?
Question3: I have read good things on small pistol primers for Federal, CCI, and Winchester. Though all of these AND a REMINGTON brand where all around $40 for 1000. What brand do you guys prefer or does it matter?
Question4: Help me pick between scales! I heard that when attempting to NOT blow your hands, eyes, or face off... you should not be stingy or cheap. Sounded like sound advice.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/562485/rcbs-rangemaster-750-electronic-powder-scale-750-grain-capacity
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/142513/lyman-micro-touch-electronic-powder-scale-1500-grain-capacity-110-volt?cm_vc=ProductFinding
Question5... last one I swear ;)
Has anyone used the FREE 100-500 bullets that Hornady sends in their rebate? are these going to be adequate or should I go buy some?
Thanks for all the tips n tricks guys, I appreciate you all helping me get started.
Ben
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If you are going to reload you are going to need a ton more bullets, primers and powder. The reason loading manuals were suggested is that they have suggested loads for any cal. you care to reload. They will help you answer your many questions and some you haven't thought of yet! I suggest you read the intro sections before you attempt anything. Ask questions where you bought your equipment and HOPEFULLY they will have the experience to give you correct answers! Right now finding powder can be a problem. I suggest you buy one pound cans of a couple powders and try them out. Any of the name brand primers will work. Individuals have favorites...others are just glad to be able to get anything!!! Hornady makes quality bullets or they wouldn't be in business but I suggest you consider lead (unless you are loading for Glock) or plated because they will save you money.
Be safe and have fun!
Richard
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I would recommend Lee carbide sizing dies for any straight wall pistol case, especially .40SW, as they size further down the case, and help prevent chambering issues...I use them for my 9mm in a Super 1050
weigh out 10 charges when you adjust your powder measure, and move the decimal place... 10 charges weigh 43 grains, then 1 charge is 4.3 grains....make sure the surface you place you balance on is flat, and don't put it on top of any Styrofoam packaging... stand up, and as commented, place a good light over your charging station... standing helps prevent tendonitis
I use Winchester Super Field (WSF) for my 9mm, and use Precision Delta 147 grain fmj, but most of the intermediate burn rate shotshell powders will work for the lower pressure pistol rounds..
I'm a retired science teacher, and prefer a traditional balance rather than digital...if you don't have calibration masses, a couple of factory bullets from a major manufacturer can be used in its place to check a couple of readings
make it a point to look at the powder level in each case before you set a bullet, and use enough bell and correct top punch to seat the bullet straight
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Awesome Info, thanks guys!
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**UPDATE**
Question5... last one I swear ;)
Has anyone used the FREE 100-500 bullets that Hornady sends in their rebate? are these going to be adequate or should I go buy some?
Thanks for all the tips n tricks guys, I appreciate you all helping me get started.
Ben
Ben, When I got my L-N-L The were giving away 1000 bullets and I took'm all. Also when you buy a set of Hornady dies you can get 100 bullets. Take all your entitled to. The selection is limited so choose carefully.