Reloading now......

[FirinFlatTop]

Took the next step to being self sufficient in ammo on hand. Bought a reloading rig and most of the components. As always forgot a few things on first order, had to make a second. Well got it all unpacked and set up, ready for the first set of dies (.45acp). Took a few rounds to get the standard(on or about 1.25), but all looking good.

After all the reading and talking to a few I know that reload, I was ready to make a few rounds. I am a tightwad, and paying a haz mat fee for powder and primers was not going to happen. I was lucky and found both at a local gun shop. Got some Bullseye and CCI large piston primers. Only bullets I could get was Berrys plated 230gr RH. Took my supplies home and was ready to start.

All set up and ready to make a run, went by the book and all were coming out like they were supposed to. Did not want to make to many on my first run, I wanted to try them in my weapon before I made to many. Man it was hard to stop, I was getting the hang of this reloading thing down.

Off to the range to try the 31 rounds I made. I also had a new Kel-tec P-11 an Uncle gave me I had not shot yet. Took it also to put a few down range to see how it shot. Sot the P-11 first, what a heavy trigger pull, wow is all I can say heavy and real long. Other than the trigger being heave the weapon shot real well. Now on to the reloads. Loaded 5 rounds in the mag, took aim and one by one sent them down range, all fine and dandy so far. went back and forth between the two weapons with 5 rounds each. Not a single malfunction from either weapon, I was so pleased.

Made it back home and ready to load a batch for the next range day. I was told the Bullseye power was a bit dirty, I did not see this with my weapon, it looked cleaner than the PMC factory I have been shooting.

All in all, I was happy with my first solo reloads,( I have watched a buddy load a few times) . Now to set up the .357 and the 9mm. I am going to try some lead for the .45, as most of my .357 rounds are all lead and the factory loads shoot fine.

Back out to the bench, even if I don't load anything I can look at all my stuff. All I did not get on the first order will be here Tuesday, I loaded 50 last night in 45 mins all by having to charge all the rounds by hand. I need an extension for the powder charger, should make things run smoother. Need to get an order out on some bullets, anyone know of a good source for lead bullets, remember I am a tightwad.

[zephyp]

Good for you, but if you truly want to be self sufficient for a while I would loosen that grip on your wallet and pay the hazmat fee to stock up on primers and powder from wherever you can find them. They arent as scarce now as they were a few months ago but who knows what the mid-term elections will unleash...

[allingeneral]

Congrats FlatTop! Always good to hear of someone taking "The next step"

[gregj]

Congrats!!! I've only been reloading since winter, but have thoroughly enjoyed it. Take your time, be safe, and have fun.

[CowboyT]

Need to get an order out on some bullets, anyone know of a good source for lead bullets, remember I am a tightwad.

Then consider casting your own out of wheel weights or other scrap lead. My two "main" cartridges to shoot are .38 Special and .45 Colt. The cost savings are huge. A box of .45 Colt ammo that would normally cost me $35 to $40 only costs me $5 to make. A $16 box of .38 Special costs me $3.25 to make.

[FirinFlatTop]

am i over paying for primers at $34 a 1000?

[zephyp]

For good ole American primers $34/1000 is a relatively decent price if you're paying that over the counter...

[FirinFlatTop]

For good ole American primers $34/1000 is a relatively decent price if you're paying that over the counter...

Thanks,, sometimes hard to get anyone to let someone else know what there paying for supply's... Got these at my local gun shop range, said they went from $5/100 to $3.40/100. Both large and small, CCI.

[zephyp]

Given the current supply situation I'dstock up at $34/1000. Thats not much of a premium over what they used to be...but it still aint like the good ole days.