Any of you guys or girls roll your own ammo here?

[BLR]

Just read Tamara's blog post that implied every time Barry opens his mouth and says the word "guns" there is a potential ammo shortage.

Food for thought: 1k of 45s cost me $130, and 1k of 9mm is roughly $70. Bit of cost savings there...

[NETim]

Been reloading before dirt was invented. Good hobby if nothing else.

[BLR]

Been reloading before dirt was invented. Good hobby if nothing else.

So by extension, that would make you how old??? ;)

Sorry. I had to. I tried to resist, but I just couldnt.

[CCT125US]

Sure do. Dillon 650

[Steady Up]

I have the equipment to load/reload my own, but for the past year or so I've just been buying my own ammo (I'm shooting 9x19mm and 5.56 NATO). I would rather have more time to spend at the range than loading ammo.

I do load almost all of my own ammo for my revolvers (38 Special, 357 Magnum, and 44 Special).

[TGS]

I've been thinking about starting to reload. I've never done pistol or rifle before, only shotgun when I was a kid.

Rather than pistol, the impetus for me is accuracy oriented with my 7.5x55 Swiss rifles. They use regular 7.62/308 bullets, so there's lots one can do with that cartridge, especially considering the awesome platform that fires it. The thing that keeps me from investing in reloading equipment yet is that surplus GP11 Swiss ammo is readily available, match grade, and only costs $0.47 per round.

[JV_]

Yes, on a Dillon 1050.

[ChrisG]

1k of 9mm is roughly $70. Bit of cost savings there...

Wow, really? Are you using cast lead bullets? Last time I priced it out I couldn't get below 15 cents per round with jacketed bullets.

[JV_]

Wow, really? Are you using cast lead bullets? Last time I priced it out I couldn't get below 15 cents per round with jacketed bullets.
I'm at $120 / case for 9mm, with jacketed bullets and VV powder.

[DVCPrepper]

Only way I can afford to shoot. XL650

5.56mm Plinker
55gr extreme coated
24.5gr TAC
Wolf primer
Once fired brass (SLC)
$150 p/k

9mm load
115gr extreme coated
4.0 gr titegroup
Win sm pistol primer
Range brass
$99.00 p/k

300 whisper subsonic
220gr SMK
8.5gr lilgun
Wolf sm rifle
Converted SLC 556
$465.00 p/k

[mizer67]

I'm at $120 / case for 9mm, with jacketed bullets and VV powder.

That's where I'm at shooting PD 124 JHPs and VV also.

[BLR]

That's where I'm at shooting PD 124 JHPs and VV also.

Why not lead? I'm paying less than $60/thou for 124g LTCs that are moly coated. Fairly accurate too. And easy on the bbl.

[JV_]

Why not lead?I want to limit my lead exposure. I'm shooting TMJ/CMJ bullets from MG.

[BLR]

I want to limit my lead exposure. I'm shooting TMJ/CMJ bullets from MG.

You'll get more lead from the lead styphnate in the primer. Very little of the bullet is vaporized. And using moly coated bullets (Precision Bullets is my fav) all but eliminates that.

[JV_]

You'll get more lead from the lead styphnate in the primer.I don't disagree. But, the bullet choice is an easy variable that I can control, primers are much harder. Plus, I can shoot it in any barrel, like Glocks, without buildup concerns.

[BLR]

Plus, I can shoot it in any barrel, like Glocks, without buildup concerns.

Oh yeah. Forgot that angle.

Chris, yes. Lead. When I want top quality, I go to Laser Cast or Precision Bullets. When I want good practice, I go to a local guy so I don't pay shipping. His is good stuff dimensionally, but we have a disagreement concerning hardness.

[Alaskapopo]

Just read Tamara's blog post that implied every time Barry opens his mouth and says the word "guns" there is a potential ammo shortage.

Food for thought: 1k of 45s cost me $130, and 1k of 9mm is roughly $70. Bit of cost savings there...

I shoot more 9mm but if you use lead for the .45 and .40 cals and they handle lead just fine in my experience it costs about the same as 9mm with jacketed bullets.
For example my 45 acp load is 5 grains of Bullseye under a 200 grain Lead semi SWC bullet that costs about $80 a 1000. My 9mm loads is 4 grains of Tightgroup under a 124 grain JHP from Montana Gold that costs about $80 a 1000 if you buy in bulk. Primers are the same cost around here. So its a wash.
Pat

[SecondsCount]

I shoot more 9mm but if you use lead for the .45 and .40 cals and they handle lead just fine in my experience it costs about the same as 9mm with jacketed bullets.
For example my 45 acp load is 5 grains of Bullseye under a 200 grain Lead semi SWC bullet that costs about $80 a 1000. My 9mm loads is 4 grains of Tightgroup under a 124 grain JHP from Montana Gold that costs about $80 a 1000 if you buy in bulk. Primers are the same cost around here. So its a wash.
Pat

That is about what it is for me.

I got a good deal on 200 gr. 45 lead RNFP earlier this year, $50 per 1K. I had to buy 5K to get that price but if you figure another $30 for primers and powder then I am about $80 per 1K for a complete round.

The problem is that I have been shooting 9mm all year but I can always go back to 45 if things start to dry up.

[nwhpfan]

I run a 550 and load 9mm and 45. I make "45 minor" with 180g LSWC and 4.6g AA#2. Using a reduced recoil spring in my full size MP45 I run it in Production. Both my 9mm and .45 loads run about $110 per thousand, and both group less than 2" at 25 yards with cast or moly. I do about 400 rounds an hour on the Dillon.

[Odin Bravo One]

I have two 650s, one for 9 and one for .45.

I shoot 9 Major and used to do some lighter practice loads for the girl shooter in the house. The .45 solely goes to feed my Tommygun. Still get all the 9mm NATO, 556, and 762 I have time to shoot paid for by you good tax paying citizens.

Thank you.

[JAD]

You're welcome, Sean. The work you do is well worth it.

I mostly use my 550 for 45 these days. I think loading 9 efficiently requires sorting brass and I'm too old for that stuff. Back when I shot a G19 a lot I ran it with a broached barrel and resized my own 125 grain lswcs from .358 to .356. Pretty holes in the paper and the GLOCK gobbled them like pez.

[Alaskapopo]

You're welcome, Sean. The work you do is well worth it.

I mostly use my 550 for 45 these days. I think loading 9 efficiently requires sorting brass and I'm too old for that stuff. Back when I shot a G19 a lot I ran it with a broached barrel and resized my own 125 grain lswcs from .358 to .356. Pretty holes in the paper and the GLOCK gobbled them like pez.

I don't sort my 9mm brass and I load on 2 550 B's with no issues. One press is set up for large primers the other for small primers. I reload 9mm, 38 super comp, 38 special, 357 mag, 40 sw, 10mm, 44 mag, 45 acp, 45 colt, 223, .308 and 45-70.
Pat

[jumpthestack]

You're welcome, Sean. The work you do is well worth it.

I mostly use my 550 for 45 these days. I think loading 9 efficiently requires sorting brass and I'm too old for that stuff. Back when I shot a G19 a lot I ran it with a broached barrel and resized my own 125 grain lswcs from .358 to .356. Pretty holes in the paper and the GLOCK gobbled them like pez.

I find 9 to be less work. If you're talking about .380s, the Midway USA .380 insert for their shell sorter system works well. If you're talking about crimped primer military brass, I found most of them prime without issue on my 650, and the few that don't just take a few turns of the primer pocket reamer.

.45 ACP has the dreaded small primer .45s which seem to be about 2% of the .45 brass that I pick up.
I go through all my .45 brass by hand and separate out the small primer brass and load them separately. I don't want to risk trying to jam a large primer into one of those and setting it off.

[Corvus]

I load my pistol ammo on a 550 with a case feeder. The equipment to load my rifle ammo is also sitting on the loading bench but I don't shoot as much rifle and have just been buying it since putting the case feeder on the 550.

Plan to purchase another press to handle rifle ammo as soon as I decide between another 550 or a 650.

[BLR]

You're welcome, Sean. The work you do is well worth it.

I mostly use my 550 for 45 these days. I think loading 9 efficiently requires sorting brass and I'm too old for that stuff. Back when I shot a G19 a lot I ran it with a broached barrel and resized my own 125 grain lswcs from .358 to .356. Pretty holes in the paper and the GLOCK gobbled them like pez.

+1 Sean. Rock on with it.

[ford.304]

Struck a deal with a friend of mine - he has a press and no garage, I have a garage and no press ;-) Works out pretty well.

Been reloading .38 special for a while. Just started on .45... and I don't know how people pay for it. A big pile of loaded .38 feels like money burning a hole in my pocket. The same pile of .45 feels like I need to save it for a rainy day. I'm dealing with the "small primer .45" issue by trying to collect/trade for only small primer .45, since no one else wants them anyway. Makes keeping track of components simpler, too.

We've been using Bayou Bullets lately and are pretty happy with them, although wait time for orders is a bit much. I get the impression that nearly everyone is that way these days, though.

[Tamara]

I've got a turret press and a bunch of dies, but I haven't set it back up since I moved up to Indy. I used to use it mostly for turning out cheap .38 practice.

I never thought I'd see the day when I'd consider reloading 9x19; up until six years ago or so, 9 was just "too cheap to meter". Unless you had a buzzgun or were a seriously high-volume shooter, loading your own nine was... a little eccentric.

[CCT125US]

I never thought I'd see the day when I'd consider reloading 9x19; up until six years ago or so, 9 was just "too cheap to meter". Unless you had a buzzgun or were a seriously high-volume shooter, loading your own nine was... a little eccentric.

I agree, back when WWB was $10.99 or so per 100 at Wally world it just wasn't worth the time to pick up brass. My father would gladly pick it and save it. Twenty years latter, I am very glad my father did that, and he is very quick to remind me that the old man was right.

[rsa-otc]

I want to limit my lead exposure. I'm shooting TMJ/CMJ bullets from MG.

It is my understanding that one of the reasons Molly bullets were developed was to reduce the lead exposure. I have recovered several expended Bayou bullets from the berm and can say that the coating was still fully on the base of the bullet and no lead was exposed. I believe it is extreme bullets that on their website has a video of them appling a torch to the bullet and the coating staying intact even though the lead melts.

Just had my lead level checked and it was low in the acceptable range for Adults. And I do shoot at indoor ranges.

Using Bayou Bullets my costs are as follows:

45's - $145 per 1000
40's - $122 per 1000
9MM- $113 per 1000
38 spl - $125 per 1000

The secret is to purchase in bulk to spread the Haz Mat charge for primers & powder as far as possible. I find that a 5000 piece order for primers to be the smallest and still be affordable to purchase over the net vs the local shop.

[BLR]

I've got a turret press and a bunch of dies, but I haven't set it back up since I moved up to Indy. I used to use it mostly for turning out cheap .38 practice.

I never thought I'd see the day when I'd consider reloading 9x19; up until six years ago or so, 9 was just "too cheap to meter". Unless you had a buzzgun or were a seriously high-volume shooter, loading your own nine was... a little eccentric.

I'll provide the other side of the argument.

Factory 9 mil is, say $200. Reloaded is, say $100. That is a $100/k savings. That figure goes up quickly for 45 or 10mm. It takes me 1hr to churn out 1k on my Super 1050 (granted, an expensive press, but 600/hr on a Hornady LNL is reasonable too). It takes me 90min, if I rush through my guns store to buy a couple cases of ammo. It takes me 5 min to go to Steele or Powder Valley to lay in the supplies needed. You can be paying yourself, after the ROI on the press, $50-$100/hr tax free.

That said, I load my own because I can determine what is made. And the finest 45 load isn't, for all intents and purposes, loaded commercially - 200g LSWCs over Bullseye.

[Tamara]

I'll provide the other side of the argument.

I wasn't arguing. I was saying that 9 had gotten expensive enough that the cost savings outweighed the pain-in-the-ass factor.

Back when S&B was $5.99/50 and even cheaper by the case? Well, at that price you cheapskates were welcome to pick up all my once-fired brass you wanted, as there are things I'd rather be doing than pulling the lever on a press. ;)

(I understand that some people actively enjoy reloading, in which case the value-of-your-time calculation would work out differently.)

[NETim]

I enjoy turning a nasty ol' range reclaimed case into a nice pretty round that shoots big holes in stuff.

And time in the man cave is never wasted. :)

[Jason F]

Kmartphoto & I just went in together on a press (Hornadly LNL plant) with another friend. We were all considering buying a basic setup- said SCREW THAT and pitched it all in together to get one nice setup.

Keith has been spending a good bit of time getting the .45ACP up and running while our other buddy works through his stores of 9mm, but I'm sure we'll be loading that by the end of the year too.


I was interested just to cut my costs for shooting. With 2 small kids, finding range time is hard. Affording it is even harder! Until now... :D

[Shokr21]

I load 9mm and 45acp on a buddies 650. I pay him for components plus 10% as a fee for letting me use his equipment and taking away from his reloading time.

We make bulk orders of components 2-3 times a year with other members of our range and it works out nicely.

I will say that I was hesitant to shoot my own reloads but it is quite rewarding.

[BLR]

I wasn't arguing. I was saying that 9 had gotten expensive enough that the cost savings outweighed the pain-in-the-ass factor.

Back when S&B was $5.99/50 and even cheaper by the case? Well, at that price you cheapskates were welcome to pick up all my once-fired brass you wanted, as there are things I'd rather be doing than pulling the lever on a press. ;)

(I understand that some people actively enjoy reloading, in which case the value-of-your-time calculation would work out differently.)

Not argument as in arguing, argument as in discussion.

You can always automate your Super 1050.... like this guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dta-RQFrl1E

Kits aren't that expensive, and are off the shelf.

[Tamara]

Not argument as in arguing, argument as in discussion.

You can always automate your Super 1050.... like this guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dta-RQFrl1E

Kits aren't that expensive, and are off the shelf.

You are SUCH an engineer! ;) :D

[BLR]

You are SUCH an engineer! ;) :D

Don't pretend you don't like it.

[G60]

Just 9mm for now. Been saving all my 5.56 brass though.

I don't find reloading very much fun, especially with a single stage press. I'd definitely get a Dillon if space wasn't such a restraint.

[Kyle Reese]

Going to get into reloading 9x19 very soon, and looking at Dillon presses as we speak.

[JConn]

Just bought my press, in a couple weeks it will happen.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[Kyle Reese]

Just bought my press, in a couple weeks it will happen.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Whatcha get?

[JConn]

Dillion xl650. Not recommended for a first press but I've used both it and a 550 and it would be a pain to load the volume I need on a 550,so we'll see how it works out.

[JV_]

Dillion xl650. Not recommended for a first pressIf you're careful when a jam happens, you'll be fine. I had some experience with single stage rifle reloading, and went right to the Super 1050 for pistol.

When the machine stops for some reason, like a jammed primer, you need to be very careful to not have everything go through the same stage twice (ie. 2X the powder). For the first few iterations of jams and clear, I would clear out the stages and start fresh. Luckily, you picked a powder that overfills the case if it's double charged, and you should be visually inspecting each case before dropping in a bullet - so a no-charge case should be easily avoided.

[BLR]

Going to get into reloading 9x19 very soon, and looking at Dillon presses as we speak.

I've got 2 Super 1050, and 5 Hornady LNLs.

Can I suggest looking at the LNL? I like them better than the 650. The poweder measures are way better. I think caliber changes are easier.

[pr1042]

Thoughts on a dillon square deal? I only shoot 9mm so caliber changes don't matter to me.

Just need to sell my 1187P first

[NETim]

Thoughts on a dillon square deal? I only shoot 9mm so caliber changes don't matter to me.

Just need to sell my 1187P first

They are more than adequate and production rates will keep up with demand unless you're a very high volume shooter. Mine has run very well for me. The primer feed system is the only real problem child on it IMHO. The plastic tip on the primer feed tube wears and eventually it starts puking primers, so keep a few of those on hand. It's not a big problem but it does eventually happen after several thousand rounds. Otherwise, I consider the SDB pretty much trouble free.

[Kyle Reese]

Thoughts on a dillon square deal? I only shoot 9mm so caliber changes don't matter to me.

Just need to sell my 1187P first

I was actually looking at one of these as well. I don't plan on loading a metric ton of 9mm, and don't want to sink alot of money into a reloading system just yet. I plan on loading 9x19 exclusively.

[NickA]

Thoughts on a dillon square deal? I only shoot 9mm so caliber changes don't matter to me.

Just need to sell my 1187P first

I use one and like it. It sat unused for several years and needed some parts replaced and a good lubing, but after that it's been trouble free (the machine is probably 15 years old or more, so some of the plastic parts were way overdue).
Once I get around to ordering some more primer tubes I think I could load 300 rounds an hour,maybe a little more, no problem. That's plenty for me.

[rsa-otc]

I have a Dillon 450 I got used in the mid 80's. It had been upgraded to a 550 less the changable tool head. This press has given me exellant service for 25 plus years. If nothing else Dillon's lifetime no BS warrenty is just that. Remember I am not the original owner having gotten the press used. 2 years ago I was having problems with the upgraded powder measure sticking. Dillon replaced it litterly no questions asked at no cost to me. I have personally talked to others who have had the same experiance. You can not ask for more than that.

At times I have looked at buying another press to set up for one single caliber, I looked at both the Lyman & Hornady presses. I keep coming back to my experiance with Dillon's warrenty and think it's just better to wait until I can afford another Dillon rather than purchasing either of the others.

I load .38 spl, 9 mm, 40 s&w and 45 acp on my current press and am happy with the results turning out between 400 to 600 rounds per hour without an automatic case or bullet feeder. For some reason of all the calibers I reload, I can produce more 38spl per hour than any other. If I was to start shooting 5.56 I feel confident I would be happy with the results with that cartridge as well.

So YA I drink the Dillon cool aid. :cool:

[Odin Bravo One]

I had never reloaded anything and went straight to the 650. A month later I had a second one from a guy who insisted that "caliber conversions" should consist of moving my chair to the other machine(s). I bought the DVD and read and followed all directions before getting all jiggy with it. A few rookie mistakes here and there, but tech support and JV helped set me straight when I needed it.

[m91196]

I use one and like it. It sat unused for several years and needed some parts replaced and a good lubing, but after that it's been trouble free (the machine is probably 15 years old or more, so some of the plastic parts were way overdue).
Once I get around to ordering some more primer tubes I think I could load 300 rounds an hour,maybe a little more, no problem. That's plenty for me.

You can load 500 rounds an hour if you have tubes loaded.

It's more than I like to do but it's possible.

The primer system has only been an issue when the anvil is out of adjustment.

Good system with some limitations, watch the local adds, last one I bought used for $275

Have 2 SDB 's. set up, one small one large primer.

One I bought in 1990, still goin strong.

[JConn]

I had never reloaded anything and went straight to the 650. A month later I had a second one from a guy who insisted that "caliber conversions" should consist of moving my chair to the other machine(s). I bought the DVD and read and followed all directions before getting all jiggy with it. A few rookie mistakes here and there, but tech support and JV helped set me straight when I needed it.

That is encouraging. I'm generally pretty good at this type of thing, and when I'm not I'll use the same resources. I did buy the DVD and I'm going to watch it before doing anything. I've got enough ammo to last a couple months so I'll have plenty of time to get things figured out.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[Odin Bravo One]

Have the instruction manual with you when you watch the DVD. Might not hurt to have the machine laid out as well.......just kind of spread around the floor/table so you can reference everything. Notice there will be some differences between the book and video. Use the info from the video. Ideally, you can then slap it in your laptop and take it with you during your set up/installation of your machine.

They are pretty trouble free once you get it all dialed in. But be prepared to sacrifice plenty of brass and bullets as you go through the process. A bullet puller is great, even if all you use it for is to un-ass your prep rounds required for fine tuning before you start cranking out rounds.

[1986s4]

Thoughts on a dillon square deal? I only shoot 9mm so caliber changes don't matter to me.

Just need to sell my 1187P first

I've had one since 1997. Bought it used with accessories at a gun show. Over the years I think I've broken or worn out ever part on that thing. Even though I am not the original purchaser Dillon has stood behind it every single time. From those small plastic bits to the frame. No hassle, just call them. The only thing they ask is: "what is your current address?"

Due to space requirements I'm going to stay with the SQB. But I am always considering a XL650.

[SecondsCount]

I wasn't arguing. I was saying that 9 had gotten expensive enough that the cost savings outweighed the pain-in-the-ass factor.

Back when S&B was $5.99/50 and even cheaper by the case? Well, at that price you cheapskates were welcome to pick up all my once-fired brass you wanted, as there are things I'd rather be doing than pulling the lever on a press. ;)

(I understand that some people actively enjoy reloading, in which case the value-of-your-time calculation would work out differently.)

I have almost always reloaded 9mm. When I started shooting 9mm it was the late 80's and the best price I could find was $10 a box. My reloads cost $2.75 a box with jacketed ammo. Wal-Mart came along and prices seemed to plummet about that time but I still kept loading it. My 9mm loads have always shot better than cheap factory ammo so I find it to be worth it at $6.40 a box + time.

Last year I reloaded 12,000 rounds which comes out to $1536.00. If I had bought the ammo it would have cost me about $3100. That is a savings of $1564 tax free dollars.

I have a RCBS Rockchucker, 2 550B's, and a 650 with casefeeder. I like the simplicity of the 550 for loading rifle and short pistol runs but the 650 is great for high production. If a good deal on a 1050 ever came along then I might jump on it. :cool:

[gstanfield]

Handguns I load and shoot:

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/521875_2258481119346_2067587073_n.jpg
25ACP - 9mm - 40S&W - 45ACP - 38spec - 357mag - 44mag - 45Colt - 500 S&W

Since this pic was taken I have added 41 mag, 44 special and 454 Casull


Rifles I load and shoot:
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/197630_2258481399353_1234399142_n.jpg
22Hornet - 223 - 6.5X55 - 25-06 - 7.62X39 - 308 - 30-06 - 303Brit - 338WM - 45-70 - 45-120


I shoot about 600 rounds a month, but try to load about 1k rounds a month in order to continue building up my supply. In the winter I load more and shoot less so when spring fever hits I'm usually really well stocked :)

~G

[Corey]

I bought a Dillon 550 back in the late 1980's and am still using it. It is the only way I can afford to shoot as much as I do. Been loading mostly 9mm the past year or so and I am paying about $120/1000 to load with plated bullets. I have a brother with a 650 and a friend with a 1050. I have tried them both and would love to have a 1050 but can't justify the up front cost just yet.

I really don't enjoy reloading, I just do it so I can afford to shoot more.

[MDS]

Not argument as in arguing, argument as in discussion.

You can always automate your Super 1050.... like this guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dta-RQFrl1E

Kits aren't that expensive, and are off the shelf.

Man, I don't know why I haven't watched that video before today. If I could set something like this up to run unsupervised and crank out a case or two overnight, I'd probably order the whole kit and kaboodle today...

[JConn]

Yeah that is awesome. The 1050 is freaking pricy though.

[MDS]

Yeah that is awesome. The 1050 is freaking pricy though.

Around 50K rounds to break even. I think I'll wait until I need to reload rifle, and then decide whether to reload pistol...

[SecondsCount]

Man, I don't know why I haven't watched that video before today. If I could set something like this up to run unsupervised and crank out a case or two overnight, I'd probably order the whole kit and kaboodle today...

That setup is basically a Posness Warren kit on a 1050. (http://www.powerfactorshooting.com/product_p/ponsnesswarren-auto-drive-for-.htm)

You can also get one for the 650.

[MDS]

That setup is basically a Posness Warren kit on a 1050. (http://www.powerfactorshooting.com/product_p/ponsnesswarren-auto-drive-for-.htm)

You can also get one for the 650.

But am I correct in believing that setting something like this to run unsupervised, and then firing the resultant ammo with a cursory visual inspection would be, ah, imprudent?

[SecondsCount]

But am I correct in believing that setting something like this to run unsupervised, and then firing the resultant ammo with a cursory visual inspection would be, ah, imprudent?

I personally wouldn't run it unsupervised unless I had about $10K worth of sensors and a controller to make sure everything was a 100% during the process.

One of my customers is building brass forming machines for a large ammunition manufacturer. They make the 1050 look like a tinker toy. Lots of equipment on the machine to make sure things come out right.

[JConn]

But am I correct in believing that setting something like this to run unsupervised, and then firing the resultant ammo with a cursory visual inspection would be, ah, imprudent?

I think the idea is to just supervise. Just watch powder and primer levels and refill when required.

[secondstoryguy]

I've been reloading for a while on a single stage and have used a friends 550. I'm considering purchasing a 550 but all this talk of the 650's here and on Enos's forum have me thinking I should get a 650. Do you guys think there's a huge difference between the two?

[JV_]

For pistol, a 650 is way better.

For rifle, especially where you're trying to load match ammo, the 550 is better.

[Odin Bravo One]

I've been reloading for a while on a single stage and have used a friends 550. I'm considering purchasing a 550 but all this talk of the 650's here and on Enos's forum have me thinking I should get a 650. Do you guys think there's a huge difference between the two?

I don't know the differences as I only have 650's. But if a retard like me can figure it out, and safely produce ammunition that is "good enough" for training purposes, then it is hard to recommend against it.

[JV_]

I don't know the differences as I only have 650's.The 650 has another station, and auto indexes to the next station with each arm pull.

[fuse]

That setup is basically a Posness Warren kit on a 1050. (http://www.powerfactorshooting.com/product_p/ponsnesswarren-auto-drive-for-.htm)

You can also get one for the 650.

It should be noted that if dillon finds out you did this, they will not honor the warranty.

Not saying someone should try and create this unholy concoction of awesome

[mizer67]

I've been reloading for a while on a single stage and have used a friends 550. I'm considering purchasing a 550 but all this talk of the 650's here and on Enos's forum have me thinking I should get a 650. Do you guys think there's a huge difference between the two?

If you're loading any decent amount of pistol ammo, definately get the 650.

I went from a single stage, to a LNL AP, to a 650. I've put over ~120K through them over several years.

I can say wholeheartedly that I love my 650 when compared to the LNL. I think the LNL is great in theory, piss poor in execution. I still use the LNL powder measures though, compared to Dillon, they rock.

I would despise a press that doesn't auto index, personally, unless loading for precision rifle (in which case, I wouldn't optimally use a 550 either).

[mizer67]

It should be noted that if dillon finds out you did this, they will not honor the warranty.

Not saying someone should try and create this unholy concoction of awesome

The 1050 only has a 1 year warranty to begin with.

If you wear one out, a complete rebuild isn't that expensive in comparison to the ~2 million or so rounds through the press by that point (maybe 1 million if you autodrive).

[secondstoryguy]

Since we are talking reloading, what powder would you guys suggest for low flash/low smoke 9mm training/practice ammo? Anyone have any load data for 9mm? Maybe we should start a thread about load data...

[JV_]

Since we are talking reloading, what powder would you guys suggest for low flash/low smoke 9mm training/practice ammo? Anyone have any load data for 9mm? Maybe we should start a thread about load data...

N320

We have a reloading recipe thread, check in there for more.

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[JV_]

http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?2465-9mm-Reload-Data&p=39720&viewfull=1#post39720

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[SecondsCount]

N320

We have a reloading recipe thread, check in there for more.

-Sent using Tapatalk.

N320 is good stuff. Pricey and sometimes hard to come by, but I really like the recoil pulse. Unfortunately I have had reliability issues in my P30 when my son or other people with a weaker grip shoot it.

Lately I have been running 5.0 grains of WSF behind a 124 grain Precision Delta FMJ or HP. I took that load to a recent night shoot and was surprised at how little flash it created. Averages 138 PF from my P30.

[BLR]

N320 is good stuff. Pricey and sometimes hard to come by, but I really like the recoil pulse. Unfortunately I have had reliability issues in my P30 when my son or other people with a weaker grip shoot it.

Lately I have been running 5.0 grains of WSF behind a 124 grain Precision Delta FMJ or HP. I took that load to a recent night shoot and was surprised at how little flash it created. Averages 138 PF from my P30.

Did you know alkaline carbonates are one of the more common and effective flash suppressants? It gobbles up the excess hydrogen gas, whose flame is it that gives us much of the "flash."

Food for though ;)

[SecondsCount]

Did you know alkaline carbonates are one of the more common and effective flash suppressants? It gobbles up the excess hydrogen gas, whose flame is it that gives us much of the "flash."

Food for though ;)


No, I didn't know that. :D

Is that stuff yellow? There is a yellow substance in Ramshot Silhouette that is supposed to help reduce flash.

[mizer67]

N320 is good stuff. Pricey and sometimes hard to come by, but I really like the recoil pulse. Unfortunately I have had reliability issues in my P30 when my son or other people with a weaker grip shoot it.

Lately I have been running 5.0 grains of WSF behind a 124 grain Precision Delta FMJ or HP. I took that load to a recent night shoot and was surprised at how little flash it created. Averages 138 PF from my P30.

I could never get N320 to make PF, nor shoot really well, it is powder puff soft though. I still have ~2 lbs left I'll probably never use.

I moved to N340. Doesn't shoot as soft as N320, but easily makes PF and is very accurate.

I've shot lots of Titegroup, WSF and W231 before switching to VV. None are as good, IMO, but they're cheaper and easier to find.

[dbateman]

One more reloader here.


I have a Square deal that I load 38Super on it's a good press and I can honestly say I would buy another.

I also have a co-ax and a lee clastic they do my rifle loads.

[BLR]

Man, I don't know why I haven't watched that video before today. If I could set something like this up to run unsupervised and crank out a case or two overnight, I'd probably order the whole kit and kaboodle today...

There is a company that advertises a clutched (good) system in the IPSC/USPSA magazine.

I keep putting off ordering one because I want to build it, but honestly, my "geek eyes" are bigger than my "geek stomach." :(

[BLR]

No, I didn't know that. :D

Is that stuff yellow? There is a yellow substance in Ramshot Silhouette that is supposed to help reduce flash.

Nope - white powder. Typically 1-2% by weight.

The yellow stuff might be a urea of some form or another.

FYI - all flash suppressants increase the "corrosiviness" of the powder.

[223AI]

I definitely load my own since the majority of my shooting encompasses precision rifle work. I load .223 (82 berger, pointed, at 2900), 223ai (75 amax at 3050), 6x45 (just waiting on the reamer for this one), .260 (140 amax at 2800), and 243 (107 smk, pointed, at 3050)...and all of it is done on a Forster Co-Ax via Redding and/or Forster dies. Consistent precision is the name of this game, and I've set myself up to load accurately as fast as I can...and these are the tools that I use:


Prometheus Gen. 2 powder measure - throws to the kernal of powder, every time, in about 6-10 seconds per charge. Since I run stick powders exclusively, this has been a godsend. My ES/SD's have been cut in half as well..which means less dispersion at distance. I love this machine.
Giraud Trimmer - Chamfer/Deburr, accurate to within .002" from case to case, and I can trim 10 cases in less than 45 seconds...and that is slow.
Stainless tumbling media
Redding and/or Forster bushing dies - I FL size every time, and good dies provide consistent neck tension and case sizing. The micrometer seating dies make OAL changes a breeze…very helpful if you are chasing lands on a barrel burner.
RCBS Case Micrometers - accurately measures shoulder bump (goal of .002" per sizing). Helpful to ensure that I am not oversizing.
Oahus M5, tuned by Scott Parker - to verify what my prometheus is dropping, sensitive to the kernel of powder
RCBS hand primer


All in all, this is an expensive hobby, no doubt. But, I can make ammo that has been tuned and hot rodded for MY rifles to give me the best performance possible. If I was to shoot a .308 (god forbid), I can load my ammo for literally less than half the cost of buying factory ammo.

While I have a 550B for other stuff, I have only used it ONCE in two years. I am thinking of selling it, buying a Square Deal, and taking to loading pistol ammo on that machine. I find 45 ammo to be, ahem, not cheap...and 9mm ammo isn't that far behind. I love my Michiguns 1911, and would shoot it more if I had a good loading set-up, and access to cheaper components....

[davestarbuck]

I've been reloading since 2008, when I couldn't find ammo at all!

Started with a Lee single stage kit, then to a LeeClassic turret, to a Dillon 550b, and now to a Dillon 650.

I load mostly 9mm,.223 for the Ar15s, and 308 for my bolt gun.

It's nice to have ammo to shoot!

[Sunday]

I started loading in 1976 and haven't bought factory ammo since. I bought a Dillon 550 in 1991 and haven' looked back. I enjoy reloading.