Time to start reloading?

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Plinky

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Relatively new to shooting pistols, but I've easily been through 3000+ rounds already this season and will probably end up around 5000 by the end of it. I've saved 90%+ of my brass (.40), and have the racks/boxes for the brass as well. Assuming I will shoot around 5000 rounds of .40 a year, and perhaps add another pistol in 9mm or a semi-auto rifle in the next year or two, which I would also like to reload at that point if I'm already reloading .40, is it now to the point of being economical to reload?

I'm sitting on 3000+ cases right now. I also have a sonic cleaner. If I started reloading, it seems at a base minimum I should be looking at something like a Lee Progressive 1000 due to the volume I need, and it seems to be quite reliable as long as you're mechanically inclined and can trouble shoot during the setup phase. But from what I've read, once you get it up and running, it works quite well. Although I've also read here that many people moved on eventually to something in the RCBS family, that tends to cost more.

Any tips, insights, things I have not considered that I need to?
 
If you're shooting that volume, you should start loading your own.
But as silverfoxdj says, get a good reloading manual above all else.
 
From your description. reloading would save you a bundle.

I have an Excel program which will give you savings, payoff times, etc. PM me with your email address if you would like it.
 
absolutely start reloading, shoot more for the same price and fit the ammo to your gun/liking.

i have 3 pro1000's for 9mm, 45acp, 38spl/357mag. i got each for for 150 give or take used. i find i have more primer issues with large pistol primers vs small pistol primers. for the price i can deal with the issues it has and since they are so cheap i can have a press for each caliber.
 
WOW, if you already ate through 3K rnds, I'd be reloading like a madman. With THAT much volume, progressive might be the way to go. That being said, depending on your ability to adapt and problem solve, a progressive might seem overwhelming at the start. Learning on a single stage press to find out if reloading is for you (it can be time consuming) is a good start. If you decide to keep at it, you can always buy a progressive after and use the single stage to deprime brass before cleaning or to reload precision rifle ammo.

That's my 2cents.
 
I started off on a Lee Pro 1000 even though some people suggested I cut my teeth on the single stage press. I'm glad I went right to the Lee Pro, it wasnt that difficult to get the hang of at all, but I did read all of the instruction and watched a tone of their videos on youtube. I went from 1 to another to another until I ended up with 5 in total. Every one of mine are set up for a different caliber so each machine has any bugs worked out and it is ready to roll within a couple minutes!
 
rubberdown said:
I started off on a Lee Pro 1000 even though some people suggested I cut my teeth on the single stage press. I'm glad I went right to the Lee Pro, it wasnt that difficult to get the hang of at all, but I did read all of the instruction and watched a tone of their videos on youtube. I went from 1 to another to another until I ended up with 5 in total. Every one of mine are set up for a different caliber so each machine has any bugs worked out and it is ready to roll within a couple minutes!
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same here, i just ran 1 piece of brass at a time then released the only thing to really watch is the powder in the case as you seat a bullet. check on primers, powder and brass occasionally.

but a single stage always comes in handy for making oddball reloads or rifle ammo, etc.
 
Get a Dillon, whichever you want Square D, or 650, 1050 if you have the $$. I have a Square D that has loaded probably well over a hundred thou rounds between me and a buddy. Have replaced a few parts here and there over the last 20 years, but the thing just keeps on going. I had a Lee, it broke, I have a Hornady progressive, big regret, should have got another Dillon. I fell pray to the free bullet promo from Hornady

My opinion and my experience of course, and your experiences may differ.
 
peacefrog said:
Get a Dillon, whichever you want Square D, or 650, 1050 if you have the $$. I have a Square D that has loaded probably well over a hundred thou rounds between me and a buddy. Have replaced a few parts here and there over the last 20 years, but the thing just keeps on going. I had a Lee, it broke, I have a Hornady progressive, big regret, should have got another Dillon. I fell pray to the free bullet promo from Hornady

My opinion and my experience of course, and your experiences may differ.
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I was considering a Hornady progressive press in the near future. I'm curious to know what made you regret buying one.
 
Dillon 550 is what I use. It's fantastic. Yes. Reloading doesn't save you money. You shoot more for the same cost.

Also look into stainless steel tumbling.
 
I happen to be in the same boat (approx. 3000 cases of .40) but one step ahead of you. I just loaded my first 100 rounds of .40 two weeks ago. Got another 300 done last week.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1099587-New-Reloader-40S-amp-W-OK-to-proceed-with-powder
Ultrasonic+water+dish soap+vinegar works great.
Dillon 550 (got it 2nd hand) with Hornady dies.
The Lyman reloading manual was pretty useless compared to the videos online, the powder manufacturer's websites, and help you can get here:cheers:.
First item on the list is to start looking for powder now!!
If you find powder, let me know:redface:
 
GQBalla said:
Dillon 550 is what I use. It's fantastic. Yes. Reloading doesn't save you money. You shoot more for the same cost.

Also look into stainless steel tumbling.
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+1 of stainless steel tumbling. Nothing else compares. I have a tumbler and ultrasonic and never looked back after getting my STM.

A word of caution though. When cleaning brass with water (ultrasonic, STM) make sure you let the cases dry completely (a few days). I use a dryer (food dehydrator).
 
Armored Metal said:
I was considering a Hornady progressive press in the near future. I'm curious to know what made you regret buying one.
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I recently picked up a used Hornady LNL AP. It needed a light tuning on the pawls to index properly else it would become misaligned and all sh!t breaks loose. I'm not sure how the original owner managed with the press before 'cause that would have drove me nuts. I've done the recommended tweeks and setup and she runs pretty smoothly for me. I have no regrets buying one. Look up Bill Morgan on Youtube. He has a number of tips & tricks videos for the LNL AP which explains the finer workings of the press, what can go wrong and how to setup the unit to avoid those issues. Not sure why folks knock it.
 
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Just don't expect to be up and reloading tomorrow. Although not difficult, there is a learning curve and it is like an ongoing treasure hunt for the components and tools. Take your time read manuals first and then turn your attention to youtube but beware there are a lot of just idiots posting video on there with incorrect info. Welcome to the adventure!
 
Seagull said:
Just don't expect to be up and reloading tomorrow. Although not difficult, there is a learning curve and it is like an ongoing treasure hunt for the components and tools. Take your time read manuals first and then turn your attention to youtube but beware there are a lot of just idiots posting video on there with incorrect info. Welcome to the adventure!
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So true. Until you have a firm feel for reloading, I would strongly advise against taking load data from any website (sadly, including CGN) except for the major manufacturers' websites. There are too many people out there with more optimism than common sense.
 
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