Reloaded my first ever cartridge

huntinstuff

huntinstuff

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Yup, never did it before. I bought a used Lee Loader for 44-40 and I took a hammer and went to work on it. Reloaded a 44-40 shell.

It doesn't fit in my revolver but it fits in the rifle. I hear if I get it full length resized that will fix it.

Kinda enjoyed myself making that cartridge. Might be on a slippery slope now, eh?;)
 
Personally I resize everything.When I put a reloaded shell into any rifle or shotgun I want to be sure it will fit.Some who use the same cartridge in the same rifle everytime just resize the neck.In this way the cases will last longer.
 
Very steep slope

huntinstuff said:
Yup, never did it before. I bought a used Lee Loader for 44-40 and I took a hammer and went to work on it. Reloaded a 44-40 shell.

It doesn't fit in my revolver but it fits in the rifle. I hear if I get it full length resized that will fix it.

Kinda enjoyed myself making that cartridge. Might be on a slippery slope now, eh?;)
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Yep....It,s all downhill from here ..:D
I started with sniders ,martinis, and 45/70. 44/40 is a nice cartridge to start with, good to learn on and get some experiance and confidence.
Slipery slope can get steep, I load for about 30 different calibers...didn,t know what I was getting in for.:D But it,s fun.
By the way...It also got me into casting...It,s all straight down now:eek:
 
first off.......... congradulations:dancingbanana::dancingbanana:.
and no you cant have your bullets back:mad:
this disease spreads as fast as you can spend $$$$..
but you first reload is like your first piece of poon tang,you will neaver forget it
 
"...fits in the rifle...that will fix it..." If the brass was fired out of the rifle, that's normal. Lee Loaders neck size only. To use the same brass in more than one firearm, the brass does need to be full length resized when changing firearms. Pitch the scoops and use a scale too. The scoops can vary the charge plus or minus a full grain.
"...Might be on a slippery slope now..." More like gone over a cliff. Once you start reloading and have a load worked up that shoots well out of your firearms, factory ammo just won't cut it for accuracy anymore. Buy a new firearm and you'll be thinking, "Where are the dies and shell holder?"
When you're ready, look into an RCBS Beginner's Kit. Gives you everything you need less dies and shell holder. Runs about $500Cdn. Buy a Lyman manual too. The kits come with a Speer book, not that the Speer book is bad, but the Lyman is far more versatile. You'll need a manual to load with the Lee Loader anyway.
 
im also about to smash out my first ever handloaded round...i bought a lee loadmaster, in .223 and have it set up on my bench, just waiting for my brass, and bullets to get here, probably tomorrow. i have the lyman 48th manual, and am very anctious to get loading. i will post once i figure out how to use it, and actually make my first round. cheers!
 
Going to get some powder in the next week or so. Be my first time too. When it comes to shooting, the slipprier the slope the better. That, and I have a wife that is a member is the same gun club.. Big plus there and she has her own gun. Suggest you get a copy of "The ABCs of Reloading" by Bill Chevalier (7th edition is out now). Got mine on the web for $15. Very concise and well written.
 
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oh its about as addictive as collecting enfields.

I've got sets of dies and brass for rifles that I don't even own.

I've never had a good fealing about loading with a hammer it just does not seem right :eek: :D
 
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Starting out

Forty, or so years ago, I was instrumental in starting quite a number of shooters handloading. I got them going with a Lee and hammer on the kitchen table, but I always strongly suggested they also get powder scales. They all did well, but invariably, they would soon come and tell me they couldn't get the cases in the rifle after a few firings.
Of course, the cases required full length resizing, so regular dies and a press was needed.
The lesson sems to be that when reloading is being considered, you may as well convince the wife that a press and regular dies is needed to "safely" get you handloading!
 
Congrat on loading that first shell. If you enjoy it half as much as I do, you will not regret it. I started reloading a few years ago, & now I reload for 6 different calibers. It is very satisfying to shoot ammunition you have loaded yourself. I am a firm believer in the saying "If you want it done right; Do it yourself!". Here is a pic of the 6 calibers I reload. Anyone want to guess what they are? Show us how much of a gun nut you are ;)

reloads.jpg


George
 
Congrats!

To you new loaders.Back in 83,I couldn't see why anyone would bother,just buy ammo.
In 84 I started handloading.I confess,I am an addict.Now I load everything I shoot,and use the best technology I can afford,which means,I have a Dillon Progressive for lots of pistol(9mm,45acp and recently,38 spl);and the same RCBS single stage press I started with for all rifle and 44 mag/spl.

It is a never ending story.I learn something everyday.
 
I'll be getting into the fun this summer when I move and have more room to set up. I'll be honest, I do not get the chance to shoot very often, but I just like the idea of making it myself, just like I enjoy making my own beer and my own venison sausage. I'm thinking that reloading will be quite therapeutic, something I can do alone in the peace and quiet for a couple hours. Just sounds relaxing, and more interesting than sitting in front of the boob tube relaxing.
 
dumbdawg said:
Always remember rule number one of reloading
Always get someone else to try the first round:p
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:eek:Is that why you wanted me to try those bullets you made up for the 270??? :slap: ;)

Huntingstuff... thats awesome.. tell ya what... Dumbdawg can shoot that first one for ya ;) His Valentine gift from me :p ;);););)
 
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