Exactly what would I need to start reloading .40 s&w?

XXXXX

XXXXX

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
43   0   0
Location
GTA
From my research I figure I would need the following to start reloading in .40 s&w. Correct me if I'm wrong, and please add to this if I'm missing something,

- Single stage press
- Case lube and pad
- Reloading manual
- Powder
- Brass
- Primers
- Bullets
- Scale


EDIT: Absolute minimum required is:

Primer, dies, bullets, brass, powder, a powder scale, and a press. Cost me about $200 all-in.
 
Last edited:
Dies, a powder trickler is handy too. Caliper. Powder measure(unless you plan to measure each charge by hand).
Single stage loading of pistol rounds (really for any round...)is a pain. Turret press or progressive would be better.
That's all I can think of off the top. Have fun.:)
 
I'd go with a turret press instead of a single stage. Single stage is better suited for rifle rounds; high-volume pistol can get tiring to load on a single stage.

If you get carbide dies (which you should), you won't need lube for the .40. I use lube only on my .357Sig, 'cause they're steel dies and it's a bottleneck cartridge.

If you're thinking of going with Lee, case holders are included in the die sets, so you don't need to get one separate.

...that's all I can think of right now.
 
###xx

Which press were you thinking of?? Turret would be the way to go in my opinion. If you decide to go with the Lee turret press, let me know. I'll give you a run down from top to bottom of everything I have (needed or not).

Did anyone mention the hammer type bullet puller?? Very handy to break apart reloading abortions.
 
I was thinking of something very cheap to start just to see if I like it, and have the patience for it.

I was looking for something like a Lee Challenger single stage press.

Like this one:

176078.jpg



The other thing is that I live in an apartment with 3 other room mates (students) so I don't have a whole lot of room to work, which is why I was thinking single stage.

Two of the three room mates still don't know I even own guns; I'd like to keep it that way. They're in a big vintage bank safe, and I trust my room mates, but still: the fewer people that know where to find them the better.
 
Or maybe even this:

748798.jpg


I'm thinking about size, and I'm thinking about the fact that I'm only going to be reloading a couple hundred rounds per year...

I just want to be able to reload ammo if I need to.
 
Seriously, spend a few more dollars on the turret press. I've had mine for over 20 years. The powder measure that screws on to the expander die is a major time saver. Higginsonpowders.com in Ontario is the place to order from.
 
###XX said:
I was thinking of something very cheap to start just to see if I like it, and have the patience for it.
Click to expand...
I'm in Ottawa as well, PM me if you want to give it a try before you buy.
###XX said:
I'm only going to be reloading a couple hundred rounds per year...
Click to expand...
Then definitely go with a single stage, heh. Though if you find you like it, there's a good chance you'll start reloading (and shooting) more, in which case you'll regret not having gone with the turret press from the beginning!
 
Have you reloaded previously? If not, the;
1st thing I'd suggest is get a few manuals and start with some reading
2nd get a mentor or experienced friend to walk you through the process, then,
3rd 'Worry' about the acquisition of tools & equipment.
 
Forget the single stage press. Forget the turret press. Buy a progressive press.

Whatever you can afford, a Lee Pro-1000, a Dillon, whatever, buy a progressive.
 
If you're looking for the ultimate in small size, and don;t mind a single stage, get a Lee Hand Press. I do up all my 10mm ammo while sitting at the computer. Even got my wife into it... she'll size and flare 500 pieces of brass in a couple hours while watching Youtube videos. And please, GET CARBIDE PISTOL DIES! well worth the cost.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom