New to reloading

[Jes]

I have a question to anybody that has been reloading for a while. When I took my reloading class one of the
instructors had a jig that he put a riffle case in to check the case length. Can somebody please tell what this is called I would really like to get one.
Thank you

Case length gauge/trimmer Lee Case Trimmers, Tools & Accessories, Reloading, Shooting : Cabela's

You can also just use a caliper.

[TekGreg]

Case length gauge/trimmer Lee Case Trimmers, Tools & Accessories, Reloading, Shooting : Cabela's

You can also just use a caliper.

You can check it with the caliper, but a gauge/trimmer will check the length and shave the excess brass off if it is stretched too long, so it's a time saver because it's a two-fer.

Also, if you ever shoot Eastern European ammo that has the crimped primer pockets and want to reload it, Dillon provides the Super Swage 600 that can remove the crimp and NOT strip the brass from the rims! This can make brass reloadable that used to be garbage.

[M1911a1lvr]

My suggestion for you, Now that you are looking to get into reloading is this, don't start with a progressive press. Go to a single stage or turret type press, That way you manipulate each stage manually. It is also a less expensive way to get into reloading, Plus it gives you more control on each step. You can get started with a LEE precision single stage kit, with all that you need for 1 caliber for about 150$.

As for components, look at buying them in bulk. IE 500-1000 bullet lots, powder in 5 lbs jugs, primers in 5000-10,000 cnt flats. It cost's you much less in the long run when you figure it out.

Scavenge brass from what ever ranges that are around you. A great way to get more money for reloading is by separating all that brass from the stuff you can use and the stuff you can't. Then go to your local metal recycling center to turn it in. I get about $.43/ lbs here in Vermont.

Here are some places to order from for components, there are other's but these are the ones i deal with the most.

Berry's bullets.
Wideners
Midway inc.



buy them online and not in your local store's that way you will get some of the best deals possible. It does take away from your LGS's but you want to reload for the cheapest cost.

[kerstingm]

Okay all I got my first 40 rounds done. I have a couple questions about setting up the RCBS bullet seater die. If I seat the bullet to the top of the cannelure like the instructions say to then my COAL is below the reloading data of 2.260. Do I seat it to the load data or worry more about COAL? Right now my cartridges were coming out around 2.238.

[Stan45]

Buy in bulk and save
example loading for 45 acp a hardcast 200 SWC with 5.7 gr of 231 and large pistol primer.
1 lb of 321 price is $16 dollars = 1228 rounds per lb.
powder .013 per round
primer .029 per round
bullet .07 per round
that equals 11.2 cents per round
or $5.60 per 50 rounds
or $112. for 1,000 rounds.

American Eagle 45acp FMJ is 15.99 for a box of 50
That equals $319.80 per 1,000 - $112 for reloads = $207.80 savings.
if you shoot 2,000 rds the savings of $415.60 just paid for some nice reloading equipment.