reload

[spareparts]

so now that its been brought up in the other thread, I'm interested in reloading. I don't know anythign about it, and right now,I can probably buy ammo cheaper than reloading it myself, but I figured I might as well start another hobby I don't have time or money for. I plan to just start with pistol ammo( 380 acp, 9mm, 40sw, 45 acp). I don't like the idea of shooting hardball at the range, I'm always concerned about ricochet( we stopped using steel targets for that very reason) but its by far the cheapest ammo available. Whats the deal with cast bullets?

[cterrebonne]

Originally Posted by spareparts

so now that its been brought up in the other thread, I'm interested in reloading. I don't know anythign about it, and right now,I can probably buy ammo cheaper than reloading it myself, but I figured I might as well start another hobby I don't have time or money for. I plan to just start with pistol ammo( 380 acp, 9mm, 40sw, 45 acp). I don't like the idea of shooting hardball at the range, I'm always concerned about ricochet( we stopped using steel targets for that very reason) but its by far the cheapest ammo available. Whats the deal with cast bullets?

i dont know alot about reloading but midwayusa.com sure has alot of reloading stuff.

[tsubaki]

Don't go cast, there are several things needed to know about using and reloading cast bullets. Suggest progressing to that and not starting with them.
For the autos, keep using the FMJ, there is no greater of instance of ricochet than cast, as a matter a fact their probably safer staying in one piece. Not to meantion, most autos need a protected point to feed into the chamber properly. The lead (even hard cast or electroplated) will slightly stick to the feed ramp.
If you shoot a LOT, a progressive type press is the way to go.
In most peoples opinions, there is no one good line or even one bad manufacturer of reloading tools, just depends on what you want and want to spend. A "Heinz 57" is the normal outcome.
Start off with this link and wander from there.
http://www.reloadammo.com/reload.htm
Buy several reloading books for comparison, they will conflict with each other and some will be firearm specific. Not all reloading components (powder, primers, brass, etc) are created equal but certain ones work best in certain firearms.
Last year a cost analysis placed reloading v/s buying in bulk (once tools and brass were acquired) at a 33-66% savings while using standard projectiles and normally available calibers. The cost savings of wildcat, magnum or rare cartridges is a LOT higher.
Lots of advantages to reloading, if you ain't got the time, buy in bulk. It ain't like milk with an expiration date.

And Midway is one of the really good companies!!
(think I have financed one of Larry Potterfields sports cars)