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Best/Worst Reloading Investments
#9022988
03/22/24 01:40 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179
Tactical Cowboy
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179 |
What are your best and worst investments when it comes to reloading?
I think I have two “bests”: a Dillon 550 and a Dillon media separator.
I picked up the former at a pawn shop and the latter in a raffle. I didn’t know what I was missing out on with either of them.
What say ye?
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9022992
03/22/24 01:44 AM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,884
jlsbassman
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,884 |
Best is a Forster CO-AX press
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023011
03/22/24 02:13 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,205
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,205 |
Best-RCBS Rock Chucker
Worst-Lee Factory Crimp die
Last edited by Smokey Bear; 03/22/24 02:15 AM.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Smokey Bear]
#9023022
03/22/24 02:26 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,225
wp75169
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,225 |
Best investment for me as well. I don’t feel like I gained any quality going from it to the Zero. The Zero is nice and far more efficient press but I’m not making any better ammo on it. SAC modular sizing die. I really like this die and the fact you can size anything in the family with it to repeatable sizes.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Smokey Bear]
#9023039
03/22/24 02:53 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179
Tactical Cowboy
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179 |
Best-RCBS Rock Chucker
Worst-Lee Factory Crimp die Why no FCD? And was that for rifle or pistol ammo?
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023040
03/22/24 02:54 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,959
ChadTRG42
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,959 |
Best
Giruard case trimmer Auto Trickler Sartorious and A&D scales Redding T7 press Lee Auto Prime 2 VLD/Atip seating stems LabRadar
Worst
Dillon 650 Any RCBS dies (I can’t stand them) R17 powder Buying any “second” bullets
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023083
03/22/24 11:27 AM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,943
GasGuzzler
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,943 |
Best: Lee Classic Turret for its versatility. Worst: Anything to do with bullet trimming that Lee makes. Threw it in the trash and got a Frankford prep station.
If Lee were to actually develop a prep station that had as good or better features than the others at a lower cost, it would sell. The cheesy toy-like trimming tools don't "cut it".
Honorable mention: My RCBS stuff is all really old and still very good.
Pass the gravy.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023095
03/22/24 12:00 PM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,205
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,205 |
Best-RCBS Rock Chucker
Worst-Lee Factory Crimp die Why no FCD? And was that for rifle or pistol ammo? It was for pistol ammunition. For some stupid reason Hornady sells die sets with either a taper crimp or a roll crimp for cartridges that headspace on the case rim. Figured that out after buying a set of 45 acp dies at Academy. Seater has a roll crimp profile. Purchased a Lee FCD. Some people swear by them to use for a bulge buster to correct over flaring the case mouth. With jacketed bullets they probably work. I cast most of my own pistol bullets. The internal dimensions of the FCD swages cast. That manifests in leading the barrel at best, or key holing at worst. FCD is an abomination if you shoot cast. Got a taper crimp seater from Hornady and all is good. I have since purchased Hornady taper crimp die sets for .45 acp, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .380.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023108
03/22/24 12:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,160
kry226
The General
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The General
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,160 |
Best: Rock Chucker, Dillon 550B, steel pins tumbler (plus the magnet), Hornady Lock-N-Load die bushings, Charge Master
Worst: Hammer-type bullet puller
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023112
03/22/24 12:30 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,226
papa45
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,226 |
Best: RCBS Rockchucker. Been using it for 45 years and don't ever plan to replace it.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023160
03/22/24 01:37 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,203
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,203 |
Best Forester Co-Ax press Auto Tricker on top of A&D laboratory scale Giraud case trimmer Giraud case annealer
Worst Any Lee product. Their priming tool became un-usable in only 300 brass.
Kinetic bullet puller hammer. It was cold one day and I broke it. I went to collet pullers and immediately wondered what took me so long to get there.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023162
03/22/24 01:38 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,205
Korean Redneck
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,205 |
I actually don't have any tools that I hate. Mostly just tools that I got better versions of.
As for the best: 1. 21st Century Innovations case holder that fits on the a driver. can't quite afford a giraurd so I use the WFT system. 2. RCBS automatic priming tool.
Both are the best because the tools they replaced start to hurt my hands, mostly from fatigue. I got good grip strength but I'm getting older.
I'm a dude who likes long barrels!
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023170
03/22/24 01:58 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,738
603Country
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,738 |
I’m with Korean Redneck. I no longer have any reloading gear I hate. Way back when, I started with the basics. As I could afford new and better gear, I upgraded. I do have a few dies that are gathering dust - tried em, didn’t much like em.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Smokey Bear]
#9023181
03/22/24 02:26 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179
Tactical Cowboy
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179 |
Best-RCBS Rock Chucker
Worst-Lee Factory Crimp die Why no FCD? And was that for rifle or pistol ammo? It was for pistol ammunition. For some stupid reason Hornady sells die sets with either a taper crimp or a roll crimp for cartridges that headspace on the case rim. Figured that out after buying a set of 45 acp dies at Academy. Seater has a roll crimp profile. Purchased a Lee FCD. Some people swear by them to use for a bulge buster to correct over flaring the case mouth. With jacketed bullets they probably work. I cast most of my own pistol bullets. The internal dimensions of the FCD swages cast. That manifests in leading the barrel at best, or key holing at worst. FCD is an abomination if you shoot cast. Got a taper crimp seater from Hornady and all is good. I have since purchased Hornady taper crimp die sets for .45 acp, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .380. Strange. I shoot almost exclusively cast bullets in pistols and run everything through a FCD.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023191
03/22/24 02:46 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,225
wp75169
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,225 |
Best-RCBS Rock Chucker
Worst-Lee Factory Crimp die Why no FCD? And was that for rifle or pistol ammo? It was for pistol ammunition. For some stupid reason Hornady sells die sets with either a taper crimp or a roll crimp for cartridges that headspace on the case rim. Figured that out after buying a set of 45 acp dies at Academy. Seater has a roll crimp profile. Purchased a Lee FCD. Some people swear by them to use for a bulge buster to correct over flaring the case mouth. With jacketed bullets they probably work. I cast most of my own pistol bullets. The internal dimensions of the FCD swages cast. That manifests in leading the barrel at best, or key holing at worst. FCD is an abomination if you shoot cast. Got a taper crimp seater from Hornady and all is good. I have since purchased Hornady taper crimp die sets for .45 acp, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .380. Strange. I shoot almost exclusively cast bullets in pistols and run everything through a FCD. FCD for me as well, but only on rimmed cases. Nothing but cast. Then again I only shoot on size and have never tried to slug my bore for a proper fit. I can see that becoming an issue at .002-.003” larger.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023193
03/22/24 02:51 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,738
603Country
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,738 |
I also use a FCD on cast bullets - all 38/357. The 686 doesn’t much require the FCD on the reloads, but the Python does with 357. I guess the Python has tighter chambers.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023202
03/22/24 03:07 PM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,205
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,205 |
Best-RCBS Rock Chucker
Worst-Lee Factory Crimp die Why no FCD? And was that for rifle or pistol ammo? It was for pistol ammunition. For some stupid reason Hornady sells die sets with either a taper crimp or a roll crimp for cartridges that headspace on the case rim. Figured that out after buying a set of 45 acp dies at Academy. Seater has a roll crimp profile. Purchased a Lee FCD. Some people swear by them to use for a bulge buster to correct over flaring the case mouth. With jacketed bullets they probably work. I cast most of my own pistol bullets. The internal dimensions of the FCD swages cast. That manifests in leading the barrel at best, or key holing at worst. FCD is an abomination if you shoot cast. Got a taper crimp seater from Hornady and all is good. I have since purchased Hornady taper crimp die sets for .45 acp, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .380. Strange. I shoot almost exclusively cast bullets in pistols and run everything through a FCD. Do you purchase them or cast yourself? If I remember correctly, you shoot some competition. My reason for asking that question is commercially produced cast is usually with a hard alloy. The hard alloy holds up better to shipping without getting dents. You can also load harder bullets that are groove diameter with good accuracy. When you start tailoring softer alloys to velocity for ideal expansion and weight retention they must be sized over groove diameter. With anything other than the thinnest cases, when the sleeve inside the FCD sizes the loaded case body, soft projectiles also get sized. You can remove the sleeve from the seating die and make it work but then what is the point?
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: wp75169]
#9023232
03/22/24 04:16 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 15,202
Tbar
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 15,202 |
Best investment for me as well. I don’t feel like I gained any quality going from it to the Zero. The Zero is nice and far more efficient press but I’m not making any better ammo on it. SAC modular sizing die. I really like this die and the fact you can size anything in the family with it to repeatable sizes. Where has that been all my life?
Make America Great Again
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023252
03/22/24 05:01 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,281
Judd
#1 Creedmoor Fan
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#1 Creedmoor Fan
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,281 |
Best: Auto Trickler/A&D scale combo...I've had every version Adam has released. SuperTrickler (I'm using this right now and I'm very happy with it, but I haven't sold my AutoTrickler v4 yet) AMP annealer Giraud Trimmer Co-Ax Wilson seating dies 21st Century hydro arbor press Redding Micro top seaters K&M neck turners/expanders Worst: Hornady LnL press single stage press...it was a primer mess from day one and those stupid sleeves get expensive Kinetic hammer bullet puller Forester Micro Seaters K&M arbor press w/ force pack - it's not a bad press but it's a bigger PIA for different size dies Bald Eagle arbor press...broke the handle for the height adjustment on day 3, press works fine though Hornady Trimmer...it worked but time consuming and PIA to deal with I've yet to find a primer seater that I like...the original Lee AutoPrime was my favorite thus far but it has too many weak points (I think I went through 3-4 of them before I just gave up) and the new ones trays are crap. I'm using an RCBS bench mount, but I don't like it. As you can tell most of the stuff I've bought was done to make things go faster or more consistent/accurate. Example, I started with a chargemaster and it was good for what I was using for but compared to my current setup...it's not near as fast and it's not near as accurate. The SAC modular die peaked my interest...but I like a set and forget approach so I'd have to buy one for every cartridge still and at the price point...I might as well have a die set for every cartridge. I'm starting to get like Chad...RCBS dies aren't crap but there are better options...Redding, Whidden, Wilson and Hornady all make better dies than RCBS. If I was still shooting competitively and putting the rounds down a tube I once was...I know I would've added the AMP seater and possibly an IDOD by now...maybe even a Primal Rights CPS, still not on board with the cost of the thing. This thread reminds me I need to have a virtual garage sale
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023273
03/22/24 06:08 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 34,023
Buzzsaw
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 34,023 |
best; rcbs chargemaster Forester CO-AX press Giraud trimmer rcbs case prep station worst; nothing really
SPACE FOR RENT
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023284
03/22/24 06:58 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,570
garyrapp55
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,570 |
Best-Rock Chucker Hornady collet bullet puller. It can be a pain to setup but once it's set, it just works. I looked at the hammers and knew better right from the start.
Worst-Lee auto bench primer, it started out good but went down hill quick
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023289
03/22/24 07:23 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179
Tactical Cowboy
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179 |
Do you purchase them or cast yourself? If I remember correctly, you shoot some competition. My reason for asking that question is commercially produced cast is usually with a hard alloy. The hard alloy holds up better to shipping without getting dents. You can also load harder bullets that are groove diameter with good accuracy. When you start tailoring softer alloys to velocity for ideal expansion and weight retention they must be sized over groove diameter. With anything other than the thinnest cases, when the sleeve inside the FCD sizes the loaded case body, soft projectiles also get sized. You can remove the sleeve from the seating die and make it work but then what is the point?
The vast majority of what I’ve loaded has been home cast, usually with some sort of wheel weight alloy. I got into powder coating a few years back and have shot a whole bunch of those bullets. I recently decided the time and effort of casting wasn’t worth it and have been purchasing bullets…. Or conning my old man into casting, and then I coat and size. I am currently in the middle of moving, changing jobs, starting a farming operation, and got a kid on the way, so I might break the molds out again soon.. that 3 cents a bullet might be what keeps me out of the poor house
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023307
03/22/24 08:08 PM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,205
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,205 |
Do you purchase them or cast yourself? If I remember correctly, you shoot some competition. My reason for asking that question is commercially produced cast is usually with a hard alloy. The hard alloy holds up better to shipping without getting dents. You can also load harder bullets that are groove diameter with good accuracy. When you start tailoring softer alloys to velocity for ideal expansion and weight retention they must be sized over groove diameter. With anything other than the thinnest cases, when the sleeve inside the FCD sizes the loaded case body, soft projectiles also get sized. You can remove the sleeve from the seating die and make it work but then what is the point?
The vast majority of what I’ve loaded has been home cast, usually with some sort of wheel weight alloy. I got into powder coating a few years back and have shot a whole bunch of those bullets. I recently decided the time and effort of casting wasn’t worth it and have been purchasing bullets…. Or conning my old man into casting, and then I coat and size. I am currently in the middle of moving, changing jobs, starting a farming operation, and got a kid on the way, so I might break the molds out again soon.. that 3 cents a bullet might be what keeps me out of the poor house Congrats to you and your wife on the upcoming child cowboy. casting played a key role in managing the costs of my shooting habit while my son was in college.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: 603Country]
#9023469
03/23/24 10:40 AM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,943
GasGuzzler
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,943 |
I’m with Korean Redneck. I no longer have any reloading gear I hate. Way back when, I started with the basics. As I could afford new and better gear, I upgraded. I do have a few dies that are gathering dust - tried em, didn’t much like em. I sold or threw away anything I did not like. Doesn't mean I don't have mistakes to list. Worst-Lee Factory Crimp die
Why no FCD? And was that for rifle or pistol ammo? It was for pistol ammunition. ...That manifests in leading the barrel at best, or key holing at worst. FCD is an abomination if you shoot cast. Strange. I shoot almost exclusively cast bullets in pistols and run everything through a FCD. I also use a FCD on cast bullets - all 38/357. The 686 doesn’t much require the FCD on the reloads, but the Python does with 357. I guess the Python has tighter chambers. Me too. I loaded some jacketed .45 AUTO last year but haven't touched anything but cast in a good while besides those. I use the LFCD on rifle and pistol. My experience is it either does nothing at all or helps. On an auto-advance turret and using pre-primed brass, it really doesn't add time.
Pass the gravy.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023494
03/23/24 12:57 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,220
71Rcode
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,220 |
Interesting read.
Best: Hornady locknload progressive press, their custom dies, die bushings, powder cop bushing; Frankford Arsenal case prep station, hand primer and wet tumbler; LED lighting on for my press to illuminate the loading plate and cartridge progress. Worst: Hornady press priming tube setup --- gave up on that like Judd Needed: make a decision on an automatic powder trickler/dispenser and an annealing tool (considering Burstfire).
NRA Life Member & GOA Member Always interested in Marlins. Let me know what you have for sale!
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