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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023532
03/23/24 02:02 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,242
wp75169
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,242 |
71Rcode as far as annealers go, I have and recommend the Ugly Annealer. As far as torch based I don’t know that there’s anything better on the market. Of course Amp is the way to go but I’ve yet to justify it to myself.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: GasGuzzler]
#9023548
03/23/24 02:18 PM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,233
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,233 |
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. [quote=Smokey Bear] 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. [/quote] Yup. This is one of those old discussions. Some love it. Others hate it. There are better approaches for loading projectiles sized a little over actual groove diameter. In addition to having either a taper or roll profile in the top of the die, it also has a sleeve that uniformly sizes the case body of the loaded cartridge. Sizing the body of loaded ammunition is only necessary if your dies are incorrectly set up and are creating a buckle or bulge in the case. If you load over size bullets, they get sized too. Some prefer to smooth out the bulges till they will function rather than adjusting dies until the cause of the bulge is eliminated, particularly when sorting mixed brass may be required. Uniformly sizing the body of loaded cartridges with tapered cases like 9mm or 40 S&W removes the taper. I wonder why Lee is the only one that takes that approach?
Last edited by Smokey Bear; 03/23/24 02:24 PM.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023549
03/23/24 02:19 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,242
wp75169
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,242 |
Also, as far as scales. I have the RCBS MatchMaster. It is a good tool that can bet set up to run very fast and accurate. Unfortunately it’s unnecessarily complicated and you to have a secret decoder ring (book) to operate it.
When I bought it I was set to buy the Autotrickler setup but they were on back order with no specific delivery date available. If they were both available today I would buy the Autotrickler. If don’t mind the complication, the Matchmaster is worth the savings.
Both of these and a couple of other more expensive ones are way faster and more accurate than anything else on the market in the lower price range.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023554
03/23/24 02:25 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,957
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,957 |
Best: Franklin Arsenal hand priming kit Chargemaster with insert Lee Collet die
Worst: don't own any of that any more
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023563
03/23/24 02:45 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,233
71Rcode
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,233 |
Thanks WP. I'll check it out!
I moment ago ordered the Hornady Powder Dispenser Pro from Precisonreloading.com for $314 with their $8 flat shipping rate coupon. Hoping this spring some more Precision to my high velocity bottle neck cartridge loading results... I probably end up using for all my rifle cartridge loading.
NRA Life Member & GOA Member Always interested in Marlins. Let me know what you have for sale!
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023603
03/23/24 05:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,048
pertnear
"Demolition Man"
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"Demolition Man"
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,048 |
Best: MEC Marksman Press RCBS RC Supreme RCBS RC Jr. RCBS Competition Seating Dies RCBS Bench Mounted Primer Seater Kinetic hammer bullet puller* Hornady Compactor & Bushings F.A.R.T. tumbler Mighty Armory de-priming die MTM Hinged (2-piece) Ammo Boxes*
In-the-middle: Inline-Fab base plates*
Worst: RCBS Neck Turner RCBS Hand Primer Lee Hand Primer Lyman Die sets* MTM Fixed Hinge (1-piece) Ammo Boxes
*Notes: 1) I have a collet bullet puller, but for me the hammer puller is essential. If I over seated a bullet during die adjustment I can back it out a tad & then re-seat. Sometimes I only have a few bullets to pull so the hammer does it quick & easy without damage. 2) Ammo boxes that won’t stay opened on their own have to go! 3) Inline-Fab base plates work great but are over priced with shipping for a bent piece of metal. 4) Lyman dies are lousy & their customer service sucks.
"There are two wolves fighting inside all of us. The first one is evil, the second one is good... Which wolf will win? The one you feed." - Indian proverb.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023618
03/23/24 05:58 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 789
Jon
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 789 |
I probably don't really belong in this thread due to my skillset and failing memory now but I do have one item I really like. Not for anthing close to BR quality or even best possible attainable quality by any means. But good enough and real fast for me is a possum hollow case trimmer in a cordless hand drill. I had to learn the feel of it but once i learned that feel I could trim a boatload of .223 cases really fast with it that were plenty close enough on uniform range of case length.
I can't recall now what was the worst, but there were a few things along the way that qualified. The worst I ever encountered a really long time ago was not by me but some cat running .45 acp out of a Dillon at an indoor shooting range in downtown Ft. Worth. They were selling it and I bought about 10 boxes. Damn things would not go into battery on my Glock 21. Inspection showed that they were roll crimping the hell out of that ammo. I got my money back and learned about taper crimping in the process.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023644
03/23/24 07:11 PM
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Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 469
duffas
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 469 |
Worst? Wasn't that much but NOE bullet sizers don't work for me. Nor the nose sizers. Best and most $ is STM tumbler.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023750
03/24/24 02:11 AM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424
tenyearsgone
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424 |
Best: RCBS Chargemaster Litte makes the process much faster. Hornady collet bullet puller is better than the anger-inducing than the kinetic puller. The semi-auto primer system for my Rock Chucker Supreme also speeds up the process. Hornady micrometer attachment keeps me from having to buy expensive dies.
Worst: RCBS crimp remover die. I still have to drill out the pockets to keep from destroying primers.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Smokey Bear]
#9023831
03/24/24 11:39 AM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,024
GasGuzzler
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,024 |
Some prefer to smooth out the bulges till they will function rather than adjusting dies until the cause of the bulge is eliminated, particularly when sorting mixed brass may be required. I don't think I have dealt with bulged cases and I don't load 40 S&W. I do build 9X19 but rarely and I usually use plated for those although I do have one mold.
Pass the gravy.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023848
03/24/24 12:38 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,051
HicksHunter
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,051 |
On the topic of removing crimps, best investment was the Dillon Super Swage. So quick compared to cutting it out. Worst investment was the RCBS crimp swaging dies. They worked well enough to swage the crimp, but I always had to slam the handle to pop the case off the die. Just not a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Other best investments include a Dillon 750 with case feeder and bullet feeder. Bulk reloading got so much easier.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023903
03/24/24 02:49 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,426
jeffbird
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,426 |
Best:
Giraud trimmer RCBS Rockchucker presses Forster dies - their sizing die reduced runout to 0.001” with careful setup with the neck expander still in, which Redding dies mostly would not. The ability to use their neck expander saves having to fool with a mandrel. Like the seating dies too. Starrett calipers Peterson and Lapua brass Collet bullet puller AMP annealer (after trying two other brands that use propane torches)
Worst
Redding bushing dies Neck turning tools - huge waste of time, buying better brass is the better answer
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: jeffbird]
#9023955
03/24/24 04:32 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,236
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,236 |
Best:
Giraud trimmer RCBS Rockchucker presses Forster dies - their sizing die reduced runout to 0.001” with careful setup with the neck expander still in, which Redding dies mostly would not. The ability to use their neck expander saves having to fool with a mandrel. Like the seating dies too. Starrett calipers Peterson and Lapua brass Collet bullet puller AMP annealer (after trying two other brands that use propane torches)
Worst
Redding bushing dies Neck turning tools - huge waste of time, buying better brass is the better answer
Interesting. I don't like Forester dies. And have not had a problem with Redding bushing dies.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9023984
03/24/24 05:56 PM
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Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 22
450bush
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 22 |
Worst decision from a financial point of view: start to reload Now that once you start there is now way back.., Worst: Lee hand priming tool, Lee FCD, Lyman hand case prep tool, Kinect bullet puller Best: hornady AP, FA bullet puller, Chad’s powder, RCBS rock chucker, FA hand priming tool, FA bullet seater die
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: J.G.]
#9024031
03/24/24 07:33 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,426
jeffbird
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,426 |
Interesting. I don't like Forester dies. And have not had a problem with Redding bushing dies. Redding bushing sizing dies neck expander would not consistently produce low runout for me, so I had to use a mandrel to finish the case. Forster dies use a different shape neck expander that is capable of low runout so I do not have to fool with a mandrel. I do still use one Redding non-bushing sizing die, which consistently produces low runout results with Redding's neck expander, but overall Forster's neck expander has worked well and better for me than Redding. RCBS dies are only used for one cartridge not offered by either Forster or Redding. I do use Redding dies for pistol.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9024040
03/24/24 08:18 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,897
jlsbassman
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,897 |
Another good investment, Inline Fabrication press stands.
Democrats are so dumb.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: HicksHunter]
#9024236
03/25/24 11:26 AM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,024
GasGuzzler
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,024 |
On the topic of removing crimps, best investment was the Dillon Super Swage. So quick compared to cutting it out. Worst investment was the RCBS crimp swaging dies. They worked well enough to swage the crimp, but I always had to slam the handle to pop the case off the die. Just not a smooth and enjoyable experience. I swage them then cut them.
Pass the gravy.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9024253
03/25/24 12:16 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,580
patriot07
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,580 |
Dillon 550 & RCBS chargemaster lite are the best by far.
I hate my Hornady trimmer - it doesn't stay where it's set for more than a handful of rounds.
Sounds like I need to get a giraud trimmer
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: patriot07]
#9024398
03/25/24 04:37 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,426
jeffbird
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,426 |
Sounds like I need to get a giraud trimmer Not even a close call, do it.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: jeffbird]
#9024414
03/25/24 05:19 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,327
Judd
#1 Creedmoor Fan
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#1 Creedmoor Fan
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,327 |
Interesting. I don't like Forester dies. And have not had a problem with Redding bushing dies. Redding bushing sizing dies neck expander would not consistently produce low runout for me, so I had to use a mandrel to finish the case. Forster dies use a different shape neck expander that is capable of low runout so I do not have to fool with a mandrel. I do still use one Redding non-bushing sizing die, which consistently produces low runout results with Redding's neck expander, but overall Forster's neck expander has worked well and better for me than Redding. RCBS dies are only used for one cartridge not offered by either Forster or Redding. I do use Redding dies for pistol. Good info to know or at minimum be aware of...historically, I mainly use bushing dies on brass that has been neck turned and therefore no need for an expander. p07 - at minimum look into the Henderson trimmer...it and the Giraud seem to be the top of the heap. I've not looked deep but I don't believe it requires on going pilots for all the cartridges...that would be the only negative to the Giraud and the AMP annealer (although last I bought the AMP pilots were 1/2 the cost of the Giraud)
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]
#9024477
03/25/24 07:31 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,354
RJH1
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,354 |
Best: Lee classic turret press. Probably got close to 100,000 rounds on it now and it just keeps working and working and I keep hoping it breaks to try something else but it doesn't
Lee factory crimp dies. When loading a bunch of rounds for competition, I want them to fit in the gun and they always do when they go through a Lee factory crimp die. Yes I only load cast that I cast myself
Casting equipment. It's a pain in the [censored] and I hate doing it, but I do like being able to have bullets for what I shoot and being able to shoot even some rifles for not a lot of money. Even slugs
Worst:
Lee loadmaster, there was nothing good about that damn press
Dylan square deal. I've loaded on a 550 and they are great, but I had nothing but issues with the square deal. It would sometimes throw light charges, sometimes flip primers upside down, and if you ran into a crimp primer pocket you didn't see it would sometimes break the damn center bolt on the shell plate. That same piece of brass on the turret press gets loaded with no issue. You could clean that square deal and get everything working right and it would be just fine for a few hundred rounds and then throw primers upside down again etc. The turret press might be a hell of a lot slower but it's simply throw the dies in it and go
One quick note on the Lee factory crimp. I don't really love it for revolvers, I have had bullet tumbling issues and bad accuracy when using them in a couple of different revolvers. But in Auto loaders it's never been a problem and that's where 99% of my reloading is done
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9024482
03/25/24 07:36 PM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,415
Huntmaster
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,415 |
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Judd]
#9024767
03/26/24 11:15 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,580
patriot07
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,580 |
Interesting. I don't like Forester dies. And have not had a problem with Redding bushing dies. Redding bushing sizing dies neck expander would not consistently produce low runout for me, so I had to use a mandrel to finish the case. Forster dies use a different shape neck expander that is capable of low runout so I do not have to fool with a mandrel. I do still use one Redding non-bushing sizing die, which consistently produces low runout results with Redding's neck expander, but overall Forster's neck expander has worked well and better for me than Redding. RCBS dies are only used for one cartridge not offered by either Forster or Redding. I do use Redding dies for pistol. Good info to know or at minimum be aware of...historically, I mainly use bushing dies on brass that has been neck turned and therefore no need for an expander. p07 - at minimum look into the Henderson trimmer...it and the Giraud seem to be the top of the heap. I've not looked deep but I don't believe it requires on going pilots for all the cartridges...that would be the only negative to the Giraud and the AMP annealer (although last I bought the AMP pilots were 1/2 the cost of the Giraud) Yeah I looked up the price of the Giraud. Nearly $600. I just don't reload nearly enough to justify that. The Henderson is a little more affordable, but I don't know anything about it. At this point I'd be better off financially finding someone with a giraud and paying them for trimming whenever I need it, which at most might be once a year.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9027698
04/01/24 06:39 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 9,744
Mickey Moose
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 9,744 |
I'm still new to this and don't have a lot - just the basics pretty much. But I don't know what I don't know. I like my Coax though. And my Lee universal decapper! Everything else, while not blowing my socks off, simply does what I expected. Oh, I learned I don't care to wet tumble, so that equipment is a waste. Well, I guess I can at least tumble some rocks to make hippy necklaces to sell on Etsy. For $5 more I'll spritz the leather necklace with Patchouli oil.
Still haven't decided on the Giraud vs Henderson trimmer. And maybe I'll upgrade my Chargemaster 1500 though I don't have an issue with it.
My botnet is bigger than yours.
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Re: Best/Worst Reloading Investments
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#9027711
04/01/24 07:24 PM
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Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 469
duffas
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 469 |
possum hollow case trimmer - didn't know he was still in business. Works great for 30/30 but haven't done any in yrs.
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