Reloading Again

[HSparrow]

I use to reload Mil 45 APC when I was active duty USCG, use to get 5 gal buckets of cases from the range. I had an old Mr. Green setup but recently purchased a Hornady system. The set up is great once you set the dies you are done. They have a system that provides a quick change die removal and installation. I still check COL and Dia along with powder weight but so far have I have not had to make any adjustments after 200 rounds. I ended up giving Mr. Green to a friend. Now I am building a reloading bench with wheels, with a pegboard back and draws for storage. The only thing powder has become as scarce as hens teeth. Luckily I have a local guy who seems to have one of the 15 different powders I use for my 40 can S&W. Also with my Hornady system I ended up with a promotion and will be receiving 500-10MM 155gr, Hornady XTP bullets just had to pay S&H. I was able to pick up a bucket of brass from a range of course I had to sort through them to pick out the 40s. Have about 5 lbs of SR4756 should keep me busy for awhile.


As a sidebar I use fishing weights or wheel weights for plinking to cast bullets never had an issue.

[AIRret]

I use to reload Mil 45 APC when I was active duty USCG, use to get 5 gal buckets of cases from the range. I had an old Mr. Green setup but recently purchased a Hornady system. The set up is great once you set the dies you are done. They have a system that provides a quick change die removal and installation. I still check COL and Dia along with powder weight but so far have I have not had to make any adjustments after 200 rounds. I ended up giving Mr. Green to a friend. Now I am building a reloading bench with wheels, with a pegboard back and draws for storage. The only thing powder has become as scarce as hens teeth. Luckily I have a local guy who seems to have one of the 15 different powders I use for my 40 can S&W. Also with my Hornady system I ended up with a promotion and will be receiving 500-10MM 155gr, Hornady XTP bullets just had to pay S&H. I was able to pick up a bucket of brass from a range of course I had to sort through them to pick out the 40s. Have about 5 lbs of SR4756 should keep me busy for awhile.


As a sidebar I use fishing weights or wheel weights for plinking to cast bullets never had an issue.

Congratulations on the Hornady! We have the ammo plant and love it.

We've only been reloading about 2 years so we are a lot newer to the discipline, and haven't even considered casting bullets. I guess that would
be a great skill to have if bullets become scarce.
In the past how many times do you reload a piece of brass or do you just rely
on checking the cartridge for cracks.

[garyb]

I also use the Hornady AP Press and have had great results with it so far for my 40s. I selected the Hornady because it was on sale; it seemed more versatile than some of the reloaders on the market; free bullets came with the dies and reloader; and I had a batch of gift cards which resulted in me getting it basically for no out of pocket cost. The tech support folks were very helpful with getting me set up over the phone. All my questions were answered.


I am also relatively new to reloading, but have had excellent results and really enjoy the process of fine tuning loads to my handguns. Very relaxing hobby and I believe it saves me money over shooting factory ammo....which by the way is not always readily available. By reloading, I always have what I need to go out and shoot...particularly IDPA.


I have been using Longshot powder, as it was recommended as one of the cleanest, safest and more accurate powders for the 40, from an old time reloader. I must admit that I have been very pleased with this powder and have found no reasons to change. I started with the free 155 gr hollow point bullets from Hornady (which I received with my reloader and dies). I switched to 165 gr and will be switching again to 180 gr as I can lower my powder charge and reduce recoil even further. I have focused on nice light (puffy) range loads because it saves on powder and makes the 40 very pleasant to shoot regularly and lots. Excellent training and fun. It is partially due to reloading and IDPA that my gun handling and handgun shooting skills have really elevated to where I am very confident carrying for SD.


I did purchase dies and power pistol powder for my wife's 380. The reason I selected power pistol is because it will work for my 40's too. However, I have not set up her dies nor tried this powder out yet. I have left the press set up for my 40 with longshot. It may turn out that I really like Power Pistol and will change to it for the 40. This would mean that I only need to have one powder on hand. Time will tell.


Reloading is one of the better side hobbies I have taken up. With the Hornady AP press, changing to another caliber is very easy to do. It is a consistently accurate press and very easy for a rookie reloader (like me) to learn to set up and use.