Register
Log In
Home
July 10, 2012
Offline
Today, I took the first steps into reloading.
Seeing as I will be loading some 375 SM ammo soon, I asked a co-worker (long time re-loader & load developer) to show me the ropes of rolling my own ammunition.
Today, I was able to cast my own bullets for the first time. I was casting using a Lyman 358429 mould, a 170 grain bullet from #2 alloy. They didn't all come out 100% perfect, but I was pretty proud considering my lack of experience.
These will be loaded into some once-fired Winchester brass, with CCI primers and 4.5 grains of unique launching them from the barrel.
The gun I will be shooting these loads from will be my 3" Dan Wesson 715-FB & I figured this would be a great way to introduce me to loading, and start me on my way.
I know the 375 SM will be a little more work as I have to work the brass a little more, and the fact that it is a taper case will make sizing a little different. I figure as long as I go slow, take my time, and triple check my work, I should be okay.
Anyways, I know this isn't really a huge deal to some people, but I was kinda proud at learning some new things.
And Only Time Will Tell The Ending When The Ink Runs Dry...
October 1, 2010
Offline
reloading and casting too
you are the man
"close isn't good enough" 
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
Offline
Casting your own bullets is a big step up on my reloading efforts.
Good deal.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
February 11, 2010
Offline
I'm with ya, just got into the game too. Hopefully the last of my equipment will be
here by the end of the week.
-Blacktop
Supporter
Moderators
Dans Club
February 22, 2009
Offline
I make it a point to cast and reload every caliber I have.. well, except for the rimfires (of course) and the Makarov. Pretty relaxing, really. BF- once you get it down for one caliber, you won't have any issues for others. The same basic principles apply until you start getting into forming different cases from a parent case.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
Supporter
Range Officer
Moderators
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
December 4, 2011
Offline
BF, you are a step ahead of me when it comes to casting. Compared to casting, reloading is just a matter of repetitive mechanical steps. Casting takes a lot of work and a lot of equipment. I want to get into casting some day but dont' have that kind of time right now. As long as I can buy bullets I'm stinking with store bought for now.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
Moderators
November 17, 2008
Offline
Be afraid be very afraid. 
Reloading and bullet casting have syndromes similar to DWAS! 
Sounds like a good start, Have fun and enjoy the results.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
July 10, 2012
Offline
lbruce said
Be afraid be very afraid.
LB
HAHAHA, I will admit that it was rather fun. I do, however, still have allot to learn. I was using a "bottom pour" style furnace, and it was a little tricky and quite messy for a newbie.
My co-worker did say that the next time I do it, I can try it with a dipper and that it should be allot cleaner and easier to do.
I also was able to measure my cylinder throats. 4 of the 6 took a .360 gauge pin, and the other 2 took the .360 pin partially, but took the .359 pin. We are going to lube / size them to .359 and see how they come out.
Ideally, I would like to use jacketed or pre-cast stuff, but since I had the opportunity to try it without buying equipment, I couldn't say no. Plus I had been wanting to try it.
I'll keep thise thread updated with info as I run through the steps.
Oh, and I was also told that he just got a new chronograph in. What better way to round out the loading-lesson than to chrony some of the rounds in my gun!
And Only Time Will Tell The Ending When The Ink Runs Dry...
1 Guest(s)
