How to reload - Make your own ammunition

[Point223]

So, I decided to load my own because I don't want to be giving out my address out everytime i buy ammo!

This could be a big ask, but the question is: How to reload, or make your own ammunition?

Required tools?
Procedure?

I have a .308 7600 Remington Pump.

[Timb0]

What do you mean give out you address?
You can go to www.rcbs.com and in their resorces section they have a basic step by step guide.
You can by a Lee or RCBS starter kit with all the basics you need to get started.

[Silver87]

G'day mate, you'll still have to buy powder which requires address ID so not sure you'll completely avoid it. Best buy a reloading manual and watch YouTube video's, plenty of good ones out there.

[Timb0]

Is that a NSW thing with the ID for ammo?

[MeccaOz]

If you havent got anyone to ask locally mate. Try watching these until you have a firm grasp https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... ammunition , then come back and ask the bits that dont quite make sense, and keep asking questions. Just make sure you get to watch someone in the know up close and personal too. I dont mean to fob you off, but unless im standing there, I dont really feel comfortable telling you how I do it.

[Silver87]

Is that a NSW thing with the ID for ammo?

Sure is, they are trying to repeal it though.

[Point223]

Don't need to give out address if i'm buying powder, casings, etc. Just my firearms licence.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/services/f ... /?a=260368
Do components of ammunition constitute ammunition? NO.
Components of ammunition do not meet the definition of ammunition provided by section 4 of the Firearms Act 1996:
ammunition includes:
(a) any article consisting of a cartridge case fitted with a primer and a projectile, or
(b) any article consisting of a cartridge case fitted with a primer and containing a propelling charge and a projectile, or
(c) blank cartridges, airgun pellets, training cartridges or gas cartridges, or
(d) any other article prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this definition.

If they're not considrered ammo then ammo rules won't apply to them i'm guessing. Any NSW shooters who reload out here that can verify or nullify this?

Mecca, I'll watch the videos i'm thinking of buying a book too on the topic. Is it too complicated though?

[North East]

If you are in a small country town like I am with high firearm ownership you may find a local group that hold courses. The blokes who do the Firearm Safety Course around here regularly do a reloading course as well down at the local Neighbourhood Centre. Some gun shops may also do it. I personally can't be bothered and just stick to the factory stuff which does the job.

[MeccaOz]

Don't need to give out address if i'm buying powder, casings, etc. Just my firearms licence.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/services/f ... /?a=260368
Do components of ammunition constitute ammunition? NO.
Components of ammunition do not meet the definition of ammunition provided by section 4 of the Firearms Act 1996:
ammunition includes:
(a) any article consisting of a cartridge case fitted with a primer and a projectile, or
(b) any article consisting of a cartridge case fitted with a primer and containing a propelling charge and a projectile, or
(c) blank cartridges, airgun pellets, training cartridges or gas cartridges, or
(d) any other article prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this definition.

If they're not considrered ammo then ammo rules won't apply to them i'm guessing. Any NSW shooters who reload out here that can verify or nullify this?

Mecca, I'll watch the videos i'm thinking of buying a book too on the topic. Is it too complicated though?

It's not really to dificult mate, it's just that your dealing with things that can be dangerous to both you and your gun, so it's best to have someone watching you the first couple times mate. Basically its case resizing, throw in a primer, stuff in some powder and load in a projectile, lol

Always good to read a reloading book too if you can get one, lets you in on a few things

[bigfellascott]

Best thing you can do for yourself is buy Nick Harveys Reloading Manual, it has everything you need to know about reloading from start to finish in a very easy to understand style, well worth the $40 odd. It has all the Load data that is relevant to the powder/projectiles/cals here in Aus.

Also there are some good vids on Youtube that can help too.

Cheers

[Point223]

Sound advice Mecca and Scott! I fully appreciate the dangers surrounding reloading your own ammo. Will research further. Thanks

[brett1868]

As suggested, get to know your local dealer and support their business. You probably won't need to show your details every time if they know you and they are generally willing to help ensure you leave the shop happy. I assume you'll be reloading for .308 based on another thread you have which is a good calibre to begin with as three's plenty of data out there for it along with some quality components. Check out the ADI site below for some useful information, check youtube for some video tutorials and ask questions here if something isn't %100 clear.

I personally reload not to save money but because I find it relaxing and I can see an output from my labour. I punch buttons for an investment bank which can be highly stressful, I produce nothing that can be seen or touched so reloading provides me some therapy.

http://www.adi-powders.com.au/handloaders/

[Deco]

What you need, well the essentials are...

• Reloading press to resize cases and seat bullets
• Primer tool to prime cases
• Power thrower to dispense powder
• Scales to weigh powder charges
• Case trimmer to trim brass as it gets to long
• Sizing and seating dies for each cartridge you're loading

I think that's everything... Then trays to hold your brass, bits and pieces like that. Lube for the cases.

Have a look at some reloading kits like the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme kit. They usually have everything except the dies. Lee, Hornady and everyone else make a kit as well.

[cavok]

So, I decided to load my own because I don't want to be giving out my address out everytime i buy ammo!

This could be a big ask, but the question is: How to reload, or make your own ammunition?

Required tools?
Procedure?

I have a .308 7600 Remington Pump.

What you need is a Dillon 650 or 1050 press, problem solved. Also, how many rounds do you intend to load per month? Look at also loading for a friend to make the purchase of press viable, there are many items to purchase, unless you RE LOAD a great deal you are looking at dollars. Single stage press very old fashion, makes far to few per hour. Lots to learn.

[bigfellascott]

What you need is a Dillon 650 or 1050 press, problem solved. Also, how many rounds do you intend to load per month? Look at also loading for a friend to make the purchase of press viable, there are many items to purchase, unless you RE LOAD a great deal you are looking at dollars. Single stage press very old fashion, makes far to few per hour. Lots to learn.

$700 before any add ons!

[Octane]

What you need is a Dillon 650 or 1050 press, problem solved. Also, how many rounds do you intend to load per month?

Why tell him he needs a progressive press before asking how much he shoots?

[Supporter]

Point223,

You definitely don't need a $700 progressive press as a starter (or at all).

A progressive press lets your reload faster, that's it. Not worth it unless you're shooting a lot. As for comments above, I dunno what singles stage presses being "very old fashion" is supposed to mean... They're perfectly fine. Thousands upon thousands of shooters using them every day and they getting the job done no problems at all.

Something like the RCBS Rock Chucker kit is $600 in any shop and comes with everything you need except dies.

rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-kit.jpg (32.76 KiB) Viewed 6480 times

Plus $70 or something for a set of dies.

And there are cheap kits than that too. The Lyman and I think Hornady kits are less. Don't know off the top of my head exactly.

[cavok]

What you need is a Dillon 650 or 1050 press, problem solved. Also, how many rounds do you intend to load per month?

Why tell him he needs a progressive press before asking how much he shoots?

FROM my post above, I make reference to exactly that. WHAT you need to do is show my full post, not only the part you want.
" Also, how many rounds do you intend to load per month? Look at also loading for a friend to make the purchase of press viable, there are many items to purchase, unless you RE LOAD a great deal you are looking at dollars. Single stage press very old fashion, makes far to few per hour. Lots to learn.""

[Octane]

I think my point remains valid.

Suggestions made before questions asked, quoting the rest of the post doesn't change that.

Anyhoo, moving along...

[North East]

I just don't shoot enough to justify the cost for setting up reloading. I never go to a range and am not in the SSAA. Occasionally I'll shoot paper, a bit of A4 with a dot in the middle. But do it out in the local State Forest to make sure the scope is zeroed and I'm shooting straight. This only takes 2 or 3 shots.

But each to their own I suppose…I just get bored shooting paper.

[cavok]

Guess I agree with you, that's why IPSC runs rifle and shotgun events, that means no standing, move and shoot, high degree of skills required. Also a rifle and or sometimes a shotgun.

[Lorgar]

I just don't shoot enough to justify the cost for setting up reloading. I never go to a range and am not in the SSAA. Occasionally I'll shoot paper, a bit of A4 with a dot in the middle. But do it out in the local State Forest to make sure the scope is zeroed and I'm shooting straight. This only takes 2 or 3 shots.

But each to their own I suppose…I just get bored shooting paper.

Sounds much the same as me. These days I make a trip to the centrefire 2 or 3 times a year max and it's more often to take friends shooting than go for myself. I head to the local 22 range 5 minutes away still but can't be assed putting a whole day aside for CF.

The kits pay for themselves eventually of course. Took me about 18 months or something I guess to fire the cost worth of the gear, not it's just a little saving on ammo for how much I shoot.

Passes a night with reloading too

[Point223]

Point223,

You definitely don't need a $700 progressive press as a starter (or at all).

A progressive press lets your reload faster, that's it. Not worth it unless you're shooting a lot. As for comments above, I dunno what singles stage presses being "very old fashion" is supposed to mean... They're perfectly fine. Thousands upon thousands of shooters using them every day and they getting the job done no problems at all.

Something like the RCBS Rock Chucker kit is $600 in any shop and comes with everything you need except dies.

rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-kit.jpg

Plus $70 or something for a set of dies.

And there are cheap kits than that too. The Lyman and I think Hornady kits are less. Don't know off the top of my head exactly.

Thanks everyone. Supporter I think your input has been the most constructive.

I will not be shooting a whole lot. Probably once every two months at the local range. I just needs enough to keep me away from giving out my address whenever i'm buying ammo.

I will need to visit a gun shop selling these to learn more about them.

[Westy]

What your not going to get a Dillion 1050 to start out with???? You could make much better rounds with the rockchucker and tune your gun to a load much better with a single stage press than any full auto load of crap 223!! I take it you want it for a "223" and other centre fire rifles Point??? Dillion great for inaccurate hand gun loads but not good for rifle loads in my honest opinion, to much going on to get good loads for good groups. Simple second hand kit will work fine if you can find a good one at a reasonable price!!!!

[cavok]

What your not going to get a Dillion 1050 to start out with???? You could make much better rounds with the rockchucker and tune your gun to a load much better with a single stage press than any full auto load of crap 223!! I take it you want it for a "223" and other centre fire rifles Point??? Dillion great for inaccurate hand gun loads but not good for rifle loads in my honest opinion, to much going on to get good loads for good groups. Simple second hand kit will work fine if you can find a good one at a reasonable price!!!!

Bite, bite, WRONG.

[Warrigul]

No, Westy is 100% correct.

[cavok]

I did highlight this.
He wrote " Dillion great for inaccurate hand gun loads but not good for rifle loads in my honest opinion". He has no opinion, no fish here.
That's the part he and you got wrong.
Keep writing what you will, I will respond to polite posts, politely, as most of what you both write is, dare I say politely, "inaccurate looking to see how stupid the other party is". Don't like being called a liar, or troll, but keep posting.

[Westy]

Words fail me but I will keep posting here if the rest of the crew will have me???? Dare I say it I don't like the inference that I'm am Stupid , please post some groups so we can see how well a dillion press can produce accurate loads. Serious I would love to be shown how wrong I've got it here???? This isn't sarcasm it's pure honesty>>>Looking forward to seeing some Pictures as I've found them to be very inaccurate for target loads???

Cheers Westy

[Timb0]

I'm not trying to get into an argument here, but I have to ask out of my own curiosity. Don't Dillion progressive loaders rely on a powder thrower to meter the powder into the case? If so, I must say I have never had much luck with mechanical throwers consistently metering out the same charge weight. Depending on the powder it can be quiet a difference between each charge.
I weigh each charge even for hunting ammo...... Maybe I'm doing something wrong? but that's my take on it.

[cavok]

Dillon presses do measure exact amounts in any powder fine grain of flake like As30 for shotguns extremely accurately. They in the 650 model or 1050 from memory load around 600 - 800 rounds per hour, each exactly the same. I cannot find a shooter in Australia who load that amount of rounds per week who would not be using a Dillon press, but who knows. I have a Dillon, I have owned two lee presses in the past, lee 1000 also great . Progressive press make loading simple, safe and fast, with the SAME powder charge as exact as you may want. Also I made NO reference to anyone here being stupid, must be some sort of complex. Somewhere a person wrote, I'm unsure who or when. "I am responsible for what I write, I am not responsible for how it is understood". Hence progressive presses, Dillon, Lee take your pick, Lee are a little more my liking, easier, cost less, but I own a Dillon now, 2nd one for me, first one wore out, providing great loads in 4 calibres.