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  1. #1
    Gong Shooter
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    Jun 2011
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    Default How much more do I "need" to buy.

    I am building up my equipment to start loading .45acp. I got a boost start on this by picking up a whole bunch of stuff from a friend who got out of reloading. So, As of right now i have
    10,000 once fired but still dirty de-primed brass.
    about 5,000 large pistol primers,
    a rock chucker press,
    an rcbs manual powder scale,
    a lee powder measure,
    a lee carbide 3 piece die set (brand new),
    100 FMJ 230 grain 45,
    a rcbs caliper/meter
    a lyman reloading book.
    and about 8 un opened cans of bullseye powder.

    I think I still need
    a tumbler with media
    a trimmer (but what kind should i get)
    a handheld primer (RCBS maybe)
    a de-camfer tool
    a trickler

    what am I missing guys. I have a lot to learn still and am reading a bit every night but, I don't wanna waste money and wanna start developing a nice range load for my 1911.
    Last edited by strm_trpr; 09-04-2013 at 15:35.

  2. #2
    The "Godfather" of COAR Great-Kazoo's Avatar
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    No need to trim pistol brass, or chamfer either, or carbide dies. You do need 10K of bullets, 5K more of primers and enough powder to load them. What good is all that brass if you cannot fill em up?
    I have 5k loaded of 38, same for 9mm and never needed to size or chamfer the brass. YMMV
    Now when you get in to rifle, those will be needed items. Why lay out money now, when you can focus on hand gun.
    IMHO. You reload 10K of anything, 1/2 way through you'll be wondering why you didn't upgrade the press out the gate.
    Last edited by Great-Kazoo; 09-04-2013 at 15:54.
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  3. #3
    Grand Master Know It All funkymonkey1111's Avatar
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    Default

    Have you looked at stainless steel-media brass cleaners? I'm considering going that way.

  4. #4
    The "Godfather" of COAR Great-Kazoo's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by funkymonkey1111 View Post
    Have you looked at stainless steel-media brass cleaners? I'm considering going that way.
    Corn cob , good polish and time will do as good a job. The start up for wet tumbling adds another $300. Something money could be invested in, component and book wise. Not saying it's a waste of money, i'd jump on it, if i wasn't investing elsewhere.
    Mmmmmmmmm do i want showroom brass or another keg of powder?
    The Great Kazoo's Feedback

    "when you're happy you enjoy the melody but, when you're broken you understand the lyrics".

  5. #5

    Default Re: How much more do I "need" to buy.

    A digital scale.

    Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.

  6. #6
    Fire Crotch
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    Charlottesville, VA
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    If I were you, I'd get the tumbler FIRST, so you can start cleaning and processing your brass. Doing that is a full time job it seems.

  7. #7
    Machine Gunner Jamnanc's Avatar
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    Agree with Jim. Start off on your single stage and read the hell out of your manual. Shoot some of your reloads, make sure they work like you want them to, watch for a dillon 450 or 550 used or new, set it up with auto powder drop, load away.

  8. #8
    Gong Shooter
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    Default

    Thanks Jim and others. Super helpful. It is hard to dig through all the gimmicks and all the necessities. I know I need to stock up on projectiles. That is the only reloading component my friend did not have left, so, I will prob buy a few hundred a month while I get more necessities. I know people recommend electric scales, however, I have taken quite a few science courses and am comfortable with reading the analog scale I have.

    Would I be fine with a harbor freight tumbler?

  9. #9
    Gong Shooter
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    Also do I need a crimp die for 45acp? I only have a 3 piece kit

  10. #10
    Feelings, Nothing more than feelings KS63's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by strm_trpr View Post
    Also do I need a crimp die for 45acp? I only have a 3 piece kit
    Your Lee Bullet Seating Die has a machined profile to remove the case mouth flare already. You're fine.

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