NEED ADVICE!!!

jcp7857 · Rookie Member Joined: Feb 28, 2008 Posts: 22

I was wondering about bulk rounds factory if you will, to hold me over until I get into loading. I don't want to spend no $17 a box of 50 just to put holes in a cardboard box, if you know what I mean.

Just wondering if there are some decent factories at good prices!

jcp7857 · Rookie Member Joined: Feb 28, 2008 Posts: 22

about the cheap rounds, I am only looking for some break in rounds I guess. I just got a Kimber Ultra Carr II, and I need to put 500 round through it to break it in, so at $17 a box at the local it will be a lot of money.

So what are the recommendations on the best cheaper round, and where can they be purchased.

Also need to know if lead ball bullets are okay, or should I stick to FMJ.

THanks again!

chambered221 · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:07 pm Post subject: Re: NEED ADVICE!!!

Welcome to the site jcp7857

I will also tell you to learn the basics on the single stage press first.
I don't recomend the progressive for rifles.
They are not worth the trouble, (my deer rifle shot less than 30 rounds last year, my varmit rig had less than 100 rounds) see my point.

When it comes to pistols and revolvers you have to be realistic about how many rounds you'll shoot in a years time.
Two years ago I bought a new pistol for IDPA compitition. In 8 months time I put over 10,000 rounds through it. I can't even begin to think what it would have been like to load them on my Rockchucker single stage press.

Once you decide to upgrade from single stage (if you do ) the Lee turret press is a great semi-progressive press.

Dillion is the only progressive press I will reccomend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But I will say its a waste of money if you don't shoot alot.

jcp7857 · Rookie Member Joined: Feb 28, 2008 Posts: 22

Thanks Chambered221!

Arron · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:01 am Post subject: Re: NEED ADVICE!!!

One or two words on dies. First off if the die set says .45Colt like the LEE dies then the useful bullet diameter is probably .454 if it is a .45ACP/AR/WM then it is for .451's or .452's this is what my Hornady die set is for and will not work very well for the .454's. Personally and I have said this many times I do not care for RCBS handgun dies as the crimp is set first then the bullet gets seated. I prefer the crimp to be set after the bullet is seated to depth. I have used many .451's in my previous .45Colt with out any problems until I put the overload in it. Oh by the way AR means Auto Rim (took me awhile to figure that one out) and WM is Winchester Magnum. One little tip I will give is when seating the bullets give the case a quick quarter turn and you reduce the number of buldged sidewalls. The LEE factory crimp is supposed to fix this problem and I do recommend them for straight wall cases. get a single stage first and you will always go back to it. I do have a Progressive but I do not deprime/size or seat primers with it. I clean cases first then lube if needed and deprime/size with the single stage and reclean cases then seat primers with a auto-prime tool and load on the Pro2000. I Would not recommend the press for a newbie too somplicated to set up. Anyway good luck with this and TAKE YOUR TIME and learn it slowly and smoothly and in the right way and you be around to cuss us all out for leading down the road to ruin in search of "THE Load"!

Arron · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:06 am Post subject: Re: NEED ADVICE!!!

Oh I forgot. I like the Hodgdon manual. The introductions for the cartridges are simple and iformative. The only problems I have with manuals is that they only use a certain amount of powders and they do not all give the amount pressure a load develops. Pressure is THE most important factor first then all else comes into play. A load that gives good accuracy is worthless if it locks the action shut. See what I mean?

Again good luck and STAY SAFE!!!!

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:19 am Post subject: Re: NEED ADVICE!!!

jcp, I don't know where you're located but I've been buying some Georgia Arms "factory reloads" for plinking etc in the AR and been pretty well satisfied. All the rest of the centerfire stuff I shoot (except shotgun) I load myself.

Cast lead should be fine in an auto pistol, I shoot them in mine.

chambered221 · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:22 am Post subject: Re: NEED ADVICE!!!

Some very good points about dies have been made, these are some of the reasons I use only Dillion for the pistol. I do however use the LEE factory crimp die in the last stage.

I could be mistaken but, I belive Kimber recomends FMJ's not lead for their breakin. Check it out in the owners manual

jcp7857 · Rookie Member Joined: Feb 28, 2008 Posts: 22

I live in Michigan Pumpkinslinger, so AR is bit to far. I read the manual a few tiems, and the only thing they say for break in ammunition is 500 - 230 gran factory rounds. No mention of FMJ or Lead, but I will most defonitly check again.

jcp7857 · Rookie Member Joined: Feb 28, 2008 Posts: 22

Are thes worth trying:

from www.brassmanbrass.com/...cials.html
45 ACP 230gr FMJRN $117.95 per 1000 shipped / New not pulled

Just looking arounds

mikeleduc · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 11:01 am Post subject: Re: NEED ADVICE!!!

Make sure you get the Carbide 45ACP Dies. Your also going to want a good tumbler for case preparation. And while it's not required I suggest getting a Lee handheld primer. It can be done on the press, I did it for years, but the handheld primer is the way to go.

jcp7857 · Rookie Member Joined: Feb 28, 2008 Posts: 22

Tomorrow is the day! I am headed to my uncles to shoot some, and then I get a crash course on loading. He is also giving me a Lyman 47th ed to read through. Also he is giving all of his load manuals and such to look over.

Going to be a fun day, looking forward to it!

chambered221 · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 7:01 pm Post subject: Re: NEED ADVICE!!!

jcp7857,
Found my Kimber manual. It reads as follows:
" For proper Break-in of firearm shoot 400-500 rounds of quality factory ball ( 230g. FMJ ) ammunition, cleaning and lubricating the gun evry 100-150 rounds. "

I knew I read that somewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jcp7857 · Rookie Member Joined: Feb 28, 2008 Posts: 22

Yeah I went back and found it also, thanks again. And I will only shoot FMJ, there isn't even that much of a diff in price anyway.