jwilson007

Oh ok, well that's somewhat promising at least. I will have to check some local stores to see if I can catch powder in stock, if so I may just go ahead and buy some whenever I can.

Ugh this is disappointing news, I was about to post to ask a similar question. I had a bit of extra money come in and might could actually afford a reloading setup, but it won't do me much good if I can't get powder and other materials. I assume it's a similar story for primers etc?

Welcome from North AL!

Thanks for all the info! I've looked up some pics so hopefully I'll be able to tell the difference. I'm already processing brass and sorting it for when I'm able to start reloading. I might start looking for this and separating military brass while I'm at it, may save me some time down the road.

Welcome from AL! Hope you weathered the storms last night / today!

Could someone explain a bit more about the swaging process and/or when it is needed? How do I know what brass needs to be swaged or not? reading up on 223 reloading I know I will probably run into this. Is this a concern for some or any pistol calibers or more of a rifle issue? I have heard you do it on "military brass" but not completely sure how to know which ones fall in that category! Any info is much appreciated, I've learned a ton on this forum but this distinction has eluded me so far. Trying to fill in one more piece of the puzzle.

Good to hear, as this is what I'm also planning for when I get started. After researching 223 reloading it looks much more complicated, so I'm starting out with 9mm and 45 most likely to figure things out.

Oh yeah? I actually live in Arab, been trying to join their club there but membership is "closed" or so I hear.

Welcome from Huntsville!

Welcome! My wife has a lot of family in the Charleston area!

Noted, I will not be learning with Clays. You guys are most helpful! I have been reading the "ABC's of Reloading" and starting to look over some manuals to get a grasp on these concepts before I start. I bought 2 reloading books/manuals several years ago, now I can't find them haha. Oh well guess it's time for a new volume anyway

Thanks Poppa Bear (and others) for that simple breakdown! Makes sense.

Even more good info! Being a newbie and clueless about competition stuff, I have no idea what Major/Minor power factor even is, but I will keep this in mind if I ever cross that bridge! Initially I will be mostly loading for practice shooting, but I do want to look into the competition thing more this year. At least I have several good options for general pistol powders to go with and work up some loads and test them out.

Great thanks for the info! Least it sounds like I won't have to have a ton of different powders! I don't mind buying smaller quantities at first and try a few different powders out though before buying in bulk. But WW231 will be on my short list.

Hi guys, I am stil in the initial stages of getting into reloading and looking for a bit of guidance. I have been doing a good bit of research so I will be somewhat knowledgable before actually reloading. I see other posts asking "what powder for X" and I also see a wide array of responses and that's for just one caliber. I'm wondering if it will be feasible to narrow down at least pistol powders down to just 1-2 for the calibers I will be reloading which will likely include 9mm for sure, 38/357, and 45. I'm sure I'll need a seperate powder for 223 or other rifle calibers and that's fine. Just wondering if I have to stock many different powders for various calibers or what the best course of action would be. How many different powders do you guys keep on hand typically? I hear Clays seems to be useful for a variety of pistol calibers, was thinking about starting with that and maybe one more for my first reloads and see what works best for me. If you have any other advice please let me know!

For me, I prefer the M&P 45s at least for a .45 that's not a 1911 style. They have at least 3 sizes of 45, compact, mid and full. Compact you lose 2 rounds over the mid or full. Can't decide which size I want, but I like the sound of the mid with a 4" barrel and 10 rounds in the mag. Compact still 4" but 8 rounds and shorter grip. Food for thought. Plenty of good options out there, just whatever feels best to you.

Welcome from AL!

i just ordered the Cabelas tumbler this past week, first step to my reloading journey! Want to go ahead and start cleaning and saving up my brass so we're ready to go when we can get a press setup.

I've been wanting to pick up a good OWB holster (and probably 1-2 mag holders) not necessarily for concealed carry, but for range time, training, possibly even competition if I end up trying that out. Wondering if you guys might have some good recommendations for me. Here are some that I've been considering: Raven Phantom or similar design Comp-Tac OWB PJ Holsters Bonus: if it can hold both my M&P full size 9mm and compact, that's a plus in my book. I know the PJ holster will do this at least.

Welcome from AL!

I'd love to come witness a match sometime and get a feel for how they operate etc. I have stumbled on that site before and wrote the contact there, as I'm looking for a consistent place to shoot and/or train. Sometimes I shoot on my dad's land, but I'm already getting complaints from the neighbors Well I haven't counted the 650 out just yet, I know most folks don't recommend starting with that level of a press, but after watching many videos and reading about it I think my brain processes a more progressive style better than single stage. I think I could pick it up quickly enough.

Been lurking for a while, enjoying reading the information here! I have never reloaded before, but I've really been wanting to get into it for a good while now. Already own 2 reloading books/manuals haha. I am heavily looking at the Dillon 550b to get me started, which I'm hoping isn't too advanced of a press to start with. I just know it would be a solid investment. I am looking to reload for at least 9mm, .45, and .223. I've recently really got back into shooting, and I am eager to improve my skills through practice and possibly some training courses. I'm relatively new to shooting pistols, and I'm intrigued by all this competition talk, but I know very little about it. (trying to read up on that) My weapons of choice are the M&P platform for my polymers (FS 9mm and 9c) and I have a 1911 in .45. Just wanted to say HI!