Getting Started in Reloading--Again

[Crash]

I haven't reloaded in almost 25 years (don't even remember how....), but I still have the following equipment, which probably isn't even made anymore:

RCBS Model 5.10 Reloading Scale
RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure
RCBS Powder Trickler
RCBS Case Lube Kit
2 RCBS Loading Blocks
RCBS Funnel .22-.45 cal

A Lee 2001 Challenge Reloading Kit, which includes the following:

Lee Auto-Prime II
Lee Ram Prime
Lee .38-.357 dies

But, the press itself is gone. It was stored in a non-airconditioned warehouse in Texas for over 20 years and was corroded and rusted up, so I pitched it.

So, what do I need, besides a new press, bullets, brass, powder, and primers to get started reloading again. And, what reloading book would you recommend?

I want something reliable, but I don't want to spend a lot of $$. Last question: for the time being, I'm going to reload only .38 Spl, so do I need a case length trimmer and a tumbler?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Crash

[Watonga_Jim]

Sounds like the press and the components will get you up and going again. *I would recommend a case trimmer, although I don't think it's critical for loads that will be fired from a revolver. *Case and overall length are critical for all semi autos and rifles, etc. *

Most any loading manual would work but I've found a lot of free loading data available online, so I wouldn't bother buying a manual. *Start by downloading the free 72 page data manual from Hodgdon. *The other powder companies have loading data available online also.

Good luck!

http://www.hodgdon.com/

[Crash]

Watonga_Jim,

Thanks for the advice. I haven't been able to find much .38 Spl ammo in the local area for the last three months, that's why I decided to start "rollin' my own" again.

Crash

[Watonga_Jim]

Crash,

I also use some .38sp and I agree that's it hard to find very much in the stores right now. When they do show up in the stores, the prices can run about $15-$25 for a box of 50, so I think that's the best reason to reload. I find shooting more fun when I don't have visions of dollar signs flying out the of barrel.

Jim

[docsoos]

Sounds like you're on the right track, Crash!

I, too, am a fan of the .38/.357. It is by far the most versatile (and STILL the CHEAPEST!) to reload for.

I try to keep a few hundred 148-grain wadcutters loaded up for target practice, and some +P 158-grain lead SWC-HP's for self-defense. My daily carry gun is a Smith & Wesson Model 638 Airweight, as it is so light and highly concealable. I drop it in my back right pocket even when mowing the spread. It's so light, most of the time I forget it's there.

My recipe for the 148-grain Wadcutters is as follows:

Hornady 148-grain lead hollow-base wad cutters
3.2 Grains Winchester 231 powder
CCI 500 Small Pistol Primers
1/4-turn on the die for the crimp

Some of my brass is on it's 7th loading. The pressure of standard .38 Special is so low, the brass lasts a good, long time. The only time I have to pitch the brass, is if I accidentally flare the case mouth too far after resizing, and the brass mouth gets brittle and splits. And at 3.2 grains per round, a pound of powder lasts a LONG time!

Best of Luck and Be Safe!

DocSoos

[Crash]

DocSoos and Watonga_Jim,

This may be a great leap from not having reloaded in almost 25 years, but a friend and I were talking about doing it commercially. So I have a couple of questions I hope you can point me in the right direction for that:

1. Is it necessary to join SAAMI if you are going to reload commercially? If not, are there any advantages to it? If it is, how much does it cost?

2. Where do I find out what the best-selling cartridges are, so we know what to reload?

3. Last: where the heck can I find primers? I've been on several websites that have bullets, brass, and powder for sale, but it's real hard to find primers that aren't "out of stock."

Thanks for your help.

Crash

[docsoos]

1. *Is it necessary to join SAAMI if you are going to reload commercially? *If not, are there any advantages to it? *If it is, how much does it cost?
*

I don't believe joining SAAMI is required, but I DO know you need a license from BATFE. Here's a quote from the law 27 CFR, Part 478:

Subpart D—Licenses
§ 478.41 General.
(a) Each person intending to engage in
business as an importer or manufacturer
of firearms or ammunition, or a dealer in
firearms shall, before commencing such
business, obtain the license required by
this subpart for the business to be operated.
Each person who desires to obtain a
license as a collector of curios or relics
may obtain such a license under the provisions
of this subpart.

§ 478.42 License fees.
Each applicant shall pay a fee for obtaining
a firearms license or ammunition
license, a separate fee being required for
each business or collecting activity at each
place of such business or activity, as follows:
(a) For a manufacturer:
(1) Of destructive devices, ammunition
for destructive devices or armor
piercing ammunition—$1,000 per year.
(2) Of firearms other than destructive
devices—$50 per year.
(3) Of ammunition for firearms other
than ammunition for destructive devices
or armor piercing ammunition—$10 per
year.

Here's a link to the BATFE website that has the law online:

http://www.atf.gov/pub/fire-explo_pub/2005/p53004/index.htm (http://LINKADDRESS)

Looks like it's only $10 a year for the license, but according to the law, you have to have the license PRIOR to starting the manufacturing of the ammo. I'd get a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing ATF Agents could come on your premises 24/7, unannounced, and no warrant, to inspect your goods. Knew a guy in Ohio that sold guns out of his house, they came at 2:00 A.M., wanted to look at his books, even demanded to see his PERSONAL firearms; since his house was listed as his place of business, they had a right to demand to look at ANY firearm on the premises, personal or stock inventory. This was during the socialist Klinton era, when they were attempting to "pare down" the number of FFL holders. It worked. My buddy told 'em to shove it where the sun don't shine, when it was time to renew his license.

As for primers and components, good luck. It may be easier to get "moved up on the list" if you are a bona-fide licensed manufacturer, other than John Q. Citizen, but I don't know.

Hope this helps!

DocSoos

[Crash]

docsoos,

This could get to be more fun than I want to have.

You also have to charge your customers, in addition to state and local sales taxes, 11% excise tax on any ammunition you sell them unless you load it into the customer's used brass.

I'm going to talk to my friend again and we may wind up just loading for ourselves.

Pretty bad when OUR government makes it intolerably difficult to run an honest business.

Crash

[docsoos]

Pretty bad when OUR government makes it intolerably difficult to run an honest business.

Crash

But, Crash, "It's for the safety of the KIDS". ::)

All of this BS red tape is why I no longer have an FFL. I dropped mine well prior to the Klintoon years, just because it got to be such a hassle, that and the fact that anybody setting foot on my property better have a warrant, but they won't, because I obey the law. So SCREW 'em.

Happy reloading!

DocSoos

[Crash]

docsoos,

Just checked with an insurance agent who is a hunter and shooter and he said that just general liability insurance for a reloading business would be at least $10K - $15K a year. Looks like we'll be doing reloading only for ourselves....

Crash

[Crash]

All,

Went to Bass Pro Shop in San Antonio today to buy a press and components--they have NO powder, NO primers, a very limited supply of handgun bullets, and almost no handgun brass.

They do however, have blackpowder and some blackpower substitutes, plus some balls, caps, etc., so it looks like I may go back to being a muzzleloader shooter, at least for a while.

Crash