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July 10, 2012
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Today, I took the first steps into reloading.
Seeing as I will be loading some 375 SM ammo soon, I asked a co-worker (long time re-loader & load developer) to show me the ropes of rolling my own ammunition.
Today, I was able to cast my own bullets for the first time. I was casting using a Lyman 358429 mould, a 170 grain bullet from #2 alloy. They didn't all come out 100% perfect, but I was pretty proud considering my lack of experience.
These will be loaded into some once-fired Winchester brass, with CCI primers and 4.5 grains of unique launching them from the barrel.
The gun I will be shooting these loads from will be my 3" Dan Wesson 715-FB & I figured this would be a great way to introduce me to loading, and start me on my way.
I know the 375 SM will be a little more work as I have to work the brass a little more, and the fact that it is a taper case will make sizing a little different. I figure as long as I go slow, take my time, and triple check my work, I should be okay.
Anyways, I know this isn't really a huge deal to some people, but I was kinda proud at learning some new things.
And Only Time Will Tell The Ending When The Ink Runs Dry...
October 1, 2010
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reloading and casting too
you are the man
"close isn't good enough" 
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Casting your own bullets is a big step up on my reloading efforts.
Good deal.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
February 11, 2010
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I'm with ya, just got into the game too. Hopefully the last of my equipment will be
here by the end of the week.
-Blacktop
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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I make it a point to cast and reload every caliber I have.. well, except for the rimfires (of course) and the Makarov. Pretty relaxing, really. BF- once you get it down for one caliber, you won't have any issues for others. The same basic principles apply until you start getting into forming different cases from a parent case.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
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December 4, 2011
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BF, you are a step ahead of me when it comes to casting. Compared to casting, reloading is just a matter of repetitive mechanical steps. Casting takes a lot of work and a lot of equipment. I want to get into casting some day but dont' have that kind of time right now. As long as I can buy bullets I'm stinking with store bought for now.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
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November 17, 2008
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Be afraid be very afraid. 
 Reloading and bullet casting have syndromes similar to DWAS! 
  Sounds like a good start, Have fun and enjoy the results.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
                                                              ÂÂ
July 10, 2012
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lbruce said
Be afraid be very afraid.ÂÂ
LB
HAHAHA, I will admit that it was rather fun. I do, however, still have allot to learn. I was using a "bottom pour" style furnace, and it was a little tricky and quite messy for a newbie.
My co-worker did say that the next time I do it, I can try it with a dipper and that it should be allot cleaner and easier to do.
I also was able to measure my cylinder throats. 4 of the 6 took a .360 gauge pin, and the other 2 took the .360 pin partially, but took the .359 pin. We are going to lube / size them to .359 and see how they come out.
Ideally, I would like to use jacketed or pre-cast stuff, but since I had the opportunity to try it without buying equipment, I couldn't say no. Plus I had been wanting to try it.
I'll keep thise thread updated with info as I run through the steps.
Oh, and I was also told that he just got a new chronograph in. What better way to round out the loading-lesson than to chrony some of the rounds in my gun!
And Only Time Will Tell The Ending When The Ink Runs Dry...
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