Author Topic: Buying used reloading equipment? (Read 1143 times)

HuntMeister · « **on:** February 07, 2009, 02:20:10 PM »

I am a newbie to reloading and have been enjoying all the great info on this site, Thanks!
I have purchased one reloading manual so far and have read it a few times. I really don't have the budget for all new equipment so I wish to buy some items used.
Are there any items which I should not buy used or any particulars to look out for when looking at used equipment? I am guessing I will buy on ebay or other non local classifieds so a hands on inspection will not be possible.
I plan to reload .44 and standard CF calibers like .243, .30-30, .30-06, .270. I will not be doing high volume, just want to shoot more than my budget will allow buying factory ammo plus want to get better groups / more confidence for hunting purposes.
Sorry if this has been discussed before, I cannot recall reading any specfics in old threads.

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2009, 02:31:17 PM »

I have bought used equipment from guys on this forum. All has been in good working order. Prices are less than new. Gun shows have some used reloading equipment also.

Val · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2009, 02:40:43 PM »

The key issue is corrosion. If you buy name brand stuff it should be good. Reloading equipment is usually pretty hardy stuff. Delicate things such as calipers and scales could be a problem but if you buy from reputable sellars even e-bay should be OK. Look at the sellar ratings on E-bay.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2009, 04:55:58 PM »

Quote from: HuntMeister on February 07, 2009, 02:20:10 PM

I am a newbie to reloading and have been enjoying all the great info on this site, Thanks!
Are there any items which I should not buy used or any particulars to look out for when looking at used equipment?

LEE products.

They can be OK if bought new and not used allot. But buying used, you have no earthly idea how much use/abuse they received. I recommend a LYMAN, RCBS, PACFIC, HORNADY press. RCBS/ LYMAN or REDDING dies and a LYMAN manual to start with. Invest in a NEW SCALE.

You say you bought a manual, that is good. You now have the basics down in theory. Its not hard but can be a bit intimidating. Double check the manual. Maybe even cross check to other manuals. Just realize that they may be slightly different as some things effect the data. But typos happen so if you get a load of 69Gr's in one book and 96Gr's in another. It likely that is a typo. Start at the starting loads and move up slowly. Do not substitute anything in that recipe.

CW

bilmac · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2009, 06:23:41 PM »

The basic tools you need to load are pretty rugged. Shouldn't need to worry about buying used. Things that might be bad are decapping pins in sizing dies and sizing dies for straight wall cases. If they are not carbide, they will start scratching cases eventually.

Jal5 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2009, 06:26:32 PM »

I bought almost all my equipment used, here and on other boards, some on Ebay and Craigslist. All of it has been in very good shape, even if really old like my Lyman Crush press! I haven't added it all up but I am sure I saved at least 30-40% compared to new and I got better quality items than I would have been able to afford. Like any tools, if taken care of in a reasonable way they should last a very long time. good luck hunting for your stuff!

Gun Runner · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2009, 08:02:30 PM »

I have sold some reloading equiptment to diffrent members on this forum. I use this formula for selling stuff. If its not good enough condition for me to use it goes in the trash. Couple of JUNK pieces I gave away only because somebody needed parts.

Gun Runner

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2009, 11:39:42 PM »

I bought a new RCBS Rock Chucker press, a used RCBS 505 scale and a used RCBS powder thrower (with both large and small cylinders) to start with. I would have bought a used press, but did not find any (before the internet). That was 35 years ago or so. I still have and use the press, I still use the powder thrower when I need one but the scale came up missing, but worked well until it did. I would not hesitate to buy a used quality (cast iron) press at all. If you can not find a used press, get a Lee Classic - the cast iron one. Do not get a cast aluminum one. They will work, but they will not hold up to tough resizing after a while - then you will have to replace it. Money wasted; IMHO. Scales can be hit or miss if used. The powder thrower was in good shape and still is. I have bought all new dies from the beginning. Looking back on it; I would buy used dies as long as they are not corroded or scratched up inside and all of the threads are in good shape -both on the outside and on the stems. When I say on the out side be careful about the threads being messed up from a lock ring that was tightened too much and you can't adjust the lock ring past the messed up threads. If you really are on a budget get new Lee dies - they work. I like RCBS, Redding and Forster dies better, but the Lee dies will get the job done. Be safe in all your reloading - start with lowest recommended loads and work your way up carefully and pay attention to the details all along the way. If you are not feeling good or can be distracted during the loading process - stay away from the bench. Good Luck and Good Shooting

nrb · « **Reply #8 on:** February 08, 2009, 02:57:43 AM »

I just had to tell all. In the late 1950's, my local gun shop owner sold me a complete used reloading outfit for $25!!!!!!!!!!
Pacific press, Redding powder measure, Redding scale, set of 06 dies, and my addiction was started. This equipment is still used occasionally alongside newer items, but it shows that good quality lasts.

best, nrb

HuntMeister · « **Reply #9 on:** February 08, 2009, 07:55:53 AM »

Thanks for all the replys guys! Sounds like used for the most part is OK. Currently working on a final list of goods to buy. If anyone has further imput for this thread please feel free to keep it coming.

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #10 on:** February 08, 2009, 09:10:37 PM »

Reading nrb's post got me to remembering back when-------------------------------------

Started out reloading for centerfire rifle/pistol with Herter's equipment.

Now for you young ones out there, it was a catalog company which had "perfect" in the name or discription of almost everything they sold - model perfect this or model perfect that.

However, most of that hype was only a dream of someone in the advertising dept. as much of what they sold was well below the quality we have come to expect from most of our current manufactures.

Well, it did get me started, but I sure wouldn't pick up any used equipment if it had Herter's or Model perfect anyware in it's name.

Not sure who makes the few Herter's items we still see advertised, but they are very limited when compaired to all the "perfect" items of 40 - 45 years ago.

I remember one of the sets of dies looking like they had been reamed with a pipe reamer or something of equal roughness.

I know some folk like Lee products, and yes I do have a special item or so of theirs, but it will be hard to go wrong with RCBS, Lyman, Hornady and the other well know and spoken of companies.

Keep em coming!

CDOC

wmurrell · « **Reply #11 on:** February 09, 2009, 12:34:35 PM »

I would stay away from used powder

sorry had to

HuntMeister · « **Reply #12 on:** February 09, 2009, 01:27:15 PM »

Quote from: wmurrell on February 09, 2009, 12:34:35 PM

I would stay away from used powder sorry had to

Still valuable intel for me, I don't know what I don't know

cwlongshot · « **Reply #13 on:** February 10, 2009, 01:09:58 AM »

Quote from: wmurrell on February 09, 2009, 12:34:35 PM

I would stay away from used powder sorry had to

EXCELLENT POINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, Unless you know and trust the source. Just throw it on the lawn. Same for any unknown re-loads. Pull them appart. Save brass and bullets toss powder and consider primers fired.

CW

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #14 on:** February 10, 2009, 02:01:22 AM »

I agree. I wouldnt buy lee equipment used. Most of there serviceable stuff is cheap enough new and there progressive presses arent worth buying even new. Ill sure ill get some rebuttle to that but take it from someone thats been there and done that that your better off bucking up and buying better progressive presses. Saves alot on the prozac bill!! If i was to buy used equiptment i would stick to dillon, rcbs and hornady as they all have great warantees and will fix or replace stuff even if your not the first owner. Lyman customer service can be spotty.

Quote from: cwlongshot on February 07, 2009, 04:55:58 PM

Quote from: HuntMeister on February 07, 2009, 02:20:10 PM
I am a newbie to reloading and have been enjoying all the great info on this site, Thanks!
Are there any items which I should not buy used or any particulars to look out for when looking at used equipment?

LEE products.

They can be OK if bought new and not used allot. But buying used, you have no earthly idea how much use/abuse they received. I recommend a LYMAN, RCBS, PACFIC, HORNADY press. RCBS/ LYMAN or REDDING dies and a LYMAN manual to start with. Invest in a NEW SCALE.

You say you bought a manual, that is good. You now have the basics down in theory. Its not hard but can be a bit intimidating. Double check the manual. Maybe even cross check to other manuals. Just realize that they may be slightly different as some things effect the data. But typos happen so if you get a load of 69Gr's in one book and 96Gr's in another. It likely that is a typo. Start at the starting loads and move up slowly. Do not substitute anything in that recipe.

CW

wncchester · « **Reply #15 on:** February 10, 2009, 02:50:19 AM »

"Are there any items which I should not buy used or any particulars to look out for when looking at used equipment? I am guessing I will buy on ebay or other non local classifieds so a hands on inspection will not be possible."

Not really. Reloading tools are simple in design, nothing complex about it and if there is any damage or significant wear it is usually obvious with a vistual check.

I've bought most of my tools new (since '65) but in recent years I've picked up quite a few used dies with complete success, including Lee's or course (Lee DOES make good gear!). Also picked up an old Herter's scale, a Lyman powder measure and Reddiing case trimmer. Didn't really didn't need any of that but they were too inexpensive to ignore. A little cleaning and lubing and they work as well as new.

Perhaps the only thing I would NOT buy used would be anything with electronices, specifically meaning a scale or auto-measure system that includes a scale.

vincewarde · « **Reply #16 on:** February 21, 2009, 08:52:07 AM »

I have never bought any used stuff because, as has been mentioned, Lee stuff is so cheap new. They do make so very good stuff (I love their case trimmers and their priming tool) - but you have to know their limits. I have two Lee hand presses. They are great for seating bullets, or neck sizing. They can even be used for resizing pistol calibers - but their is no way I would ever use them for resizing a large bottle neck rifle round!

If I were on a budget, I would consider buying a used RCBS press. I am still using a RCBS Junior press my father bought me in 1968! It is my primary press.

I also second the notion that a good, absolutely reliable scale is the most important item you need. Every reloader needs a quality beam scale. I use mine to check my two electronic scales - that's how I learned that one of them needs to "warm up" by weighing 10-12 charges before it gets accurate.

Hope these thoughts help!

mdi · « **Reply #17 on:** February 21, 2009, 10:39:44 AM »

About 10,000 rounds ago (maybe an exaggeration?) I bought used C-H single stage press. I payed a whopping $13.00 dollars for it on Ebay (cost that much to ship it!). I also purchased a RCBS die set that I couldn't use the sizing die. Steel die so gouged/dirty it left long scratches in the case. So, you take a chance whenever you buy used. Best bet is to buy used from forums like this where most know what they are talking about, know how to use it, and have no need to cheat you out of a few bucks. Get an idea of the equipment you will be buying to help you decide on price, condition, etc., by doing research in catalogs from the reloading supply houses like Midway, Midsouth, Natchez, etc. (I would not buy an aluminium press used, too much damage can result from mistreatment). And as stated earlier, Lee makes good, affordable equipment.

wncchester · « **Reply #18 on:** February 21, 2009, 11:45:24 AM »

"In the late 1950's, my local gun shop owner sold me a complete used reloading outfit for $25!!!!!!!!!!"

That sounds really good - now - but the inflation since then is close to 8x! That means an equal purchase today would be about $200. Not really a bad deal but no bargain for all that used stuff.

We really didn't get paid much in those days. If I remember correctly, minimum wage back then was .25 per hour. Even after counting for inflation, min. wage has about twice as much value today!

BobsArmory · « **Reply #19 on:** February 23, 2009, 02:26:57 PM »

I have bought used before but I would never buy a used scale. My safety is just too important.

KAYR1 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 23, 2009, 02:57:01 PM »

I bought most of my dies used. They were very clean and well maintained, and cost less than half the cost of new dies. They are a great value. Presses can be cheap as well. I never heard of a worn-out Rockchucker. As for brass, I usually dont trust it, although I will stand by the range and scoop up other shooters' once-fired factory brass if they will part with it.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #21 on:** February 24, 2009, 02:00:01 AM »

used dies and used presses are pretty safe to buy. Most are hardly used. For the most part if the stuff looks good buy it. Ive got presses that have loaded hundreds of thosands of rounds and still work like new. Dies can be sketchy in one aspect. A carbide die can wear out but it takes many thousands of rounds to do it. A die steal or carbide can get scratched from running dirty cases through it. But if it hasnt been abused its pretty safe to buy. Powder measures scales and other small things are pretty safe as theres virtually no wear to them. Casting equipement is a bit differnt. For the most part watch buying used molds. Ive bought some that were so wore they were tossed in the garbage. Stay away from lee pots (even new there not the best) Lube sizers can wear and ive rebuilt both of my stars a few times now. Id say most lyman and rcbs sizers arent used enough to wear them out as there so slow that people usually upgrade to a star before the paint even gets dirty. Back to presses to finish. I wouldnt buy a progressive press used unless it was a dillon, rcbs, or hornady. those companys will take care of you if its wore and fix it for free. I WOULDN NEVER BUY A USED LEE PROGRESSIVE PRESS! but then i wouldnt give you a buck for one new either!

nrb · « **Reply #22 on:** February 25, 2009, 02:08:16 AM »

Wncchester, I think your calculations are amiss; and I am hopeful you are not involved with Obama and the democrats scheme to right our economy.
If you look up the ACTUAL prices of these reloading items in the 50s, their cost was well over $100 so getting them for $25 was a gift. Everything does not appreciate nor depreciate at the same rate, but we really do not need an economics lesson here.
Nevertheless, the important take home lesson was that dealer, who I remember well, did me a favor by keeping me in mind for those reloading tools which I still treasure.
I cut lawns in those days for $ 0.50 to $ 1.00, depending on size. Today, to cut a lawn like those takes $20 to $30!!!!!!!!!!! That is a bit more than your conjectured 8X inflation rate.
best, nrb