Reloading for maximum efficiency

[Incitatus]

Hi all.

About once a year for the past 40 years or so I think seriously about reloading.  This time might be different since we are coming off of a remarkable blip in ammunition availability (at least here in CT).  In any event, it seems to me that for a not horrible initial cash outlay, I can begin reloading, particularly since I might have a source for brass at a very reasonable rate.

All that said, I have a couple of questions that I think you fine folks might help me with.  First off, there are the cartridges that I would reload (maybe not all to begin with): .380, .38spl/357mag, 9mm Para, 44 spl/44mag, .223, .30 carb.

The questions:

Is there one powder that will give reasonably good performance for all of these?
How many different primers would I need?
Can I use the same FMJ bullet for the 380/38/9mm?


I'm trying to figure out what the cost per round would be if I buy the components in bulk.

Thanks all.

Ed

[necchi]

Oh boy, start by readin this, it's at the top of this forum and is 3 pages, good info;
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,99824.0.html
 Then go down to the library and check out a book or 2 on loading;

I also kicked around the idea of loading for years, finally jumped in with both feet. And I have NO regrets beyond kickin myself for not starting years ago

1. No, pistol and rifle are kinda different
2. At least 3, pistol/small rifle/large rifle
3. Not sure, check a book.

Here's a cost calculator;
http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp

significant savings can be found with second hand equipment ie; presses/dies/scales. Sure the kit's are nice but you can save 40-50% with used stuff.
Make the plunge man!  

[SHOOTALL]

If you really are thinking about trying it do yourself a big favor - First check out the hodgon / winchester / imr powder site . You can plug in any round you wish to load and see their powders used for it . Second get a couple reloading guides Hornady and Nosler are good ones but if you know a bullet you would like to reload then get theirs . You will get tons of info here and else where  some great ( like mine ) some maybe not so good and a lot in between . With the above books and sites you will be able to understand the good stuff and disregard the not so good .

[cybin]

I agree with the above--how ever I would recommend the Lyman reloading manual---but if and when you buy a reloader--DON"T buy the Lyman powder measurer--it is a POS--the Lyman presses are pretty good--but Ilike RCBS personally.

You may get by with the same powder for the pistol calibers--but as was said before--rifle is different. Primers will very by caliber--go slow--ask questions here--and do a lot of reading. Reloading becomes addictive--and becomes a hobby in itself.

cybin

[briannmilewis]

Make sure you check out Cabela's Bargain Cave if you have a Cabela's close to you. I got a Lee Breech Lock Kit for $59 (1/2 price), the press had a broken part that I replaced for $7. It was priced at $74.95, but when i checked it out and brought the broken bit to the assistant's attention, he marked it down to 50% off.