getting started list

[jeremy_p]

Ok, going to take the plunge into casting boolits. I want to make handloading even cheaper for starters, then look at hunting boolits later. I want to cast for my .357mag/38spc, 9mm, 30-06 (A-bolt) and 7.62x39 (sks). For the handguns I am going with a lee 358-125-RF 2c and the 309-113-F for 30-06 and possibly the sks if it drops the boolits large enough, otherwise the C312-155-2R. Going to go with Lee sizers (.001-.002 larger than bore) and I want to try tumble lubing first, LLA/JW/MS looks promising, otherwise pan lubing. I have lots of free pure lead and access to more, but I'm thinking I need to find tin and wheel weights or antimony or linotype to alloy it with. I want to stay under 1000fps in the handguns, just cheap practice loads, so I believe 16:1 lead/tin will be fine, but I'm confused for the rifles, been reading lots and my head is still spinning. Lastly, for powder I'm sticking with Accurate #5 for my handguns, never used it in 9mm but for my wheelguns it has always been great for me. For the rifles for just paper punching, I think 2400 will yield good results for me and economically, thoughts? Again, I'm just looking to start of as economically as possible so I can shoot more, then get serious later. Thanks for you help.

Jeremy

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I want to make handloading even cheaper for starters, then look at hunting boolits later.

Start casting because you want to cast. :cbpour:
I don't think anyone here has claimed to save money,
and if they have, they haven't been able to PROVE it to me by what they stated :razz:

But if your going to try to save money, here are a couple of hints:

regarding Lead alloy, 50/50 is a great alloy (50% soft/50%WW)
adding Tin makes boolits fillout a little better and makes them look purtier.
but costs more.

regarding Lube, 45/45/10 (LLA/JW/MS) works great for most what
you are talking about. It's cheap and easy. Read the sticky thread about it started by recluse.

there's more,
I'll let others comment.
Jon

[462]

Unique and 2400 are excellent powders for reduced rifle loads, ans work in the .38 Special and .357 Magnum. I don't own a 9 mm, so can't help.

[Harter66]

I like Unique for my 38/357/9mm and 06',I haven't tried the x39 yet as I've not emptied the factory brass yet. You're going to need a 3rd mould for the x39. The light boolit will be ok in the 38/357 but you'll soon be looking a 140-160 .

[mroliver77]

That .312-155 Lee should work in the 06 as well as the X39. If your lucky you might get away without sizing the boolits. My 06's will swallow a pretty large boolit. My 38-.357's shoot my Lee boolits insized as they drop .359ish. So if you used a second hand sauce pan as a pot, a hot plate or camp stove for heat. A Lyman or RCBS ladle and the alox/JPW/spirits lube you should be able to shoot cheaply. I have been using "Titewad" powder for reduced loads and it shoots clean, stable and cheap.
Most of us get carried away buying more molds, gadgets etc to speed up the process or just because it is habit forming. If one keeps tool purchases to a minimum much $$ can be saved.
Jay

[Bret4207]

+.001/2 over GROOVE size, not bore.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

Warning!

Caution!

This is habit forming!

You will spend lots of money! (Don't look at the "Group Buy" area!)


It is a vicious circle, it will never end . . .

:bigsmyl2:

Have fun, enjoy the journey!



[smilie=s: