Getting into Swaging

Hi:


What is the least expensive way to get started in swaging.
Presss, dies,lead and anything else l might need.

Thanks, Terrytm

Hi:
What is the expensive way to get into Swaging.
Who makes the best equipment or are they all about the same.
Terrytm

What is your objective would be my question.

Dave Corbin in Oregon has (imho) the best tools, dies, and presses to get you started in the bullet swaging game. The customer service there is top shelf also.

I don't know, but I hear a lot of good things about the dies from BTSniper who sells here on this forum. I bought my dies & press from RCE & have been very pleased. I'm not sure, but I hear RCE (Corbin's brother) is out of business now.

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Originally Posted by terrytm

Hi:


What is the least expensive way to get started in swaging.
Presss, dies,lead and anything else l might need.

Thanks, Terrytm

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Sorry, no LEAST Expensive way to get into swaging. It's an expensive hobby but very rewarding. For most people, to get set-up properly cost more than a lifetime of buying commercial bullets.

The “least” one to get currently is Dr.Larry Blackmon from Bullet Swaging Supply. The most expensive is probably from Dave Corbin. The only difference between them is the position of how the press is operated. Blackmon’s press is operated horizontally while Corbin’s are operated vertically. Not sure if that helps but I find I like the horizontal presses better because I can just drop it in and “flick” the finished metal off into the bin behind the press. Faster in my opinion, as I can grab another core and lube it with my fingers as the other is ejected. You won’t get any “cheaper” than Blackmon’s pricewise.

To get into swaging the most cheapest way would be to look at a guy on Youtube, his name is "mannyCA" you can use scrap brass and regular reloading dies

40 cal bullets from 9mm brass! By far cheapest and easiest bullet to make. Can be done with one swage die on any decent reloading press.

https://i.imgur.com/MQ5vrCSl.jpg


BT

^now if I just liked or owned a 40!
9 or 45 is what I need to make
Along w .224, 243,308

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Originally Posted by Darth-Vaj

The “least” one to get currently is Dr.Larry Blackmon from Bullet Swaging Supply. The most expensive is probably from Dave Corbin. The only difference between them is the position of how the press is operated. Blackmon’s press is operated horizontally while Corbin’s are operated vertically. Not sure if that helps but I find I like the horizontal presses better because I can just drop it in and “flick” the finished metal off into the bin behind the press. Faster in my opinion, as I can grab another core and lube it with my fingers as the other is ejected. You won’t get any “cheaper” than Blackmon’s pricewise.

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I use Larry Blackmon dies to make 30 cal. match bullets that I shoot in benchrest I have 7 og. and 8 og. point up dies core seater and core squirt dies from Larry unless you are plaining on making lots of bullets or have a lot of free cash just buy bullets quality jackets from Burger ( J-4 ) are not cheep and you must buy a minimum of last I herd 50,000 at $200 a thousand that's a big chunk of change I'm not trying to scare you away from this just want you to get a idea of the cost to make your own
Ron

I looked at it years ago and there is no cheap way....at least for me. I needed about 1-2000 .224 bullets a year.

.224 Hornady 55 gr SP bullets were $420/6000 delivered and I bought them. It seemed the investment in equipment and time was not worth it.

Now, in hindsight, I may have been foolish. The ability to be self sufficient has become more important.

I will look at it again. The issue to address under normal supply conditions is....do I shoot enough to justify the investment....and if I do, do I want to spend the time?

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Originally Posted by terrytm

Hi:


What is the least expensive way to get started in swaging.
Presss, dies,lead and anything else l might need.

Thanks, Terrytm

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Swaging what? Bullets? What type of bullets?

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Originally Posted by terrytm

Hi:


What is the least expensive way to get started in swaging.
Presss, dies,lead and anything else l might need.

Thanks, Terrytm

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CH4d makes two die sets to swage 45, 44, 357 bullets. They haven't been listed on their website for some time. But the last time I asked about them they are available. You'll need at least a Rock Chucker press. I think this is the least expensive way to try swaging and see if you like it.

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Originally Posted by BT Sniper

40 cal bullets from 9mm brass! By far cheapest and easiest bullet to make. Can be done with one swage die on any decent reloading press.

https://i.imgur.com/MQ5vrCSl.jpg



BT

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I can just imagine the effect on the Coroner at an autopsy when he pulls one of those bullets out of a body; the Investigator, too.

“He was shot with a .40.”

“No, it’s a nine!”

( A little retired homicide cop humor. Sorry.)

BT,
Do you have a link to specifics for this round? I am intrigued. I have a lot of once-fired 9mm brass.
Eric

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Originally Posted by Sleeping Dog

BT,
Do you have a link to specifics for this round? I am intrigued. I have a lot of once-fired 9mm brass.
Eric

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I ain't BTS, but I'll save you some waiting:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...-one-step-dies

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...far-and-cheap!

Enjoy!