Topic: Reloading Equipment/Supplies in the valley

[jesterbgood]

I am just getting started reloading. I purchased a used Lee Pro1000 with 45ACP dies. I looking for other equipment and supplies to build my reloading shop.

Where is the best selection and price in the valley for purchasing these things? I've seen so many times the first thing to buy is a reloading book, but which one. Also, can I use a rock polisher to polish my brass? Besides 45ACP I plan on reloading 223. My AR is being built as I type this.

Thanks for all your help.
Jes

 

[zona5101]

best place, best selection?
No such animal...but we do have Cliff's Safes and Reloading (keeping Idaho Safe) at 5 Mile and Executive.

[fj40mojo]

Cliff's is a good place to start and he's got a rack of reloading manuals that you can look through and see which you like. What is your goal with reloading? Lots of folks get into it to save money and discover the satisfaction of pulling the trigger on a cap you assemble yourself to far outweigh any savings, then there is the accuracy and precision that is just not a realistic expectation from factory ammo, not to mention the premium bullets that are available to hand loaders only, and did I mention the cost savings? Welcome to your new addiction. Enjoy!

[luvmy45]

Cliffs is your place. He is very knowledgeable, hopefully you'll catch him on a good day. He has his days that he can be rather gruff, but it's not you, it's just the way he is.

For reloading equipment, I find Cliffs to be a great place, lot's of stuff, and the equipment is priced fine.

The supply side of the equation... well if you need it he has it, but you really gotta wanna need it to pay the higher prices on primers, powder and bullets, but he does have them.

I was just in there today, he was in a good mood  Looking for a handle for my Dillon, he was out but I can wait.

BTW there is a very cool Barrett 50  in there. BNIB 10,500 with Leupold MkIV scope.

bk

[ballardw]

I am just getting started reloading. I purchased a used Lee Pro1000 with 45ACP dies. I looking for other equipment and supplies to build my reloading shop.

Where is the best selection and price in the valley for purchasing these things? I've seen so many times the first thing to buy is a reloading book, but which one. Also, can I use a rock polisher to polish my brass? Besides 45ACP I plan on reloading 223. My AR is being built as I type this.

Thanks for all your help.
Jes

 

Most of the powder manufacturers have promotional books for free or available as pdf files on their websites with load data for most common cartridges but will have limited bullet selections. But free is good.

Millions of rounds have been reloaded without any mechanical polisher just wiped clean. Your rock polisher should work fine but you will want to use a separate drum(s) than used for rocks.

A good place for some of what you're looking for in the way of tools might be our swap meet board and list what you need.

[NGO]

SAWTAC   , see the ad at the top right....

He can order most anything you want and it will be cheaper than Cliffs and most anbody else....

Unless you find a great deal on Craigslist or at a yardsale.

[jesterbgood]

Cliff's is a good place to start and he's got a rack of reloading manuals that you can look through and see which you like. What is your goal with reloading? Lots of folks get into it to save money and discover the satisfaction of pulling the trigger on a cap you assemble yourself to far outweigh any savings, then there is the accuracy and precision that is just not a realistic expectation from factory ammo, not to mention the premium bullets that are available to hand loaders only, and did I mention the cost savings? Welcome to your new addiction. Enjoy!

Well $$$$ is the first concern. I'm trying to get up and get going on a shoestring budget (and the shoestring is frayed). I know up front it will cost, what I'm trying to do is go with the minimum/essential equipment.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jesse

[Gartenmeister]

If you are just getting started and will be needing substantial quantities of components, why not place an order with Graf's?  Yeah, you gotta pay the hazmat but it beats local prices if you buy a few cans of powder.  Actual shipping is free ($4.50 packing charge), and you will save the tax.

www.grafs.com

[NGO]

Jeff can do Grafs....

[fj40mojo]

Well $$$$ is the first concern. I'm trying to get up and get going on a shoestring budget (and the shoestring is frayed). I know up front it will cost, what I'm trying to do is go with the minimum/essential equipment.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jesse

Tools
Press
Dies
Powder Measure
Scale
0-6" Caliper
Case Trimmer (Essential for rifle, not so important for pistol)
Reloading Manual

Consumables
Powder
Primers
Bullets
Case Lube/Graphite
Tumbler Media

Recycleables
Brass

I suggest that if you have never witnessed the process that you find a mentor. I have done this for others and there are a few here that have put on classes. Either way, it is a good idea to get some good info from an experienced reloader before striking out on your own.  There are things that you won't find in a reloading manual.   As for starting out out on a budget, Cliff has some used equipment, garage sales are a good source but hit and miss, keep an eye on the Swap Meet area here, and http://idahogearlist.com/index.php?pmc=ADShort. PM me if you want to get together some time and I'll show you the ropes. I reload .45ACP, 9MM, .38Sp, .223/5.56, 7mm-08, .30-06, 6.5x55Swede. Bring your brass and components and we'll put some ammo together.

[pv74]

MidwayUSA.com....