9mm re loader. Non Valk?

[da prez]

 I am in the market for a 9mm re loader and be able to cast the lead. I am not interested in a kit that does everything. I fire 9mm and keep my choices simple. I know nothing about re loading and will find someone to teach me.  I also use 22 in my rifles.
                                                 da prez

[Jess from VA]

Ross, are you talking about a single stage reloading press (as opposed to a multistage/progressive)?

Ordinarily, 9mm is so cheap and so available it's hardly worth the time and effort (to save money).  Right now is NOT ordinary.  Same with casting your own bullets, and those may still be available.  Primers are hard to find now.

https://gearsadviser.com/best-single-stage-reloading-press/

[bassman]

From the couple of folks I know that do their own re-loading tell me it is almost as difficult to find the "fixins" for the reload as it is to find 9mm.  Hopefully that is not the case in your area.

[da prez]

I found 9mm on line target ammo for $190.00 a thousand. If I could get a couple thousand  , I would be ok. I had no idea of re load cost. I save my brass from shooting.  Just another Avenue to look at. THANK YOU.

              da prez

[Serk]

This is NOT ideal, and I wouldn't wanna use it myself, but if you want the simplest, most bare bones way to dip your toe into reloading, the Lee Classic Reloader is worth a look:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012833230

This line gives me a chuckle:

"Complete Reloading System (requires hammer which is not included)"

Beyond that, I like a Lee single stage press for basics.... Some people poopoo Lee stuff because they're inexpensive, but I've had great luck with mine...

As was stated earlier though, you might have challenges finding primers, powder and bullets.

As far as casting your own bullets, I've looked into it briefly, but with 4 kids in the house decided I didn't want to risk messing with liquid lead at this time. It's a whole other world dealing with lead casting... But the basics you'd need a melter or furnace, molds and some ladles and other basic tools to work with the molten lead.

https://leeprecision.com/bullet-casting/

[h13man]

$500 bucks + the price of a set of RCBS carbide dies $60. I personally like RCBS die quality over the competition.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000N8LJ22?tag=gearsad-20

[0leman]

I used to reload 38 sp and 375 number of years ago.   Plus made bullets out of wheel weights and other better quality lead.   Lot of work casting bullets.  We did put gas checks in rear end of the bullets to keep the leading of barrels down.   At the time I was shooting 500 to 800 rounds a month, mostly at critters and cans. 

Not sure I would want to use  casted bullet in a auto.  Might case loading problems.

Casting bullets is where I met one of the toughest man I ever met.  We had an group casting event.  One guy feeding the pot and keeping it hot, one guy pouring the lead into molds, one running the molded bullets thru gas check and greaser.   The guy pouring the lead had  bubble pop while pouring the lead, it splattered lead on his left forearm.  He continued pouring the lead while the hot lead burned his arm.  When done pouring, He flicked the lead off with his finger nail before getting another ladle of lead.   Never said a word, just kept going.

[RP#62]

I've been using a RCBS Rockchucker single stage press for at least 30 years.  It works good and is pretty much bullet proof (ba dum dum).  Have been using a Lee APP press recently though and it's great.  Much smaller, light weight, relatively inexpensive and very fast.  As other have said though, its tough finding reloading supplies right now - especially primers.  As far as casting, it can be inexpensive - the smelters are about $70 and the moulds in the $20-50 range.  Lead is getting harder to get.  Wheel weights were a good source for years - they are alloy (lead, tin, antimony) which is what you want for bullets (pure lead is too soft).  Fewer and fewer wheel weights are lead anymore though - out of a random bucket full, a third will be lead, a third zinc and a third iron.  Some shops have gone away from lead entirely and use only iron weights now.

-RP

[Bighead]

I found 9mm on line target ammo for $190.00 a thousand. If I could get a couple thousand  , I would be ok. I had no idea of re load cost. I save my brass from shooting.  Just another Avenue to look at. THANK YOU.

              da prez

You should have bought all you could at that price. At this point in The game.

[F6Dave]

Ordinarily, 9mm is so cheap and so available it's hardly worth the time and effort (to save money). 

That's from a guy who's said he's extremely frugal!

[Serk]

Ordinarily, 9mm is so cheap and so available it's hardly worth the time and effort (to save money). 

That's from a guy who's said he's extremely frugal!

In normal times I can buy 9mm for less money than I can buy the components to reload it.....

Same with 7.62x39 and 5.56 is generally break even at best.

[Jess from VA]

And you really need to enjoy the hobby.  (with no smoking or drinking)

If you don't, it's kind of boring and repetitious.  

And you must discover whether you like working sitting down or standing up, and plan a bench accordingly.

And you must buy at least one good (up to date) loading manual, though there is a ton of info on line, but it's good to check that info against a good manual.  

The only way you save to start from scratch buying everything, is after the first 4-5000 rounds (guessing), then you may be even, and ahead after that.  

You might visit your local on-line gun boards or craigslist and find a nice used rig for a decent savings (which are usually going to come with dies, tools, scale, and supplies).

VA board.
https://www.armslist.com/posts/12055007/harrisonburg-reloading-for-sale--hornady-lock-n-load  

If you ever go to gun shows and see tables selling professionally reloaded ammo you can trust (I have many times with no problems, but just for range fodder), you may be able to trade all your brass to them for a discount against buying their ammo, if it's mostly decent once fired brass.  You have to lug it to and around the show.

I may have enough brass to cast a nice liberty bell.  It just sits in ammo cans.