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December 16, 2001, 04:56 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: August 29, 1999
Posts: 928
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Sizing Bullets - Getting Started - What To Buy?
I have been pretty disenchanted lately with my cast bullet supplier and his QC, or lack thereof.
I am thinking that a better way to play is to buy oversized bullets and size them down to an acceptable diameter. BTW, these are for target/range plinking use. I plan on getting started with 9mm and using .357 diameter bullets. Do you think I should try and get "raw" bullets? By that I mean bullets that have yet to be sized to .357 and lubed? Or, should I buy already sized and lubed and just squeeze them down? So, what do I need to buy? 1. A sizer - thinking of the Saeco/Redding. 2. What accessories for the sizer? 3. More lube? 4. What else? 5. Have I lost my mind? Thanks for the feedback...and btw, I know number 5 is valid. |
December 16, 2001, 07:00 PM | #2 |
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Slick,
Why not try another supplier first? Oregon Trail is one of the best, and has a web page with prices listed. They will also send free samples on request. I've been using their bullets for years, and have yet to find a defective bullet in the many thousands I've reloaded. Their customer service is also outstanding. http://www.laser-cast.com/ Bill |
December 16, 2001, 08:33 PM | #3 |
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Bill,
I go through over 1000 bullets a week. Those prices would eat me alive with the shipping charges. |
December 16, 2001, 08:34 PM | #4 |
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If you are able to obtain bullets that are lubed/sized, but a bit large, why not get a Lee sizer, around $15, mounts to your press and works really well.
Saeco/ Redding, RCBS, and Lyman are "lubrisizers", and meant to size and lube cast bullets. Just a thought... Tom
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December 16, 2001, 08:36 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: January 14, 2001
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Why Bother?
I had always used FMJ for 9mm. (Round nosed)!
I decided that I wanted to try lead insted. I had some 38 Super (=.358) I used them "as is" in 9mm Cases (traditionally 9mm > .356) They worked just fine. ( Mine were D&J )
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December 16, 2001, 08:50 PM | #6 |
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Why Bother?
For Ransom Rest work.
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December 16, 2001, 10:43 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: April 18, 2000
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Slick,
Wow, that's a bit more shooting than I do!!! I can see why you want less expensive bullets. Bill |
December 16, 2001, 11:00 PM | #8 |
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Swifter,
I wasn't ignoring you at all. I have seen the Lee gear, and, to be quite honest with you I was a bit concerned with the equipment accuracy and durability. I have used other Lee stuff in the past and it has left much to be desired. My main concern here is repeatable, measurable accuracy with the gear I select and its durability. That is number 1. The price of the gear is not. |
December 16, 2001, 11:17 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: November 25, 2001
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Try National Bullet Co. cast bullets. The cast bullets available locally were too soft and the lube was very gummy. I've been very pleased with NBC.
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December 17, 2001, 03:10 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: August 29, 1999
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Well
Considering how inexpensive it is, I went ahead and bought one of the Lee kits for .356 diameter.
I will be curious to see how it performs. I will try it out on some lubed and sized .358 and .357 bullets and see what happens. |
December 17, 2001, 04:55 PM | #11 |
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Location: NC
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i've got 2 lyman sizer/lubers and the Lee sizers but do you know which one i use the most----the answer lately is none of them--i just use the Lee tumble lube on whatever bullet i'm making and shoot them unsized...This may not work for you but as an example i cast the Lee 125 tumble lube bullet (you won't beleive how many i can turn out with two of their six cavity molds)--i shoot this bullet unsized in my 38 super/38-357 Smith 586/9mm in Glock..........just remembered--i also shoot a fair amount of cowboy with my 44Spec/44mag pistols and rifle--and shoot a Lee 240 gr RN again unsized in an assortment of rifles and pistols.....
As far as cost--if you can get scrap lead from somewhere like i do--i feel that my bullets are free--so therefore--i figure my cost to shoot a round is the cost of the primer and the powder only...... I did use the sizer lubers the other day to make some rounds for my 45-70.....so they are not totally unused-----by the way if you buy Lyman or RCBS sizer lubers--the dies are interchangeable..... Dick |
December 17, 2001, 05:02 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: January 13, 2001
Location: NC
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forgot to mention--if you're in the South you need to find the Valiant bullet company--We buy 125 gr for $19.00 per 1000...i cast just because i've got the stuff but for their prices--i'd never start.......Dick
PS-- why don't people put their location on these boards..if big brother wants you he'll find you-- |
December 17, 2001, 07:06 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: August 29, 1999
Posts: 928
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why don't people put their location on these boards..
Why? Thieves more than anything.
So far I haven't had any luck searching for Valiant. Thanks for the tips! |
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