Getting into reloading

payne · May 16, 2005, 03:20 AM

Hi guys, I recently ordered a book on getting started in reloading. Believe it was "The ABC's of Reloading".Got it off E-bay for $12. Is this going to give me good info on the subject? Cleaning out my Grandmothers garage yesterday and found bout 3000 .45ACP shell caseings, and bout 5500 in .38 special along with a press. set up for a .45. I'm just looking at it. Man it's heavy! From the 60's or 70's i believe. Won't be using this, but found it interesting seeing as how i'd never messed with one before. I'm absolutly keepin the brass for when I eventually start reloading. Just wanted to know if this book will let me know everything I need equipment wise and know how wise to start. Thanks

esheato · May 16, 2005, 02:34 PM

The ABC's of Reloading is a great beginner book. Reloading isn't hard by any means, but it can be dangerous if you're not paying attention.

My recommendation, read the book and if you still have questions come back and search around and start talking to people. The book should answer a lot of questions.

Welcome to the never-ending world of reloading...

Ed

Swamp Yankee · May 16, 2005, 05:51 PM

Congrats on your successful treasure hunt.

ABC's of Reloading is a great resource. Suggest getting a copy of Lyman #48 to go with it.
As to the press it probably just needs a good cleaning and lubing to be put back into service.
Take Care

CaptainRazor · May 16, 2005, 05:57 PM

Welcome to the fold payne!

I think you're starting in the right direction, I would recommend the Lyman 48th Edition Reloading Manual to compliment your new found library (I've only heard good stuff about the ABC's book).

Since you have all those 38 and 45 cases, you might as well go out and buy one of each, you now have a legitimate excuse!

Seriously though, I don't think you'll find a more experienced group than the guys (and gals) right here at TFL Reloading dept..

If you have any troubles, drop a line, somebody here can steer you in the right direction.

G56 · May 16, 2005, 06:23 PM

You have a good book, and you hit the mother lode on found equipment, go right out and buy some lottery tickets, you're on a roll!

locked'n'cocked · May 16, 2005, 07:38 PM

post a pic of the press? might be interested in buying it if its in good shape. im looking into getting into reloading myself. just havnt pulled the trigger on any equipment, did get lyman's 48th though. its excelent. has specific load info in it too so it can be used as a resource for that.

cheygriz · May 16, 2005, 10:39 PM

Payne,

if you found a big heavy press for the 60s, you just might have sokething better than what's available today! Post a pic and some info. If it's a quality press, you may as well use. The press is usually the most expensive item in a reloading setup.

Most of the presses made back then were designed to last two or three lifetimes.

payne · May 16, 2005, 11:47 PM

Ok, since yall asked. The press was my granddad's that i never got to meet b/c he passed before i was born. Believe he died in 79' i came along in 83'. He was a Senior Master Sargent in the USAF. Went to Camp Perry and other places competeing. Found many of his trophies and awards from these competitions. Mom said he'd loved and had alotta fun with me since im into his old hobby.

Anyway, he started reloading in the sixties. I believe this was his first press. FREAKIN' HUGE AND HEAVY!!! I'll try and post some pics of it if ya'll tell me how i do that. the top of it turns and each spot clicks into place. It has the 45ACP dies all set into it i believe. I took one of the 45 casings and turned the thing to what looked like a primer punch and popped out the spent primer, so I guess it was what I thought it was. HA!

Today I found a cardboard box labled "16ga dies" opened it up and sure enough, there were 16ga dies. Guess he used to reload shotguns too. I got the 16ga that used to be his a few years ago as a bday present from my grandma before she passed. Thanks guys for the welcome, and ill definatly ask if i got q's. Oh and tell me how to put up pics and i'll try and do that.

G56 · May 16, 2005, 11:52 PM

Well, you have described a turret press of some sort, post photo's when you can.

LHB1 · May 17, 2005, 12:02 AM

Payne,
About that old press, yes it may be as good or better than those being made today. You may have a real find there! Can you tell what brand it is?
1) Does it have a name plate on it or a name in raised/sunken letters? Something like RCBS, BAIR, C-H, etc?
2) What color is it?
3) What brand of dies are in it? No guarantee but it is possible the press and dies are same brand.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

Throckmorton · May 17, 2005, 09:31 AM

an old 8 station Hollywood? sounds like a heck of a press no matter what it is,and would certainly get you into reloading with the rest of us 'loadaholics'.

payne · May 17, 2005, 10:09 PM

All right guy's I went out and tried to take some pics but cant figure out how to send them to the computer. Anyway, I looked on the machine and found where it said:

Herter's
Since 1893
Super Model 234
Pat Pending
Waseca MINN

That's exactly the way it was on the machine. Thing is all greased up. He did a number with all that grease when he put it away for storage. No rust, some parts required a rubber mallet or vice grips to get started movin'. I just wish I knew what the pieces stickin outta the six holes on top were. I know one is a primer punch. Also figured how to insert a primer into a caseing by messing around with it.Oh, and there were two brass looking rods that were taped to it. dont know what their for.

I hope you guys can help me out a little. Thanks.

LHB1 · May 17, 2005, 10:29 PM

If it was sold by Herter's, it will make a great door stop. They ran a mail order business from Waseca, Minn back in the 50's-60's. EVERY ITEM in their catalog was labeled "Herter's Model Perfect .........". Quality was noticeably lacking in most of their items (IMO).

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

May 16, 2005, 03:20 AM	#1
payne Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: SE US Posts: 519	Getting into reloading Hi guys, I recently ordered a book on getting started in reloading. Believe it was "The ABC's of Reloading".Got it off E-bay for $12. Is this going to give me good info on the subject? Cleaning out my Grandmothers garage yesterday and found bout 3000 .45ACP shell caseings, and bout 5500 in .38 special along with a press. set up for a .45. I'm just looking at it. Man it's heavy! From the 60's or 70's i believe. Won't be using this, but found it interesting seeing as how i'd never messed with one before. I'm absolutly keepin the brass for when I eventually start reloading. Just wanted to know if this book will let me know everything I need equipment wise and know how wise to start. Thanks __________________ If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. - Sun Tzu

May 16, 2005, 06:23 PM	#5
G56 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 302	Lucky guy! You have a good book, and you hit the mother lode on found equipment, go right out and buy some lottery tickets, you're on a roll! __________________ John

May 16, 2005, 07:38 PM	#6
locked'n'cocked Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2005 Location: MN, USof A Posts: 214	post a pic of the press? might be interested in buying it if its in good shape. im looking into getting into reloading myself. just havnt pulled the trigger on any equipment, did get lyman's 48th though. its excelent. has specific load info in it too so it can be used as a resource for that. __________________ locked 'n' cocked "Make haste, slowly." Wyatt Earp

May 16, 2005, 10:39 PM	#7
cheygriz Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: high up in the rockies Posts: 2,289	Payne, if you found a big heavy press for the 60s, you just might have sokething better than what's available today! Post a pic and some info. If it's a quality press, you may as well use. The press is usually the most expensive item in a reloading setup. Most of the presses made back then were designed to last two or three lifetimes. __________________ If you think a mighty military force is expensive, wait 'til you see what a weak one costs.

May 16, 2005, 11:47 PM	#8
payne Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: SE US Posts: 519	Ok, since yall asked. The press was my granddad's that i never got to meet b/c he passed before i was born. Believe he died in 79' i came along in 83'. He was a Senior Master Sargent in the USAF. Went to Camp Perry and other places competeing. Found many of his trophies and awards from these competitions. Mom said he'd loved and had alotta fun with me since im into his old hobby. Anyway, he started reloading in the sixties. I believe this was his first press. FREAKIN' HUGE AND HEAVY!!! I'll try and post some pics of it if ya'll tell me how i do that. the top of it turns and each spot clicks into place. It has the 45ACP dies all set into it i believe. I took one of the 45 casings and turned the thing to what looked like a primer punch and popped out the spent primer, so I guess it was what I thought it was. HA! Today I found a cardboard box labled "16ga dies" opened it up and sure enough, there were 16ga dies. Guess he used to reload shotguns too. I got the 16ga that used to be his a few years ago as a bday present from my grandma before she passed. Thanks guys for the welcome, and ill definatly ask if i got q's. Oh and tell me how to put up pics and i'll try and do that. __________________ If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. - Sun Tzu

May 16, 2005, 02:34 PM	#2
esheato Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Location: Marysville, CA Posts: 110	The ABC's of Reloading is a great beginner book. Reloading isn't hard by any means, but it can be dangerous if you're not paying attention. My recommendation, read the book and if you still have questions come back and search around and start talking to people. The book should answer a lot of questions. Welcome to the never-ending world of reloading... Ed

May 16, 2005, 05:51 PM	#3
Swamp Yankee Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2000 Location: Northeastern Ct. Posts: 1,019	Congrats on your successful treasure hunt. ABC's of Reloading is a great resource. Suggest getting a copy of Lyman #48 to go with it. As to the press it probably just needs a good cleaning and lubing to be put back into service. Take Care

May 16, 2005, 05:57 PM	#4
CaptainRazor Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2005 Location: Charleston, WV Posts: 302	Welcome to the fold payne! I think you're starting in the right direction, I would recommend the Lyman 48th Edition Reloading Manual to compliment your new found library (I've only heard good stuff about the ABC's book). Since you have all those 38 and 45 cases, you might as well go out and buy one of each, you now have a legitimate excuse! Seriously though, I don't think you'll find a more experienced group than the guys (and gals) right here at TFL Reloading dept.. If you have any troubles, drop a line, somebody here can steer you in the right direction.

May 16, 2005, 11:52 PM	#9
G56 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 302	Well, you have described a turret press of some sort, post photo's when you can. __________________ John

May 17, 2005, 12:02 AM	#10
LHB1 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,545	Payne, About that old press, yes it may be as good or better than those being made today. You may have a real find there! Can you tell what brand it is? 1) Does it have a name plate on it or a name in raised/sunken letters? Something like RCBS, BAIR, C-H, etc? 2) What color is it? 3) What brand of dies are in it? No guarantee but it is possible the press and dies are same brand. Good shooting and be safe. LB

May 17, 2005, 09:31 AM	#11
Throckmorton Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: Washougal,Wa Posts: 126	I'm guessing that the press is.. an old 8 station Hollywood? sounds like a heck of a press no matter what it is,and would certainly get you into reloading with the rest of us 'loadaholics'.

May 17, 2005, 10:09 PM	#12
payne Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: SE US Posts: 519	All right guy's I went out and tried to take some pics but cant figure out how to send them to the computer. Anyway, I looked on the machine and found where it said: Herter's Since 1893 Super Model 234 Pat Pending Waseca MINN That's exactly the way it was on the machine. Thing is all greased up. He did a number with all that grease when he put it away for storage. No rust, some parts required a rubber mallet or vice grips to get started movin'. I just wish I knew what the pieces stickin outta the six holes on top were. I know one is a primer punch. Also figured how to insert a primer into a caseing by messing around with it.Oh, and there were two brass looking rods that were taped to it. dont know what their for. I hope you guys can help me out a little. Thanks. __________________ If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. - Sun Tzu

May 17, 2005, 10:29 PM	#13
LHB1 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,545	If it was sold by Herter's, it will make a great door stop. They ran a mail order business from Waseca, Minn back in the 50's-60's. EVERY ITEM in their catalog was labeled "Herter's Model Perfect .........". Quality was noticeably lacking in most of their items (IMO). Good shooting and be safe. LB