Armory Sponsor
Posted: 3/21/2014 3:23:56 PM EDT
|
So I debated a long time whether to purchase another AR or to invest in reloading equipment. I have two ARs already so I thought long and hard and decided what is the point in having 3 ARs if you don't have the ammo to shoot them? Common sense right?
I was also itching for another hobby to feed my AR obsession...and then I stumbled into this forum and you guys have taught me a lot. I'd like to take all the credit and say I did it myself but that is not true. I learned basically everything from scratch from this site. I loaded up a few batches and was able to send them down range already and I'm very pleased with the results. I think I have around $1600 invested with bench/powder/components/press/case prep station/powder dispenser etc etc. The only advice I didn't take (which I should have) is to not buy a kit. Initially I did because I thought it would be all I needed. That was not true. I soon realized a case prep station and powder dispenser, although expensive, would save me a lot of time and frustration. With my current Lyman set up I can crank out about 500 rounds a weekend fairly easily if not more. The problem right now is that I ran out of brass already lol. I'll probably shoot 500 or less a month so I didn't need to go big and buy a Dillon. And I wanted to know the in's and outs of reloading before I decided to get a progressive press. Overall I'm very pleased with the Lyman products. So here are a bunch of pictures of my set up and some 223 rounds I cranked out....and I put my AR and Glock on the bench just to show off 
Thanks for all the great information...I learned from all of you. 
|
|
Quoted:
A rule of thumb is to never have no more than one powder on your bench. Nice and neat set up. Not a big Lyman fan but when organized that neat and clean it still looks good. lol what's wrong with Lyman? The quality of everything I've purchased from them has been top notch. I don't see what the problem is....to each their own I guess. |
|
Quoted:
Well, you went all in! I see you bought one of the workbenches from SAM's; not a bad idea. I need another bench and the storage would help. Lyman's case gage for .223 Rem is the only product they make that I squawk, otherwise, they make great products. yep I sure did
I bought the Dillon case gage...so I'm good to go. And I bought the RCBS hand primer. Not everything is Lyman but for the most part I'm very happy with everything. So far I've been able to crank out 1500 rounds of 223 with this set up in the past two weeks...given my work schedule, kids, wife, gym, etc that isn't too bad. 1000 rounds of 223 used to last me a long time...I have a feeling I'll go through that pretty quick 
|
|
Very nice! When I was making my first purchase, I went back and forth on a turret or progressive. As a newb I knew I would quickly dislike a single stage, finally decided on a LNL progressive, love mine. Starting out I used it as a single stage to get a feel for the quirks of the machine and reloading in general. I'm sure you've done the same, enjoy, its a great hobby!
If you have crimped brass to deal with I'd recommend looking into a swage tool like the Dillon or RCBS, I just got a Dillon and really like it compared to reaming. YMMV *On a side note. How did the AR-Comp group for you? Charge weight? Just picked up a pound to try myself.* |
|
Everything I have from Lyman, which is very little, looks to be second rate. I'm not saying it is, it just looks that way - roughly machined, unfinished, requires tweaking,... The few thing I have function just fine, after the tweaking, and have never given me a problem.
Now, that press looks top notch. How does it function? How much play is there in the turret? |
|
NIce setup. I kinda went through the same dilemma concerning money going for reloading or guns. The wifey made a comment that I'd have a bunch more nice new high priced ARs if I wouldn't worry so much about reloading components. After "O" first got elected, the shelves filled back up 8 months later and I started stocking up. You only have to count boxes of bullets, cans of powder, and boxes of primers add in 2 gran for equipment and you'll be surprised how much you've invested over a few years. I'm done buying powder & primers forever; got over 12,000 bullets still in little boxes; actually me and my kids and grand kids are set forever. We live rural, hunt subsistence for much of our fresh meat so it's important we never run out; especially when our road is closed for 8 months/year and the stores shelves in Fairbanks are empty.
Check out some of the new calibers that are out. I really like my 6.8's, my 308 SCAR, and if that 338 fed wasn't so dang heavy; I'd give her some more luv too. Funny thing, my .556 ARs never make it outta the gun vault nowadays, even gave a couple away to the nephews; that's how much I like the newer calibers. Something else: SPS, Shooters Pro Shop; good deals, over run & seconds bullets for half price; can't be beat. |
|
Quoted:
NIce setup. I kinda went through the same dilemma concerning money going for reloading or guns. The wifey made a comment that I'd have a bunch more nice new high priced ARs if I wouldn't worry so much about reloading components. After "O" first got elected, the shelves filled back up 8 months later and I started stocking up. You only have to count boxes of bullets, cans of powder, and boxes of primers add in 2 gran for equipment and you'll be surprised how much you've invested over a few years. I'm done buying powder & primers forever; got over 12,000 bullets still in little boxes; actually me and my kids and grand kids are set forever. We live rural, hunt subsistence for much of our fresh meat so it's important we never run out; especially when our road is closed for 8 months/year and the stores shelves in Fairbanks are empty. Check out some of the new calibers that are out. I really like my 6.8's, my 308 SCAR, and if that 338 fed wasn't so dang heavy; I'd give her some more luv too. Funny thing, my .556 ARs never make it outta the gun vault nowadays, even gave a couple away to the nephews; that's how much I like the newer calibers. Something else: SPS, Shooters Pro Shop; good deals, over run & seconds bullets for half price; can't be beat. thanks for the tip...and that is definitely the way to live. I'm sitting on about 7000 bullets of 9mm and 223 and about 25 pounds of powder. I might venture over to the 308/6.8 calibers in the future. I would love if the Army moved me to Alaska! 
|
|
Quoted:
Everything I have from Lyman, which is very little, looks to be second rate. I'm not saying it is, it just looks that way - roughly machined, unfinished, requires tweaking,... The few thing I have function just fine, after the tweaking, and have never given me a problem. Now, that press looks top notch. How does it function? How much play is there in the turret? The press is awesome...I haven't noticed any play and it's rock solid when bolted down correctly. The only thing that moves a bit is the bench when I'm decapping/re-sizing but that is pretty normal for that operation. The turret locks up very nicely when moving it from one die to the next. I'm very happy with everything else as well (Lyman case prep station, tumbler and the dispenser). Maybe this thread will change your mind just a little on Lyman products haha 
|
|
Quoted:
Very nice! When I was making my first purchase, I went back and forth on a turret or progressive. As a newb I knew I would quickly dislike a single stage, finally decided on a LNL progressive, love mine. Starting out I used it as a single stage to get a feel for the quirks of the machine and reloading in general. I'm sure you've done the same, enjoy, its a great hobby! If you have crimped brass to deal with I'd recommend looking into a swage tool like the Dillon or RCBS, I just got a Dillon and really like it compared to reaming. YMMV *On a side note. How did the AR-Comp group for you? Charge weight? Just picked up a pound to try myself.* Good call on the Dillon swage tool...my damn fingers are about to fall off from reaming 500 cases of Lake City brass in one sitting. My God that was tedious!! And I haven't tried the AR-Comp yet...once I run out of my Benchmark powder I'll switch over and let you know how it shoots. |
|
Quoted:
Good call on the Dillon swage tool...my damn fingers are about to fall off from reaming 500 cases of Lake City brass in one sitting. My God that was tedious!! And I haven't tried the AR-Comp yet...once I run out of my Benchmark powder I'll switch over and let you know how it shoots. Quoted:
Quoted:
Very nice! When I was making my first purchase, I went back and forth on a turret or progressive. As a newb I knew I would quickly dislike a single stage, finally decided on a LNL progressive, love mine. Starting out I used it as a single stage to get a feel for the quirks of the machine and reloading in general. I'm sure you've done the same, enjoy, its a great hobby! If you have crimped brass to deal with I'd recommend looking into a swage tool like the Dillon or RCBS, I just got a Dillon and really like it compared to reaming. YMMV *On a side note. How did the AR-Comp group for you? Charge weight? Just picked up a pound to try myself.* Good call on the Dillon swage tool...my damn fingers are about to fall off from reaming 500 cases of Lake City brass in one sitting. My God that was tedious!! And I haven't tried the AR-Comp yet...once I run out of my Benchmark powder I'll switch over and let you know how it shoots. Case prep is miserable, no doubt. Worst part of reloading for me. |
|
Looks like you jumped in with both feet. I just hope you have better luck with the Lyman powder measure than I did. I had the III and it never worked 100% and then finally crapped out totally. The dillon super swage is a great tool, and if you ever get into higher volumes The giraud trimmer is nice too.
|
|
Quoted:
Looks like you jumped in with both feet. I just hope you have better luck with the Lyman powder measure than I did. I had the III and it never worked 100% and then finally crapped out totally. The dillon super swage is a great tool, and if you ever get into higher volumes The giraud trimmer is nice too. yep seems like the Dillon swage tool will be my next big purchase...and the Giraud trimmer for my next tax refund purchase (next year lol) I heard the old Lyman powder dispenser sucked...think that's the one you have. I have the Gen 5 and Lyman fixed those bugs and inconsistencies...at least that's what I'm tracking. I haven't had an issue yet after 1500 charges. |
|
Beast, Ya, we've been up here over 20 years, never even considered heading back East; been a dream for us.
I have a nephew, when he was in first year of college, came up for a few weeks at XMAS. I had him dusting wolves and herding caribou on snowmachines in deep snow, trapping marten, ice fishing for big lakers, and just hanging out with the local Indians at the school the wife and I were teachers at. He was stunned by Alaska. When he graduated, went into USAF and after a couple years, got accepted into AF PJ school. When he got his first duty station in Florida, he worked at meeting all the PJs that were up here in Alaska as it's one of their several locations around the world. He told me, you almost have to be voted in by the people already here, how it works; only like 400 PJs total in USAF. So he has been here 4 years, bought a nice house in Anchorage, killed moose, caribou, blk bear, and even got a grizzly bear with my 308 SCAR when me and him were out road hunting before dusk. Got two mnt goats last fall down Kodiac. He has never seen the quality of hunting he experiences here anywhere in his life. Probably only down side is he has to get deployed 4-5 months a year to Afghan but his Karma & luck have been good over there too; got a silver star & two bronze stars in several deployments. Ya, if you ever get orders cut for Alaska, you won't want to leave, it's a hunters shan gri la. Ya know, my number was 31 in 1970, and on the second of January, I was on a bus ride to Ft. Dix. I got sent to Korea, thank God, but when we all got ready to PCS from Korea, orders were cut at headquarters company and of course there was an E-6 there who for 100 bucks would give you a selection of bases where your MOS was needed and usually you got what you picked from the list. If it went on back then, it probably still goes on today, no joke. I just wish that I had came here when I was younger, you accumulate so much more with time, planes, several hunting cabins in various locations, just all the toys necessary to enjoy Ak. If you can't get up here, if ya get out, take the chance and fulfill the dream, you won't regret it. Back to ARs. I have killed all kinds of caribou and my kids have killed over 15 blk bear outta my stand with the 6.8 stag, 110 TTSX, 28 grains H-322; they run 20 yards, let out their bawl and collapse every time. Killed moose with 308 & 338 fed too. I really like having the magazine for those poor quality running shots at 300 yards which I usually end up making after 2-3 shots anyway, ha. Soon as our road opens, (we live on the upper Yukon, near border with Canada) I'm picking up a new S&W MP 10 in 308; this fall's baby. Good luck & good talking |
|
Quoted: yep seems like the Dillon swage tool will be my next big purchase...and the Giraud trimmer for my next tax refund purchase (next year lol) I heard the old Lyman powder dispenser sucked...think that's the one you have. I have the Gen 5 and Lyman fixed those bugs and inconsistencies...at least that's what I'm tracking. I haven't had an issue yet after 1500 charges. Quoted: Quoted: Looks like you jumped in with both feet. I just hope you have better luck with the Lyman powder measure than I did. I had the III and it never worked 100% and then finally crapped out totally. The dillon super swage is a great tool, and if you ever get into higher volumes The giraud trimmer is nice too. yep seems like the Dillon swage tool will be my next big purchase...and the Giraud trimmer for my next tax refund purchase (next year lol) I heard the old Lyman powder dispenser sucked...think that's the one you have. I have the Gen 5 and Lyman fixed those bugs and inconsistencies...at least that's what I'm tracking. I haven't had an issue yet after 1500 charges. Case prep in general sucks, so that that prep station should serve you well. It's important to enjoy reloading otherwise it isn't worth while.
|
|
Quoted:
Beast, Ya, we've been up here over 20 years, never even considered heading back East; been a dream for us. I have a nephew, when he was in first year of college, came up for a few weeks at XMAS. I had him dusting wolves and herding caribou on snowmachines in deep snow, trapping marten, ice fishing for big lakers, and just hanging out with the local Indians at the school the wife and I were teachers at. He was stunned by Alaska. When he graduated, went into USAF and after a couple years, got accepted into AF PJ school. When he got his first duty station in Florida, he worked at meeting all the PJs that were up here in Alaska as it's one of their several locations around the world. He told me, you almost have to be voted in by the people already here, how it works; only like 400 PJs total in USAF. So he has been here 4 years, bought a nice house in Anchorage, killed moose, caribou, blk bear, and even got a grizzly bear with my 308 SCAR when me and him were out road hunting before dusk. Got two mnt goats last fall down Kodiac. He has never seen the quality of hunting he experiences here anywhere in his life. Probably only down side is he has to get deployed 4-5 months a year to Afghan but his Karma & luck have been good over there too; got a silver star & two bronze stars in several deployments. Ya, if you ever get orders cut for Alaska, you won't want to leave, it's a hunters shan gri la. Ya know, my number was 31 in 1970, and on the second of January, I was on a bus ride to Ft. Dix. I got sent to Korea, thank God, but when we all got ready to PCS from Korea, orders were cut at headquarters company and of course there was an E-6 there who for 100 bucks would give you a selection of bases where your MOS was needed and usually you got what you picked from the list. If it went on back then, it probably still goes on today, no joke. I just wish that I had came here when I was younger, you accumulate so much more with time, planes, several hunting cabins in various locations, just all the toys necessary to enjoy Ak. If you can't get up here, if ya get out, take the chance and fulfill the dream, you won't regret it. Back to ARs. I have killed all kinds of caribou and my kids have killed over 15 blk bear outta my stand with the 6.8 stag, 110 TTSX, 28 grains H-322; they run 20 yards, let out their bawl and collapse every time. Killed moose with 308 & 338 fed too. I really like having the magazine for those poor quality running shots at 300 yards which I usually end up making after 2-3 shots anyway, ha. Soon as our road opens, (we live on the upper Yukon, near border with Canada) I'm picking up a new S&W MP 10 in 308; this fall's baby. Good luck & good talking wow that does sound like you are living the dream! I'm and Infantry Officer and my brother is with 5th group Special Forces at Ft Campbell. I've deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. I've had my fun but now I'm laying low doing staff jobs/operations. I also grew up in Alberta Canada so I have a healthy respect for the outdoors and everything Alaska has to offer. My wife is scared of the long winters but if the Army moves me up there she won't have much of a choice haha! Great stories and continue the good life up there! |
Armory Sponsor