Reloading Equipment

[DirtPirate]

I know many of us are shooters...and therefore at least some of us reload already.

But....anyone have plans to purchase reloading equipment and learn how to use in...in the event of the BIG EVENT?

Personally, I have been using the Dillon Square Deal B for about 9 years with very few problems. Any that did crop up...Dillon handled it immediately as part of their NO BS Lifetime Warranty (which would be useless in a TEOTWAWKI situation...but nonetheless it speaks to the confidence they have in their machines.).

I have only ever reloaded for .45 ACP...but I am now thinking of getting into other calibers...some rifle. So...I am thinking of trading up...since I only have room for one machine. I think I will stay with Dillon (very satisfied...but they are more expensive than say...Lee) so I am looking at their [url=http://dillonprecision.com/template/p.cfm?maj=12&dyn=1&:7bf00]RL550B[/url:7bf00]or the [url=http://dillonprecision.com/template/p.cfm?maj=24&dyn=1&:7bf00]XL650[/url:7bf00].

Although...I have never heard many negative comments about the much less expensive [url=http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1175643744.4662=/html/catalog/lp1000.html:7bf00]Lee Pro 1000.[/url:7bf00]

Before I bought the Dillon, I was almost sold on the [url=http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1175643744.4662=/html/catalog/ldmas.html:7bf00]Lee Load Master[/url:7bf00]


The main selling point on the Dillon was that my friend that introduced me to reloading used the SDB....so between that and the NO BS warranty...I switched gears and went with the Dillon.

[url=http://www.bluepress.com:7bf00]Dillon Precision[/url:7bf00]

[Gunfixr]

I think reloading could be viable for some things. If bugging in, for example. It is more dangerous to carry components than ammo so bugging out with components would not be highly recommended. Plus the reloading gear will weigh just about as much as the ammo but is in an unuseable state. As far as bugging in, for combat ammo, probably not. While I do not fear reliability of my ammo, after a firefight I want to get out of the area as the commotion will draw visitors. I will only stay around long enough to grab anything deemed important enough to outweigh the risks of hanging around, weapons and ammo, or other gear. Trying to pick up brass just doesn't feel worth the risk. Reloading for hunting ammo would be different. Reloading now to stock up at less cost, certainly.

[Pvt. Joker]

I think reloading is viable for ALL situations. Load and stash if you are having to leave, if not have that as a daily chore just in case you do have to bug out, no sense in leaving all that powder, primers and bullets behind for someone else to find.
Carrying components would be pretty much out of the question IMO. However knowing how to reload without the use of any powersource is a good skill to have, such as manual case trimming, beam scale, primer pocket tool useage and technique.

[Gunfixr]

None of my reloading equipment needs power. All I need is enough light to see what I'm doing. I have been considering upgrading to a Dillon, but expendable funds just haven't been available for it. So I'm still using the Lee Turret press I bought back in '86. Yes, the same one. Oops, I take that back. My lead pots need power, but I can melt lead over a fire if I had to.

[Pvt. Joker]

Go for the Dillon 550B if you can.
I still use a Lyman turret for my .308 and 30.06.
550B for my .223
My dad used the Lyman in the early 1960s, it's still in excellent condition.

I use electronic scales/trickler and case prep station but still have the old standbys if needed.

Once you have a Dillon you will wonder how you lived without one before.

[DirtPirate]

All my stuff is manual too...all I need is light and batteries for the low powder and primer sensors. (which last quite awhile)

[Christian for Israel]

i have a bug out reloading kit that contains a lee precision hand press, speed dies for 9mm, .357 and .45. for rifle loading i have RGB 2 die sets for .223, .308, 7.5x55 and .30-06. ramshot tac and zip powders, a couple bricks of primers and single cavity molds for 12ga slug, 9mm, .45 and a 120gr .308 that can be used in anything from a .30 carbine to a 300 win mag. i also have a lee loader for 12ga along with cardboard wads and 200 primers.