Feb 2021 and it’s my first time watching this. Groper Biden is the president and ammunition is getting scarce these days. Living through 2 terms with President Obummer, I’ve learned to “buy it cheap and stack it deep”. With the Democrats in the White House it’s, “Marty, We’re going BACK to the Future!!” LOL Be strong, be safe my “Merican” cousins. Peace Be To Journey!
Actually, I just "discovered" Hickok45, and he answered all of the important questions for someone thinking about getting started in reloading, and he did sort of leave out one important thing. Something that reloading gives you is the ultimate control over the ammunition you shoot, so you can tailor the ammunition for the sort of shooting you do. For instance, when I was loading .45acp for USPSA competition, I'd make sure that the load made major-power factor, while loading for bowling pin shooting, I'd use a heavier bullet but a lighter load, for less recoil, even though the round wouldn't make major power factor for USPSA. And I'd load light, plinking loads for my .44Mag, or monstrous, big-game hunting loads to only be shot in my Ruger Redhark. The variety of loads and components were great.
Yeah, considering your initial investment, you've got to load a helluva lot of ammo to make it pay. I'm looking at circumventing the insane laws here in Commiefornia. 😡
I love hearing him talk. Not only do I TOTALLY respect the years of experience. He just has a way about him that I totally believe he's not selling anything. Just telling it like it is. Damn - There's no school like old school. Thank you Hickok45. Sincerely, thank you.
I have reloaded for 42 years and use a RCBS single stage. To me reloading while it is to save money, but it is also a way to kick back and relax. When I sit down to reload I most times reload 500+ at one sitting. People make damn sure you turn off all TV's and radio's so you are not destracted and do something dumb like double charge a case. Use a Reloading tray and after you charge the 25 cases that fit in most trays look into the cases to make sure there is powder in each and that none have been double charged with powder
“The circle of life!” 11 years later, found an amazing treasure. I had to pause and check when this vid was made as he mentions “gun sale and lack of ammo has gone up in the last year or so” here I thought he made it in 2020…come to find out he made it over 11 years ago! The gift that keeps on giving! Thank you sir, love watching your lengthy videos, there’s something about your humor, truth, honesty, raw truth that just makes me sit through them all!
I just gotta say hickok, your the best guy here on RUclips. I try finding a video on something and over 80% of the time you already have something on it. I just wanted to say thank you
That's right, It's possible they blow up their house. But in all likelihood they will probably just loose an arm or something. "Smoke on smoker!" That's what I say. But then again, I'm not reloading. I'm just smoking cigarettes. And that's bad enough on its own for my body. I'll pass on having my face detonated thank you very much. :)
I’m just watching this 10 year old video…love the information and amazing that Hickok mentions $8-$9/box 50 rounds, 9mm ammo at Walmart….my how things have changed…I just paid $25/box of 50 rounds at Carter’s Country in Houston and no centerfire pistol ammo sold at Walmart…I haven’t been able to find 22 caliber ammo at Walmart in over a month. I’m dreaming of finding a 9mm multi-stage press set up under the Christmas tree this year with all the accoutrements (powder, primers, brass, bullets, primer can to turn them all in one direction, primer tube, and more!) And if I’m really good maybe I’ll look in my stocking hung with care over the fireplace and find a 36-caliber black powder pistol with the reloading press, “built-in”! Love all Hickok videos and look forward to coffee and his Sunday Shoot-arounds first thing in the morning. (Shoot-around #50 is tomorrow??)
Love Hickok and his video's, this is a good one too. I started reloading in 1970 at the ripe old age of 14, I was shooting trap at a local club and going through a lot of AA shells. I ended up with a Mec 600 Jr, that still serves me to this day. Along side that sits a RCBS RCll single stage that has loaded everything through the decades including my National Match years with my only addition in the 80's being a Dillion SDB doing ten's of thousands of rounds in 45acp for IPSC and IDPA . What I have learned, a single stage press will work for 90% of the shooters out there unless your only going to shoot one round and need volume. The secrets, deprime before you clean your brass so the primer pockets are cleaned and spent primer compound isn't screwing up your media and buy a little press like an old Lyman Spartan, mount it to a piece of scrap 2x6 and clamp it to the dining room table for brass prep. Mine cost me $15 on Ebay years ago and if your only doing pistol brass or small rifle like 300BO or 223 you can load finished rounds with it. Now, 2020 update. You can save a ton of money reloading especially if you do a lot of shooting. That $20 pound of 231 is now $30 but it's a lot cheaper than paying over $1 a round for rifle ammo (308W), buy your bullets in bulk and you can save over 50%. Pistol rounds are even cheaper, 9mm will cost you $12 a box of 50 with tax but shoot cast and you can load them for $.12 each and if you cast your own, 5c each in 9mm. Free pick up brass, bullet cast from old wheel weights, 3c for a primer and a couple cents for powder. A pound of powder like Unique or Bullseye will load over 1500 rounds. $2.50 or so for a box of 50 and you don't have to worry about ammo hoarding and shortages.
At age seven,I sat on a tall stool and watched Dad handload for his 1911 commercial Colt for the next match. He had a Lyman orange colored powder measure. He would cast 185 wc and let me set a bullet into the luber sizer . Miss him.
+Raymond Jokerst - More dads need to do these type of things with their sons and daughters. I have a million different stories like this with my Dad. Luckily I still have him, and can make even more memories with him. It made me tear up a little to hear about you missing him and think about losing my Dad. I recently got into reloading and have involved my son. He loves it so much that he will step away from his already limited time with his Xbox just to come sort brass or load some 45ACP or 300 blackout. Things like this are one of the most important that we can do for our kids (short of teaching them how to be a morally decent person). Thanks for sharing!
Luis, have no fear! Reloading ammo won't get you in trouble with the law unless you do something illegal with it (like knock over a 7-eleven or sell it for profit). Lee sells an anniversary reloading kit for just over $100 that has everything you need to reload except brass, primers, powder, and boolits. It's a great deal and you can upgrade as you go along if you choose.
I got into reloading for the purpose of saving. After I got into it, the main benefit was that while I was spending as much I was actually shooting more. Later, I found that a major advantage was being able to develop loads that suited you needs. Among the needs met were having mild recoil target loads, having cast lead bullets, and more recently having a load that shoots to point-of-aim on a fixed sight revolver. Your mileage may vary.
I used to do reloading with my dad when I was younger, and wanted to do it again. I inherited his reload equipment and supply and last time I worked with it I was like 8, so I don't remember a lot. but this video was helpful to get me started again. I love that he recorded this 10 years ago and its applying to today with the ammo shortage ect. lol
A five year old video that taught me more about reloading ( I've been circling reloading for over 30 year....Sort of like an indecisive buzzard....) than I've read in all the magazines and books on the subject I have in my collection. Thank you.
If you are going to load multiple calibers, you will need a die set for each and also parts for the press. It can run into quite a cash outlay. I find that pistol and small rifle rounds are best loaded on the Dillon 550B. For big rifle rounds I use a single stage press. The O press is very strong for the resizing of large rifle rounds. Usually you are only loading 20 to a 100 rounds. I get better rifle accuracy with a single stage press.
Before I watch your video and before I step outside for a smoke. I wanted to thank you for your time and your camera man/womans time and work online. Me and others sure do appreciate it. Thank you.
I'm 73 and have been reloading for nearly 50 years. I started on a Hornady single stage press, moved on a Hornady progressive. I currently use a Dillon 550C. I like the deprime and seat primers by hand. I donj't reload to save money, I reload because I enjoy passing time reloading. Right now, I've been reloading 44 mag and shooting them in either my Ruger Super Blackhack or my Redhawk. I'm not picky about my bullets, I like Berry's bullets.
10 years later there's a pandemic on and there's something else to think about... all the ammo in my state is gone, and when it comes back in stock, it's snapped right up, and sellers are limiting you to one box per customer. With that, however, it seems even all the bullet heads and powder are out of stock as well. Definitely the time to get yourself prepared is well before situations like COVID-19 or civil unrest occurs. The perfect video to make the point that hindsight is 20/20 vision.
It's true that you don't save money, but for the $20 I would have spent on one box of .38 special, I can make 3 boxes...Makes me feel less guilty for shooting off 50 rounds that took $6.75 to make vs buying ammo, plus you feel good that you even have something to show for after-a pocket full of brass to reuse.
I feel the same way. And to add to what you say, I feel great about being self reliant. If ammo starts getting scarce, I don't have to worry. Guys like us though, have to worry about a ban on powder and primers....that's what scares me.
@@a226sig Reloading materials raise in price. How long does it take to recuperate the money spent on reloading tools? You're not self reliant unless you manufacture your own from primers to bullet. I buy blazer 45 auto for 10 a box. I wonder how much it costs to reload for 45 auto.
@@abolishguncontrollaws5689 .45 auto isn't worth reloading. First the firearm throws the brass away and it can be hard to locate all casings. Second it headspaces off the mouth of the case so it must be exactly the right length. Third different bullet shapes don't always feed well in them. load ramps are not always the same. Blazer ammo is what I try to get whenever I can. Just let it fly.
I have been handloading since 1973. That's part of the enjoyment of shooting for me. I enjoy it. It's a winter thing. Still using RCBS junior single stage since 1973. Great video, thanks.
9 years on and this video is still educating the masses. Hickock45 is America's real dad/uncle/grandpa. I could sit and listen to this man talk for days.
Actually I just got a good chuckle watching this. I started in 1964 and Lee actually had a little set to handload by the plastic hammer method!🤣 You could buy primers for about $8 per thousand! Most of my bullets where hand cast from free wheel weights. Brass was free from the highway patrolman. But it still was more expensive to reload even back then. You forgot to say reloading can be an addictive hobby for some. Now 75.
I started reloading in 1975, soon after I bought my first revolver, using an RCBS Jr single stage press. 45 years later I'm still using it, having loaded many thousands of revolver, pistol and rifle rounds. Tha k you for the great video and the demo of the progressive press.
i have been reloading with a single stage press for over 50 years. I use the same RCBS press i bought when i started. I probably have not lost 10 rounds total while get my press adjusted, That's total, all calibers. But i like to reload even if i don't shoot that much. To me it is a test of discipline exercise. accuracy and precision are paramount. To me, i'm constantly creating a better , prettier round. I just don't slam cartridges together. I like the process and do not dread the process. have fun ,be safe. I even load some rounds for friends where i don't have a particular caliber. good video...
@@hickok45 please do more reloading videos. Also please review a s&w model 586 classic. Also try to get a new alchemy custom 1911 for review. Love your videos and have been watching religiously since you started.
I have 56 years into the reloading hobby now and i agree it's a hobby of a lifetime.. I don't load to save a lot of money , i load because i can taylor loads to my needs and i load two wildcats ctgs now that one cannot buy factory loaded ammo anywhere... It's a lot of fun and very relaxing to reload... I discovered quite some years back i could not buy the ctgs loaded with the bullet weight i wanted , now it's time to learn the art of casting bullets too... Nothing like it .. Great video as always ...
I love watching your videos, Sir. You have made me feel like a friend of yours. I sure enjoy watching your videos and appreciate the time you have taken to make them. Please continue to make them and God Bless you.
There are a number of good channels with similar subject matter but yours stands above the rest. You speak to the ordinary participants and not to some specialty niche or another. You come across as a knowledgeable mentor rather than an authority that knows it all. Kudos! Twelve years later. . . At this point just for my USPSA gun in .40 S&W I've loaded over 100,000 rounds. That ammunition if bought retail would have cost about $40,000 per 100,000. Since I cast my bullets and re-use the brass until it cracks my cost for handloads is about $5,100 per 100,000 at pre-2020 prices. Since there hasn't been a lot of competition activity since early 2020 I haven't had to buy components at the new prices.
I have a Ruger LCR 9mm and I reload 9mm. My hot loads with 115-grain hollow points work great through the Ruger LCR 9mm even shooting one-handed. However, when I bought 9mm 115 grain Federals at Walmart the factory shells would jump the crimp after the third shot and jam the revolver. Either I have a tighter crimp on my reloads or Federal has a very hot load in its 9mm's. Federals were $9.95 full metal jacket 115 grain from Walmart. I started reloading in the 1960's and I started reloading 9mm's in the 1990's on a Lee Pro 1000. Lee Pro 1000 can be a headache to work. However, the Federal 9mm worked fine through my Glock. I really like your videos and you supply really good information. I enjoy watching many of your videos. Thank you for taking time to make them all. God Bless you and yours. I love to shoot also.
"Acooterments" Love me some Hickok45. Thank you for the great video on reloading, sir!! Super educational and much appreciated. Thanks for your videos!!
Another great video. I'm watching from Australia. Appreciate hearing your experience on this matter Hickok. We love all your stuff down here. Just realised this video is ten years old. Keep 'em coming Sir.
This was the first video I ever watched of Hickok45 back in 2010 or so when I was first getting into reloading. I was very impressed with the content and with him personally. My favorite part is 3:30 to 4:30 which is what I remember best. And it is absolootly true.
10 years gone... been reloading at a friends for several years, finally getting set up on my own. Just bought a single stage Rock Chucker. Now revisiting this video years later, literally. Thank you (again)
Fyi edge makes a brass kicker that speeds up the process by kicking the brass off the press. I made one for my lee press with a old hose clamp. Take care.
I'm sure liberal anti-gunners come across him. I am not sure if they hate not only him but all of us that love guns or...somehow develop enough intelligence to realize we enjoy life and our guns so it makes them jealous. Then the liberal disease gains controls of them again....and they hate us again. Yeah there are people that claim to love and own guns but then claim to be liberal....honestly in my opinion they cant co-exist together. But very few videos dont have some dislikes...
My husband reloads all our .380 and .357 on A Hornady press. Its actually a good couples bonding activity fun to sit, watch and shoot the breeze. Or just annoy him to death that's fun too.
I started learning to reload with my dad back in 1974. I cannot recommend that anyone starting to reload should learn on a progressive press. Each die that you use has its own learning curve and it will take you some study, time, and practice to master it. If you are trying to learn to set up every type of die on a progressive all at the same time, you will go crazy, you will waste a lot components (and money), and hopefully you will NOT blow yourself up. Learn reloading skills on a single stage setup, it will take you a fair amount of time, then once you are genuinely up to speed, go to a progressive if desired. If you reload rifle, you want a single stage press in your inventory anyway because quality is everything in rifle reloading. Consider that unless you shoot hundreds of rounds a week, you really don't need a progressive.
+CplSki USMC I've been reloading for about 6 months, and my first press was a Hornady Progressive. I agree with you sentiment, but you should start off treating the progressive press as a single stage press. I did reload my first couple hundred 9MM and 38 Special rounds on my progressive, but I did them using only a single die a time. That said, I couple months ago, I did buy a Lee Classic single stage press as well. There is plenty of tasks where having a dedicated single stage makes sense. For instance, I use the single stage with an universal decapping die rather than running dirty brass in my sizer die and on my progressive. I think that if you buy a single stage press it won't be wasted money. It'll still be useful once you graduate to a progressive or turret press.
+sketchykg That's a good way to learn and still start with a progressive. Smart. I'm sure that you will be very successful with reloading. Keep 'em in the bullseye friend.
+CplSki USMC A progressive press is not some monster ... it's just multiple single presses sharing the same base and stroke of the operating lever. They are simple to operate: Set up the sizing / de-priming die, being very honest about what the case gage is telling you. Likely the sizing die will need considerable fiddling because of movement while being locked down. Once you get it FIRMLY locked down where it needs to be, it will likely stay there. Still, measure frequently (you would be well advised to do this with a single stage press, too -- you can't control what you don't measure.) When you've got that squared away, put a primer in a case (it should be recessed .002" - .003" when seated against the inside face of the primer pocket) and set up the powder drop. Drop. Weigh, Adjust until you get things "just so" at the powder drop station. When using spherical powders, a progressive powder drop should be able to hold an average of about 1 gn variance in powder weight. Weigh 5, noting the individual weights and the total weight. If the individual weights are in the right neighborhood (+ -), then the average weight should be very close to exact. You are NOT making hand-loaded match rifle fit only for virgins and unicorns and biblical heroes ... a prog press is for making very GOOD ammo, not very PERFECT ammo. Then set up the following dies using the same cartridge or two. You won't need any more than that if you "sneak up" on each stage and make certain that the preceding stage is properly set before moving to the next. Bullets vary, so your final overall length will also vary a small amount. The crimp (if any) is "by eye" ... I go for enough crimp to see with the naked eye, but not so much that the bullet can't get out of the case before the whole thing blows up in my face. The operating manual for my Dillon press describes the whole procedure and, if you read it closely enough, is actually quite detailed. I'd be very surprised if the other manufacturers don't include similarly detailed manuals. If each die is set up correctly in its individual station, then the whole assembly will work like what it is ... a well oiled machine. No magic needed. The thing only LOOKS daunting, but it's just the same number of simple steps you would use to set up the same number of single stage dies. So think of it as just 5 or 6 single stage presses. Set the dies up in the same order you would for 5 or 6 single stage presses and to the same level of precision. If you can't set up a progressive press, you can't set up a single stage press, either. If you CAN set up a single stage press, you can set up a progressive press, too. In my opinion (finally ... a summation!) The real "decider" is what your wallet can handle and how many rounds you expect to make over the course of any reasonable spread of time. There is no need to buy a progressive press if you only expect to reload a couple hundred rounds a few times a year. However, if you are planning to load several thousands in that span, definitely go as high-end as your means will allow. It's easier to learn on good tools than it is to learn on junk made of welded-together compromises.
+W Canaday I've been reloading for a long time... I know how to set up a progressive. I know how to set up each die, primer feed, powder drop, bullet feed... all the goodies. Someone brand new to reloading does not know these things and trying to figure out all these things at once AND make them work progressively to turn out a SAFE and successful load is a big challenge and potentially a dangerous one. I'm a firm believer in the KISS method... once you become proficient, THEN buy that progressive.
Wanted to reload for years but never jumped in. When 325wsm prices became absurd, and then hard to find, I made the plunge. It is not so black and white,and learning advanced reloading gets involved. However, I'm sorry I waited so long. Reloading is captivating,therapeutic and fulfilling. Fantastic hobby ! Hickock always makes useful videos for beginners.
It’s a breath of fresh air to listen to you! No B.S you just share your knowledge and let people decide for themselves! Always a fan of Hickock45 thank you sir
I'd love for you to do another intro to reloading video like this with some of the beginners kits out there. Especially with the recent uptake in precision long range shooting and the panic buyers
me and my brother both own Dillon presses e got in good used cond on ebay and to date we sill have not spent any money on replacement parts,, a call to dillons great customer service and they ship the parts no questions asked,, they have a great product and great people running the place,, a great company to work with,
this video and the hornady 2nd edition reloading bible are the holy grail for this kind of information. Mr. Hicock! ive been watching your vids for just a few months and i have learned so much. also, your range makes me homesick for tennessee. thank you for all you do!! cheers from West Virginia.
No drinking, no smoking? killjoy, I was planning on smoking, drinking and committing all manner of debauchery whilst reloading. Informative and interesting video.
Wow! You actually can read my mind. Just starting out and wondering about the costs, savings, etc. I like the way you lured me in somehow to watch this when it was exactly what I needed to know. ..and from ten years ago. Great videos and spot on content. Wish you lived next door.
OCD is kicking in ugh. Let me come over and rearrange that shelf in the background. Those boxes are all over the place and tipped sideways or stacked ontop of smaller boxes aaaaaaahhhhhhh
Well you will be saving if you only shoot the same amount as you would with factory ammo. If you shoot more, well, then that's a self-control issue not a cost issue ;)
I have found your video in 2009, been kicking the idea about reloading for several months on what to buy. Local store wasn't much help and negative on progressive press demanding to get single stage press. I love tools and always get what's the most efficient for the money. I agree to get familiar with single stage before jumping on progressive, I'm very strong mechanical mindset I jumped on the progressive after watching your video. There're some squirts to understand the pros and cons till I figured out how to work out the issues. I first started out with lead bullets and had some frustrations. Then I loaded some jacket bullets, found it lot easier to load. Which I'm glad to learn the hard way on lead so l have more experience with some problems first otherwise wouldn't have learn so soon with jacket bullets. I learned everything from Hornady Book, studied it about 6 or 8 months before I did some dummy rds,then back in the books again for couple mo before I loaded the real bullets. It took 6 or 8 mo for Dillon Press finally arrived during my studying. I am so happy to find you and love your video, was sold immediately to call Dillon. Also added more conv. kits, super swage 600 and 1200 trimmer. The people are wonderful at Dillon. I'm almost 100%Dillon on all my equipments and love their mo catalog, very addictive! Thank you for sharing this, my best investment because of you. God Bless you my friend, just watched your video again the 2nd time, you're Awesome guy!
I am fairly new to reloading, about 3 years, and I reload every day I can. As long as I can get supplies I reload. It cost a bit to buy the equipment but I love the way I can make bullets to my own specs. And after the initial expence it isn't bad. Keep the faith and God Bless America.
Excellent discussion about reloading and reloaders. About 45 years ago I was reloading .357 magnum with 158 grain half-jacket soft points using 2400 rifle powder and a completely manual Lee pistol loader plus a mallet instead of a press (it was designed for mallet use). Worked extremely well for a low budget loader although you didn't want to be whacking away with a mallet late at night if you lived in an apartment. Occasionally a primer would be detonated when seating it. I was reloading about 50 rounds every week or two depending on how often I went to the range. Saved a little money and was able to get the loads I wanted. Looking now at getting a Lee single stage with 3 dies for .357 again. I've got a .45 ACP, 9mm Parabellum and .380 ACP, but at this point I'm not planning on reloading those as the ammunition can be had for not much more than it would to reload their shell casings. In addition, revolver brass is much easier to retain after shooting than picking up semi-auto pistol brass off the ground.
Hence the reason for flintlocks. Even trying to find flint and black powder is a bitch. Have to make your own powder soon. Already casting bullets from lead i got from a metal supply place
Hickok45 all y'all's videos are inspiring and very educational, I love learning everything y'all teach I have been an avid shooter for 31 years now and an avid Hunter since 1996 and y'all still manage to teach me new things, y'all are awesome keep up the awesome work
Sir want to thank you for a lot of great info. I've been reloading for about 4 years and I enjoy it a ton. My reload info is that if you want to do it just for the money you might want to just buy factory stuff. It's really a hobby to be enjoyed and I really enjoy it.
I have that old Pacific press. It was my first one and it's the press I use all the time. I love it. .32mag ---> .45 Colt and 30/30 and 45/70. Never needed a progressive press. I load for myself and my wife. It's not real fast but it's relaxing. Very good video. Thank you.
+Hickok45 Yeah, I've actually been considering reloading, mainly .223/5.56/300 AAC. A friend of mine has a lot of experience, but I figured you'd have some wisdom as well... and here I find your basics video. Thank you, and keep those awesome videos coming. You're a national treasure!
Been a big fan for a long time. This video is what got me started in reloading a handful of years ago. Great to watch it again. If you ever find the time I sure many people would like to see a video on gun collection storage, safes, cases, ext. Thanks again for all you do. The videos and info are great!
Well it is now 2017 and The Communist Republic of California is going to require a back ground check to buy ammo. And, no one in California will be able to buy ammunition online. So my reasons for getting into reloading is not because of cost, but to stick it to the man and allow me to continue buying on line. AND to fill up some of my soon to be retirement time. My reloads would be used in two fashions 1) for plinking targets at the range 2) to keep my CZ 97B concealed carry loaded. I would like to reload 9mm, 45 acp and maybe 556. I have a 9 mm conversion barrel for my Glock 23 so I rarely shoot 40 SW. I will be saving my casings in the future but for starters I will buy bulk casings, bullets, primers and powder online. I guess my question is, for the year 2017 what books do you recommend I read. Great video
thanks for all the great videos,I just got back into shooting as my parents moved to tn.,"lots of places to enjoy the sport", having lived in atlanta I had gotten away from the hobby. The reloading video is excellent as all your videos have been. What I really like about what you do is the responsible way you do it and the educational format,not just blowing stuff up or mindless blasting like some channels,thanks again.
That's what I'm afraid of, getting addicted to it. I just started saving the majority of my empties, and looking at receipts for buying Winchester 9mm at Walmart (25.8 cents/round)... and now found a source for mixed brass 115gr FMJ for $190/1000 including shipping guaranteed to meet SAAMI standards. At .19/round is it worth ANY time to save 4-6 cents when as an instructor the cost of ammo is tax deductible. I suspect as he says, I'd just end-up shooting more. Assuming I setup a progressive press for just 9mm, what will the entire rig, scales, micrometer, etc run for top quality setup? Did I miss him mentioning/not mentioning cleaning his own used brass? Isn't that essential, particularly with some of the cheaper/dirtier burning rounds? I can tell there's a significant difference when running rapid fire drills how some (I won't slam the brand by name here) produce A LOT more smoke and ultimately are fouling the gun more in the process.
I thoroughly enjoy all of your videos. I appreciate your candor and your sense of humor. I wish we lived closer! I believe we could be pretty good friends. This was a very informative video. I've been shooting for 30 years, but only recently got into reloading. I used this video for basic suggestions on how to get into it. I started with a Lee Loadmaster (I cannot afford a Dillon, and I'm not sure I would buy one if I could), and have had absolutely no problems with it. They've addressed most of the issues that people were having with them (primer feeding). I've read that a lot of people have various issues, but as I have had none of those I can only assume that either I got a good press, or they're just not as mechanically inclined as necessary to run a Lee press. They DO take a lot of adjustment and tinkering to get running right. I bought the 45ACP flavor, as that is the only pistol round I shoot. I had my dies set up within 20 minutes and was reloading rounds. I did absolutely nothing to the primer feed - it just works! I have already made some modifications to the press, as I process a ton of 300 blackout brass and needed to use a Dillon RT1500 trimmer. What a difference that made in the speed of processing! I actually load my 300 blackout on a Lee Classic three hole turret. If I was going to be loading more than 100 at a time, I would set up my loadmaster to do it. It would be easy, due to the configurable turret design. I have had dealing with customer support from Dillon, Lee, and RCBS. I can say hands down that RCBS has the absolute best customer service of all three. They are 110% behind their products, and want you to be successful using them. The other two have given me good customer service (Dillon support tends to be a little snobbish - no doubt in part to their reputation in the industry. Lee stands behind their product as well and provides good customer service.) I use Lee presses, but all of my forming and seating dies are RCBS (except for the required sizing die for the RT1500 trimmer). Thank you for taking the time to make all these videos. Whenever a new Hickock video comes out, I watch it even if it doesn't pertain to anything I am shooting or reloading. Keep it up!
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Who's here 10 years later? What a treasure of a human being. Like the Bob Ross of gunpowder.
Feb 2021 and it’s my first time watching this. Groper Biden is the president and ammunition is getting scarce these days. Living through 2 terms with President Obummer, I’ve learned to “buy it cheap and stack it deep”. With the Democrats in the White House it’s, “Marty, We’re going BACK to the Future!!” LOL Be strong, be safe my “Merican” cousins. Peace Be To Journey!
Actually, I just "discovered" Hickok45, and he answered all of the important questions for someone thinking about getting started in reloading, and he did sort of leave out one important thing. Something that reloading gives you is the ultimate control over the ammunition you shoot, so you can tailor the ammunition for the sort of shooting you do. For instance, when I was loading .45acp for USPSA competition, I'd make sure that the load made major-power factor, while loading for bowling pin shooting, I'd use a heavier bullet but a lighter load, for less recoil, even though the round wouldn't make major power factor for USPSA. And I'd load light, plinking loads for my .44Mag, or monstrous, big-game hunting loads to only be shot in my Ruger Redhark. The variety of loads and components were great.
Mr. Rodgers of Revolvers!
Bob Ross of gunpowder....lol
It's September 2021, I still watch this video
Me
This man is a treasure. His kind of humor, honesty, intellect, and humility is something this world needs more of.
I was thinking the same thing.
I could not agree more with you.
cant imagine him being angry
tantivymuckermaffikk need more teachers like him.
Watch his outtakes videos. You'll see him lose his temper a couple of times...
"smoking is not advisable while reloading. I will let you figure that out." classic Hickok quote.
if you don't smoke how are you going to figure if your powder is good or not ?
Smoke some pot later.
Also maybe have a quick escape route and don't mishandle the primers.
@@rayfaulkner8458 woah pot bro
Agreed, had me laughing too!
Hickock45: "you might see this video 2 months from now"
Me: Watching the video 9 years later lol
Lol me too
10yrs later!
10 yrs laters 😂
3/6/20 just now finding his videos
10 for me..
A friend recently got me into reloading. For me, I realized it is not about saving money. I've found it to be a very satisfying hobby. Love it!
DEFINITELY a hobby...you must enjoy a past-time for it to gain the status of 'hobby'...otherwise it's simply drudgery and work...
Yeah, considering your initial investment, you've got to load a helluva lot of ammo to make it pay. I'm looking at circumventing the insane laws here in Commiefornia. 😡
@@davidwilliams5292 Well you know, most of the founding fathers of this country at one time or another were all smugglers.
I love hearing him talk. Not only do I TOTALLY respect the years of experience. He just has a way about him that I totally believe he's not selling anything. Just telling it like it is. Damn - There's no school like old school. Thank you Hickok45. Sincerely, thank you.
ABSOLUTELY...!...coming from the coast of Maine OH AYUH !
I have reloaded for 42 years and use a RCBS single stage. To me reloading while it is to save money, but it is also a way to kick back and relax. When I sit down to reload I most times reload 500+ at one sitting. People make damn sure you turn off all TV's and radio's so you are not destracted and do something dumb like double charge a case. Use a Reloading tray and after you charge the 25 cases that fit in most trays look into the cases to make sure there is powder in each and that none have been double charged with powder
Single most important step right there! Check for doubles!
I have a tray on each side...put from one into the other
“The circle of life!”
11 years later, found an amazing treasure. I had to pause and check when this vid was made as he mentions “gun sale and lack of ammo has gone up in the last year or so” here I thought he made it in 2020…come to find out he made it over 11 years ago!
The gift that keeps on giving!
Thank you sir, love watching your lengthy videos, there’s something about your humor, truth, honesty, raw truth that just makes me sit through them all!
just goes to show its a cycle, we get new gun owners, we run out of ammo in stores, prices go up every couple years.
Watching this in 2019, still quality information.
Patrick Johnson same
@@jacobfreeman5054 Same
@@jacobfreeman5054 I'm just starting to reload and who would give good advice and it's Jan 2020
2020 Still people benefitting from this.
2020 I just watched this. Great video!
I just gotta say hickok, your the best guy here on RUclips. I try finding a video on something and over 80% of the time you already have something on it. I just wanted to say thank you
"I can read your your mind, I can also read your messages." I love this guy.
"No smoking while you are reloading. I'll let you figure that one out"
Eric Effert He definitely got a laugh out of me there.
Lol for sure, hickok45's dry humor cracks me up
Many eyebrows have been lost to people smoking while reloading...maybe a house.
That's right, It's possible they blow up their house. But in all likelihood they will probably just loose an arm or something. "Smoke on smoker!" That's what I say. But then again, I'm not reloading. I'm just smoking cigarettes. And that's bad enough on its own for my body. I'll pass on having my face detonated thank you very much. :)
I agree...the first 60 seconds are worthy of an Academy Award, lol.
That actually reminds me of the beginning scene of Lord of War.
@@GreatMercenary exactly
I’m just watching this 10 year old video…love the information and amazing that Hickok mentions $8-$9/box 50 rounds, 9mm ammo at Walmart….my how things have changed…I just paid $25/box of 50 rounds at Carter’s Country in Houston and no centerfire pistol ammo sold at Walmart…I haven’t been able to find 22 caliber ammo at Walmart in over a month. I’m dreaming of finding a 9mm multi-stage press set up under the Christmas tree this year with all the accoutrements (powder, primers, brass, bullets, primer can to turn them all in one direction, primer tube, and more!) And if I’m really good maybe I’ll look in my stocking hung with care over the fireplace and find a 36-caliber black powder pistol with the reloading press, “built-in”! Love all Hickok videos and look forward to coffee and his Sunday Shoot-arounds first thing in the morning. (Shoot-around #50 is tomorrow??)
It's not only about cost. It's a very rewarding hobby. Sticking to one set up is fine but trying different bullets, propellant etc is half the fun.
Love Hickok and his video's, this is a good one too. I started reloading in 1970 at the ripe old age of 14, I was shooting trap at a local club and going through a lot of AA shells. I ended up with a Mec 600 Jr, that still serves me to this day. Along side that sits a RCBS RCll single stage that has loaded everything through the decades including my National Match years with my only addition in the 80's being a Dillion SDB doing ten's of thousands of rounds in 45acp for IPSC and IDPA . What I have learned, a single stage press will work for 90% of the shooters out there unless your only going to shoot one round and need volume. The secrets, deprime before you clean your brass so the primer pockets are cleaned and spent primer compound isn't screwing up your media and buy a little press like an old Lyman Spartan, mount it to a piece of scrap 2x6 and clamp it to the dining room table for brass prep. Mine cost me $15 on Ebay years ago and if your only doing pistol brass or small rifle like 300BO or 223 you can load finished rounds with it. Now, 2020 update. You can save a ton of money reloading especially if you do a lot of shooting. That $20 pound of 231 is now $30 but it's a lot cheaper than paying over $1 a round for rifle ammo (308W), buy your bullets in bulk and you can save over 50%. Pistol rounds are even cheaper, 9mm will cost you $12 a box of 50 with tax but shoot cast and you can load them for $.12 each and if you cast your own, 5c each in 9mm. Free pick up brass, bullet cast from old wheel weights, 3c for a primer and a couple cents for powder. A pound of powder like Unique or Bullseye will load over 1500 rounds. $2.50 or so for a box of 50 and you don't have to worry about ammo hoarding and shortages.
Hickock45 will be required viewing for generations. Thank you, Sir, for putting you knowledge down on video for all to learn.
Should be required reading at college !
At age seven,I sat on a tall stool and watched Dad handload for his 1911 commercial Colt for the next match. He had a Lyman orange colored powder measure. He would cast 185 wc and let me set a bullet into the luber sizer . Miss him.
At least you had good memories with him
+Raymond Jokerst - More dads need to do these type of things with their sons and daughters. I have a million different stories like this with my Dad. Luckily I still have him, and can make even more memories with him. It made me tear up a little to hear about you missing him and think about losing my Dad. I recently got into reloading and have involved my son. He loves it so much that he will step away from his already limited time with his Xbox just to come sort brass or load some 45ACP or 300 blackout. Things like this are one of the most important that we can do for our kids (short of teaching them how to be a morally decent person). Thanks for sharing!
+Kettenhund75 I wish I could reload but I don't have the money to and I don't want to get in trouble with the law
+Kettenhund75 And I agree with you on these things
Luis, have no fear! Reloading ammo won't get you in trouble with the law unless you do something illegal with it (like knock over a 7-eleven or sell it for profit). Lee sells an anniversary reloading kit for just over $100 that has everything you need to reload except brass, primers, powder, and boolits. It's a great deal and you can upgrade as you go along if you choose.
I got into reloading for the purpose of saving. After I got into it, the main benefit was that while I was spending as much I was actually shooting more. Later, I found that a major advantage was being able to develop loads that suited you needs. Among the needs met were having mild recoil target loads, having cast lead bullets, and more recently having a load that shoots to point-of-aim on a fixed sight revolver. Your mileage may vary.
I used to do reloading with my dad when I was younger, and wanted to do it again. I inherited his reload equipment and supply and last time I worked with it I was like 8, so I don't remember a lot. but this video was helpful to get me started again. I love that he recorded this 10 years ago and its applying to today with the ammo shortage ect. lol
A five year old video that taught me more about reloading ( I've been circling reloading for over 30 year....Sort of like an indecisive buzzard....) than I've read in all the magazines and books on the subject I have in my collection. Thank you.
If you are going to load multiple calibers, you will need a die set for each and also parts for the press. It can run into quite a cash outlay. I find that pistol and small rifle rounds are best loaded on the Dillon 550B. For big rifle rounds I use a single stage press. The O press is very strong for the resizing of large rifle rounds. Usually you are only loading 20 to a 100 rounds. I get better rifle accuracy with a single stage press.
"Thus is the circle of life."
Classic!
Before I watch your video and before I step outside for a smoke. I wanted to thank you for your time and your camera man/womans time and work online. Me and others sure do appreciate it. Thank you.
I'm 73 and have been reloading for nearly 50 years. I started on a Hornady single stage press, moved on a Hornady progressive. I currently use a Dillon 550C. I like the deprime and seat primers by hand. I donj't reload to save money, I reload because I enjoy passing time reloading. Right now, I've been reloading 44 mag and shooting them in either my Ruger Super Blackhack or my Redhawk. I'm not picky about my bullets, I like Berry's bullets.
Hi! Is there a big difference between 550B (the one in this video) and 550C?
@@Psyque23 - don't know, I've never used a 550B
10 years later there's a pandemic on and there's something else to think about... all the ammo in my state is gone, and when it comes back in stock, it's snapped right up, and sellers are limiting you to one box per customer. With that, however, it seems even all the bullet heads and powder are out of stock as well. Definitely the time to get yourself prepared is well before situations like COVID-19 or civil unrest occurs. The perfect video to make the point that hindsight is 20/20 vision.
It's true that you don't save money, but for the $20 I would have spent on one box of .38 special, I can make 3 boxes...Makes me feel less guilty for shooting off 50 rounds that took $6.75 to make vs buying ammo, plus you feel good that you even have something to show for after-a pocket full of brass to reuse.
I feel the same way. And to add to what you say, I feel great about being self reliant. If ammo starts getting scarce, I don't have to worry. Guys like us though, have to worry about a ban on powder and primers....that's what scares me.
@@a226sig Reloading materials raise in price. How long does it take to recuperate the money spent on reloading tools? You're not self reliant unless you manufacture your own from primers to bullet. I buy blazer 45 auto for 10 a box. I wonder how much it costs to reload for 45 auto.
How do you feel in 2021, when those boxes are now $40 and $50?
Glad you bought that loader now, aintcha?
@@abolishguncontrollaws5689 Not anymore you don't....
@@abolishguncontrollaws5689 .45 auto isn't worth reloading. First the firearm throws the brass away and it can be hard to locate all casings. Second it headspaces off the mouth of the case so it must be exactly the right length. Third different bullet shapes don't always feed well in them. load ramps are not always the same. Blazer ammo is what I try to get whenever I can. Just let it fly.
I have been handloading since 1973. That's part of the enjoyment of shooting for me. I enjoy it. It's a winter thing. Still using RCBS junior single stage since 1973. Great video, thanks.
"you might see this video 2 months from now"
...or 10 years from now!
9 years on and this video is still educating the masses. Hickock45 is America's real dad/uncle/grandpa. I could sit and listen to this man talk for days.
I love the cool "circle of life" bit.
Hickok45 is a National Treasure ! And his sense of humor is for the ages. Thank you.
"you might see this video 2 months from now" im seeing it 7 years from then
I'm 8 years +. Lol
8-1/2 here... :)
8-1/2 here... and happy to see the same blue machine I use!
8 years and 9 months
8 years and 10 months here.
Actually I just got a good chuckle watching this. I started in 1964 and Lee actually had a little set to handload by the plastic hammer method!🤣 You could buy primers for about $8 per thousand! Most of my bullets where hand cast from free wheel weights. Brass was free from the highway patrolman. But it still was more expensive to reload even back then.
You forgot to say reloading can be an addictive hobby for some. Now 75.
I started reloading in 1975, soon after I bought my first revolver, using an RCBS Jr single stage press. 45 years later I'm still using it, having loaded many thousands of revolver, pistol and rifle rounds. Tha k you for the great video and the demo of the progressive press.
i have been reloading with a single stage press for over 50 years. I use the same RCBS press i bought when i started. I probably have not lost 10 rounds total while get my press adjusted, That's total, all calibers. But i like to reload even if i don't shoot that much. To me it is a test of discipline exercise. accuracy and precision are paramount. To me, i'm constantly creating a better , prettier round. I just don't slam cartridges together. I like the process and do not dread the process. have fun ,be safe. I even load some rounds for friends where i don't have a particular caliber. good video...
8 years later and this video is still gold! such is the wisdom, wit, and humor of a true gentleman-gunner that could only be hickok45. thank you, sir!
"2 months from now"
Me ten years later due to the beer virus.
FML lol
The F-ing RONA!
@@brenttesterman1198 The political virus
I am here in 2021
Great video on reloading , but I'm flat broke. Do you have any videos on freeloading?
Just keep an eye on what's going on in the world; lots of "freeloaders" out there demanding to live the "good life" without lifting a finger. :-)
The world is LOUSY with freeloaders...just pick any major metropolitan area, move there, look around and follow along...
@1/7th -Cav. 1972C.I.B 'That's demon-rats... that's right, you heard me, demon-rats' :p
@This is the best name I could come up with now dats cawntree i reckon
@@hickok45 please do more reloading videos. Also please review a s&w model 586 classic. Also try to get a new alchemy custom 1911 for review. Love your videos and have been watching religiously since you started.
Hickok45 is the greatest. He is just an ordinary guy ,so humble. He is just one of us.We are lucky to have him.
I have 56 years into the reloading hobby now and i agree it's a hobby of a lifetime.. I don't load to save a lot of money , i load because i can taylor loads to my needs and i load two wildcats ctgs now that one cannot buy factory loaded ammo anywhere... It's a lot of fun and very relaxing to reload... I discovered quite some years back i could not buy the ctgs loaded with the bullet weight i wanted , now it's time to learn the art of casting bullets too... Nothing like it .. Great video as always ...
I raised my hand, but he didn't stop...
I bet your shoulder is tired as hell by now 😂
I love watching your videos, Sir. You have made me feel like a friend of yours. I sure enjoy watching your videos and appreciate the time you have taken to make them. Please continue to make them and God Bless you.
This has to be hickok45 best video intro.
HAHAHA LMAO HANDS DOWN xD I love when he says "and thus is the circle of life" as the 9mm pops out lol
I agree lmao
Too good, I busted up laughing...
I would like to know if the INTRO was John's idea or Hickok's idea (just curious)
it's like white morgan freeman
There are a number of good channels with similar subject matter but yours stands above the rest. You speak to the ordinary participants and not to some specialty niche or another. You come across as a knowledgeable mentor rather than an authority that knows it all. Kudos!
Twelve years later. . . At this point just for my USPSA gun in .40 S&W I've loaded over 100,000 rounds. That ammunition if bought retail would have cost about $40,000 per 100,000. Since I cast my bullets and re-use the brass until it cracks my cost for handloads is about $5,100 per 100,000 at pre-2020 prices. Since there hasn't been a lot of competition activity since early 2020 I haven't had to buy components at the new prices.
I have a Ruger LCR 9mm and I reload 9mm. My hot loads with 115-grain hollow points work great through the Ruger LCR 9mm even shooting one-handed. However, when I bought 9mm 115 grain Federals at Walmart the factory shells would jump the crimp after the third shot and jam the revolver. Either I have a tighter crimp on my reloads or Federal has a very hot load in its 9mm's. Federals were $9.95 full metal jacket 115 grain from Walmart. I started reloading in the 1960's and I started reloading 9mm's in the 1990's on a Lee Pro 1000. Lee Pro 1000 can be a headache to work. However, the Federal 9mm worked fine through my Glock. I really like your videos and you supply really good information. I enjoy watching many of your videos. Thank you for taking time to make them all. God Bless you and yours. I love to shoot also.
"Acooterments" Love me some Hickok45. Thank you for the great video on reloading, sir!! Super educational and much appreciated. Thanks for your videos!!
Another great video. I'm watching from Australia. Appreciate hearing your experience on this matter Hickok. We love all your stuff down here. Just realised this video is ten years old. Keep 'em coming Sir.
hickok45: "you might see this video 2 months later"
Me watching 13 years later
This was the first video I ever watched of Hickok45 back in 2010 or so when I was first getting into reloading. I was very impressed with the content and with him personally. My favorite part is 3:30 to 4:30 which is what I remember best. And it is absolootly true.
10 years gone... been reloading at a friends for several years, finally getting set up on my own. Just bought a single stage Rock Chucker. Now revisiting this video years later, literally. Thank you (again)
Fyi edge makes a brass kicker that speeds up the process by kicking the brass off the press. I made one for my lee press with a old hose clamp. Take care.
@@johnblood3731 Nice, thnx for the tip
I never understand how any of your videos get dislikes
people are jealous of his awesomeness!
I'm sure liberal anti-gunners come across him. I am not sure if they hate not only him but all of us that love guns or...somehow develop enough intelligence to realize we enjoy life and our guns so it makes them jealous. Then the liberal disease gains controls of them again....and they hate us again.
Yeah there are people that claim to love and own guns but then claim to be liberal....honestly in my opinion they cant co-exist together.
But very few videos dont have some dislikes...
Haters gotta hate.
Its probably a negligent dislike😉
The tacticool oper8ors gotta h8.
My husband reloads all our .380 and .357 on A Hornady press. Its actually a good couples bonding activity fun to sit, watch and shoot the breeze. Or just annoy him to death that's fun too.
@Medina Real Estate what's your point? It's 2020 if he is gay so what.
@Medina Real Estate what the hell are you talking about, being gay is not legal. Even if you are trolling you sound stupid for even saying that.
@American Gold Eagle You're
@@carsarecoo Technically he just stated a fact, said nothing else.
@@Suspect002 actually he deleted his previous comments trying to say gay marriage is illegal and other homophobic crap.
I started learning to reload with my dad back in 1974. I cannot recommend that anyone starting to reload should learn on a progressive press. Each die that you use has its own learning curve and it will take you some study, time, and practice to master it. If you are trying to learn to set up every type of die on a progressive all at the same time, you will go crazy, you will waste a lot components (and money), and hopefully you will NOT blow yourself up. Learn reloading skills on a single stage setup, it will take you a fair amount of time, then once you are genuinely up to speed, go to a progressive if desired. If you reload rifle, you want a single stage press in your inventory anyway because quality is everything in rifle reloading. Consider that unless you shoot hundreds of rounds a week, you really don't need a progressive.
Dad taught me on a rcbs jr. I graduated after 35 yrs to a turret press. I'm old schooled. lol.
+CplSki USMC I've been reloading for about 6 months, and my first press was a Hornady Progressive. I agree with you sentiment, but you should start off treating the progressive press as a single stage press. I did reload my first couple hundred 9MM and 38 Special rounds on my progressive, but I did them using only a single die a time.
That said, I couple months ago, I did buy a Lee Classic single stage press as well. There is plenty of tasks where having a dedicated single stage makes sense. For instance, I use the single stage with an universal decapping die rather than running dirty brass in my sizer die and on my progressive. I think that if you buy a single stage press it won't be wasted money. It'll still be useful once you graduate to a progressive or turret press.
+sketchykg That's a good way to learn and still start with a progressive. Smart. I'm sure that you will be very successful with reloading. Keep 'em in the bullseye friend.
+CplSki USMC A progressive press is not some monster ... it's just multiple single presses sharing the same base and stroke of the operating lever.
They are simple to operate:
Set up the sizing / de-priming die, being very honest about what the case gage is telling you. Likely the sizing die will need considerable fiddling because of movement while being locked down. Once you get it FIRMLY locked down where it needs to be, it will likely stay there. Still, measure frequently (you would be well advised to do this with a single stage press, too -- you can't control what you don't measure.)
When you've got that squared away, put a primer in a case (it should be recessed .002" - .003" when seated against the inside face of the primer pocket) and set up the powder drop. Drop. Weigh, Adjust until you get things "just so" at the powder drop station. When using spherical powders, a progressive powder drop should be able to hold an average of about 1 gn variance in powder weight. Weigh 5, noting the individual weights and the total weight. If the individual weights are in the right neighborhood (+ -), then the average weight should be very close to exact. You are NOT making hand-loaded match rifle fit only for virgins and unicorns and biblical heroes ... a prog press is for making very GOOD ammo, not very PERFECT ammo.
Then set up the following dies using the same cartridge or two. You won't need any more than that if you "sneak up" on each stage and make certain that the preceding stage is properly set before moving to the next. Bullets vary, so your final overall length will also vary a small amount. The crimp (if any) is "by eye" ... I go for enough crimp to see with the naked eye, but not so much that the bullet can't get out of the case before the whole thing blows up in my face.
The operating manual for my Dillon press describes the whole procedure and, if you read it closely enough, is actually quite detailed. I'd be very surprised if the other manufacturers don't include similarly detailed manuals.
If each die is set up correctly in its individual station, then the whole assembly will work like what it is ... a well oiled machine. No magic needed.
The thing only LOOKS daunting, but it's just the same number of simple steps you would use to set up the same number of single stage dies. So think of it as just 5 or 6 single stage presses. Set the dies up in the same order you would for 5 or 6 single stage presses and to the same level of precision.
If you can't set up a progressive press, you can't set up a single stage press, either. If you CAN set up a single stage press, you can set up a progressive press, too.
In my opinion (finally ... a summation!)
The real "decider" is what your wallet can handle and how many rounds you expect to make over the course of any reasonable spread of time. There is no need to buy a progressive press if you only expect to reload a couple hundred rounds a few times a year. However, if you are planning to load several thousands in that span, definitely go as high-end as your means will allow.
It's easier to learn on good tools than it is to learn on junk made of welded-together compromises.
+W Canaday I've been reloading for a long time... I know how to set up a progressive. I know how to set up each die, primer feed, powder drop, bullet feed... all the goodies. Someone brand new to reloading does not know these things and trying to figure out all these things at once AND make them work progressively to turn out a SAFE and successful load is a big challenge and potentially a dangerous one. I'm a firm believer in the KISS method... once you become proficient, THEN buy that progressive.
Wanted to reload for years but never jumped in. When 325wsm prices became absurd, and then hard to find, I made the plunge. It is not so black and white,and learning advanced reloading gets involved. However, I'm sorry I waited so long. Reloading is captivating,therapeutic and fulfilling. Fantastic hobby ! Hickock always makes useful videos for beginners.
It’s a breath of fresh air to listen to you! No B.S you just share your knowledge and let people decide for themselves! Always a fan of Hickock45 thank you sir
I'd love for you to do another intro to reloading video like this with some of the beginners kits out there. Especially with the recent uptake in precision long range shooting and the panic buyers
During my day at college, one of the things I look forward to is getting in my car, drink my coffee, and watch some hickock
me and my brother both own Dillon presses e got in good used cond on ebay and to date we sill have not spent any money on replacement parts,, a call to dillons great customer service and they ship the parts no questions asked,, they have a great product and great people running the place,, a great company to work with,
I've always appreciated hickok45---so knowledgeable, free of vulgarity, sarcasm etc. long live the Tennessee marksman
this video and the hornady 2nd edition reloading bible are the holy grail for this kind of information.
Mr. Hicock! ive been watching your vids for just a few months and i have learned so much. also, your range makes me homesick for tennessee. thank you for all you do!! cheers from West Virginia.
2024 ANYONE?
HELL YEAH
Back here again, considering reloading again
@@joshuaalveygo for it. I'm going to for sure
Yuppp
14 years ago I was 12 years old 😂😂😂
This is more relevant than ever right now.
No drinking, no smoking? killjoy, I was planning on smoking, drinking and committing all manner of debauchery whilst reloading. Informative and interesting video.
This man is ready and would survive anything
Wow! You actually can read my mind. Just starting out and wondering about the costs, savings, etc. I like the way you lured me in somehow to watch this when it was exactly what I needed to know. ..and from ten years ago.
Great videos and spot on content. Wish you lived next door.
"You might be watching this 2 months from now"
It's been 13 years...
OCD is kicking in ugh. Let me come over and rearrange that shelf in the background. Those boxes are all over the place and tipped sideways or stacked ontop of smaller boxes aaaaaaahhhhhhh
Well you will be saving if you only shoot the same amount as you would with factory ammo. If you shoot more, well, then that's a self-control issue not a cost issue ;)
+JustifyJustin Yep, shoot all you want or can afford; you'll save some pennies per shot either way. You WILL shoot more, though; it's just a fact. :-)
+JustifyJustin That is a true statement, after you've saved enough to offset the cost of the reloading hardware and components.
still a money saving endeavor. whether you spend the savings on more supplies to make more ammo or spend the savings on something else is a non-issue
It's a cost-control issue... ;)
reloading is kinda like home brewing.. once you get over the initial investment, the cost-saving can swiftly become moot as you expand your hobby..
I have found your video in 2009, been kicking the idea about reloading for several months on what to buy. Local store wasn't much help and negative on progressive press demanding to get single stage press. I love tools and always get what's the most efficient for the money. I agree to get familiar with single stage before jumping on progressive, I'm very strong mechanical mindset I jumped on the progressive after watching your video. There're some squirts to understand the pros and cons till I figured out how to work out the issues. I first started out with lead bullets and had some frustrations. Then I loaded some jacket bullets, found it lot easier to load. Which I'm glad to learn the hard way on lead so l have more experience with some problems first otherwise wouldn't have learn so soon with jacket bullets.
I learned everything from Hornady Book, studied it about 6 or 8 months before I did some dummy rds,then back in the books again for couple mo before I loaded the real bullets. It took 6 or 8 mo for Dillon Press finally arrived during my studying.
I am so happy to find you and love your video, was sold immediately to call Dillon. Also added more conv. kits, super swage 600 and 1200 trimmer. The people are wonderful at Dillon. I'm almost 100%Dillon on all my equipments and love their mo catalog, very addictive!
Thank you for sharing this, my best investment because of you.
God Bless you my friend, just watched your video again the 2nd time, you're Awesome guy!
I am fairly new to reloading, about 3 years, and I reload every day I can. As long as I can get supplies I reload. It cost a bit to buy the equipment but I love the way I can make bullets to my own specs. And after the initial expence it isn't bad. Keep the faith and God Bless America.
You had me at "Circle of Life"...
"I can read your mind. I can also read your messages." Lol, never fails to crack me up.
Love all your vids. Thanks for doing what you do.
May be the best instructional on reloading. But not surprised that a teacher is good at teaching!
Excellent discussion about reloading and reloaders. About 45 years ago I was reloading .357 magnum with 158 grain half-jacket soft points using 2400 rifle powder and a completely manual Lee pistol loader plus a mallet instead of a press (it was designed for mallet use). Worked extremely well for a low budget loader although you didn't want to be whacking away with a mallet late at night if you lived in an apartment. Occasionally a primer would be detonated when seating it. I was reloading about 50 rounds every week or two depending on how often I went to the range. Saved a little money and was able to get the loads I wanted. Looking now at getting a Lee single stage with 3 dies for .357 again. I've got a .45 ACP, 9mm Parabellum and .380 ACP, but at this point I'm not planning on reloading those as the ammunition can be had for not much more than it would to reload their shell casings. In addition, revolver brass is much easier to retain after shooting than picking up semi-auto pistol brass off the ground.
I lost my self when he said smoking is not advisable while reloading
Another reason to reload is lack of ammo.
Also I'm having a hard time finding primers right now 8/21/2020
Hence the reason for flintlocks. Even trying to find flint and black powder is a bitch. Have to make your own powder soon. Already casting bullets from lead i got from a metal supply place
"Some of you that might see this 2 months from now..."
8 years later I'm watching and writing to say thank you!
Hickok45 all y'all's videos are inspiring and very educational, I love learning everything y'all teach I have been an avid shooter for 31 years now and an avid Hunter since 1996 and y'all still manage to teach me new things, y'all are awesome keep up the awesome work
Sir want to thank you for a lot of great info. I've been reloading for about 4 years and I enjoy it a ton. My reload info is that if you want to do it just for the money you might want to just buy factory stuff. It's really a hobby to be enjoyed and I really enjoy it.
9 years later, in the sad state of California, reloading is our ONLY CHOICE, until they try to take that away....
Better be quite
they'll tax it first.
'And you may only reload ten rounds per month!'
Yup I hear u there Ken, all these liberal scum do is think how they can hurt the good guy.
I hope you've moved interstate by now.....
Love this. Looks like you need an upgrade. We can help Hickok.
I need an upgrade too LOL. im on a lee single, but ive already made up my mind a xl750 is in the very near future.
@@Texas_Radical The Xl750 is a excellent machine, you're going to love it.
12 years later primers are up to $100 per thousand.
I have that old Pacific press. It was my first one and it's the press I use all the time. I love it. .32mag ---> .45 Colt and 30/30 and 45/70. Never needed a progressive press. I load for myself and my wife. It's not real fast but it's relaxing. Very good video. Thank you.
+Hickok45 Yeah, I've actually been considering reloading, mainly .223/5.56/300 AAC. A friend of mine has a lot of experience, but I figured you'd have some wisdom as well... and here I find your basics video. Thank you, and keep those awesome videos coming. You're a national treasure!
If you don't want that single stage press I'll take it off your hands
10 years later I realized that I need to start loading my own ammo
I know, right?
This... _is_ legal in California? Right? ... _Right???_
Yes.
have you ever been to a gun shop before?
WCGwkf Some people may facepalm at my response... But here it is;
.... I wish...
vgman94 lol
LOL, funny, and also sad, that we have to wonder about this, with our ridiculous CA gun laws!
(But yes, completely legal ... for now)
Gotta love Hickok45
Been a big fan for a long time. This video is what got me started in reloading a handful of years ago. Great to watch it again. If you ever find the time I sure many people would like to see a video on gun collection storage, safes, cases, ext. Thanks again for all you do. The videos and info are great!
I love you man. Hate that these videos will disappear from RUclips soon.
I don't think that will happen.
Well it is now 2017 and The Communist Republic of California is going to require a back ground check to buy ammo. And, no one in California will be able to buy ammunition online.
So my reasons for getting into reloading is not because of cost, but to stick it to the man and allow me to continue buying on line. AND to fill up some of my soon to be retirement time.
My reloads would be used in two fashions 1) for plinking targets at the range 2) to keep my CZ 97B concealed carry loaded.
I would like to reload 9mm, 45 acp and maybe 556. I have a 9 mm conversion barrel for my Glock 23 so I rarely shoot 40 SW.
I will be saving my casings in the future but for starters I will buy bulk casings, bullets, primers and powder online.
I guess my question is, for the year 2017 what books do you recommend I read.
Great video
Did you read New World Order by Pat Robertson? 1991 by the famous broadcast journalist
And here I thought the "Circle of Life" was something from a Lion King movie, lol.
Photo314159
is his a joke?
Yes. You know, like the song from Lion King?
I started reloading a few years ago thanks to this video. Very glad I did especially in the situation we are in now.
How’s it going?
thanks for all the great videos,I just got back into shooting as my parents moved to tn.,"lots of places to enjoy the sport", having lived in atlanta I had gotten away from the hobby. The reloading video is excellent as all your videos have been. What I really like about what you do is the responsible way you do it and the educational format,not just blowing stuff up or mindless blasting like some channels,thanks again.
I raised my hand like 5 times and Mr. 45 never picked me
Reloading can be addictive.
That's what I'm afraid of, getting addicted to it. I just started saving the majority of my empties, and looking at receipts for buying Winchester 9mm at Walmart (25.8 cents/round)... and now found a source for mixed brass 115gr FMJ for $190/1000 including shipping guaranteed to meet SAAMI standards. At .19/round is it worth ANY time to save 4-6 cents when as an instructor the cost of ammo is tax deductible. I suspect as he says, I'd just end-up shooting more. Assuming I setup a progressive press for just 9mm, what will the entire rig, scales, micrometer, etc run for top quality setup?
Did I miss him mentioning/not mentioning cleaning his own used brass? Isn't that essential, particularly with some of the cheaper/dirtier burning rounds? I can tell there's a significant difference when running rapid fire drills how some (I won't slam the brand by name here) produce A LOT more smoke and ultimately are fouling the gun more in the process.
Never hurts to know how to make your own ammo
$30 for 1000 primers. You can't even find them today...
You can find some you have to be vigilant in looking! Good luck! 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Some treat it like rocket science,,,,,,Your approach is spot on,,,,,,and non-complicated
I thoroughly enjoy all of your videos. I appreciate your candor and your sense of humor. I wish we lived closer! I believe we could be pretty good friends. This was a very informative video. I've been shooting for 30 years, but only recently got into reloading. I used this video for basic suggestions on how to get into it. I started with a Lee Loadmaster (I cannot afford a Dillon, and I'm not sure I would buy one if I could), and have had absolutely no problems with it. They've addressed most of the issues that people were having with them (primer feeding). I've read that a lot of people have various issues, but as I have had none of those I can only assume that either I got a good press, or they're just not as mechanically inclined as necessary to run a Lee press. They DO take a lot of adjustment and tinkering to get running right. I bought the 45ACP flavor, as that is the only pistol round I shoot. I had my dies set up within 20 minutes and was reloading rounds. I did absolutely nothing to the primer feed - it just works! I have already made some modifications to the press, as I process a ton of 300 blackout brass and needed to use a Dillon RT1500 trimmer. What a difference that made in the speed of processing! I actually load my 300 blackout on a Lee Classic three hole turret. If I was going to be loading more than 100 at a time, I would set up my loadmaster to do it. It would be easy, due to the configurable turret design.
I have had dealing with customer support from Dillon, Lee, and RCBS. I can say hands down that RCBS has the absolute best customer service of all three. They are 110% behind their products, and want you to be successful using them. The other two have given me good customer service (Dillon support tends to be a little snobbish - no doubt in part to their reputation in the industry. Lee stands behind their product as well and provides good customer service.) I use Lee presses, but all of my forming and seating dies are RCBS (except for the required sizing die for the RT1500 trimmer).
Thank you for taking the time to make all these videos. Whenever a new Hickock video comes out, I watch it even if it doesn't pertain to anything I am shooting or reloading. Keep it up!