Curious to getting into reloading turkey shells and eliminate the having to track down shells or remember to order them in time. Currently shooting Nitro Hevi and they are performing well but if I ever moved to tss I think I would want to load my own. I've never reloaded any type of shells before other than someone showing me the ropes developing a load for my rifle. What would it cost to get into the game on reloading with getting setup on equipment?
Depends on if you are planing on shooting a lot. Just five or six shots during turkey season I would buy the roll die for the gauge shotgun I intended to use, purchase my TSS from Hal or one of the others selling it . He would then supply the recipe and instructions. He would also outline what supplies are needed and from whom to purchase them. Other than that a cheap drill press. You can easily make your own hull vise and hull trimmer. So I would say under 200.00. My total cost was about 160. or close to it. The main reason I reload is because I predator hunt and have been loading #4 TSS as well as #9. I have found both loads pattern very well. I would suggest watching some 7you tube videos as well. Some are very informative.
You do not have to have a drill press
I use a hand drill and bit to roll crimp for 20 ga. and an antique roll crimper for 12ga.
they both make nice crimps
Seems I've never heard of anyone reloading. They all load em. They buy the hulls even primed. Not sure why that is.
Quote from: crow on February 22, 2020, 09:04:42 PM
You do not have to have a drill press
I use a hand drill and bit to roll crimp for 20 ga. and an antique roll crimper for 12ga.
they both make nice crimps
This right here. It took me a couple hundred bucks getting set up and loading my first batch. I just now got done loading 25 3" 2oz 9' for my 20 gauge. I load for myself and several guys around here. Its not hard to do and you will be amazed at the patterns. Pretty cool busting beaks with shells you load for yourself. I wont ever shoot another factory load turkey load again. I have enough supplies to last 2 lifetimes
If i were a young guy , then yes i would load my own... but at my age no more than i will need, i will just buy them.. But yes i could see the benefit of loading them..
I sell shot and I will say that the average cost is $225-$250 if you start with 2# of tss. This includes the tools.
And no you don't have to have a drill press and a shell Vice is a $5 diy project as long as you have a clamp, drill and skill saw.
Quote from: Gooserbat on February 22, 2020, 09:38:53 PM
I sell shot and I will say that the average cost is $225-$250 if you start with 2# of tss. This includes the tools.
And no you don't have to have a drill press and a shell Vice is a $5 diy project as long as you have a clamp, drill and skill saw.
What's your price per lb of 9s?
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If you send me your email address I can send you invoices from a few years ago when I bought my stuff. Also, I bought a Russian hand roller off eBay. Darn thing works well, I prefer the drill press without at shell vise, but that hand roll does pretty good.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ShotShell-Reloading-Crimp-Tool-20-gauge-zn20/252432163966?epid=826378690&hash=item3ac621247e:g:WkkAAOSwB-1YyqzB
Quote from: Gooserbat on February 22, 2020, 09:38:53 PM
I sell shot and I will say that the average cost is $225-$250 if you start with 2# of tss. This includes the tools.
And no you don't have to have a drill press and a shell Vice is a $5 diy project as long as you have a clamp, drill and skill saw.
What do you need the skill saw for? Just curious , I dont remember using one when I started but thats been about six years ago.
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 23, 2020, 09:00:02 AM
Quote from: Gooserbat on February 22, 2020, 09:38:53 PM
I sell shot and I will say that the average cost is $225-$250 if you start with 2# of tss. This includes the tools.
And no you don't have to have a drill press and a shell Vice is a $5 diy project as long as you have a clamp, drill and skill saw.
What do you need the skill saw for? Just curious , I dont remember using one when I started but thats been about six years ago.
I use it when I make the dyi shell Vice
What all equipment would I need? Like I said I've never loaded any shot before so I'm totally new at this and just researching if it's something I want to safely get into.
Quote from: RiverRoost on February 23, 2020, 10:39:30 AM
What all equipment would I need? Like I said I've never loaded any shot before so I'm totally new at this and just researching if it's something I want to safely get into.
My cell is 9182361063
You are welcome to give me a call sometime tomorrow. I'll be around the office all day.
go for it, I was on the fence for a couple springs, sold a back up turkey gun 12ga I had and funded a new 20ga and all the reloading supplies and a couple lbs of shot with it.
Super simple and I like knowing what is coming out of the end of my barrel!
Quote from: Gooserbat on February 23, 2020, 09:56:45 AM
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 23, 2020, 09:00:02 AM
Quote from: Gooserbat on February 22, 2020, 09:38:53 PM
I sell shot and I will say that the average cost is $225-$250 if you start with 2# of tss. This includes the tools.
And no you don't have to have a drill press and a shell Vice is a $5 diy project as long as you have a clamp, drill and skill saw.
Gotcha
What do you need the skill saw for? Just curious , I dont remember using one when I started but thats been about six years ago.
I use it when I make the dyi shell Vice
Quote from: crow on February 22, 2020, 09:04:42 PM
You do not have to have a drill press
I use a hand drill and bit to roll crimp for 20 ga. and an antique roll crimper for 12ga.
they both make nice crimps
True, you don't have to have a drill press. But even a small cheap one from Harbor freight makes the job so much easier with excellent results. I have tried the hand drill and it does work but not as well as a drill press in my opinion.
Quote from: mtns2hunt on February 23, 2020, 08:00:31 PM
Quote from: crow on February 22, 2020, 09:04:42 PM
You do not have to have a drill press
I use a hand drill and bit to roll crimp for 20 ga. and an antique roll crimper for 12ga.
they both make nice crimps
True, you don't have to have a drill press. But even a small cheap one from Harbor freight makes the job so much easier with excellent results. I have tried the hand drill and it does work but not as well as a drill press in my opinion.
I just ordered a 8" w/5 speeds from harbor freight for 69 bucks. Got it for the sole purpose of roll crimping. Hope it works well.
Agree, Get a cheap drill press. Think mine was like $40
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Quote from: RiverRoost on February 23, 2020, 10:39:30 AM
What all equipment would I need? Like I said I've never loaded any shot before so I'm totally new at this and just researching if it's something I want to safely get into.
Lots of good advice here. I'd get with Gooserbat or Hal for more info. I got the hook up from Hal, and he was a huge help in getting me going.
I started loading my own last year and was more than pleased with the results. All I bought was a scale, a roll crimping tool (I just use my hand drill and go slow, smooth, and steady when crimping), and some measuring pans in addition to the components. I used primed shells as someone mentioned earlier. Just need the shot, buffer, wads, and shot cards other than that. Pretty simple, straight-forward process. I spent in the $70 range for the tools. Sure, other things/equipment would work better, but this has done the trick for me so far making as few as I am.
Not wanting to hijack here.. I've been researching loading also and was wondering what's the best method of contacting Hal
Do you have to cut the wads length wise a certain length or any trimming need to take place on any components
Quote from: Brad_23 on February 24, 2020, 05:24:24 PM
Not wanting to hijack here.. I've been researching loading also and was wondering what's the best method of contacting Hal
On the forum or I could Pm you his number
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Quote from: RiverRoost on February 24, 2020, 06:25:06 PM
Do you have to cut the wads length wise a certain length or any trimming need to take place on any components
Depends on the wad and load used, some come cut some need to be cut.
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Quote from: Brad_23 on February 24, 2020, 05:24:24 PM
Not wanting to hijack here.. I've been researching loading also and was wondering what's the best method of contacting Hal
I can PM you his email if interested. He normally responds within a few hours.
Quote from: RiverRoost on February 24, 2020, 06:25:06 PM
Do you have to cut the wads length wise a certain length or any trimming need to take place on any components
Hulls might need to be trimmed, as mentioned above, depending on the load and crimp used. Hull trimmers are easy to make with a dowel and an X-Acto blade.
Saved for later.
Quote from: Rapscallion Vermilion on February 24, 2020, 10:00:54 PM
Quote from: RiverRoost on February 24, 2020, 06:25:06 PM
Do you have to cut the wads length wise a certain length or any trimming need to take place on any components
Hulls might need to be trimmed, as mentioned above, depending on the load and crimp used. Hull trimmers are easy to make with a dowel and an X-Acto blade.
Agreed, it is easy to make a hull trimmer, I have also been playing with making my own plastic overshot cards from plastic. Whole process is easy and can be done on a shoe string budget if necessary. Major cost is the TSS.
Following. This may have to happen next year for me.
Quote from: mtns2hunt on February 25, 2020, 11:10:26 AM
Quote from: Rapscallion Vermilion on February 24, 2020, 10:00:54 PM
Quote from: RiverRoost on February 24, 2020, 06:25:06 PM
Do you have to cut the wads length wise a certain length or any trimming need to take place on any components
Hulls might need to be trimmed, as mentioned above, depending on the load and crimp used. Hull trimmers are easy to make with a dowel and an X-Acto blade.
Agreed, it is easy to make a hull trimmer, I have also been playing with making my own plastic overshot cards from plastic. Whole process is easy and can be done on a shoe string budget if necessary. Major cost is the TSS.
Not recommending anyone do this, but part of the fun is making your own tools.
Frankentrimmer:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584401742_85d6814d61_o_d.jpg)
I have the Harbor Freight drill press as well. Sign up for coupons and you can get it for $50 if you are patient.
All you really need is supplies and a drill, scale and roll crimper
Supplies are hulls, wads, possibly felt spacers, buffer, shot, powder and over shot cards.
Supplies are usually in packs of 100 so once you buy supplies you are good to go for awhile
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I just started loading this past week and got my shot and data from Hal. I've made four shells so far and the roll crimps on all of them are not the best(i used a hand drill). some are a little uneven and one has a little nic in it. I put them all together using the recipe exactly and was paying close attention while doing so. But I cant help but to think "what if" I messed something up. I plan on shooting them this weekend and to be honest I have a little anxiety about pulling that trigger on the first one. Is there any mistakes that other hand loaders have made that I should know about or anything specific i should cautious of while building my shells? Any advice from anyone with experience would be appreciated. Thanks!
Not trying to start and argument or a debate for or against just curious.
First let me say, I reload both rifle and handgun for numerous cartridges. I have two single stage presses and a progressive, along with digital scales, powder dumpers etc. I reload for rifles to get every bit of accuracy out of them i can. I reload for my ar15s because it used to be cheaper, pistols for varying reasons so i know the expense and am not opposed to it.
I saw where a price was posted of 52 dollars a pound for 9s, in a twenty gauge with 1 1/2 ounce pay load that would be roughly ten shells, at 5.20 a shell for just the payload, not counting primers, wads and hulls. I picked up federal 20 gauge 9s for 29.99 bucks a few months back which comes out to 5.99 a shell.
Is there really any savings that comes into play or is there another reason to reload shotguns if you are not a high volume shooter? Is the accuracy in a reloaded shotgun shell any better than factory as it can be in rifles?
Night and day difference between federal and hand loads.
Quote from: ol bob on February 26, 2020, 04:31:51 PM
Night and day difference between federal and hand loads.
What are the differences? I only shoot about a half a case of shotgun shells a year between ducks, turkey and maybe one dove hunt a year so i am truly curious.
Quote from: rdjustham on February 26, 2020, 04:45:41 PM
Quote from: ol bob on February 26, 2020, 04:31:51 PM
Night and day difference between federal and hand loads.
What are the differences? I only shoot about a half a case of shotgun shells a year between ducks, turkey and maybe one dove hunt a year so i am truly curious.
Patterns will show difference. Federal tss normally pattern pretty poorly compared
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Quote from: wchadw on February 26, 2020, 05:28:53 PM
Quote from: rdjustham on February 26, 2020, 04:45:41 PM
Quote from: ol bob on February 26, 2020, 04:31:51 PM
Night and day difference between federal and hand loads.
What are the differences? I only shoot about a half a case of shotgun shells a year between ducks, turkey and maybe one dove hunt a year so i am truly curious.
Patterns will show difference. Federal tss normally pattern pretty poorly compared
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So payload and choke being equal, the charge weight and type of wad can effectively make a smooth bore shotgun more accurate?
Quote from: GMC on February 26, 2020, 03:53:27 PM
I just started loading this past week and got my shot and data from Hal. I've made four shells so far and the roll crimps on all of them are not the best(i used a hand drill). some are a little uneven and one has a little nic in it. I put them all together using the recipe exactly and was paying close attention while doing so. But I cant help but to think "what if" I messed something up. I plan on shooting them this weekend and to be honest I have a little anxiety about pulling that trigger on the first one. Is there any mistakes that other hand loaders have made that I should know about or anything specific i should cautious of while building my shells? Any advice from anyone with experience would be appreciated. Thanks!
I know you will be nervous the first time but you will be ok. Just pay attention to what you are doing. You will get faster and it will become a piece of cake. Also the more crimps you do , the better they will get. Reloading is not rocket science. Easy to do but pay attention and dont get complacent. Dont add or take anything to the load such as powder and shot. There is some tolerance there but the thing about reloading your shells is consistancy. After shooting your first round , inspect the spent hull for things like blown primers. Also if you can find the wad , look it over. They will show you if your too hot on the load and things like that. Enjoy yourself doing it and when you bust one in the beak with a load you loaded , you will have some personal satisfaction. Remember , you are loading a round that you can make nearly perfect unlike factory loads. Good luck.
Quote from: rdjustham on February 26, 2020, 05:38:32 PM
Quote from: wchadw on February 26, 2020, 05:28:53 PM
Quote from: rdjustham on February 26, 2020, 04:45:41 PM
Quote from: ol bob on February 26, 2020, 04:31:51 PM
Night and day difference between federal and hand loads.
What are the differences? I only shoot about a half a case of shotgun shells a year between ducks, turkey and maybe one dove hunt a year so i am truly curious.
Patterns will show difference. Federal tss normally pattern pretty poorly compared
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So payload and choke being equal, the charge weight and type of wad can effectively make a smooth bore shotgun more accurate?
May be their wad. But yes. Apex nitro hand loads all tend to pattern better in my testing out of same setup
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Quote from: rdjustham on February 26, 2020, 04:07:17 PM
Not trying to start and argument or a debate for or against just curious.
First let me say, I reload both rifle and handgun for numerous cartridges. I have two single stage presses and a progressive, along with digital scales, powder dumpers etc. I reload for rifles to get every bit of accuracy out of them i can. I reload for my ar15s because it used to be cheaper, pistols for varying reasons so i know the expense and am not opposed to it.
I saw where a price was posted of 52 dollars a pound for 9s, in a twenty gauge with 1 1/2 ounce pay load that would be roughly ten shells, at 5.20 a shell for just the payload, not counting primers, wads and hulls. I picked up federal 20 gauge 9s for 29.99 bucks a few months back which comes out to 5.99 a shell.
Is there really any savings that comes into play or is there another reason to reload shotguns if you are not a high volume shooter? Is the accuracy in a reloaded shotgun shell any better than factory as it can be in rifles?
Its really not about the savings. When many of us started loading them , you could not buy them because ammo companies was not loading it. I enjoy loading them and killing birds with a shell I made. I will continue to load them because I am controlling the process and I know that each one will be as close to perfect that you can get. This is my 2 cents.
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 26, 2020, 05:50:46 PM
Quote from: rdjustham on February 26, 2020, 04:07:17 PM
Not trying to start and argument or a debate for or against just curious.
First let me say, I reload both rifle and handgun for numerous cartridges. I have two single stage presses and a progressive, along with digital scales, powder dumpers etc. I reload for rifles to get every bit of accuracy out of them i can. I reload for my ar15s because it used to be cheaper, pistols for varying reasons so i know the expense and am not opposed to it.
I saw where a price was posted of 52 dollars a pound for 9s, in a twenty gauge with 1 1/2 ounce pay load that would be roughly ten shells, at 5.20 a shell for just the payload, not counting primers, wads and hulls. I picked up federal 20 gauge 9s for 29.99 bucks a few months back which comes out to 5.99 a shell.
Is there really any savings that comes into play or is there another reason to reload shotguns if you are not a high volume shooter? Is the accuracy in a reloaded shotgun shell any better than factory as it can be in rifles?
Its really not about the savings. When many of us started loading them , you could not buy them because ammo companies was not loading it. I enjoy loading them and killing birds with a shell I made. I will continue to load them because I am controlling the process and I know that each one will be as close to perfect that you can get. This is my 2 cents.
Ive got enough reloading stuff to know "savings" is what we tell out wives. Lol. Ive been loading my own deer loads for 20 years and take immense satisfaction knowing that when i send a round out 2-300 plus yards at what im shooting that its my round and just like the last one that went down the pipe. It makes sense for loading something yoy cant get commercially (i.e tss) but with it commercially available it makes sense to continue to load it with hand loads being more accurate. I just never realized with all things being equal you could still make a handload more accurate.
Thanks for the lesson.
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 26, 2020, 05:50:46 PM
Quote from: rdjustham on February 26, 2020, 04:07:17 PM
Not trying to start and argument or a debate for or against just curious.
First let me say, I reload both rifle and handgun for numerous cartridges. I have two single stage presses and a progressive, along with digital scales, powder dumpers etc. I reload for rifles to get every bit of accuracy out of them i can. I reload for my ar15s because it used to be cheaper, pistols for varying reasons so i know the expense and am not opposed to it.
I saw where a price was posted of 52 dollars a pound for 9s, in a twenty gauge with 1 1/2 ounce pay load that would be roughly ten shells, at 5.20 a shell for just the payload, not counting primers, wads and hulls. I picked up federal 20 gauge 9s for 29.99 bucks a few months back which comes out to 5.99 a shell.
Is there really any savings that comes into play or is there another reason to reload shotguns if you are not a high volume shooter? Is the accuracy in a reloaded shotgun shell any better than factory as it can be in rifles?
Its really not about the savings. When many of us started loading them , you could not buy them because ammo companies was not loading it. I enjoy loading them and killing birds with a shell I made. I will continue to load them because I am controlling the process and I know that each one will be as close to perfect that you can get. This is my 2 cents.
Very well said and agree. I got started prior to 20 ga TSS shells being commercially available but enjoy the satisfaction of killing a turkeyr with my own loads plus I control the process and components.
My season opens here in Ms in two weeks so I think I'm going to start piecing the equipment together and be ready to go for next season!
Quote from: GMC on February 26, 2020, 03:53:27 PM
I just started loading this past week and got my shot and data from Hal. I've made four shells so far and the roll crimps on all of them are not the best(i used a hand drill). some are a little uneven and one has a little nic in it. I put them all together using the recipe exactly and was paying close attention while doing so. But I cant help but to think "what if" I messed something up. I plan on shooting them this weekend and to be honest I have a little anxiety about pulling that trigger on the first one. Is there any mistakes that other hand loaders have made that I should know about or anything specific i should cautious of while building my shells? Any advice from anyone with experience would be appreciated. Thanks!
Don't worry about a rough looking crimp. As long as it is sealed, you'll be good. As spitten and drummen said, you'll get better at it with practice. I had a few early on that didn't have pretty crimps, but they've all performed equally, regardless of what the crimp looked like.
I'm sure you're doing this already, but in case, before you start applying pressure, let it spin for a little bit to warm up the hull before applying pressure. It will crimp easier, and be more precise.
Here's the stuff I bought to get started. Tried using a hand drill but wasn't happy with how it turned out. Used a drill press on the lowest possible speed setting and it turned out great.
Good to Have
Reloading Block - $10
Shell Case 3.5" 12g 25 Rounds - $4
Shot Dipper - $5
Buffer Dipper - $2
Dental Vibrator - $40
Needed
BPI Ballistic Scale 1500 Digital Scale - $30
Roll Crimper 12g – $40
Funnel - $3
So if you have a drill press or a hand drill and are convinced a hand drill is all you need you could get by with $75 for the tooling to get started. I'm big on consistency and quality control which is why I handload. I never got into it to save money but there is a savings there. Five 2.5oz shells from Apex are $58.49/$11.70 per shell. I can load 2.5ozers for $8.14 a shell.
For the buffer vibrater I use an old Dr. Scholls foot massager, works fast to settle the buffer.
one time I used one of those old vibrating football games I still had in the attic from when I was a kid.
lined the 20 gauges up against the 12 gauges and let it rip, 20gauges had the speed but the 12 gauges had the muscle
it was fun until 2 of them tipped over and the #8's mixed with the #9's
Quote from: Gobble! on February 27, 2020, 04:09:07 PM
Here's the stuff I bought to get started. Tried using a hand drill but wasn't happy with how it turned out. Used a drill press on the lowest possible speed setting and it turned out great.
Good to Have
Reloading Block - $10
Shell Case 3.5" 12g 25 Rounds - $4
Shot Dipper - $5
Buffer Dipper - $2
Dental Vibrator - $40
Needed
BPI Ballistic Scale 1500 Digital Scale - $30
Roll Crimper 12g – $40
Funnel - $3
So if you have a drill press or a hand drill and are convinced a hand drill is all you need you could get by with $75 for the tooling to get started. I'm big on consistency and quality control which is why I handload. I never got into it to save money but there is a savings there. Five 2.5oz shells from Apex are $58.49/$11.70 per shell. I can load 2.5ozers for $8.14 a shell.
Is there a difference in a shot dipper/ buffer dipper? Can you use the same one for both or even any type of scoop/spoon, just whatever?
Quote from: Gobble! on February 27, 2020, 04:09:07 PM
Here's the stuff I bought to get started. Tried using a hand drill but wasn't happy with how it turned out. Used a drill press on the lowest possible speed setting and it turned out great.
Good to Have
Reloading Block - $10
Shell Case 3.5" 12g 25 Rounds - $4
Shot Dipper - $5
Buffer Dipper - $2
Dental Vibrator - $40
Needed
BPI Ballistic Scale 1500 Digital Scale - $30
Roll Crimper 12g – $40
Funnel - $3
So if you have a drill press or a hand drill and are convinced a hand drill is all you need you could get by with $75 for the tooling to get started. I'm big on consistency and quality control which is why I handload. I never got into it to save money but there is a savings there. Five 2.5oz shells from Apex are $58.49/$11.70 per shell. I can load 2.5ozers for $8.14 a shell.
Couple ways to cut costs even more. If you have a drill you can drill out your own reloading block from a piece of left over wood. You can get used lee dippers (come in a pack of various sizes) on e-bay for next to nothing I paid 4 bucks for mine and use it for powder and buffer. Russian Roll crimper for 12 gauge or 20g for 10 to 15 bucks. They work very well. Most any vibrator will work and again ebay . However be forewarned if you just search vibrator you will end up in the adult section. Hull vise, nice to have but not really necessary. Hull trimmer is easily made as is hull vise. Videos on you tube. You can even make your overshot cards our of plastic or cardboard using a punch from Harbor freight.
It is very helpful if you already reload and then you already have your scale and funnel. Also on the scale you do not have to have a digital one. A 10 10 or 5 5 works fine. Although I do use a digital scale but reload rifle with an RCBS 10 10. On the drill press it is not necessary but but works much better than a hand held drill. Drill press provides a steady platform to crimp. I was making perfect crimps after just a few tries. I did not trim my hulls enough on the first two attempts.
Rolling your own is easy and fun to do. It started out before the manufactures jumped on the wagon. Now we are starting to see many manufactures making TSS and all you have to deal with is supply and demand and quality. You cannot go wrong with TSS either hand loaded or manufactured although I think hand loaded has an edge in quality. But if I were to shoot five or six shells of TSS per Turkey season I would just buy Factory. I"m shooting more then a few like twenty or thirty I would hand load. I also only hand load for my TC 20g as I believe that TSS in a 12g is overkill. I shoot #5 LB in my 12g even though I could hand load TSS for my 12g.
Finally I wanted to mention cost. It is just my opinion but I can only laugh when I hear someone complaining about cost. I feel that good ammo is one of the most important aspects of hunting and will spend what ever it costs to have what ever I think is the best. Be it rifle, shotgun or bow. It is fun to try and cut costs in reloading TSS but be sure you have the right equipment that works to provide the perfect end product. Just my 2 cents. (Enjoyed this topic).
Quote from: RiverRoost on February 27, 2020, 08:01:18 PM
Quote from: Gobble! on February 27, 2020, 04:09:07 PM
Here's the stuff I bought to get started. Tried using a hand drill but wasn't happy with how it turned out. Used a drill press on the lowest possible speed setting and it turned out great.
Good to Have
Reloading Block - $10
Shell Case 3.5" 12g 25 Rounds - $4
Shot Dipper - $5
Buffer Dipper - $2
Dental Vibrator - $40
Needed
BPI Ballistic Scale 1500 Digital Scale - $30
Roll Crimper 12g – $40
Funnel - $3
So if you have a drill press or a hand drill and are convinced a hand drill is all you need you could get by with $75 for the tooling to get started. I'm big on consistency and quality control which is why I handload. I never got into it to save money but there is a savings there. Five 2.5oz shells from Apex are $58.49/$11.70 per shell. I can load 2.5ozers for $8.14 a shell.
Is there a difference in a shot dipper/ buffer dipper? Can you use the same one for both or even any type of scoop/spoon, just whatever?
Neck on the buffer bottle is small. Lee dippers come in a box of various sizes. I like a larger dipper for powder and shot and the small one for buffer. Suppose you could you could use a small dipper for both but would be slow. Could use a spoon for powder but would not work as well as a dipper. Dippers are very inexpensive. Lee is the standard.
Starting to put stuff in my midway USA cart. What about powder dispensing? Just a plain old trickler or which style?
Quote from: RiverRoost on February 27, 2020, 10:33:42 PM
Starting to put stuff in my midway USA cart. What about powder dispensing? Just a plain old trickler or which style?
I bought a trickler, used it once and it seemed to slow me down. Just scoop with the dipper and tap it in.
Instead of a dental vibrator, I use a set of clippers that trim my beard with. Does the trick!
I broke down and bought a 60 buck drill press from harbor freight. Roll crimped 8 in about 3 or 4 minutes. The rolls look factory. Much much better than hand drill. Love it.
You guys got me very interested . Any videos yall would recommend? So far i know zero about loading.
I do have a decent drill press and a shop full of carpenter tools.
Quote from: strum on March 03, 2020, 04:54:42 PM
You guys got me very interested . Any videos yall would recommend? So far i know zero about loading.
I do have a decent drill press and a shop full of carpenter tools.
No video needed. If you order your shot from Hal , he will give you the loads and tell you how to do it. It is very easy to do. You do not have to know anything about handloading to figure it out. Also you can email him any wuestions and he will get back to you pretty quick.
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on March 03, 2020, 05:03:25 PM
Quote from: strum on March 03, 2020, 04:54:42 PM
You guys got me very interested . Any videos yall would recommend? So far i know zero about loading.
I do have a decent drill press and a shop full of carpenter tools.
No video needed. If you order your shot from Hal , he will give you the loads and tell you how to do it. It is very easy to do. You do not have to know anything about handloading to figure it out. Also you can email him any wuestions and he will get back to you pretty quick.
Thanks . I did find a video so at least i see what we are talking about how do I get up with Hal? Then I may wanna do this just for the fun of it . I didnt see anything complicated at all and I can make some of the stuff no problem.
Quote from: strum on March 03, 2020, 04:54:42 PM
You guys got me very interested . Any videos yall would recommend? So far i know zero about loading.
I do have a decent drill press and a shop full of carpenter tools.
there is a very good youtube video on loading TSS by 01foreman400
Quote from: strum on March 03, 2020, 05:28:07 PM
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on March 03, 2020, 05:03:25 PM
Quote from: strum on March 03, 2020, 04:54:42 PM
You guys got me very interested . Any videos yall would recommend? So far i know zero about loading.
I do have a decent drill press and a shop full of carpenter tools.
No video needed. If you order your shot from Hal , he will give you the loads and tell you how to do it. It is very easy to do. You do not have to know anything about handloading to figure it out. Also you can email him any wuestions and he will get back to you pretty quick.
Thanks . I did find a video so at least i see what we are talking about how do I get up with Hal? Then I may wanna do this just for the fun of it . I didnt see anything complicated at all and I can make some of the stuff no problem.
He's on Facebook, Hal Abbot.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200306/7d65ea55180e984d49d5a01d9fc58778.jpg)
Here's a pic of a few freshly loaded shells, and the tools I use.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nice! Those hand crimps look as good as any I've ever seen out of a drill press.
What's the beard trimmer for
Quote from: RiverRoost on March 05, 2020, 09:47:40 PM
What's the beard trimmer for
The kid needed a hair cut ?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: WV Ridge Reaper on March 05, 2020, 09:49:14 PM
Quote from: RiverRoost on March 05, 2020, 09:47:40 PM
What's the beard trimmer for
The kid needed a hair cut ?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
HA! I use the beard trimmer to vibrate the buffer into the shot. Most recommend a dental vibrator, but I can't imagine anything working better than this does. If you don't already have one, you can pick one up at Walmart for $10-$15 as opposed to spending $50-$60 on a dental vibrator.
Quote from: Spurs Up on March 05, 2020, 08:20:12 PM
Nice! Those hand crimps look as good as any I've ever seen out of a drill press.
Appreciate it. It took a little bit to figure out how to do it consistently. Took me about 10 or so to start getting consistent with it when I started last year. I have found that it helps immensely to get the crimper tool on there, let it spin pretty fast for 5-6 seconds without applying any pressure (other than to get it seated on there good), and then slow down the drill speed and slowly apply the pressure. If you have to stop and go a few times to check to see if you have a good seal on the crimp, that's fine. Doesn't effect it at all.
Quote from: Big Jeremy on March 06, 2020, 10:46:45 AM
Quote from: WV Ridge Reaper on March 05, 2020, 09:49:14 PM
Quote from: RiverRoost on March 05, 2020, 09:47:40 PM
What's the beard trimmer for
The kid needed a hair cut ?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
HA! I use the beard trimmer to vibrate the buffer into the shot. Most recommend a dental vibrator, but I can't imagine anything working better than this does. If you don't already have one, you can pick one up at Walmart for $10-$15 as opposed to spending $50-$60 on a dental vibrator.
I use a $12 G spot vibrator.
Anyone hand loading .410 TSS?? I have a Mec sizemaster already set up for 3" .410, seems like loading TSS wouldn't be much of a stretch.
FOLLOWING
It , has cost me around 500 dollars , i think or maybe little more in getting my stock of Apex shells .. :TooFunny:
Quote from: Greg Massey on March 10, 2020, 02:18:46 PM
It , has cost me around 500 dollars , i think or maybe little more in getting my stock of Apex shells .. :TooFunny:
Is that a life time supply? You must kill a lot of birds.
I'm loading Hal's 2 3/4 Federal 2oz #9. Using the clear plastic overshot disc. I've been applying a thin layer of clear nail polish for added moisture protection. Is this what most of y'all do? I prefer the plastic over the paper, for that reason. Lots of rainy spring days here usually.
Quote from: Goblen on March 12, 2020, 06:34:48 PM
I'm loading Hal's 2 3/4 Federal 2oz #9. Using the clear plastic overshot disc. I've been applying a thin layer of clear nail polish for added moisture protection. Is this what most of y'all do? I prefer the plastic over the paper, for that reason. Lots of rainy spring days here usually.
Yes. Any color will work...
Quote from: Goblen on March 12, 2020, 06:34:48 PM
I'm loading Hal's 2 3/4 Federal 2oz #9. Using the clear plastic overshot disc. I've been applying a thin layer of clear nail polish for added moisture protection. Is this what most of y'all do? I prefer the plastic over the paper, for that reason. Lots of rainy spring days here usually.
Been meaning to try Hal's 2/4 but currently using 3" and 1 5/8 which gives a very nice pattern in #9's and #4's. 2 oz seems like a lot of pellets to me. I have been cutting plastic over shot cards from plastic using a set of hollow punches from Harbor freight. Have not used nail polish but sounds like a good idea.
Lot of talk about vibrators: I just use the vibrating brass tumbler I use for loading bottle neck cases. Works extremely well.
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 13, 2020, 06:06:36 PM
Quote from: Goblen on March 12, 2020, 06:34:48 PM
I'm loading Hal's 2 3/4 Federal 2oz #9. Using the clear plastic overshot disc. I've been applying a thin layer of clear nail polish for added moisture protection. Is this what most of y'all do? I prefer the plastic over the paper, for that reason. Lots of rainy spring days here usually.
Been meaning to try Hal's 2/4 but currently using 3" and 1 5/8 which gives a very nice pattern in #9's and #4's. 2 oz seems like a lot of pellets to me. I have been cutting plastic over shot cards from plastic using a set of hollow punches from Harbor freight. Have not used nail polish but sounds like a good idea.
Lot of talk about vibrators: I just use the vibrating brass tumbler I use for loading bottle neck cases. Works extremely well.
There really inexpensive so I never considered making any.
Seem to be good quality too.
https://www.ballisticproducts.com/mobile/12ga-Clear-Overshot-Disk-500_bag/productinfo/COS12/
https://www.precisionreloading.com/cart.php#!l=TUW&i=GC
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200313/d84fca3d2e41c0f4dd264e7b109b5027.jpg)
They are cheap but I wanted the punches for another project and then figured out how easy it is to just punch them out. Lot of folks on here concerned about cost and this is just another way to save pennies. Amazing thing about loading TSS is that most of the equipment is easily made or relatively cheap to purchase. This may change as this Corona virus continues to spread and shut down commerce. TSS may get much more expensive in the near future.