Getting Started in Handloading with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit

[shanneba]

Looking at the picture they seem to like Dillion
Many die boxes that look like Redding
I also see a familiar Bonanza / Forrester CO-AX press.

An NRA Shooting Sports Journal | Getting Started in Handloading with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit

There is one critical item that often gets overlooked as folks talk about interesting topics such as reloading die brands and types, scale types and brands. And, what might that item be?

www.ssusa.org

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

I do see several progressive presses which can make volume quicker, but single stage for better precision/accuracy. Some powder measures/meters more accurately thru progressive measurers than others. I have done some accurate cartridges with a progressive press. Some progressive types are hunting accurate, but not as much prc accurate. Maybe me going slow and steady made what I produced accurate enough?

 

[shanneba]

Another article from a few years ago, 1998 / reprinted in 2016, the USMC Pistol team was using Dillion progressive presses for pistol ammo.

"Ten shot groups in the neighborhood of 1” center-to-center at 50 yards are the norm in the USMC match prepared 1911 pistols when fired out of a machine rest."

"Marine match ammunition specialists handloaded approximately 58,000 rounds of .45 ACP match ammo for the USMC Pistol Team in 1997."

An NRA Shooting Sports Journal | USMC Match .45 Load

The .45 ACP 1911 automatic pistol can buck in your hand like a half-crazed bronco on steroids.

www.ssusa.org

 

[Faulkner]

I remember when I started researching about reloading in the mid '90's I got two pieces of advice I remember well;

1. Find a local reloading buddy or mentor who can help you learn from their mistakes. This was really good advice and I eventually found a local mentor who was a big help.

2. Start out on a single stage so you can learn the basics first. I am so glad I skipped this advice and went with a new Dillon 550B. Nothing wrong with a single stage, but you don't need one just to learn on, and I was able to figure out the basics on my progressive.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

I remember when I started researching about reloading in the mid '90's I got two pieces of advice I remember well;

1. Find a local reloading buddy or mentor who can help you learn from their mistakes. This was really good advice and I eventually found a local mentor who was a big help.

2. Start out on a single stage so you can learn the basics first. I am so glad I skipped this advice and went with a new Dillon 550B. Nothing wrong with a single stage, but you don't need one just to learn on, and I was able to figure out the basics on my progressive.

Until I got comfortable with the progressive, I used it like a single stage for a while.

 

[powerboatr]

i see lots of dillion progressives
i use a square deal b since 06 great machine and dillion support of the cats meow
at 20 k loads run through machine, i replaced all the wear items, even though they were still looking new

 

[powerboatr]

i see lots of dillion progressives
i use a square deal b since 06 great machine and dillion support of the cats meow
at 20 k loads run through machine, i replaced all the wear items, even though they were still looking new

typ o 23k rounds through the dillion

 

[youngolddude]

I only load handgun cartridges (in multiple cartridges). My Dillon 650 has the case feeder and is my favorite machine. I have a Dillon SD in .380 and one in .45 acp as dedicated machines. They put out good ammo, but not as easily or quickly as on the 650. The Square Deals have proprietary dies. I use Lee dies on the 650 and like their factory crimp die a lot.
I load shotgun shells when I have to on a MEC Sizemaster. I don't do enough to justify a spendy machine.

 

[USMC1911]

I am a big fan of Dillon. Their costumer service is top notch. I have a few SD’s and two 650’s. I load 9mm,.380,.38’s,.45’s and 40’s.

 

[Sargfirst]

I remember when I started researching about reloading in the mid '90's I got two pieces of advice I remember well;

1. Find a local reloading buddy or mentor who can help you learn from their mistakes. This was really good advice and I eventually found a local mentor who was a big help.

2. Start out on a single stage so you can learn the basics first. I am so glad I skipped this advice and went with a new Dillon 550B. Nothing wrong with a single stage, but you don't need one just to learn on, and I was able to figure out the basics on my progressive.

Until I got comfortable with the progressive, I used it like a single stage for a while.

I learned two things with reloading, (1)never reload for any one else, (2) never shoot anyones reloads. Any problem they encounter it will always be your reloads.... I also was a Marksmanship Cordinator with a Combat Engineer Battalion befor retireing

 

[youngolddude]

I must be getting senile. I found a tool head stand with a 9mm setup on it and a 650 caliber conversion in my loading area. Sheesh! I honestly don't recall buying it. Now where did I put my mind at, it must be around somewhere?
Time to dial it in and get busy