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What did you do today in the world of reloading?

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  • unicom

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    I thought about building my own but found this hidden behind some stuff just sitting there. It’s foldable which is nice if I need to store it. I’m going to give it a go. I may still build my own. It seems to have some weight on the other side but I will find out how well it’s weighted when I start reloading.


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    rotor

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    IMG_2354.JPG
    I took a closer look. That's closer to what I want than I thought at first. But, $200?!

    I was just looking and couldn't find Lee dies for 32 acp. But, I can find Hornady dies. So, I guess it can be done, maybe.
    I bought the Lee set for .32acp but it is a 3 die set and I ordered the factory crimp die separately. They work well. I load .32acp with Lehigh defender bullets. I use new brass as I am just too lazy to try to pick up .32acp brass. This brass is kind of fragile so I don't try to activate a powder drop using the brass. I manually drop the powder into the casing using a Lee perfect powder dispenser and an adaptor to the powder die. If you are interested I will post info on adaptors and Lee stock numbers.
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    Dancing Heretik

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    View attachment 202797
    I bought the Lee set for .32acp but it is a 3 die set and I ordered the factory crimp die separately. They work well. I load .32acp with Lehigh defender bullets. I use new brass as I am just too lazy to try to pick up .32acp brass. This brass is kind of fragile so I don't try to activate a powder drop using the brass. I manually drop the powder into the casing using a Lee perfect powder dispenser and an adaptor to the powder die. If you are interested I will post info on adaptors and Lee stock numbers. View attachment 202797
    Of course. I'll take all the info you can give me. I also don't know anything about buying ANY of the supplies yet.

    The supplies for 32 acp and 32 s&w long are apparently not the most common. But, that makes them the most worth doing. It's expensive to buy ammo that's not common.

    I don't understand. Is all 32 acp brass fragile, or do you just buy one that's more fragile?
     

    rp-

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    I don't understand. Is all 32 acp brass fragile, or do you just buy one that's more fragile?

    The smaller brass like 32 calibers are naturally going to be a little easier to crush while trying to load them. It's normal to lose a few because you crush them. Either they don't line up right with the die or the bullet doesn't seat right and splits the case. It's pretty annoying when it happens but it happens to everyone. I bet Deavis even looses some running through his $6 million dollar bionic machines. Don't worry too much about that though. Don't let it put you off.

    As for supplies, online vendors are you're best option. Shop around. I always go between 3-4 sites. Midway, Natchez, Cabela's (because they're local), armorally (bulk), Graf's, American reloading.

    Graf's is great because they have $8 shipping on your order and the prices are still reasonable. Arm or Ally is great because they do bulk projectiles. Keep in mind one site might have things for $2 cheaper but the shipping is $5 more. I recommend adding everything to your cart and going to checkout to add shipping. Then check with the others and see who's cheapest overall.

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    rp-

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    Well it finally happened. I am out of the Cabela's s&b pistol primers that were on sale for $20 years ago. I had to buy a couple trays at academy for $4. I felt so dirty like an addict crawling back for more.

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    rotor

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    Of course. I'll take all the info you can give me. I also don't know anything about buying ANY of the supplies yet.

    The supplies for 32 acp and 32 s&w long are apparently not the most common. But, that makes them the most worth doing. It's expensive to buy ammo that's not common.

    I don't understand. Is all 32 acp brass fragile, or do you just buy one that's more fragile?

    Lee Carbife 3 die set 32 acp 90622
    Lee Factory crimp die 32 acp 90067

    Lee Perfect Powder Measure 90058
    Adaptor to use with Lee powder drop die http://uniquetek.com/product/T1370-LEE

    The 32 acp brass is not more fragile per se but when using the Lee powder die the case acts as an actuator to cause the powder measure to drop the powder and I find that the cases because they are small tend to deform during the process. Other presses may use a different mechanism but the Lee die can either accept a straight drop of powder or use the case to activate a drop of powder with one of their powder dispensers. The Lee powder die flares the neck and the way I have it set up also loads the powder, the only difference is that I actuate the powder drop with the handle on the Lee Perfect powder measure. You could also just use a small funnel. My adaptor is faster.

    I bought Starline .32acp brass at MidwayUSA. I load the LeHigh defense bullets but one can do whatever bullet one likes. I find that the Lee Classic Turret is the most convenient for me. For a bench I have the Harbor Freight bench which is very solid and when on sale is about $110. Then you need powder, primers, calibers, I use a case gauge for everything, UniqueTek is the only place to get one for .32ACP. Eventually you need a chronograph, electronic scales, lots of stuff. Realize that this is a hobby and you need time and money to save some money (maybe). If you load rifle though you can really save money and customize your loads.
    Have fun.

    This of course is only the beginning. If you need help let me know.
     
    Last edited:

    deemus

    my mama says I'm special
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    I tried reloading 32acp, but they are just too small for me to handle. 380 is as small as I can easily work with.
     

    rotor

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    I tried reloading 32acp, but they are just too small for me to handle. 380 is as small as I can easily work with.
    I agree somewhat. With the way I have it set up in my picture above it is almost as easy as 9mm. Critical though is that I reload 9mm which means I pick up brass , clean it, etc. but with .32acp I do not reload, I load using new brass. On the Lehigh defense loads I save money (I tell myself). Since the only thing I had to purchase as far as reloading equipment was the die set and case gauge I am trying to convince myself that I am saving money. I enjoy it though and that has value.
     

    Dawico

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    I agree somewhat. With the way I have it set up in my picture above it is almost as easy as 9mm. Critical though is that I reload 9mm which means I pick up brass , clean it, etc. but with .32acp I do not reload, I load using new brass. On the Lehigh defense loads I save money (I tell myself). Since the only thing I had to purchase as far as reloading equipment was the die set and case gauge I am trying to convince myself that I am saving money. I enjoy it though and that has value.

    Deemus isn't your average reloader working on a bench at his house.

    Many times what he says doesn't pertain to a lot of us.

    In case you didn't know he is a big time commercial loader.
     

    deemus

    my mama says I'm special
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    Deemus isn't your average reloader working on a bench at his house.

    Many times what he says doesn't pertain to a lot of us.

    In case you didn't know he is a big time commercial loader.

    I think you have me confused with Deavis.

    I don't do 32 because my hands are big and I have a hard time getting my hand inside my turret press to sit the bullet on the case.
     

    Dancing Heretik

    Active Member
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    3   0   0
    Aug 8, 2018
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    San Antonio, TX
    The smaller brass like 32 calibers are naturally going to be a little easier to crush while trying to load them. It's normal to lose a few because you crush them. Either they don't line up right with the die or the bullet doesn't seat right and splits the case. It's pretty annoying when it happens but it happens to everyone. I bet Deavis even looses some running through his $6 million dollar bionic machines. Don't worry too much about that though. Don't let it put you off.

    As for supplies, online vendors are you're best option. Shop around. I always go between 3-4 sites. Midway, Natchez, Cabela's (because they're local), armorally (bulk), Graf's, American reloading.

    Graf's is great because they have $8 shipping on your order and the prices are still reasonable. Arm or Ally is great because they do bulk projectiles. Keep in mind one site might have things for $2 cheaper but the shipping is $5 more. I recommend adding everything to your cart and going to checkout to add shipping. Then check with the others and see who's cheapest overall.

    Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk
    Lee Carbife 3 die set 32 acp 90622
    Lee Factory crimp die 32 acp 90067

    Lee Perfect Powder Measure 90058
    Adaptor to use with Lee powder drop die http://uniquetek.com/product/T1370-LEE

    The 32 acp brass is not more fragile per se but when using the Lee powder die the case acts as an actuator to cause the powder measure to drop the powder and I find that the cases because they are small tend to deform during the process. Other presses may use a different mechanism but the Lee die can either accept a straight drop of powder or use the case to activate a drop of powder with one of their powder dispensers. The Lee powder die flares the neck and the way I have it set up also loads the powder, the only difference is that I actuate the powder drop with the handle on the Lee Perfect powder measure. You could also just use a small funnel. My adaptor is faster.

    I bought Starline .32acp brass at MidwayUSA. I load the LeHigh defense bullets but one can do whatever bullet one likes. I find that the Lee Classic Turret is the most convenient for me. For a bench I have the Harbor Freight bench which is very solid and when on sale is about $110. Then you need powder, primers, calibers, I use a case gauge for everything, UniqueTek is the only place to get one for .32ACP. Eventually you need a chronograph, electronic scales, lots of stuff. Realize that this is a hobby and you need time and money to save some money (maybe). If you load rifle though you can really save money and customize your loads.
    Have fun.

    This of course is only the beginning. If you need help let me know.
    I finally have a list with prices and links. My head is spinning with all the decisions to make.

    The very first decision is which press to buy. I want the Lee portable press for convenience because I'm not sure where I'm going to find space for all this. Yet, the turret press looks the most practical to me. I liked it as soon as I saw it.

    In the end, if I stick with this, it wouldn't be a waste to buy both. The portable one could end up being used while sitting around watching TV, for the stuff that doesn't involve any powders. Like de-priming.

    Thank you for all your help. I'm sure I'll have lots more questions.

    ETA: Now my brother is trying to talk me out of it. Don't confuse me!
     

    rp-

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    I worked for Deavis a few days. That guys got more brass laying around than you could use in a lifetime!

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    Oldbluered

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    Oct 18, 2019
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    I'm still new to reloading but have a Lee turret press and loaded some last night.

    100 rounds .380, with Berry's 100 grain bullets and 4.6 grains Accurate #5

    200 rounds 9mm, with Berry's 124 grain bullets and 5.9 grains Accurate #5
     
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