Earlier this year I found myself in a bit of a predicament. I wanted to continue shooting USPSA but factory ammo was scarce and, what was available was rather expensive. If I wanted to continue to shoot I would either need to sell an organ to cover the cost of ammo or start reloading.
Since I’m kind of fond of my insides, I needed to begin taking the steps to reload my own ammunition. The first step in the process would be finding a suitable place to setup my future press. The less than ideal but better than any other place was my unfinished basement.
The prime spot in my basement was being occupied by my former beer-fridge. This wasn’t just any refrigerator, this was the Cadillac of Fridges in the 1960’s (or so I like to think). It was built like a tank and weighed as much as a small automobile. Disposing of it would be a problem.
Since my township requires a certified technician to remove the refrigerant (and place a sticker on it) for disposal, I needed to get creative. I waited for my electric supplier to start up a rebate program then signed up. They would dispose of my working refrigerator and give me a $50 rebate check for using less electricity. Since it hadn’t been plugged in in over a year, this was an all-around win for me.
With the refrigerator out of the picture, I needed something to bolt my press to. I was going to build a simple bench but luck struck. My employer was renovating their showroom and I was able to score a laminate cabinet that was destined for the dumpster.
Before setting the cabinet, I built a stud wall and began wiring it for electric. I’m at the point now where I’m just about ready to cover the wall and hang a light fixture.
In the meantime, I ordered a Dillon RL 550B from Brian Enos. The press has arrived and I’m coming down the home stretch. I expect to have the wall finished, cabinet set, and press setup by the end of the long weekend.
I have a thousands bullets from Black Bullets International (the old coating – I ordered them months ago when I first wanted to start reloading) and a pound of Clays (I bought it at the same time as the bullets).
I have enough factory ammo to shoot Ontelaunee USPSA this month then I’ll be pretty much out. I expect to have rounds loaded and ready for testing prior to the next match (I’m not sure if that will be Lower Providence or Southern Chester – it all depends on my schedule). I’m not sure how I’m going to chrono the rounds just yet but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. I’m hoping I know someone with a chronograph that I can meet up with at a local range.
Walt, I have a chronograph you can use. Some time we need to go scouting for this upcoming season. There is a public range there to use. When testing loads I used to take four or five different combinations of 5 shells each. That way it make the trip to the range worth while. Now I load a shell go out back shot it then go back in and load another. You could try that (Lol).
Welcome to the world of reloading. You may find it a rewarding or, frustrating hobby. Before you decide to dump your life savings into reloading equipment do take serious note …
POWDER has been absent for almost two years now with no relief in sight! You may be sitting on a trashcan full of cleaned and primed brass. You may have cans full of your own cast bullets. You might have several cases of primers on the shelf … BUT … all for naught as you can’t beg, borrow, steal a pound of powder to save your life!
While you wait, and search in vain … take the time to study the process in detail. There are many websites with tons of information and much to learn.
Selling an organ to cover the cost of ammo does not sound like a pleasant option. It’s good you were able to make it work.