[azasadny]

I started reloading my own ammo last fall. My friend and fellow Pelican Tab Tanner got me started and gave me an old Lyman Spar-T turret press, books and some gear. I bought some additional stuff and after Tab gave me some instruction, I started reloading 9mm, .45ACP, .40S&W and .223 I've gone to the range about once per week to test out my loads and every single round has performed perfectly. My accuracy is improving and I'm enjoying shooting more now that I'm making my own ammo. I'm getting brass from the range and my brother is range officer at his police dept, so that helps. I'm using 2 Lyman turret presses and Lee Carbide dies and am very happy with them. I hand prime with an RCBS primer and I use a Lyman digital scale, Lyman T55 Powder Measure and Lyman digital caliper.

I'm very cautious and follow the recipes exactly, no "modifying" anything! I have a Universal bench with a Dillon 600 Swager that really helps me reload military .223 (removes the primer crimp). Next winter I will probably buy a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press, but I'm glad I started with a turret press so I can understand each step along the way. I was looking for a new winter hobby and this fits the bill perfectly! My father has given me a few pistols (S&W Model 645 in .45ACP and a S&W Model 59 in 9mm (son's)) and I've got a Sig P239 in 9mm and a Beretta 92FS in 9mm. My Colt Sporter AR15 fires my reloads without a hiccup, so I'm satisfied with the results. Thanks to many here who have given me excellent advice (Jeff Higgins and others).