30 Luger Reloading Costs

[mrerick]

But sheepherder IS Rich!!!!!

If considering getting into reloading, it's important to understand that the bottleneck cartridges like the .30 Luger are a bit more complex to reload than straight walled cartridges like the 9mm.

If beginning in reloading, it is wise to first start with straight walled cartridges like the 9mm and .45acp that headspace on the cartridge mouth, and then progress to the bottleneck (which headspace on the neck).

When lubricating bottleneck cartridge cases, ensure that you don't overuse lubricant - which can deform cases under the hydraulic pressure built up in resizing dies.

Many considering reloading for the .30 Luger cartridge have already been reloading other calibers - so the incremental costs are less since dies and components are all that need be acquired.

What are the favorite bullets (currently available) for .30 Luger? Any FMJ in particular?

[kurusu]

Originally Posted by mrerick

But sheepherder IS Rich!!!!!

How very true.


Hmm, sorry, couldn't help it.

[rhuff]

I enjoy going to the range 1-2/week, so I go through a fair amount of ammo over a years time. I shoot .22cal through 45LC, and pretty much everything in between. If I did not handload, my shooting would definitely be curtailed due to the price of the ammo. I started handloading back in the "dark ages" and have paid for my reloading equipment many times over when comparing the cost of my handloads to new ammo. I am retired now, and have more time, but I enjoy handloading. I like the thought of taking rejected brass(by many shooters), and handloading it to better ammo than it was originally, for about 1/2 the cost, or less. It is a sense of accomplishment for me.

Handloading is not for everyone. If you are not a bit OCD, then perhaps you should stay away. You are handling explosive(primers) and flammable(powder) components, and if put together incorrectly, will lead to a kaboom that can/will damage gun and possibly shooter. One has to keep their head in the game and focus on the job.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by rhuff

You are handling explosive(primers) and flammable(powder) components, and if put together incorrectly, will lead to a kaboom that can/will damage gun and possibly shooter....

I would add that the above goes for the actual reloading as well. In another thread I mentioned primers backing out due to tight bullets and air pressure forcing the primer out while seating the bullet. I have had it happen that after I had primed, charged with powder, and seated the bullet, the completed cartridge would not slide out of the shell holder. The partially backed-out primer was holding it in.

I thought about it for a while, then decided that the shell holder + cartridge would fit in my kinetic bullet puller. It successfully extracted the bullet & powder, and I could then put the case + holder back in the press and push the primer back up. I threw that case away, but from then on, whenever adding powder to a primed case, I wear safety glasses.

Just in case...