Start reloading for one cartridge?

[dakota.potts]

Trying to make an informed decision on a project I'm thinking about starting. Looking into a vetterli rifle to convert to semi automatic and refinish externally as part of my gunsmithing projects. Of course the 10.4/.41 Swiss is not exactly a readily available cartridge and would require either reloading or paying one of the few exotic ammo makers out there to get cartridges.

I'm just wondering what it would cost to get set up with a single stage reloading process for a single cartridge like that. Would likely only load it with black powder (even though smokeless loads are out there) because that's what it was originally loaded with.

I'm buying a small lathe here very soon and a workbench to put it on, so I will have a small amount of bench space and I can use the lathe as a trimming tool if need be. I am decently well inclined with a manner of different tools.

I don't anticipate loading more than 50 or 100 rounds at a time, fairly few and far between. Just trying to decide if it's worth investing in a project like that in general to be able to shoot it or if I should look for a different project to work on.

I might also at some point load for 7.62 NATO, 9mm, or .380 if I already had a loading set up, but I'm not particularly driven to do so otherwise. I doubt I would really bother loading 7.62X54R, 7.62X39, or .223 for the time being

 

[Clark]

I would start with the 380 or 9mm because they are straight walls.
They can be sized without lube in carbide dies.
They do not need to be trimmed.
There is no question of how far to push the shoulder back.
I would buy this press
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/403729/rcbs-partner-single-stage-press
I would buy these dies
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/885350/lee-deluxe-carbide-4-die-set-9mm-luger
I would buy this measure with the large drum
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1458295370/rcbs-uniflow-powder-measure
I would buy this scale
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/232621/rcbs-m500-magnetic-powder-scale
I would buy these calipers
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R8ZUG4
Almost done.
Need pistol powder, small pistol primers, and 9mm bullets.
I would probably get Power Pistol powder, any small pistol primers I could find, and any 115 gr JHP bullets I could find.
Then
Size and decap the once fire brass you saved with the sizer die, shell holder that came with the dies, and the press, all in one step.
Then I would prime the case with the press.
Then I would measure the powder with the scale and pour it into the case.
Then I would seat the bullet with the seater die.
Then I would check that over all length is right with the calipers.
Then I would run the loaded round through the factory crimp die.
Ready to shoot.

 

[AzShooter]

First, can you find brass for it? How about bullets?

No problem with a press, get a LEE. They are strong and easy to use. A single stage is the way to go. Loading 50 - 100 cases won't take you long at all.

 

[hartcreek]

Clark....read his post again......

Brass and dies are the first priority for an exotic. Once you have those then you can have a bullet mold made and cast your own.

 

[dakota.potts]

Brass can be obtained at a high cost or converted from 8mm level or .348 Winchester. Soft lead .44 mag bullets can be used, though there is a larger variation in bore size than in modern guns. Lee does make dies which are currently available online and other companies sometimes do a small production run of said dies. There is also a small shop making custom obsolete ammo from whom I can get complete cartridges and reload the fired cases

Gives me something to think about. Seems the costs of starting up are not too horrendous

 

[Clark]

hartcreek
Clark....read his post again......
Brass and dies are the first priority for an exotic. Once you have those then you can have a bullet mold made and cast your own.

I was thinking baby steps.
My wife had never seen a car worked on, but bought wrenches, a book, and replaced her overhead cam by herself while living in a dorm.

I worked my way up to eventually changing a spare tire.
I believe in baby steps.