Need advice on getting started reloading

Smithfan · #1 04-27-2009, 05:53 PM

I'm thinking very seriously of getting into reloading this year, and I'm curious:

What are the best manuals for the beginner to pick up regarding equipment, procedures, etc? I'll probably start cheap and if things work out, maybe get into a progressive reloader later on.

I'll likely be reloading for both rifle and pistol, with .44 mag/.44 spcl, .357 mag/.38 spcl and possibly .45 ACP to start. On the rifle side, certainly .300 Sav and .30-06, with forays into .25-06, .358 Win. and some other calibers later.

Roughly what kind of money should I be paying for which new stuff, and which used equipment might be the better deal? Brass is not a serious issue immediately -- unless older brass is somehow unsafe, since my shooting partner and I have been saving all brass for the last several years.

I have come here since this is obviously where the knowledgeable folks are found. Any and all advice gratefully appreciated.

Many thanks,

Bill

JD 500 · #2 04-27-2009, 06:02 PM

Click here

and here

Here's a long one

socal s&w · #3 04-27-2009, 08:22 PM

The Lyman reloading book would be a great start, not only does it have load data in it, it also goes through the steps and reasons why.
Speer, Hornady and Sierra are also good resources, you can never have too many references or manuals when it comes to reloading.
Many of the powder manufacturer's also have excellent reloading information in their pamphlets and books.
Your idea of a cheaper press is a decent one, there are millions of reloaders out there that have learned a great deal on a single stage press. It's better to go slow when learning, especially with something so volatile.
The best advice that I can give you is consistency, do the same thing every time you load, without missing, skipping or short-cutting any steps. That is when problem arise, and do not be distracted while doing so.
As for cost, I would likely look to used equipment, if you can find any right now. Of course the same problem is for new, many items are not available right now. I would imagine that just for the single stage press and dies, you'd be looking at couple C-notes for used. For new that same set up is in the $300 neighborhood.
If you want items beyond that, say a tumbler or vibratory cleaner, that will run about $100 or so. Scale, which is an absolute must, a beam would be less than $100 a digital from $40-$180, this is for new, but again, used is not a bad thing. (Some of the digi's have issues though, so for a newbie, perhaps a beam is the way to go.)
Right now, bullets and powder are not too tough to find, although not cheap. Primers on the other hand are like hens teeth, you will pay dearly for any that you find and the price will likely go up even more. Primers are becoming the most expensive reloading component.
I'm sure that others will chime in here as there is an enormous amount of great advise on this forum.
That's what makes this place so cool!

flash60601 · #4 04-27-2009, 10:43 PM

Here is less than $150.00 for one caliber. You could do worse.

http://www.leeprecision.com/cg...l#LeeAnniversaryPack

Happy reloading and enjoy more shooting for much less money.

Flash

G-ManBart · #5 04-27-2009, 11:24 PM

Your older brass will be just fine....just tumble it well before you try loading it.

Starting from scratch I'd suggest biting the bullet and saving yourself time and money in the long run. Buy a Dillon 550 (it will load all the calibers you mention) and Dillon's warranty and customer service are beyond belief. Heck, you can send the press to them at any time and they'll rebuild it from the bottom up for $30 including return shipping. Break a part? Call them and they'll next day air you a replacement for free!

Get a decent set of calipers, a decent powder scale (manual is fine, but digital can save a little time), a case tumbler and media separator. Frankford Arsenal is a good resource for smaller items and little gadgets you may want/need.

I'd also recommend a chronograph...even an $80 Shooting Chrony is good enough. That way you'll know something is wrong if you're way off published data (either high or low) for no obvious reason (like they used a 24in barrel and your gun has an 18" barrel...but even that can be factored out).

The Lyman manual that was suggested is an excellent resource. Once you get a manual or two, buy the Loadbooks.com guide for each cartridge you're going to load. They pay for the rights to all the various powder and bullet manufacturers data and put it all in one handy little book....really great reference for comparing since they data doesn't always match up from one company to the other.

Lastly, while there's lots of great information here, there are other places that have more detailed, in-depth information, by folks that are serious, hard core reloaders. I think the most I loaded in one year was roughly 65K, so I've got a reasonable background to compare the variety and depth of the info I see. That's not an offense to anyone here...more folks here seem to be collectors and shooters than runout gauge, outside neck-turning reloading geeks (God love them for the data they come up with!). R,

Spotteddog · #6 04-28-2009, 01:35 AM

Any limited help I can ever be, don't hesitate to hit up my contact info! You'll get far more talent and knowledge than I ever thought about having from this knowledge pool!

John R · #7 05-01-2009, 12:46 PM

Not crazy about any of the Lee reloading stuff, But Richard Lee did write one of the best books on beginning reloading.

Skip Sackett · #8 05-01-2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

I'm thinking very seriously of getting into reloading this year, and I'm curious:

Smith,
Hindsight is always 20/20 but, you may have wanted to get into reloading a long time ago, rather than this year!

Components are scarce and pricey at this time, with no change in the near future. Sorry to be the barer of bad news.

Primers, powder and bullets have been hard to come by for those folks that came to the party late. I do wish you the best in your endeavors though. Reloading/casting is the most fun part of shooting sports, that is if you ask me!

If I could have only one manual and no Internet access, the manual I would choose would be the Lee 2nd Edition too. Lots of data in there and most of it from the powder manufacturer. It's a great place to start when developing loads, manufacturer's data that is.

Your brass will be fine. Make sure it isn't Berdan primed and you should be good to go.

As for reloading equipment, there are some good deals on used stuff. I know I may get shot for suggesting it, but ebay is an excellent place to start looking.

What volume of shooting in each caliber are you planning on? If it is thousands of round a month, you will have to look in a certain direction as to type of press. If you are going to be loading 100 a month, that is a whole "'nuther" story!

Price is commensurate with complexity. Progressive presses are more expensive but quite pricey. Single stages are cheaper but slower than the proverbial molasses.

There are good websites to go to too. Lee even has some videos you can watch for free.

Let us know how we can help

R. Walter · #9 05-01-2009, 03:16 PM

Most handloaders get an idea first of the bullet they're going to be shooting for a particular caliber. I do anyway. And then I like to have a manual from that bullet manufacturer, although some manuals like Lyman's do a pretty good job of using different manufacturer's bullets in their manual.

In rifle calibers I load 90% the Sierra and Nosler bullets. I have one Sierra manual and 3 Nosler manuals. In handguns, its mostly Hornady's for a jacketed bullet and various cast bullets also. I have 2 or 3 Hornady manuals. As I mentioned earlier the Lyman is good stuff too.

Cost: I'd highly recommend the RCBS starter kit that retails around ~$300 or less if you buy it on-line. The kit's got most everything you need except shell holders ($~5 - $6 each, for the press), dies (~$25 - $30 per set for standard calibers) and of course bullets, brass, primers and powder.

A chrono is nice, but not necessary to get started. Make sure you can recognize the signs of high pressure. Read the manuals front sections that talk about getting started reloading. They all discuss and illustrate signs of too much pressure.

Keep a log of what you reload and label your reloaded ammo boxes.

model14 · #10 05-01-2009, 03:23 PM

I like Hornady. Their starter kit looks good. They have exceptional customer service, as I suppose the others do also. I would suggest you stick with just one caliber until you become proficient. It is easy to loose focus on what you are trying to accomplish if you have too many different types of components going together. It may also cut down on your mistakes. If there is anyone you know who has reloading experience, get them to walk you through the steps. It will save you from a lot of questions.

harry carey · #11 05-05-2009, 06:05 PM

check ebay for used gear. join a gun club, barter and swap and get help with things.

m1gunner · #12 05-05-2009, 07:02 PM

Finding someone local to mentor you is always a bonus.

I have loaded since the early 80s on Lee presses and dies, and couldn't be happier. I do like the Lyman #55 powder measure, though.

A lightweight single stage press will easily load any of the handgun calibers you mentioned. If I were to full length size 30-06, I would want one of the heavy duty cast iron presses. It would give better service in the long run.

gregintenn · #13 05-05-2009, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Need advice on getting started reloading

Make buddies with someone looking to get out of reloading. Reloading components are hard to come by as ammo right now, and it stinks. I do wish you luck.

Emerson · #14 05-05-2009, 07:50 PM

I would suggest finding an NRA Certified Instructor to teach you reloading. That way you can be certain you will learn correctly.

Amici · #15 05-05-2009, 08:28 PM

Dillon has videos to show you how to set up and run its presses; I imagine other manufacturers do also. I'd watch them.

Check YouTube. In with all the **** are the occasional muggets of real information. Just take them, like everything else on the net, with a grain of salt.

One about the size of Lot's wife.....

And TALK to people at your club or range. Even if you don't find someone selling a set-up, you should find someone to show you how theirs runs.

harry carey · #16 05-08-2009, 06:22 PM

rifle- get a Sinclair Intl catalog, and , Handloading for Competition by Zediker.

BSkerj · #17 05-10-2009, 06:03 AM

I learned a ton on YouTube when I first started. On the search engine, enter AMMOSMITH..he has a great step by step course. Take a few of the other videos with a grain of salt because some of the people are pretty novice. But as mentioned above, first and foremost a good reloading manual is a must.
Good Luck.