Basic Ammo Reloading 101

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roscoepc

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OK People, some of you might have read my introduction thread about my purchase of a model 500 S&W Magnum pistol about a month ago.. At the time I wasn't the least bit interested in reloading as I was just interested in shooting just enough to get used too and stay in practice with the weapon...

After running about 50 rounds through her,, so much for that!! :D

Yes, I'll admit it... I'M HOOKED AND WANT TO SHOOT HER MORE!!!! :eek::eek:

So now I'm kinda interested in reloading and want to know just what is needed to start out with and need suggestions for just what I need: a press kit preferably.. Single stage seems to be what I need I think as I'm in no hurry to load a ton of bullets and also I'm gonna be loading only one caliber: The 500 S&W Magnum. Specifically a 350 grain round similar to the Winchester Super X 350 grain jacketed hollow point round.

So far that's the round the gun seems to like for accuracy and such so that's what I'll be aiming for to start with..

OK so what I'm looking for is just what are the basics I'll need to do some reloading for the Beastie??

Remember, I just blew over a grand on this pistol and the way to impress my better half is to save money!! OK?!! Help me out here guy's and Thanks!!! ;)
 
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A good reloading manual (or more), perhaps The ABCs of Reloading to start. I suggest a single-stage starter kit. I recommend the RCBS model. A Lee SS press will do, but there are better dies on the market than Lee. A good beam scale. A good powder dropper. A decent kit will contain most of these. A reloading block is handy, but if you've got a drill press you can crank one out with a piece of wood.

The hardest part will be finding components (powder, primers, bullets, brass). These days it's hunt and peck until you can find them in stock.

Then, take your time and avoid distractions when loading. You can make a mistake with the smallest distraction--answering the wife, hollering at the kids, answering the phone. etc. Mistakes can range from annoyance at crunching a case to some thing lethal.
 
roscoepc said:
OK People, some of you might have read my introduction thread about my purchase of a model 500 S&W Magnum pistol about a month ago.. At the time I wasn't the least bit interested in reloading as I was just interested in shooting just enough to get used too and stay in practice with the weapon...

After running about 50 rounds through her,, so much for that!! :D

Yes, I'll admit it... I'M HOOKED AND WANT TO SHOOT HER MORE!!!! :eek::eek:

So now I'm kinda interested in reloading and want to know just what is needed to start out with and need suggestions for just what I need: a press kit preferably.. Single stage seems to be what I need I think as I'm in no hurry to load a ton of bullets and also I'm gonna be loading only one caliber: The 500 S&W Magnum. Specifically a 350 grain round similar to the Winchester Super X 350 grain jacketed hollow point round.

So far that's the round the gun seems to like for accuracy and such so that's what I'll be aiming for to start with..

OK so what I'm looking for is just what are the basics I'll need to do some reloading for the Beastie??

Remember, I just blew over a grand on this pistol and the way to impress my better half is to save money!! OK?!! Help me out here guy's and Thanks!!! ;)
Click to expand...


Been there done that:D I suppose my question is are you just reloading for model 500? If so ( I hope you kept brass) you may want to consider a single stage particularly if you haven't reloaded before? I cast my own 440 lead cast 50 cal bullets and I load Hornady XTP for the same weapon. If you are going to load for several calibers then spend the extra and learn on progressive but one a time till you master it.

My 02

The welshm
 
LOTS of threads here with ideas on starting out reloading. You have helped narrow it down by type of press desired and caliber you want to load.

Normally I'd jump in with the usual suggestions. But I've not loaded that soup can, so their may be some particulars about that large caliber I don't know.

So let me go big picture. Are there another calibers you may load? Don't dismiss other calibers you currently shoot as candidates out right. Rifle calibers? Volume for those?

What are you shooting for? Plinking, paper, hunting, competition? That will make a big difference in bullet.

Saving money may sound good, but not usually what happens.


So here is my $0.02. Get some manuals. If you going to shoot lead, get Lyman's casting manual as one.
ABCs of reloading is highly recommended reading. Read these, front part especially.

Any instructors nearby? Take a class.

THEN start making purchases.

And enjoy


Be safe
 
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I through my vote in for a Lee Classic Turret Press. It can be had in a kit from Midway. It will serve your purpose quite well and for not too much money. You will get tired of a single stage press and want to go faster. Again you can use it as a single stage , but it will be ready to go faster when you fell comfortable in doing so. Just my 2 cents.:D
 
Fair amount of used reloading equipment on ebay and other sites, get a good manual, start with a simple set up, and with a powder that fills the case so you don't double charge a round. Guaranteed to get your attention if you make that mistake.
 
I'd say get a copy of The ABCs of Reloading, and one other reloading manual; Lyman's 49th, or Hornady's Handbook of Cartridge Reloading. Read, Read, and Read. Then you'll have a good idea what goes on during reloading and what equipment will suit your reloading needs.

Google "reloading forums" and check out the "how to get started" stickies on those forums. Most have a good intro. on how to get up and running.

Start slow, stay within published load data using tried and true components/loads, and include safety in every step.

Beware reloading forums as there are so many of us reloaders running around most have their personal opinions/methods and many just don't have any good, usable information. Listen to/read all replies, but double check against your reloading texts, and use common sense.

Personally, I pay very little (read no) attention to any forum expert, range rat, pet load website or, gunshop guru regarding reloading data. I've been reloading, off and on, for nearly 30 years and I still use data from one of my 9 reloading manuals. Still plenty of info there.

Reloading is one of the most rewarding aspects of our shooting hobby. Go slow, double check everything, and most of all, have fun...
 
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I'm no fan of the Lee Challenger press at all. I do however like the Lee Classic Cast single stage press a lot. IMO it's just as strong as the RCBS Rockchucker.

You need a set of dies, powder, primers, bullets, brass, reloading manual, case lube, a funnel, a scale, a way to install primers and the press.

Nice additions would be a powder measure, ammo trays, tumbler, calipers, plastic ammo boxes and a few other goodies.

Press:
Lee Classic Cast Single Stage Press
or
RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage Press

Dies:
Lee Carbide 3-Die Set 500 S&W Mag
or
RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set 500 S&W Mag 500 S&W Special
or
Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 4-Die Set 500 S&W Mag

Funnel:
RCBS Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Cal
or
Hornady Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Cal

Scale:
RCBS Model 505 Magnetic Powder Scale 511 Grain Capacity
or
Hornady Balance Beam Powder Scale
or
Lyman Pro 500 Magnetic Powder Scale 505 Grain Capacity

Powder Measure:
RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure
or
Lyman #55 Powder Measure

Hand Priming Tool:
RCBS Hand Priming Tool

Ammo Box:
MTM Flip-Top Ammo Box 223 WSSM 243 WSSM 500 S&W Mag 50-Round Plastic
or
Frankford Arsenal Flip-Top Ammo Box #514 460 S&W Mag 500 S&W Mag 45-70

You can probably save a good bit of money buying the RCBS kit if you want to go with RCBS:
RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Single Stage Press Kit

If you only reloading handgun ammo you might be better off buying a Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press. You can use it as a single stage press if you want but it's very convenient to have all the dies set up on the turret.
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41
The kit includes a lot. If you buy that kit upgrade to the Pro Auto-Disk at the bottom and with that kit you can install primers on press.
 
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To start reloading ammo for a L- or N-frame magnum to shoot 38 Specials is one thing, but every round you load is a possible hand grenade.

Make very sure you know what you are doing!! Bullet weight, brand of powder, powder charge weight are all critical for a safe load in this cartridge.

If you think reloading ammunition saves money, you are fooling yourself and lying to your wife. I've been reloading ammunition since 1975 and casting lead bullets since 1977. I still waiting to save my first nickel.

If your ammo budget is $25 per month, you will spend $400 on equipment and components before you load your first cartridge. That is 16 months worth of ammo :eek: :D !!


Good luck selling this new hobby as "$aving Money" to your wife. I have 2 Dillons, a RockChucker, and a Lee press, ~50 die sets, 20 bullet molds, 100 # of powder, and 75 K primers. Back by the fence is 800# of scrap bullet lead from the range ready for casting. I know about saving money. :o

Edit 11-12-14: We've added another 500# of mined bullets from the outdoor range to the lead inventory. Georgia winter is coming, now is the time to start melting and cleaning all that lead scrap. Now we will really be saving money.
 
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Unless........

Nevada Ed said:
Arch;

Geeze...........
You got to have writers cramps after that post !!!
Click to expand...

Unless you have blabby fingers like me!;)


PS Some things that you HAVE to know. Never, never ever dump a double load of fast powder like Bullseye. It will blow your expensive gun to pieces.

Watch out for high primers. First, they might not work and second, they could detonate when the cylinder is closed.

Putting none or too little powder, or a misfire can cause a squib load that gets stuck in your barrel. DO NOT fire a round after a squib or it can damage your barrel, or worse. Unload and clear the squib right off.

Act like a pharmacist when you pick, transfer and store powder. Check every step of the way that you have the right powder going into the right container.

There are some special rules for loading semi auto pistol and rifle cases if you decide to go that way.
 
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Just a thought and no offence intended, but suggesting equipment to a new reloader is like telling someone what car to get/drive before they have learned to drive...

IMOO...
 
Many Thanks to all who have broadened my knowledge horizons!! :cool: You've pretty much satisfied what I was wanting to know about the basic's of just what is needed to start and the first thing is,, reading about it. A lot... ;)

mikld said:
Just a thought and no offence intended, but suggesting equipment to a new reloader is like telling someone what car to get/drive before they have learned to drive...

IMOO...
Click to expand...

Definitely no offence taken here but the best way I think to find out just what is the right equipment for me is to ask someone that's been there and done that and do some on-line product review research. And after I finish my studying I'm gonna have to have SOMETHING to finish learning with, correct?? :D :D
 
You just need some basic tools to assemble and measure the four components: brass, primer, powder, and bullet.

Want real cheap? Skip the progressive press. Skip the turrets. Skip the single stage press! Get a hand loader (Lee hand press, or lymann tongs). Not a popular recommendation, but for one large-bore pistol caliber maybe its feasible. You don't mention how many rounds you'd like to crank out at once or per week. I bet you wouldn't want to load more than 50 or so in an evening with the hand tool, is that enough for a range trip?

No matter where you start, if you stick with it, you're going to be buying bits and doo-dads until they bury you. I'd forget the factory building for now, and focus on measuring tools (a GOOD dial caliper and powder scale at minimum) and a couple-few reloading books. The hi-cap spray-n-pray ammo pukin monster machinery can come later.

I have found the Lee equipment to be very serviceable, its timex though not rolex - you'll notice. Some bits I like better than others. I started with my own ala-carte kit and have replaced some of it with parts that I think work better. You gotta get started before you can make those calls yourself. Do a Google image search for "reloading bench" and see how much stuff your about to buy.
 
I've tried Lee equipment and while it's sort of usable I've replaced almost all of my Lee equipment with RCBS. There is a lesson be be learned here, that is you do get what you pay for.

Press - RCBS Rockchucker Supreme. For a single state press you'll have to look long and hard to find anything better. About the only flaw is the spent primer collection system could be better, when decapping brass probably 5% of the spent primers end up on the floor.

Scale - RCBS 502. It's a 2 poise beam scale that is very easy to zero and it holds it's zero. The only nit to pick is the heavy poise can sometimes not seat completely in the chosen notch, so tap in the poise with a pencil or powder dipper to "vibrate" it in.

Powder Measure - RCBS Competition Powder Measure. Note, there are two versions available one for smaller charge Handgun loads and the other for larger charge Rifle loads. Online the only two sources I've found for the Handgun version is Midway and RCBS, others only seem to stock the Rifle version. Because you are loading for the 500 Magnum I believe the Rifle version would be the better choice for you. These are NOT cheap but IMO they are worth every penny. BTW, the Competition measure is simply an RCBS Uniflow that has had the metering drum replaced with the one with the micrometer adjuster and a powder baffle. If you want to conserve about 30 bucks you could just get the Uniflow and the 10 dollar baffle, however you'll lose the super easy way you can repeat a setup by recording the micrometer adjustment on the Competition version.

Primer, RCBS Universal Hand Primer. These aren't cheap at 60 dollars but work much better than trying to prime on the press feeding one primer at a time. They also feature a spring tensioned shell holder so you don't need to purchase case specific shell holders.

Notes on the Lee gear I replaced with RCBS. The Lee Safety Scale is a royal PITA to zero or set to a specific weight. It also won't hold it's zero setting if subjected to any vibration. The Lee Perfect Powder Measure isn't perfect by a long stretch. It's a PITA to repeat a previous setting and finicky to fine tune. In addition with small particle powders it leaks and get jammed with powder particles between the drum and housing. With large flake powders it won't repeat within 0.3 to 0.5 grains. End result is the Lee measure only works well with a rather limited selection of powders.

Lee products I use and will continue to use. That would be their dies, I have no complaints about my Lee Die sets and have added their Factory Crimp Die to any RCBS or Dillon sets because there have been times when the FCD has been a real asset.
 
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