Just bought a RCBS reloading kit

[Marshall 357]

Want to start reloading,.38 spl./.357 mag Never done it before. Have any helpful tips?

 

[acl864]

If you haven't already done so, purchase a good reloading manual and read it. That should take care of most basic "how to" questions. If you have more detailed questions post them on this forum. There is an amazing amount of experience and knowledge freely shared here.

 

[duckloads]

My RCBS kit from last summer came with the latest Speer manual (14?). I also bought RCBS dies. When it comes to setting up the dies, read the manual AND the literature that come with the dies. Look at the manual, Handloads.com, and powder mfg sites for load data.

The biggest help I got was when I bought a case vibrator. Having the cases clean and polished smooth sure helps with the case sizing, especially the big 460 mag cases. Also, it has to be better for the dies running smooth cases though them.

Have fun. Be safe.

 

[truckermike]

+1 on reading the reloading manual.
Also dont trust any load data that isnt published by the major powder/bullet companies.
There are many Master Ballisticians (or so they claim) on the internet.

Have fun!

 

[BUFF]

When you buy your dies, buy them new and buy them with a carbide sizer.

Buy a decent dial caliper to measure case length. .357 Mag brass does stretch.

Good luck! It's a great hobby in itself.

 

[kennyb]

read,pay strict attention to the recipe,and never load over max.i never had a teacher,and i figured it out with minimal situations...its fun and easy with your rcbs equipment...and they have great customer service!

 

[BSkerj]

YouTube has a some good video's. Nice to watch some hands on. Punch in Ammosmith on thier search engine and he has a series on reloading. But once again, as said above, use a good manual.

 

[cush]

I've found this website especially helpful:

http://www.rcbs.com/guide/stepbystep.aspx

You are headed down a fun road. I enjoy reloading almost as much as shooting.

 

[Marshall 357]

Thanks My kit came with a Speer Reloading Manual #14 , I bought a set of RCBS dies and case holder.

 

[Birddog2]

Establish a routine procedure and stick to it.
With handgun rounds, I find it helpful to do batch processing: Resize, deprime and expand the case mouths/reprime on a large volume of brass and then save them until I need them.
Keep life simple by using only one or two powders.
Make sure that you have an inspection routine after filling with powder to ensure that every round has powder and no round got double loaded.
4 grains of BULLSEYE MIGHT BE GOOD, 8 GRAINS NOT GOOD.

 

[Fuego]

Just a few recommendations:

Get a good digital scale

Use carbide dies, and buy them new

Never buy primers or powder at a gunshow

Check your big used book-store for old reloading manuals. They are usually $5 or less, and are full of good information

 

[Marshall 357]

Thanks guys

 

[Nightowl]

A loading block is right handy with single stage press operations.

 

[ruger700]

Read as many reloading manuals as you can until you know the process. Then practice by making a few dummy rounds. Establish a definite process, follow the process and always inspcect the filled cases before laoding any bullets. A good friend of mine and I were discuessing this the other day. Only one powder on the reloading table at a time. Load only one load at a time. Inspect, using a good light source to ensure there are no double charges. Less that a week after discussing this with my friend, who has been reloading for 40 years without an incident, had two powders out for loading two different rounds, he failed to do his final inspection prior to loading a bullet and blew up a beautiful 29-2 Classsic DX. I have pictures but don't know how to load them.

Reloading is fun and rewarding, following a prescribed reloading process, don't allow interruiptions and you will have a rewarding time loading and shooting.

Derryl