Reloading for Dummies

[Rambler42]

I am interested in hand loading for some of my older revolvers, but I look at the hand loading manuals available at my LGS and they all seem to assume a level of knowledge greater than mine. How many types of brass are there? Primers? Which primers go with which cases? Which bullets can I use? Does anyone know of a Reloading for Dummies type book available? I would hate to damage one of these fine old guns through my ignorance.

 

[cowboy4evr]

Rambler42 , I see you are in Houston . I would go to a few local gun shops and ask for someone to help you get started reloading . If you lived in the DFW area , I would be more than glad to help you . This will save you some time and possibly confusion . It's really not difficult at all . Good Luck , Regards, Paul

 

[iouri]

ABC of reloading [ame]https://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Reloading-Definitive-Novice-Expert/dp/1440213968/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SLENR0C1IZJF&keywords=abc+of+reloading&qid=1564318581&s=gateway&sprefix=abc+of+reload%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1[/ame] is a good starting point. To answer your other questions: recipes specify which primer was used; what's important is was it "large" or "small" (diameter of the primer) and whether it's "pistol" or "rifle" (large pistol and rifle are also different in height). Make sure you use the powder that was used in recipe, not just "a powder" Reloading for old guns you'd probably have to go with non jacketed bullets and with lubed lead bullets "fit is the king", meaning they have to be 0.001-0.003" over size for your bore otherwise it would result in "leading". Some online bullet vendors can size your bullet to your specifications. Brass is usually the least of concerns. For new brass you can always purchase Starline (very good in my experience); or you can buy a box or 2 of factory ammo and reuse that brass.

 

[gwpercle]

You speak of older revolvers , lets assume you will reload some cast lead , coated or plated bullets in these loads.
Pick up a copy of Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook . The information you need is there . Turn to the cartridge you wish to load , on the first page is some general information , Test Components Used (primer brand and size , cases , trim to length, shell holder bullets and bullet sized to diameter. Next are Test Specifications....more specific information.
The first 18 chapters are the who, what when and why part of reloading.... I guess those 18 chapters along with the ABC's of reloading could be considered the two basic books that a new reloader
would use to get started . Let's not use the word dummy...you aren't one .
Most reloading manuals have some basic instructions in the first few chapters....but you are going to have to do some reading to become familiar with all the strange terminology and basic procedures .
Buy some books / manuals and come on in...reloading is a fun hobby.
Gary

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Any edition of the Lyman manuals will provide you with step by step instructions in an easy to follow format, individual chapters discussing specific issues and problems, as well as laboratory-tested loading data for hundreds of different calibers.

The Speer manuals also offer good basic instruction and step by step guide for beginners.

 

[Nevada Ed]

You are making it way too hard...................

Use the brass that you have or buy a new box of ammo and then use this brass.
Federal, Win or cci primers will work.... pick one that's available.

I would start with a bullet & powder that works for a light target load
for your first time making loads.

Good luck.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like said, the guns you are asking about were originally shot with lead bullets and you should too. The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th Edition will be a great place to start but read the front of the book first, then go to the data section.
https://smile.amazon.com/Lyman-Cast...ywords=Lyman&qid=1564325981&s=gateway&sr=8-14

The Lyman 50th Edition is the current full manual they offer and it too has a wealth of information in the front chapters of the book.
https://smile.amazon.com/Lyman-Relo...ywords=Lyman&qid=1564326087&s=gateway&sr=8-13

If you feel that is not enough information there is a great book available for learning to handload, it's the ABC's of Reloading. I would buy the cast bullet handbook first and see if that gives you what you need before spending another $25. You will need the Lyman book in any case.
https://smile.amazon.com/ABCs-Reloa...o+reload+ammo&qid=1564326182&s=gateway&sr=8-5

I hope this helps you some.

 

[daddio202]

Modern reloading by Richard Lee the book in the picture not only explains everything you need to know about reloading it also has many pages of reloading specs for almost every caliber. You will need to know how much powder with which bullets in different calibers and this book has it all. I knew nothing about reloading and had nobody to teach me but this book did it all for me!! Many thousands of cartridges in 9 different calibers I now reload has been shot off by me without a single problem over 3 years. The book works in teaching you all you need to know!!

 

[mikld]

I am a K.I.S.S. advocate. Before you get to buying equipment or components, get a copy of The ABCs of Reloading (Edition doesn't matter). The ABCs will show you what reloading is all about, giving the "how to" in a step by step manner, shows the equipment needed, component profiles (powder, primers and bullets. Brass is self exploratory, it's marked on the bottom), and even some cast bullet information.

If you know where to look, all the component info is in every manual I've seen. If you are reloading 38 Special, the 38 Special section will give you the primer used, the powder used, the amount of powder, the bullet (type and size), and the approximate results (yours will vary from the lab results). In the "front half" there are component profiles and give info on each type of component (powder, primer, bullet).

Don't worry about "what bullet" your gun was "designed" for as any modern revolver will safely shoot jacketed, cast, swaged, plated or coated bullets. But for an answer, we need to know what an "older revolver" is. A trip to our local gunsmith will give you the answer as to what bullets you can use.

If you get into reloading, find a load (bullet, powder, primer) in your reloading manual before you buy any components. Begin with the starting load, and don't try to extrapolate charges (many powder charges are not linear, a 5% increase may bring a 25% increase in pressure). Again K.I.S.S.

Reloading is not overly difficult, you just need to follow directions and don't try any "experiments"/loads that are not listed in your manuals.

Go slow. Double check everything. And most important, have fun...

 

[Wheeler57]

It isn't rocket science but you are dealing with components that you have to respect. As others have said get a manual and go strictly by it. As you set up for each load test it after a few are made so you don't make a bunch you can't use. I know because I did that once. Thought it was still set but apparently the crimp wasn't small enough and I waited till I made about 40 before I tried them and they jammed up in my HK. Quite embarrassing.

 

[rockquarry]

All the manuals I've seen start at the beginning. Read at least a couple and you'll have a basic background. ABCs of Reloading are good books, but few of the articles are elementary enough for a beginner.

 

[Bugkiller99]

A lot of good information here:

So you're thinking about getting into reloading...

Ask around at your LGS and range. Most likely you will find someone who reloads. They may be able to give you some ideas and local knowledge for equipment and components.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Reloading is not for dummies, however all of us started out as beginners.
In my case I relied on a 1972 edition of Lyman for years. My experience with reloading manuals is those put out by bullet or powder companies emphasize their products.
Reloading is a lot like baking or cooking, you start out simple, you follow the recipes step by step and you do NOT deviate or experiment. Also you follow the sequence of operations in reloading STEP by STEP until they come naturally to you.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I think response #9 is the ONE you should follow! Nothing wrong with the others, but you don't need too many voices in you head.

Ivan

 

[Rambler42]

Thanks for all the great input. I will certainly take advantage of it. This isn't going to be as difficult as I thought, and if I have any other questions I know where to come!

 

[kwh]

My suggestion: 1) Lee single stage "C" press $39.00 new. 2) Lee Ram Priming Unit for single stage press $13.00 new (or one of the hand primers for $20-$50; Lee, RCBS, Hornady, Lyman which allows for faster priming. 3) Safety glasses, especially while priming. 4) Lee carbide 3- die set for appropriate caliber. 5) Loading block tray to hold cases waiting for bullet seating $6.00.
***Lee dies come with complete instructions.***
I like polymer coated lead bullets the best= less mess. Order from Missouri Bullet , Acme bullet, sns casting, or others.
For older revolver cartridges I like Trail Boss powder. Takes up a lot of room in the case which goes a long way to prevent double charges. Double charges are unlikely anyway using the supplied Lee dipper.
As stated above, load cartridge in cylinder to test for fit before making a whole bunch. (As usual follow all safe firearm safety precautions.) As a usual safety measure most do not recommend reloading while firearm is present.

 

[fredj338]

Good manuals all have a reloading for newbs section. There is also the abc of reloading. There are also nra instructors & some gunshops offer some classes.

 

[jag22]

I haven't read all the posts but if no one mentioned you tube, I will. Read the books but a nice visual explanation can certainly help.

 

[model3sw]

Reloading is NOT for dummies, not even joking about it. Stick to the cold hard facts, tried and true.

40 years ago I was instructed to buy and follow Phillip Sharpe's handloading book and I'd never go wrong. I am here to attest, still with all 10 fingers, both eyeballs, no damaged nor maimed body parts and never blew up a gun, either ... I never went wrong following Phillip Sharpe.

This book covers some pretty old loads and some modern loads up to the last 1957 revision.

Find one online or the ebook. An old book is very reasonably priced unless signed or sealed in a vacuum.

Good luck R.S. "Sal" Raimondi

 

[Chubbs103]

When I was getting started, I actually went to the local library and checked out their copy of the "ABCs of Reloading."

Read it. Get a reloading manual of your choice (the Lyman for cast bullets will serve you well) and read that. Follow the directions.

A few repetitions will give you a lot of confidence. Enjoy. Don't get complacent.