Start with handloading?

[Paul in Nevada]

I went with a RCBS Single Stage press.

You will never regret buying that press, no matter what other equipment you add in the future.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

I do not shoot enough for a full progressive so I went with a RCBS Single Stage press. Learning from my friend on his made this decision easier. I usually shoot between 100-250 a month and I can crank that out in a few nights on the single stage, taking my time and doing it right. Now just to find a shotshell reloader that is just as simple will be the next task.

We waterproofed the basement so I can reload down there now and made it my own little workshop.

Good decision. I don't think you'll ever regret buying RCBS. If you have no room or a good table for mounting, you can always mount to something like this.

Lee Reloading Stand

I ran out of mounting space, and have one of these. Very stable and takes up very little space.

 

[CScott]

I'm still loading on my RCBS Jr that I bought in the early 70's (!). I load 32 ACP up through 300 Weatherby. I load revolver rounds 500 at a time, doing all of them one step at a time and it is much faster that way. I've never felt the slightest need for a progressive or a turret for that matter. Sometimes I wish for a Rockchucker for the 300 Wby which are pretty long. But I only load a few of those at a time.
I hope you learn to enjoy handloading as .ugh as I do.

 

[johnjohn]

I started with a Lyman T-Mag using it like a single stage. When I got a little confidence I found and bought (on sale) a Lyman single stage. I've always been kinda slow. So far no ftf or kboom.

 

[raljr1]

Looks like they have changed from the round base. This is the Franklin Arsenal stand

Access Denied

 

[rct269]

I am struck by the similarities between super-whiz-bang reloading equipment and super-whiz-bang fishing tackle-----which is, of course, a super-whiz-bang substitute for a stick, a string, and a hook.

Now most folks will very likely tell you super-whiz-bang fishing tackle is made to catch fish. I, on the other hand, will tell you it's made to sell to fishermen----just as super-whiz-bang reloading equipment is made to sell to reloaders who seem to have somehow lost their way------or perhaps never had a way to begin with.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[BE Mike]

I am struck by the similarities between super-whiz-bang reloading equipment and super-whiz-bang fishing tackle-----which is, of course, a super-whiz-bang substitute for a stick, a string, and a hook.

Now most folks will very likely tell you super-whiz-bang fishing tackle is made to catch fish. I, on the other hand, will tell you it's made to sell to fishermen----just as super-whiz-bang reloading equipment is made to sell to reloaders who seem to have somehow lost their way------or perhaps never had a way to begin with.

Ralph Tremaine

Could you be specific as to what you think is unnecessary reloading equipment? I'm not a fisherman, but I doubt if someone could win a bass tournament with a stick, string and hook.

 

[max503]

You got to have a single stage press.

 

[Nevada Ed]

You got to have a single stage press.

Well, at least one, any way.

 

[Inland7-45]

Starter Equipment

I do not want to get a press until we move in the next 4-5 years, but I do want to learn to reload 38 special. Would handloading be a good start to learning, or should I just wait until I can get a progressive press like a Dillon whenever I move to our forever home? Currently reading about reloading as basic research before doing anything else.

I still have the same RCBS Junior that I bought in 1978. Over the years I have added more calibers and have upgraded all of the other equipment especially scales and case cleaning and prep.

I have lost count of how many rounds that I have loaded with this press. First caliber was .38 Spl, then 44 Mag, .45 ACP and .30 Carb. I now load for 17 different calibers. This old reliable press still gets the job done. A used or new equivalent press is a good place to start. I made my own bench from a desk with a bench top made from planks and bolted to the top of the desk.

Most of my dies are RCBS and you can't go wrong with a set of RCBS .38 Spl dies with a carbide sizer.

My powder measure and case trimmer came from RCBS from their trade show demo inventory. I am not sure if they still make a this equipment available. I did get some great equipment at a decent price so this is worth looking into.

So a good press , dies , powder measure , scale and case trimmer are a good starting point. A small bench with this equipment would work out well for someone in a small house or apartment. For scales I have both a digital and balance beam. The digital is from Lyman and it still works after more than 15 years.

For a loading manual I would recommend Speer or Hornady.

There are some different options out there for cleaning brass. I started with a vibratory type and these do work well for a beginner and the prices are reasonable.

You may also want to check out some of the how to videos from the various manufacturers or study one of the loading manuals for a better idea of how things work.

 

[TAROMAN]

I would start with a single stage! You don't get the feel of seating the primer and neck tension when seating the bullet with a progressive.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Says it all!

 

[oddshooter]

I started handloading because I like shooting the 357 Maximum and the 32-20 WCF. Both of those are over $2 per round when you can find it.

The 38 special is the last caliber for me to load because I usually find it the least expensive for factory rounds. Four years ago, I bought cases at $.18 per round.

As far as where to start, you have received the traditional responses.
Buy a single-stage and buy manuals. I disagree.

First:
Find a Mentor. They are everywhere.

I read a half dozen manuals, books, and became a member of several reloading sites. I think I learned more in one day from my mentor than all the rest put together. You need a supervisor to watch for stupid stunts and inefficiences. A mentor can save you months or years of trying by yourself. He may even allow you to use his gear.

The first thing he will teach you is "Don't shoot other peoples's reloads and don't give yours to other people".


Prescut
Start collecting brass !!!

 

[glenwolde]

I am struck by the similarities between super-whiz-bang reloading equipment and super-whiz-bang fishing tackle-----which is, of course, a super-whiz-bang substitute for a stick, a string, and a hook.

Now most folks will very likely tell you super-whiz-bang fishing tackle is made to catch fish. I, on the other hand, will tell you it's made to sell to fishermen----just as super-whiz-bang reloading equipment is made to sell to reloaders who seem to have somehow lost their way------or perhaps never had a way to begin with.

Ralph Tremaine

Ah, yes, there it is. Whenever presses are discussed some single-stage aficionado, who has likely never even used a progressive, feels it's necessary to defend his position by making disparaging remarks about those that do.

If you don't shoot enough to need a progressive, that's fine. But I'm not loading 5,000-7,000 rounds a year on a single stage.

There is no "superior" method. One can "take their time and do it right" on any machine.