Thinking about getting into reloading. Advice?

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badguybuster

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I have been really toying with starting to reload in 357 mag. I need some start up advice. I dont wanna break the bank so I can ya'll give me some tips on what to buy, as far as equipment? Thanks


PS
Is anyone reloading their own buffalo bore type ammo?
 
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Is anyone reloading their own buffalo bore type ammo?
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Yes, I am. It's pretty easy. No reason you can't be as well. There are plenty of threads around the web on what it takes - check them out after you get some reloading experience under your belt.

If I were going to recommend a very basic start-up set for a person just starting out with reloading for the .38/.357 (for instance, my brother, who's about to do just this, I'd say to get the following:

A Lee Hand Press
A Lee carbide .357 4-die set, which includes shellholder
A Lee Auto Prime
A #1 auto-prime shell holder (different from the one that comes w/ dies)
A funnel
A pound of Unique or Power Pistol
500 hardcast bullets from Tennessee Valley Bullets, probably .358" 158gr LSWCs for versatility
300 small pistol primers (probably CCI)
200 magnum small pistol primers (again, CCI)
A set of Lee dippers

You might also want a decent reloading manual - any of them (new, used, whatever) - though there are plenty of manufacturers' websites with very cautious load data on them and plenty of "How To Reload" sites that anyone can find through Google

This is good solid equipment that you can expand on and will use for years to come, but it's not fancy and will get you started right away and won't break the bank. I would look to buy the hardware from Midway USA or Natchez Shooters Supply as I've gotten great prices from them - there are several other good-value places as well.

I really hope that you do start reloading and that you find it to be as rewarding a hobby as it's been for me. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions at all about it.
 
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Do a forum search this has been coved many times.

That being said I started out with the Lee aniversary kit it work well for a couple of years. Not the best equipment around but ignorance is bliss.

Then I tried out some other peoples stuff. If you have the money to do it I would reccommend one of the RCBS kits or the Hornady l-n-l single stage kit. The 505 scale is nicer that the lee the Hornady is probably better too, those presses are heavier duty too. Both of those things are a convinience thing the next is not. The uniflow powder measure or hornady's lock-n-load powder measures are so much better than the lee plastic measure I cannot fully describe it with words. I found this out when loading for the .357. The hottest powder for .357 is H110 or winchester 296. They are like a fine grit sand. They flow well and meter great out of the all metal measures. They will almost lock up a Lee. I would relate using those powders in a Lee measure as the equivilant to trying to chew a mouthful of sand, gritty and painful. They will flow out of the gaps and almost lock it up. It is a piece of junk.
If you get a Hornady kit and then upgrade and get their progressive the dies will already be set up in lock-n-load bushings. Its not any huge advantage but sometimes it is nice.
If you want to save a little money and aren't in a hurry buy used. Most people take very good care of their reloading equipment. The good stuff is almost always overbuilt. You can find some really good deals if you keep your eye out and search forums classifieds and e-bay.

Some people will tell you to skip all of that and get a progressive from the start. I disagree with them. I have a progressive too and am glad that I started out on the single stage. I still use all the the single stage stuff from time to time and am glad I have it.

Sorry for the book.

P.S. Buffalo Bore ammo can easily be duplicated by handloading your own.
 
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What I did was I posted on my local craigslist that I was looking to buy reloading equipment. Now I recieved many offers, but if you're patient enough, you can get some really good deals and end up with better equipment for the same price as the brand new Lee equipment (though it's very good equipment to start on). But I got a used RCBS Rock Chucker, scale, powder drop, tumbler, lube, chamfering tool and a few other odds and ends all for $120.
 
i would totally suggest the RCBS rockchucker kit...everything you need and nothing more...add your powder,dies,brass,primers,and bullets and you are off and loading .... AFTER you thoroughly read the reloading book that comes with your kit....as many others will tell you...it's not complicated you just simply have to be cautious....in doing so you get what you want,when you want at about a third (or less) the cost of store bought...i'm cleaning 500 mag.brass now as i type this...the 500 ammo is a prime example of saving mega bucks on ammo and fun to boot....
have fun and ask many questions!
 
If your are new to reloading I would suggest buying the book "The ABC's of Reloading, by Bill Chevalier and read it before buying any equipment.
 
I would think you could find a used press pretty easily. You need dies, powder scale or Lee dippers, a good manual, and you are ready to go. You might check in your area and see if there is an experienced reloader who can get you started. I have started several and they are still going.
 
Kelly Green said:
If your are new to reloading I would suggest buying the book "The ABC's of Reloading, by Bill Chevalier and read it before buying any equipment.
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I second this advise. I would also suggest adding the Lyman # 49 loading manual.

Read the manuals until you understand the process, then decide what equipment you want.

BTW...don't let my post count on this forum fool you. I've been reloading for over thirty years.
 
I would recommend a "Kit"

The Lee Breech lock kit has everything you need except a set of calipers and a manual. Get the Lee Manual as it explains the whole Lee system and is the least expensive.

Get the dies Erich recommended and get a better scale. The Lee scale is accurate but a pain to use and read correctly. The dippers are easy to use but you still need to weigh your powder.

With this you can start loading right away(after reading the manual)

Of course you need some empty brass, bullets, powder and primers. Also a loading block to hold you brass as you fill with powder.

This is the least expensive kit, there are others but it works just fine.

Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press Kit - Natchez Shooters Supplies

Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Anniversary Kit - MidwayUSA
 
There are so many ways to get into reloading, some are good and some not so good. Since you mentioned you would like to keep the initial costs down I won't suggest a RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Kit even though it's a great setup. There are a few Lee kits available that will cost you less without giving up too much in quality if anything.

I bought a Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press kit about 5.5 years ago and it's served me very will. Even though it's usually a good idea to start reloading on a single stage press the Lee turret press has an auto-index rod which can be easily removed causing the turret press to act like a single stage press. You can go slow at first and when you are more comfortable with the procedure use the auto-index feature.

Kempf Gun Shop online has a great deal on the Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press kit and I highly recommend it. You get to choose the dies you want with the kit so you can get the 4 piece 38/357 Carbide die set with the kit at no additional cost. I also highly suggest buying both upgrades for a total additional cost of only $22. It consists of the Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure instead of the standard model with is a very good upgrade and the Large and Small Primer system instead of getting only one size. For the price of $199.95 you get most of what you need to start. Add a scale, load manual and components and you're good to go.

After a while you might want to buy some other tools to make things easier but those tools aren't "necessary" for loading quality ammo. Additional turrets for adding calibers to your set are under $10 each. The Lee adjustible charge bar is nice to have too but again, not necessary. (also just under $10) If you're looking for a good tumbler I recently bought a Cabela's 400 tumbler and it's money well spent IMO. It's made by Berry's and considered to be one of the best. The only difference is the color, instead of Berry's Blue it's Cabela's Green... LOL

Good luck and JUST DO IT!!!!
 
I started out on the cheapest bench-type Lee single stage press and it worked fine, it was just slow as hell. Within a few months, I decided I had to get something faster so I got the Classic turret and it works quite well. I don't necessarily begrudge the time I spent with the single stage press because I did learn a lot, but I think I would have been OK starting out on the turret also. My main advice would be to try have fun with it, pay attention, and do a lot of reading on the subject. You cannot have too many reloading books.
 
I agree fully with ArchAngel's reasoning and recommendations without reservation. I couldn't have said it better, myself!

Dale53
 
And I fully agree with Dale!

For the beginner, the Lee Classic Cast Turret Press is the best option out there. Cost, functionality and speed are usually right where folks need to start. If shooting less than 200 rounds per week, it will suffice quite nicely.

Should you decide to get into shooting competition, you will need more ammo and a progressive press may be in order.

Nothing wrong with starting out on a progressive either BUT there are some things that I would need to know about you before I would suggest you getting one.

The biggest thing there is either mechanical ability, not the "righty tighty, lefty loosey" type of thing but the ability to think through mechanical problems: if this doesn't do this, then what could be the problem, type of ability.

Many here have started on a progressive, I didn't. All of my first equipment was given to me and was used. Good equipment all. Then I went nuts and got 4 progressives and a Lee turret press. Now, I have given two of the progressives to children/children in laws and they are going strong. 2 progressives left and I am moving all of my loading to the biggest progressive.

What I am trying to say is that you can get in at any level and move up at any time.

As has been said, get started.
 
After dipping your toe into reloading with a minimalist rig, if you decide to get serious I'd recommend a Dillon 550B turret press as well as Dillon dies, although the Dillon press will accept any manufacturer's die sets. I do have some Lee crimping dies and Redding die sets.
Dillon's hardware is well designed and guaranteed FOR LIFE.
I actually broke the main body of my press while reloading military 30-06 cases (I wasn't lubing them properly). Dillon replaced the press at no charge. They even shipped the new one for free. I also noticed that the replacement press had been re-designed in the area where mine broke, with added ribbing. So I guess I wasn't the first to break one. Point is, they made it right. They are also available for good advice over the phone and treat you with respect.
i speak highly of Dillon whenever someone asks about reloading equipment.
 
I agree with with Dale who agrees with Smith who agrees with ArchAngel.:)

The turret press is a better choice than the basic single stage. In fact, I agree so much it's the one I use.:D
 
BGB,

Great many info and advice from the members so far. But I'll let you know how I've started this great hobby of ours twenty some years ago. Firstly, 357 mag is an easy round to reload. Great many factors involved but lets not split a perfectly good 357 mag case over it. Most likely you'll be reloading for volume and "good enough" quality for punching holes in the paper @ 21-35 feet and not for some book script undertaking about 99% one shot stopping power or sub 1MOA at 75 yards potential. Me, very first round I've ever made was a 9mm Luger. Very first gun I've ever owned was a Beretta 92FS. I went to the local gunshow and bought a five gallon bucket full of 9mm empties. A few boxes of hard cast .355 bullets and whole lot small pistol primers. Some weeks later I got me a brand new Lee 1000 PRO progressive press which came with a set of dies and Lee reloading manuals. You see, every reputable manual comes with an introduction to reloading. You really don't need to buy a "special reloading book" - a reloading manual (I use Nosler mostly) will cover the introduction to reloading. People say "things" about Lee products but I'll tell you how it really went. One Sunday morning right after Church, I set down, read the instructions that came with the press, set it all up, adjusted my dies, powder measure, checked my powder charge with Lee scale and started reloading. Shockingly, a few hours later the five gallon bucket was empty and I was looking at almost two buckets full of readymade 9mm ammo. And all shot well. All you gotta do is to read and understand instruction, be thorough and persistent. Single stage is a must at some point in your live but you'll get tired and fatigued fast reloading for pistol cartridge one small step at the time.
Good luck to you.
 
OCD1 said:
I agree with with Dale who agrees with Smith who agrees with ArchAngel.:)

The turret press is a better choice than the basic single stage. In fact, I agree so much it's the one I use.:D
Click to expand...

I guess I'll have to join that "consist" too. :D

If you do much shooting, it probably won't be long before you want to move on to something more efficient than a single stage press, but there are many uses for a single stage after you get a turret or progressive.

I used a RCBS single stage for years and went with a Lee Classic Turret when I started shooting more, and transitioned to revolvers when the slides became difficult to rack. Now I have a separate turret plate set up for .38spl, .357mag and .45acp with a Auto-disk powder dispenser for each, so switching between calibers only takes a couple of minutes, even when I have to switch primer sizes.

Once developed, I more or less stick with the same loads, but they were all developed on a single stage press before I set them up on a turret. I gave my Son-inLaw my original RCBS rockchucker last summer, but have a Lee single stage for sizing cast bullets and depriming oddball sized range brass that I tumble and give to friends.
Oddball because I don't reload it, but have a universal deprimer die and a collection of case holders.

Whatever you decide, read a lot and learn to walk before you try to fly.

John
 
andyo5 said:
.......... and guaranteed FOR LIFE.
Click to expand...

A little off this thread's topic, but gun related (sort of ;))

Saw a cartoon about "Lifetime Guarantees" many moons ago and wish I'd kept a copy. :(

A customer is standing at the front counter of a TV Repair shop.
A large CRT type TV is in pieces on workbench a few feet behind front counter.
TV Repairman standing between workbench and counter pointing very large caliber revolver at customer.
Caption: "Sorry Sir, but it's got a Lifetime Guarantee and I can't fix it."

John
 
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