want 2 learn reloading
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Back when I started (1975) a Speer #9 taught me all I needed to get started. I think Speer is up to #14 nowadays. There are many good manuals packed full of good info. The hard part right now is finding one available.
Speer, Hornady, Lyman are good sources of info, just to name a few. Keep in mind that bullet maker books give info on their bullets only. More "generic" load data is available through most powder manufacturers.
Once you get up to speed on the knowledge end, then you'll see what type equipment does what. Much of the stuff out there is "convenient" equipment, not necessarily needed to get started.
Speer, Hornady, Lyman are good sources of info, just to name a few. Keep in mind that bullet maker books give info on their bullets only. More "generic" load data is available through most powder manufacturers.
Once you get up to speed on the knowledge end, then you'll see what type equipment does what. Much of the stuff out there is "convenient" equipment, not necessarily needed to get started.
I prefer the Lyman manual, but any decent one will do the job.
Mr.Grump
Member
Start with a budget. Read ABC of Reloading, then buy Manuals and read them I have 5, may be overkill, check into classes. Classes here, Socal, run $150 -$200.But everything here is over priced.
Good Luck and be care full
Good Luck and be care full
indiandave
Member
It would be best if you could find someone in your area who could show you the basics. If there is no one, read as much as you can. Books are cheap buy several. Ask questions on forums like this.
It isn't brain surgery. Just be carful.
It isn't brain surgery. Just be carful.
The 'how to' sections are very important
Many people just want the data, but you would be better and more safely served to study the 'how to' sections of the book very thoroughly. There are some variables that affect safety, for instance, seating a bullet too deep in the 9mm can raise pressures to a dangerous level. Always work up your loads and if you change components, drop back and work back up. Welcome to the 'art' of reloading, have fun and be safe.
Many people just want the data, but you would be better and more safely served to study the 'how to' sections of the book very thoroughly. There are some variables that affect safety, for instance, seating a bullet too deep in the 9mm can raise pressures to a dangerous level. Always work up your loads and if you change components, drop back and work back up. Welcome to the 'art' of reloading, have fun and be safe.
Bkreutz
US Veteran
I like this suggestion, ask around at your LGS to see who reloads. Many times some of us "more experienced"
reloaders are happy to share information and experiences. It's good to watch someone do it. There are books, but there are books on how to fly an airplane too but I wouldn't trust a pilot who "read a book on how to fly". Unless you live somewhere really isolated I'm sure you can find someone local.
GP100man
Member
I started with Speer`s & Lyman`s manuals .
Where ya located in North Kakalaki ???
I started out with the classic lee loader ,but would recommend starting out with Quality tools You`ll always need a single stage press & a good set of balance beeam scales.
If ya not in a hurry good used tools from either upgrading or simply in the way come up for sale ,or place WTB ADs in the classifieds . You may be pleasantly surprised at the responses.
Anyways , if ya like shootin you`ll like reloading , I promise!
Where ya located in North Kakalaki ???
I started out with the classic lee loader ,but would recommend starting out with Quality tools You`ll always need a single stage press & a good set of balance beeam scales.
If ya not in a hurry good used tools from either upgrading or simply in the way come up for sale ,or place WTB ADs in the classifieds . You may be pleasantly surprised at the responses.
Anyways , if ya like shootin you`ll like reloading , I promise!
Bohica793
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M3Stuart
Member
Much good advice so far!
I learned by buying a Lee single stage kit, buying books and reading them, and hanging out at the LGS and asking lots of questions. Go when they aren't swamped so you don't irritate them much. Cabela's does, or did, in-store sessions that were very helpful.
My veerrrryyy first bullet - I dumped the powder out carefully and took it to the guy at the store to test my Lee scale against their electronic one. Hint: consider buying two scales to check against each other.
Load small quantities at first and go test them.
There's no dumb questions in reloading. We all had to start somewhere. I can still fill volumes with all the stuff I don't know.
Oh, on the equipment - Lee makes 'loader kits' that are VERY basic. It's a cheap way to try it out. Be careful with that little plastic powder measure though.
http://leeprecision.com/reloading-kits/lee-loader-pistol/
I learned by buying a Lee single stage kit, buying books and reading them, and hanging out at the LGS and asking lots of questions. Go when they aren't swamped so you don't irritate them much. Cabela's does, or did, in-store sessions that were very helpful.
My veerrrryyy first bullet - I dumped the powder out carefully and took it to the guy at the store to test my Lee scale against their electronic one. Hint: consider buying two scales to check against each other.
Load small quantities at first and go test them.
There's no dumb questions in reloading. We all had to start somewhere. I can still fill volumes with all the stuff I don't know.
Oh, on the equipment - Lee makes 'loader kits' that are VERY basic. It's a cheap way to try it out. Be careful with that little plastic powder measure though.
http://leeprecision.com/reloading-kits/lee-loader-pistol/
Last edited:
Another vote for Lyman
You can't have too many manuals. I just got Hornady, and see the Speer, Lyman cast bullet and Lee hiding beneath those. I spent a long weekend with a family member who reloads. And I have only loaded 2-300 rounds.
Use the fact it is hard to get components etc to your advantage by reading manuals, finding a mentor, and do keep reading this forum.
By the time you get enough "pieces and parts", you will have had the opportunity to learn a few things. And most importantly, know what you don't know.
Use the fact it is hard to get components etc to your advantage by reading manuals, finding a mentor, and do keep reading this forum.
By the time you get enough "pieces and parts", you will have had the opportunity to learn a few things. And most importantly, know what you don't know.
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I have a Speer, Hornady and Lyman but now-days you can view, print and get all the needed info on-line. NOT saying it's not nice to have a manual right next to you and so if I were to suggest only one, I would go with Hornady. I personally like the Hornady because I happen to use mostly their powders. The only NON Hornady powders I use are W231 and Alliant Unique. The Hornady book has most of the other Company's powder listings too. My second choice would be Speer.
Moonman
Member
Go Slowly while you acquire KNOWLEDGE.
Read-Read-Read
You can look for an NRA RELOADING INSTRUCTOR that teaches classes
but, they are few and far between due to LIABILITY ISSUES.
Learn how to read some precision tools such as micrometers, you can use YouTube for instructional videos.
Some instructional videos are much better than others.
When equipment buying, you can start with a single stage as everyone has uses for one.
Some Single Stage Presses come in KITS, that have a series of needed things, Manual, Scales, either Electronic
or Balance Beam, Powder Trickler, Powder Measure, Reloading Block, Chamfering/Deburring Tool,
Powder Measure Stand, Case Lube, and Measuring Caliper.
Kits can save you some money when starting out and you need everything to get up and running.
Reloading time is a time of SOLITUDE not one OF SOCIAL INTERACTION.
While reloading YOU DO NOT NEED, Your Friends, Pets, Television, TEXTING, or any other distraction.
Reloading requires your UNDIVIDED ATTENTION to the task at hand.
A wandering mind can create VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION to you, your firearms and possibly others
GOOD LUCK with your Quest to Reloading Learning.
Read-Read-Read
You can look for an NRA RELOADING INSTRUCTOR that teaches classes
but, they are few and far between due to LIABILITY ISSUES.
Learn how to read some precision tools such as micrometers, you can use YouTube for instructional videos.
Some instructional videos are much better than others.
When equipment buying, you can start with a single stage as everyone has uses for one.
Some Single Stage Presses come in KITS, that have a series of needed things, Manual, Scales, either Electronic
or Balance Beam, Powder Trickler, Powder Measure, Reloading Block, Chamfering/Deburring Tool,
Powder Measure Stand, Case Lube, and Measuring Caliper.
Kits can save you some money when starting out and you need everything to get up and running.
Reloading time is a time of SOLITUDE not one OF SOCIAL INTERACTION.
While reloading YOU DO NOT NEED, Your Friends, Pets, Television, TEXTING, or any other distraction.
Reloading requires your UNDIVIDED ATTENTION to the task at hand.
A wandering mind can create VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION to you, your firearms and possibly others
GOOD LUCK with your Quest to Reloading Learning.
smokindog
Member
Two pieces of equipment I'd recommend! I just started in the last year and the scale is $30 less than I paid for it Buy quality and buy once. FWIW, I started on the Hornady LNL AP and enjoy it. I understand WHY many say start with a single stage but you can learn one thing at a time, even on a progressive. I think it's a personal and financial decision. Our Cabelas has classes for free to introduce you to reloading (2 levels).
RCBS Model 1010 Magnetic Powder Scale 1010 Grain Capacity
RCBS Standard Scale Check Weights 60.5 Grains
Buy quality and buy once. FWIW, I started on the Hornady LNL AP and enjoy it. I understand WHY many say start with a single stage but you can learn one thing at a time, even on a progressive. I think it's a personal and financial decision. Our Cabelas has classes for free to introduce you to reloading (2 levels).RCBS Model 1010 Magnetic Powder Scale 1010 Grain Capacity
RCBS Standard Scale Check Weights 60.5 Grains
I see you are an NRA member, good for you. Are you aware that the NRA certifies Reloading Instructors? If yo contact them through the website, you can ask if there are any reloading instructors in your vicinity. That may be one way to sit down with someone one on one as you progress. Just might be someone who may know of lots of good used equipment up for sale at a good price also. You never know.
I started with a Lee Classic 4 turret loader. I took it one step at a time, I removed the center 1/4 twist auger so I could use it as a single stage press. Then moved up to adding the other dies, powder loader, crimps etc.
YOU TUBE has alot of basic loading or reloading videos to watch, I reccomend them.
btw, dont be suprised if you get a backache after the first weekend of using the press. I did and thought I was getting the flu, then I remembered I had just popped the primers from 1500 brass!
Yeah kinda embarrassing go to work all bent over from doin a repetitive motion I have never done before.
hehe
But it is fun!, my .45acp cost is down to around .10-14 cents around!
Chuck
YOU TUBE has alot of basic loading or reloading videos to watch, I reccomend them.
btw, dont be suprised if you get a backache after the first weekend of using the press.
I did and thought I was getting the flu, then I remembered I had just popped the primers from 1500 brass! Yeah kinda embarrassing go to work all bent over from doin a repetitive motion I have never done before. heheBut it is fun!, my .45acp cost is down to around .10-14 cents around!
Chuck
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