Want to start reloading, need ya'lls input

[sps282]

Some more suggestions:
1. Start collecting brass
2. Buy carbide dies for your straight wall brass
3. When reloading make sure there are no other distractions
4. Take your time and double check your powder charges
5. Put aside the money you save reloading to buy more guns

 

[Skip Sackett]

The only aspect of personality that I have ever covered when trying to encourage a new loader is by asking about their mechanical skills.

If you cannot remember if it is "righty tighty, lefty loosey" then you should use the most basic of setups and leave the progressives to others. That doesn't mean that you are bad or anything, but knowing one's limitations is key to success in any aspect of life.

Paying attention to details is of prime importance and is a GREAT caution to a new loader.

p.s. Midway and Lee precision websites also have videos to watch.

The biggest thing is this: Get started. Buy something this week, then next week get something else, by the end of a month, you aren't all stressed about the money you are going to spend, read in the meantime, watch the videos, but start today.

 

[Rule3]

Oh, and another thing, send away, e mail or call for all the catalogs from RCBS, Hornady, Lee, they all have basic reloading guides and you can see more detail of the equipment.

Dillon just has the models on the front cover so you will not get past her!

Dillon Precision: Reloaders, Reloading Equipment, Bullet Reloading, Bullet Reloaders

Might as well take a break now and then

 

[38Airweight]

After buying the Lee anniversary single stage press kit I spent over a year lurking on forums like this and purchasing the rest of what I needed before I loaded my first .45 rounds. I load to target practice for what I carry I don't think I'll ever need anything other than a single stage. The only thing I've added to the Lee kit items are a used RCBS powder measure and a digital scale. I now load .45, 9mm and 38 special and the savings are tremendous with free range brass.

Take your time.

 

[augy]

I would wet my feet with spening money right now. Go buy the ABC's of reloading and then go buy 1K of Large pistol primers. That will be for your 45acp loads. Buy 1 pound of winchester 231(powder) or 1 pound of bullseye.(powder) Thats is for 45 acp. keep them seperate when stored. Do not store them in ammo cans.
Then read and read and read. Every week buy something else. Little by little. Remember when you think you are done spending you will spend much more.

Good luck and have fun.
****************************************************************************************************

The information above is great. One thing I would change. Don't buy Bullseye powder until you are experienced at reloading. Buy Unique instead. Reason being, Bullseye is a fast burning powder, and it doesn't take much when reloading bullets. Unique is a medium burning powder, and you must use more in the case. Because of this, it is safer, by reducing the chance for a double charge. Again, this is just my opinion. I've been reloading for 15 years.
Good luck and enjoy.
augy

 

[USAF007]

I would wet my feet with spening money right now. Go buy the ABC's of reloading and then go buy 1K of Large pistol primers. That will be for your 45acp loads. Buy 1 pound of winchester 231(powder) or 1 pound of bullseye.(powder) Thats is for 45 acp. keep them seperate when stored. Do not store them in ammo cans.
Then read and read and read. Every week buy something else. Little by little. Remember when you think you are done spending you will spend much more.

Good luck and have fun.
****************************************************************************************************

The information above is great. One thing I would change. Don't buy Bullseye powder until you are experienced at reloading. Buy Unique instead. Reason being, Bullseye is a fast burning powder, and it doesn't take much when reloading bullets. Unique is a medium burning powder, and you must use more in the case. Because of this, it is safer, by reducing the chance for a double charge. Again, this is just my opinion. I've been reloading for 15 years.
Good luck and enjoy.
augy

thanks for the Info sir! its greatly appreciated!

 

[Rule3]

I see no sense in urgency to BUY anything other than the ABC's and a manual or two? There is no hurry. Get the catalogs, figure out what you need, want, before you start buying stuff. Once you decide what equipment. look for the best price. Natchez generally beats Midway but Midway has perhaps faster shipping and better return policy. For powder and primers try and find a place local so you do not have a HAZ MAT shipping fee. For now all you need is a box of 1000 large pistol primers and 1 lb of powder (for 45, Bullseye or HP 38)
Do you have brass already?

 

[Hobie1]

Only one mention of an essential component has been mentioned...a scale, be it balance or digital, is absolutely necessary. Calipers also. Case cleaning equipment. Brass, as mentioned. Bullets?
Like in most hobbies, the start-up costs sting a bit but once you get it all going, it can be a very rewarding endeavor.(except when trimming brass without a Gracie,boring ).

Lots of good advice up above. Hope you enjoy yourself.

Hobie

 

[38Airweight]

So i was hoping ya'll would help me out and let me know what I need to get started.

This is how I started a year ago. I'm sure others will suggest other brands of starter press kits, you know "go blue and big or go home".

Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit Cabela's--- $99.00 or less

Harbor freight vibratory brass cleaner--- $ 40.00

.45 4 Die set Cabela's--- $36.99

Lee Modern Reloading Manual on eBay--- $13.99

1000 Berry's and others, bullets--- $119.00

1000 CCI large primers Cabalas--- $29.99

1 Lb. Unique Powder at gun shop--- $17.99

Brass--- Range Brass Free

Digital caliper on ebay--- $8.50

Loading tray x 2 on ebay--- $13.50

Work bench (two old nightstands and a piece of plywood)--- Free


Total $378.96


1000 rounds of .45 WWB at Wally World can be $330.00



You might find these items now for more or less, definitely more on factory ammo.



...

I forgot Safety glasses and lizard litter for the vibratory brass cleaner.


What else did I forget yaaaa'lllll

 

[ohiococonut]

I won't offer any suggestions about equipment or components since you've already and will get plenty of that. Ultimately that decision is up to you once you've done your research. When I started reloading there was no one to teach me and no internet. It was all done by the book and it was The ABC's of Reloading.

Once you've done your reading/research and start buying components you're going to want to buy a lot of different powders, bullets, etc. I'd suggest you resist the urge and initially stick with one type of powder and one style/weight of bullet and primer. Use the KISS rule and keep it simple until you feel confident enough to change, if you want to continue. I've seen more than one person want to start reloading and buy a lot of components only to give up for whatever reason. He just had more to sell off in the end.

When you do have what you need and are ready to start only have ONE type of each component on your loading table. One type of primer, One can of powder and One style of bullet. Then confirm in your manual(s) you are using those components only. It's real easy to become complacent and pick up the wrong can of powder.

Once the reloading process starts DO NOT allow yourself to be distracted. If you have to step away write down where you left off if you haven't completed a process. And when you're finished make sure you document everything. There's no sense in duplicating a load that does not work or you're not happy with.

I am anal about documentation and have kept it for over 30yrs in regards to reloading. I make my own reloading labels and separate loading sheets for each caliber and keep my loads in a binder and on my PC.

More importantly, if you get stuck or have a question, ask. It's better to be safe than sorry. Best of luck to you and Be Safe.

 

[wharvey]

I'd like to say that all the advice is good but depending on needs and budget it is possible to get started for quite a bit less than some would have you think. I started reloading in 1973 or 74. didn't get a scale or brass cleaner to the mid 90's.

Lee and others have powder measures with fixed cavities. Look at their powder charts and reloading tables and try for a load near the middle of the range. This should give you good practice ammo and still safe. The scale becomes needed when you start working up loads for accuracy or trying to put together some warm loads.


As for brass, a mesh bag and dishwasher will do the trick.

As you reload acquire the luxury items as you can.