Hi guys,
Before visiting this site I had never thought about reloading. PMC, Remington and Federal provided Fodder for my rifles, and in most cases I got more than acceptable accuracy with modest costs.

Now I am planning to add a bigbore in my closet(Maybe in 6 months), .416 Rigby or .404J, and the ammo cost for these rounds is way out there. Question is how can a person start with handloading? Any good videos available? And how much does it cost to get the most important supplies to get started?

I live in an apartment so the most area I can dedicate to reloading will be like a 4x4 Table top. Any suggestions?? I don't want to play with explosives without knowing absolutely EVERYTHING about them.

Any help is appreciated.
BB

I would go buy a manual, such as the Lyman and read it cover to cover.

This would cover most of the basics and will give you an idea about the questions you should ask.

Bill hit the nail on the head; do that first. My working surface is about 27" x 48", and is sufficient for my reloading, but I do not store any components or tools on it. Perhaps I could if I enclosed the base, but that size top will be adequate for working on, but not storage. It must be sturdy, and heavy helps.

i to started out in a appartment.i had a rcbs rockchucker bolted to a boared and c clamped to kitchen table.(table felt like it was going to snap couple times.i started out with scalles and press and worked my way up to hand primmers and powder dispensers.whats out its addictive youll start getting maltipls of stuff too. have fun and sorry about my spelling Jason

Welcome to the highly addictive world of reloading. I can tell you this--once you get started, you'll never get enough. The possibilities and variables can never be fully explored, so there are lots of things to do and learn.

If I may make a few suggestions: First, build your own small bench. I started loading from an old wire spool, then built my own using 4x4's nailed together. You can build a small bench by using two sheets of 3/8th's plywood, best grade, put together. My first build from this had a top that was 24" square. Use 4x4's for the legs, and 2x4's for braces. I would suggest using lag bolts to put it together. Drill pilot holes, and apply some grease to the threads. For added convenience, countersink the top screws that anchor the top to the legs. Your bench will be strong enough to handle a heavy press, and large enough for your scale, shell holders, etc.

Next, shop around for a good reloading kit. There are quite a few good choices, all well suited to the task at hand. However, some are better for some tasks than others. Loading for only one or two calibers? A suggestion might be a RCBS Rockchucker kit. More than a few calibers? Consider a turret press. Both of these can also load handgun calibers with ease. There are other choices, too; I would suggest surfing the 'Net, and checking out every manufacturer's site that you can.

Now, to echo the other posts--first thing off, get some GOOD reloading manuals. READ them well, especially the cautionary statements. If you can, get a friend who is an experienced reloader to observe and help as you load your first rounds.

If you have half the fun reloading that I have, you will be well occupied, indeed. Good luck, and make sure to post any questions you have. You'll get lots of answers!

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Happiness is a 200 yard bughole.

The very best reloading manual I've found is the one put out by A-Square...not a lot of loads etc but the information on reloading is top-notch and the explanations about changing components and the effects of pressure aren't found anywhere else in such detail...a great reference book and a "must-have" as far as I'm concerned. Also, the large paper-back book by M.L. McPherson which I believe is called "Metallic Cartridge Reloading" is also right up there in something you shuld read before you begin. Spend the money on good books and after you understand what they are saying you can begin to reload. Do it right and you don't need to worry about unexpected loud noises.