I have never reloaded anything but shotgun shells. Now I have a 416 Rigby, and with the price of ammo, would like to begin reloading.

Before I jump in and buy equipment, what can I read that explains the step by step process, necessary tools and things to be careful about?

I'd buy two different reloading manuals, and carefully read the general instructions sections of both.

Lyman's manual is a pleasant read, and well illustrated. Hodgdon, Speer, and Hornady all have good books out. You won't go wrong with any of the major brands.

It isn't rocket science, but it does require attention to detail, and it's a lot of fun.

You might also enjoy reading the "Why Did You Start Reloading" thread. Saving money.... familiar theme.

I'll bet theres a score of people in Jackson Hole reloading. Find one and ask them to show you how it's done. The .416 Rigby is loaded almost the same way as the .30-06 except it has a three die set (compared to a two die set) and the third die is used to flare the case mouth like revolver casings.

Reading manuals is far more meaningful when someone has shown you.....

SBT,

Denton hit the nail on the head. Get a good reloading manual, it will tell you what you need to know. Be careful of the advise you get until you know if its good or bad. When I started reloading, not all the advise I got was good.

Since your starting with a big bore, not everybody that reloads loads a 416 and may not understand fillers etc. Do whatever the book tells you to do.

Nosler, Lyman etc, will tell you what you need to know.

SBT,

Like Vapodog advised, if you can find someone that reloads in your area that may prove helpful as long as they are reasonably capable. Another suggestion is to look up some web sites for reloading equip., components, etc...Some good sources on the web (who may be able to forward you information) are Sinclair, Redding, Forester, RCBS, etc. They may be able to send you or download some general information.

As far a reloading manuals go they are a useful resource and as a suggestion I would go ahead and purchase the one that you intend to use for bullet components. The one with the most options (as far as I can tell) reloading data, etc for the 416 Rigby will be Barnes.

I just got a 416 Rigby (CZ that Roger Ferrell is finishing up for me and should have back this week)I plan on using the Barnes 400 grain TSX, FN Solids, and the North Fork Cup points, H4831sc, Lee Factory crimp die, RCBS dies, Norma Brass, Federal 215 Match Grade primers.

I have two presses I use a RCBS and a Forester C0-AX (I will use the co-ax if the dies fit...if not the RCBS). I use Forester's Classic Trimmer. You will also have to order pilots, shell holders, etc.

If you have some questions I will be glad to help...jjs

SBT - pick up the NRA Guide to Reloading ISBN 0-935998-97-7. It covers both Shot Shell & Metallic cartridge reloading and it is by far the best getting started book on the market. I use it in my NRA Reloading classes and can highly recomend it to you. It was developed in conjunction with all the major manufacturers ant the pictures are great. You can also take the Basic Class; it is no doubt offered some where in your area. Check with the NRA Education dept for a class and or instructor near you 703-267-1500. One of the nice things about the class is that you get to try some equipment before you buy and you will know what you need and what you don't.

Yes do get many diffrent reloading manuals and read over the process, a knowledgable friend is good asset as well. Most important ask questions.

Scout Master 54

My best single piece of advice is to "Never seat and crimp in the same step". If you do you'll probably ruin more expensive 416 brass than you will like........DJ

Myself and several others came up with this guide to answer this type of question. I have it saved as a word doc. so when this often asked question came up, I could paste it.

BASIC RELOADER RULES & REQUIREMENTS

1. Do you have the patience to do detailed work away from distractions, (TV, Children, guests)?
2. Do you have a secure area that can be dedicated strictly to a loading bench?
3. Do you thoroughly understand what goes on inside a cartridge when you pull the trigger?
4. Are you mechanically inclined? In other words can you understand and follow instructions exactly, to make needed adjustments to equipment? Do know how to use measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers?
5. Read the front sections of several reloading manuals. I suggest one manual, printed by a company that sells reloading equipment AND bullets. The other one should be by a company that sells only powder. Case in point Hornady then Hodgdon. After reading and understanding the “HOW TO†section in those manuals, find someone who already loads to show you how and talk you through a box of shells. Better yet find a NRA Metallic/Shotshell Reloading instructor and take a basic reloading class. See links below for locating an instructor.
6. Never be in a hurry. If you are pressed for time, this is when a mistake will be made.
7. Do not under any circumstances smoke, eat or drink, especially alcoholic beverages. The reasons are obvious, but I’ll state them anyway. Smokeless powder burns at a very high temperature; it makes a dandy accelerant to start a fire. Drinking causes loss of motor skills and judgment.
8. Wash hands thoroughly when you are through. You are dealing with lead in many forms when handling bullets and primers.
9. Walk before you run. Buy a single stage press to start out with. The progressives are neat and useful when doing large quantities of ammo. You will always have uses for the single stage loader for special loads later.
10. Stay with the basics at first. The tools for neck turning, flash hole uniforming, primer pocket uniforming and checking concentricity will be useful after you get some experience.
11. To start with, stay in the mid-range of the suggested loads for medium power levels. Save the maximum loads for when you have more experience.
12. Buy the best equipment you can afford. It will last a lifetime; the cheap stuff will wear out and need replacing.
13. Have ONLY the bullets, powder, primers and empties on the table that you are loading at that time. Put everything away as soon as you are done, in a separate place.
14. The only stupid question is one that doesn’t get asked. If you’re not sure, ask somebody. Use common sense, logic is a great tool for a Reloader.
15. Maintain a log of all loads developed with the test results. Label all boxes with the load data and date of the load.
16. Every Step is an inspection point.
17. The last thing you do before the bullet goes in " Look in every case to verify the powder charge".

Links for Reloading help and instructors

http://www.sierrabullets.com/ Bullet company, very good ballistic support group.
http://www.speer-bullets.com Bullet company
http://www.nosler.com/ Bullet company
http://www.hornady.com/ Bullet company
http://www.barnesbullets.com Bullet company
http://www.hodgdon.com Powder company
http://www.lapua.com VihtaVuori Powders
http://www.bluepress.com Dillon Loaders
http://www.mayvl.com/ Mec loaders
http://ww.sinclairintl.com/ Precision Reloading and Shooting specialist
http://www.lymanproducts.com All Lyman Products.
http://www.shooting-hunting.com Great hunting and shooting site with list of instructors
http://www.mynra.com/ NRA with links to NRA certified instructors



Basic steps to reloading. This is a short edited version from the "NRA GUIDE TO RELOADING".

There are 17 steps of which most are for both rifle and pistol and one for pistol only. This is will mark with an * .
1. Inspect cases,
2. Clean Cases
3.Organize cases by batches
4.Select proper shell holder
5.Insert and set up sizing die
6. Lubricate cases
7.Resize and deprime cases
8. Measure case length
9.Trim cases
10 Deburr and Chamfering
11.Clean Primer Pocket
12.Expand Case mouth (*)
13.Prime Cases
14.Measure powder chargeand charge cases
15.Check powder charge in case
16.Seat bullet in case
17. Identify the reloaded cartridges (Mark the box etc.)

All these are excellent suggestions. The reloading books are great if you learn best by reading, but for me videos work much better. I picked up a copy of David Tubbs' video: Sierra Highpower Rifle Reloading. Even though Tubbs shows some more advanced techniques, it worked great for me as a newbie as well. Highly recommended. You can probably pick up a copy cheap off or eBay or maybe someone here has a copy they'll sell you. My 2 cents.

You all have been very helpful. Great suggestions, references and links. Thank you very much.

Great post Grizz!

Your first 17 points are right on the money. I have only been reloading a little over a year, but it now consumes a good portion of my idle thoughts.

The main thing to remember is that reloading should be enjoyable. If you do not truly enjoy it, you will never realize any measurable benefits from it.