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Best way to start reloading?
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posted
A good friend of mine wants to start reloading his own .38 pistol rounds and .303 and .308 as well.
The only thing is the fact he is seriously forgetful and not technical at all.

So what tools would you all think the most fool proof and easy to use?
He has nothing yet and will have to buy everything from scratch.

All advice is welcome.


"When doing battle, seek a quick victory."
 
Posts: 4739 | Location: London England | Registered: 11 May 2003Reply With Quote
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loading manuals....tell this person to read a few, and make sure this is what they want to do.

I have one of those RCBS brass prep stations. I think it was $80 new.

I'll give it to him but he has to pay shipping. It is not new but barely used. When we moved, I couldn't find it so I bought another one. Found the original later.


Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my guns
 
Posts: 7906 | Registered: 05 July 2004Reply With Quote
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I got my start on an RCBS Rockchucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit. I've added a few specialty tools here and there, but for the most part, I'm still using the original equipment. Also, like Doc said, reloading manual, lots and lots of them.


Praise be to the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
 
Posts: 427 | Location: Clarkston, MI | Registered: 06 February 2006Reply With Quote
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As was said, manuals and read em, the ABCs of Reloading would be a good one to start him on in addition to the reloading manuals.

http://www.midwayuk.com/apps/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?SaleItemID=738288

http://home.earthlink.net/~dannewberry/dannewberrysopti...development/id7.html
 
Posts: 1615 | Location: Washington State | Registered: 27 May 2004Reply With Quote
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Yes by all means a manual or two or more. I'd also say go single stage as even doing one round at a time enough stuff can go wrong. I think for the money and customer service,RCBS is the way to go.
 
Posts: 1289 | Location: San Angelo,Tx | Registered: 22 August 2003Reply With Quote
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The very most basic setup is the lee loader and dipper. I started with it many years ago. A better choice is probably a basic press and powder scale. Slow powders will be harder for him to screw up and hurt himself with.....but this hobby is governed by natural law.

Get a manual, read and heed. Sierra, Hornady, Lee, Nosler.....lots of good ones out there. Remember bullets are not interchangeable even of the same weight.

Cheers,

Dan
 
Posts: 430 | Location: Anchorage, AK | Registered: 02 March 2006Reply With Quote
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WinkIn as much as you are not the first one to go this route on this form ,I've given this a little thought.For starters
  • Any of the H type presses, Most are good. let your pocket book dictate.
  • One of the quality beam balances.My Redding has lasted for more than 50 years.
  • A Lee Bottom of the line powder dispenser. IT WORKS. thumb
  • Inside and out side hand held chamfering tools.
  • Start with Lee dies and see how you like them. you can graduate to something better latter and not be out much.
  • Wooden or plastic (50 per) case holders- make or buy.
  • Get the reloading Manual Modern Reloading second edition by ROBERT LEE. He's copied every one esles recipes and has rather good instructions on loading.

    Well any way that's the cake you can frost it as time goes by. waveroger


    Old age is a high price to pay for maturity!!! Some never pay and some pay and never reap the reward. Wisdom comes with age! Sometimes age comes alone..
  •  
    Posts: 10226 | Location: Temple City CA | Registered: 29 April 2003Reply With Quote
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    quote:
    The only thing is the fact he is seriously forgetful and not technical at all.


    This is not a good match with reloading.
     
    Posts: 9207 | Registered: 22 November 2002Reply With Quote
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    Picture of vapodog
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    quote:
    Originally posted by ireload2:
    quote:
    The only thing is the fact he is seriously forgetful and not technical at all.


    This is not a good match with reloading.
    thumb


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    Posts: 28849 | Location: western Nebraska | Registered: 27 May 2003Reply With Quote
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    Thanks a lot everyone great help, I'll make sure he's as safe as poss.
    I think I'll get him on the books first. coffee


    "When doing battle, seek a quick victory."
     
    Posts: 4739 | Location: London England | Registered: 11 May 2003Reply With Quote
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    I second the RCBS Master Reloading Kit, It has pretty much every thing one needs to start.

    I strongly recomend staying away from a progressive press for starting, especialy if he is "forgetfull and not technical". Its far to easy to not charge, double charge, crush brass, prime poorly, or even run out of primers on a progressive under the best of circumstances. Not to mention that changing calibers costs alot more for a new shell plate on a progressive.

    A case tumbler if he isnt using carbide dies or just wants to make the proccess more pleasant.

    A hand primer, anything but Lee should be good.


    Those who will not reason, are bigots, those who cannot, are fools, and those who dare not, are slaves. - Lord Byron

    "They were not killing each other under Saddam."-Saaed
     
    Posts: 407 | Location: Columbus, Ohio | Registered: 16 July 2007Reply With Quote
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    If he is forgetful, tell him to keep notes of the various steps: 1. wipe cases, 2,deprime, 3. etc, and (this should apply to all reloaders) reloading time is not social time nor work time nor mind the kiddies time. Clear his mind of work and family concerns, turn off the ball game, and concentrate on what he is doing. Don't try to multitask but work with one group of cartridges at a time from start to finish. If he can't go from start to finish, leave himself notes about where he had to leave off, etc. He is not alone. There are a lot of us dumbasses roaming the planet. Big Grin
     
    Posts: 1287 | Registered: 11 January 2007Reply With Quote
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    If he is easily distracted set up his reloading equipment in a quiet out of the way room, without any distractions. Work with him until he has a fool proof systematic method. Will take a few sessions, but if you really like this guy it will be a good investment.
    Good Luck


    You don't have to be the best shot....Just the last shot.
     
    Posts: 126 | Location: Peace River, Alberta | Registered: 27 May 2007Reply With Quote
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    Picture of SC_Gunner
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    quote:
    A hand primer, anything but Lee should be good.


    WTF, what's wrong with the Lee "hand primer"?
     
    Posts: 46 | Location: South Carolina | Registered: 29 January 2007Reply With Quote
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    Seriously don't overlook this intel.
    I'd speculate he's better off buying bulk factory ammo....but good procedures and good coaching can overcome a lot..convey this to him--strongly

    quote:
    Originally posted by vapodog:
    quote:
    Originally posted by ireload2:
    quote:
    The only thing is the fact he is seriously forgetful and not technical at all.


    This is not a good match with reloading.
    thumb
     
    Posts: 3563 | Location: GA, USA | Registered: 02 August 2004Reply With Quote
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    Buy this kit!
    http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000449357


    *We Band of .338 ers*.NRA Member
     
    Posts: 415 | Location: Milwaukee WI USA | Registered: 07 April 2002Reply With Quote
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    Picture of vapodog
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    quote:
    Originally posted by RiflemanZ:
    Buy this kit!
    http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000449357

    Ever since RCBS deleted the priming system from their press I no longer recommend it as the "go to" press. I still want a press with a primer arm and feeder in it and would now suggest the Lyman or possibly Redding's press.....possibly Lee's new iron press. I'm very disappointed in this decision by RCBS!


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    Posts: 28849 | Location: western Nebraska | Registered: 27 May 2003Reply With Quote
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    posted Hide Post
    quote:
    Originally posted by SC_Gunner:
    quote:
    A hand primer, anything but Lee should be good.


    WTF, what's wrong with the Lee "hand primer"?



    They are made out of cheap materials and wear out. Maybe they are OK for limited use but I wore one out to the point it wouldn't seat a primer flush, and yes I did keep it propery lubed. They also are far less comfortable to my hands than the RCBS models.
    I do load quite a bit though so maybe if you don't reload much you can get by with one for a while. To me a better choice is to buy one that won't wear out......................DJ


    ....Remember that this is all supposed to be for fun!..................
     
    Posts: 3976 | Location: Oklahoma,USA | Registered: 27 February 2004Reply With Quote
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    quote:
    Originally posted by RiflemanZ:
    Buy this kit!
    http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000449357


    +1 RiflemanZ

    The RCBS kit is IMHO the best way to get started in reloading. It has everything you need except caliber particulars and is of good quality. I've recommended it to a couple beginning reloaders and have had glowing reports of thier success as new reloaders with it. I got my start with the same thing 31 years ago.
    Reloading isn't rocket science so if your friend is willing to concentrate and follow the instructions he should be fine. But the other posters have brought up some valid concerns, if he's not willing to focus on what he's doing steer him away from things that are dangerous to the careless......................DJ


    ....Remember that this is all supposed to be for fun!..................
     
    Posts: 3976 | Location: Oklahoma,USA | Registered: 27 February 2004Reply With Quote
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    posted Hide Post
    quote:
    Originally posted by SC_Gunner:
    quote:
    A hand primer, anything but Lee should be good.


    WTF, what's wrong with the Lee "hand primer"?


    Not only is it made out of really cheap materials, it is about as uncomfortable a tool as I have ever used. I have large hands and it gets painful to use after priming about 50 or so cases, and I feel real pain after 200 or so.

    It also does not have much sensitivity, so its hard to get that feel for when you have compressed the primer cup down onto the anvil properly and consistanly.

    I give it 2/10 on a 10 point scale, and thats mostly for its small size and primer flipper, which seems to work very nicely.


    Those who will not reason, are bigots, those who cannot, are fools, and those who dare not, are slaves. - Lord Byron

    "They were not killing each other under Saddam."-Saaed
     
    Posts: 407 | Location: Columbus, Ohio | Registered: 16 July 2007Reply With Quote
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    The Specialist ; A question do you think he or she will be a volume loader ?.

    If the person in question intends to do several different calibers and loads enough , yet wants to do so in a shorter period of time .

    Then a indexable press is the way to fly .

    I have at one time or another owned EVERY brand of reloading press !.

    I sold them ALL and settled on a Dillon System !.
    I've never regretted that decision !. 550 , 650 or ??.

    Shot Straight Know Your target . ... salute
     
    Posts: 1738 | Location: Southern Calif. | Registered: 08 April 2006Reply With Quote
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    My shpeal:

    quote:


    I got an RCBS Rockchucker kit and an RCBS Video, because I was overwhelmed with how to get started reloading.

    If I were to advise someone on how to do it that was a friend, I would show him how, and then loan him enough stuff to do it at his home.

    Telling someone how to do it on the internet, I would start out with the tasks that have to be done, and list the cheap tools to get, so the the guy can maintain a mental map of the goals:

    38 Special [same die set and shell holder as 357 mag] is very easy and cheap to load, most people have one, and the guns have mountains of safety margin. They are a good place to start.

    1) Get the old primer out of the case, called depriming or decapping.
    2) Make the case small enough in inside diameter to grip a bullet and small enough on the outside to fit in the chamber. This is called resizing.
    Both steps 1) & 2) are usually accomplished in one step as the resizing die has a decapping pin. This will require:
    a) Shell holder ~$3 Lee #1 shell holder or ~$5 RCBS #6 shell holder.
    The same size shell holder can be used later for 357 mag, 256 Win mag, etc.
    b) A resizing die. This die will probably be bought in a kit with one, two, or three other dies. In straight wall cartridges, carbide resizing dies are available at an extra cost. It is always worth the extra to get carbide. Adjust the die [how far to screw it into the press] per the instructions that come with the die set.
    Lee 3 die set for 38 special; $21 steel, $23 carbide
    RCBS 3 die set for 38 special: $36
    c) A press. Lee Reloader press $20 is a real cheapee, but will always find a use. RCBS Rockchucker $90 is a workhorse of the highest quality.
    3) Clean the case. This step can be done with a couple twists of the wrist with steel wool, or expensive vibrators. Later when you get more tools, you will clean the primer pocket, but it is not needed.
    4) Re prime the case.
    a) One can buy a priming tool and do it in 2 seconds or fumble with the primer built into RCBS presses and do it 10 seconds.
    Lee Auto prime II $13, RCBS priming tool $26
    The two tools I mentioned use the same shell holder as used above in resizing. Beware that Lee also sells another priming system ["Lee auto prime" not "Lee auto primer II"] that uses special shell holders. I would avoid that system to start.
    b) One must also buy, beg, borrow, or steal new primers.
    To buy them mail order, one would have to pay a Hazardous Materials charge [Haz Mat]. Small purchases would be too expensive. Usually 100 primers can be purchased for $1 or $2 at the local gun store. Primers come in combinations of being; magnum or standard, pistol or rifle, and large or small. For 38 special, small pistol primers are what is needed, and will work with standard or magnum, but most published loads with be with standard primers.
    5) Fill the case with powder. This is called charging the case. For this one will need powder and a way to measure powder. With black powder, one just fills the case, but with smokeless powder too much powder will fit. Start out using smokeless powder and measuring it. The amount to use depends on the bullet that will be used. The amount is published in load books, or better still on powder manufacturer's web sites for free.
    a) Buy powder. There is the Haz Mat problem again, so off to the neighborhood gunstore. Any "pistol powder" will do. Expect to pay ~$20 for a pound in a gunstore. I like Bullseye or Unique powder made by Alliant, but AA#2 or AA#5 work just as well made by Accurate Arms, or Winchester 231, or Hodgdon HS-6, or Vihtavuori 3N37, or IMR SR7625, or dozens of others.
    b) Measure the powder. This can be done with cheap plastic measuring cups with handles from Lee, but I would start out weighing the powder. The weighing scales: Lee Perfect powder measure $20, RCBS Uniflow Powder measure $60 [this tool is really nice]
    6) Install the bullet. This is called seating the bullet.
    a) Buy bullets. For 38 special, .357" diameter or .358" bullets are normally used. You can buy lead bullets or lead bullets covered with copper called jacketed bullets. I would start out with jacketed bullets. These will cost you 5 to 15 cents each and usually bought in 100's.
    b) The seating die should have come in the reloading die kit. Put it in the press and put the primed and charged case in the shell holder. Set the bullet on top of the case and raise the ram [push down on the press lever]
    c) Measure the over all length of the cartridge [OAL]. This can be done with a ruler, but is best done with dial calipers. Expect to pay $20 for some Chinese calipers or $100 for American.
    7) Crimp the case into the bullet. This means the case must pinch the bullet so hard that recoil will not yank the bullet out when other chambers of the revolver are fired [or so the bullet will not get shoved deeper into the case from recoil in magazine or tube fed cartridge]. The type of crimp depends on the type of cartridge. The rimmed 38 special case should be roll crimped. The rimless 9mm cartridge should be taper crimped. The crimping step can be done in one step with the bullet seating, but I would start out doing it in two separate steps. The two steps look the same [cartridge goes into seating die], but can be different in how the seating die is adjusted. Again, adjust the die [how far to screw it into the press] per the instructions that come with the die set and with the seating die, there is also the adjustment of the seating stem [knurled knob on top of the die].
    8) Take notes when you shoot your handloads. Write on the targets. Things like "125 gr. bullets shot way low, but 158 gr. bullets were right on." will come in handy next time you sit down to reload or buy bullets.
     
    Posts: 9043 | Location: on the rock | Registered: 16 July 2005Reply With Quote
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    Nothing wrong with the lee auto prime, I've loaded l000s on the current one I'm using and I don't lube it often.

    Reloader
     
    Posts: 4146 | Location: North Louisiana | Registered: 18 February 2004Reply With Quote
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    I would get the Lee clasic turret take the auto index out and teach him to do batch reloading.the turret can be setup with Lee disc powder measure and do loading by batch.load the cart for target use. not how powerful you can get them.a turret plate for each caal and powder measure for each.the cost with Lee will be low I use lee prime tool[have three].never had problem and I have had them since Lee put them on market.I decap/clean/size/prime/powder/seat bullet-crip
    I v loaded since 1939.on win tool.
     
    Posts: 3 | Location: MANNING SC | Registered: 16 June 2007Reply With Quote
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    I'm what I would call a medium to high volume reloader. I shoot some rifle matches but no pistol action matches nor do I like to go out with my little black gun and rock and roll. All that said, I've had no problems with my Lee Auto Primes. They are inexpensive enough to keep a back up on hand and if something goes wrong, toss it and go to your extra. I've never had to and I've loaded thousands of rounds, large and small primers.
     
    Posts: 1287 | Registered: 11 January 2007Reply With Quote
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    Once again thanks for all the great info.

    I've got him "The ABCs of reloading" and he has enough cash to buy good gear and setup a nice reloading station at home, his daughter has now grown up and moved out.
    He knows he is forgetful and is very careful when handling guns, I feel safer when out shooting with him than with many guys who have been shooting for years.


    "When doing battle, seek a quick victory."
     
    Posts: 4739 | Location: London England | Registered: 11 May 2003Reply With Quote
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    It's really helpful to keep a Reloading Log.

    One may note case manf., bullet type, bullet weight, powder type, powder weight, type of sizing die, etc., etc., etc., all the specifics of the process.

    And range results.

    I think this is mandatory?

    flaco

    N.B. I know this is helpful for the memory challenged among us.
     
    Posts: 674 | Registered: 31 January 2005Reply With Quote
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