I am looking to get started in reloading and am interested in all the information that I can get. If any of you experienced reloaders could give me some advice on the best reloading and ballistics manuals, equipment opinions, powder preferences etc., it would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance, Clint

First off, buy a Hornady manual and a Lyman manual, and maybe one other. Read them cover to cover then come back and ask "what all should I buy"? Somewhere in the tons of resulting bullshit, you will get some good info.

Read everything you can get your hands on and ask lots of questions. Reloading manuals, magazines, books, yada yada yada. Every load manaual has a section describing how its done. The ABC's of reloading is a good place to start.
I think this site is a good place to get a "decent" answer to most any question. We all got started in loading one way or another and have been there too.

As far as equiptment, most of the major manufacturers have well put together starter kits.

The previous posts offer excellent advice about getting reading material and learning the ropes.

I really think one needs to find someone that has a lot of experience and ask for advice first hand in setting up a bench and getting the starting loads down. Any good sporting goods store that sells reloading supplies knows someone that is willing to be a coach for a while and at no charge also.

One book that I really found helpful when I started was Game Loads & Practical Ballistics for the American Hunter by Bob Hagel. I have never used his loads, but have heard he liked them hot and really hot. Other than that, it is an excellent book.

Exc. info. that should be followed. A good book w/ lots of pics is worth your time. Decide what you want to laod for, rifle, pistol, etc. For eifle hunting & target loads, a single stage press is fine & will handle your pistol needs to start. Powders, bullets, primers, bras, that all comes after you've done a bit of reading.

ninerfanone,

It is inportant to read the books as described above and develop an understanding of the basic steps to reloading. Sencondly, you must determine what you want to reload. From this point it may take you in a few different directions as to equipment.

If you can find "Pet Loads" by Ken Waters, and read about the method and conservative nature in which he loads, you will start off in the right frame of mind, which is slow, conservative and safe.

BigBullet

I didn't have anybody living close by who could show me metallic cartridge reloading, but I learned shotshell reloading watching a friend.

Finding somebody to show you is much easier, but you CAN figure it out pretty easy with a book and a starter kit.

I bought the Speer Manual and the Lee Hand press kit plus a set of Lee Dies (because they include the shellholder) to start.

A friend told me he'd started with that set up. I later bought a full RCBS setup used, Lee Priming tools, more presses, and virtually every accessory known to man, but I still use the Lee Hand press. It's a cheap way to start, and the hand press is very portable and versatile later should you upgrade. Plus the kit is $27.

I now have over 20 reloading manuals. Most of them have good basic reloading instructions. The hand press also came with basic reloading instructions, but I'd get a manual. I think the Speer is really good.

Edit: I forgot, I already had a scale, which you'll want, too. The Lee dies come with a known-volume powder scoop and volume/weight conversions and loads, but I still prefer to weigh loads on the scale.

Steve

Art Alphin's "Any Shot You Want" not only covers the process and ideas behind the mechanics well, but also puts valuable pressure information into perspective.

I agree with the others, you have to read it yourself to truly gain a working knowledge of the respective steps and components.

After that, guys here will be helpful in answering questions.

quote:

Originally posted by ninerfanone:
I am looking to get started in reloading and am interested in all the information that I can get. If any of you experienced reloaders could give me some advice on the best reloading and ballistics manuals, equipment opinions, powder preferences etc., it would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance, Clint

Clint,

Reloading skills and tecniques will come with experience. The best advice I can think to give is:

FIND YOU A SYSTEM TO KEEP GOOD NOTES!

quote:

Originally posted by RaySendero:
FIND YOU A SYSTEM TO KEEP GOOD NOTES!

Keeping good records is, in my opinion, an EXTREMELY IMPORTANT aspect of sucessful reload. I created my reloading log book by copying the log pages out of a lyman reloading manual, #47 I think. I then put these pages into a 3 ring binder divided into sections based upon cartridge. Recently, I have be copying my old data in an excel spreadsheet so that I have a hard paper copy and a digital copy.

one thing is for sure, do not deviate from the recipe you have in a manual AT ALL till you get some experience under yer belt. You might have to look around to find the manual that has load info for the bullet or powder you want to use, but dont change anything in the recipe. After a while you will get an idea of what powder and bullet yer gun likes, and go from there. Slowly.

Taking lots of notes is important. I keep a notebook at the bench, and always take that same notebook to the range anytime I am doing load development.

Oh yea, ALWAYS make sure you use enough LUBE!! denting cases from too much lube at first is cooler than gettin a case stuck in the sizer your first time out. After a while you will get a feel for how much lube to use. NOTHING sucks more than gettin a case stuck(or maybe seating bullets upside down...).

I bought the RCBS master reloading kit and then taught myself how to reload along with asking many questions on forums and calling the RCBS 1-800 ? line for help.I just love this hobby and RCBS gives a lifetime replacement on their stuff even when you break it! Here is the link to a great price on the kit! I highly recommend this kit,its worth every penny!The kit comes with the speer#13 relaoding book.Lymans#48,hodgdons #27,Nosler#5,Barnes#3 are all good reloading books.The powders and primers and bullets will be listed in the reloading books for you to load from.Here is the rcbs kit link.I rate it A+++
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productD...&src=ba207&src=ba207

Here is the lee kit if your short of cash.
http://www.natchezss.com/brand.cfm?contentID=productLis...oup=321&subgroup=898

Just one bit of advice to add to what you have already been given. Avoid "Hot" loads like the plague. You don't have the equipment to accurately measure pressures and striving for HOT loads will lead you into dangerous territory. If you want the bullet to go faster, buy a rifle in an appropriate chambering that reaches the faster speed in factoy loadings. AND, never, and I mean NEVER shoot a buddies reloads in your rifle. Just my $.02.

Reload - its fun!

Find someone who handloads in your area and that will be willing to come over to your place, or let you come to his.. and have a mentor to teach you....

Also as is wisely said... don't get into the 'Make a 30/06 into a 300 Weatherby' syndrome... it can be done, but you need to be experienced or you are going to get yourself hurt... and damage a rifle or two in the process... but remember a new rifle or barrel is a lot cheaper than having to get a new eye, or head....

Don't be stupid.. and take you time.. and don't short cut anything, until you know enough, to what you can shortcut.....

if you are located in southern oregon.. give me a PM.. I'd be happy to help ya out...

cheers
seafire

Thanks for all the helpfull advice guys. I have located someone in my area who does handloading and he is more than happy to teach me the ropes. I am very excited to get into this aspect of shooting. Thanks everybody for your advice and imput. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions of my own, and look forward to the day when I will be able to answer some for another beginer. Happy shooting, Clint

Man, dont forget the LUBE!!!!