Hello,

I'm thinking about getting into reloading, but I have no Idea on where to get started.

I'm wanting to reload .357mag .38special .45apc 30-06springfield .270win and eventualy 12 and 20 guage. I know that is two completly diffrent processes metalic and shot shells.

I want a good outfit but I don't want to break my bank!

thanks

If you follow the post below about loose bullets I think you will know what brand to avoid, not that they dont put out quality stuff but it make you wonder with the lack of directions. I have been reloading for over 20 years both for rifle and pistol. My first purchase was the RCBS "Rockchucker" press and I am very happy with it. The directions that come with it are clear and it is now way as hard to do as some of the posts under the "loose bullets" make it seem.
If you can find someone near who will help you thru your first loading run it would be nice. Almost all reloaders are willing to help a new reloader. If you cant find someone close by the directions in most all reloading manuals are very clear.
If you should have any questions just post them here and you will get excellent answers. Have fun and good shooting.

Buy two or three reloading manuals and read their "How to" sections. That will give you the basic outline of the procedures and safety precautions. Comparing a couple of different books will also let you find the recommendations for what equipment to buy without getting a one-sided opinion and ending up buying a whole bunch of one manufacturer's products that you don't need.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
Buy two or three reloading manuals and read their "How to" sections. That will give you the basic outline of the procedures and safety precautions. Comparing a couple of different books will also let you find the recommendations for what equipment to buy without getting a one-sided opinion and ending up buying a whole bunch of one manufacturer's products that you don't need.

Good advice..........

First of all, find a friend who is a competent and successful reloader.

Ask questions...ask for demonstrations.

Next, obtain several different reloading publications, and read them at least three times.

If you have any questions, ask your new friend.

Then go shopping for the hardware you will need.

I always suggest the RCBS Rock Chucker Reloading Kit and the RCBS Accessory Kit. They will include everything you absolutely need to start reloading, except dies, shellholders, and components.

If you shop around you can find the two kits for under $300.

For shotgun, I suggest the MEC 650.

When you buy components, always buy items of like description with the same lot numbers. This has two advantages. First, you will get a low cost when you buy in bulk; and second, you will not have to re-work your loads when you open a new container of powder or a new box of bullets or primers or cases.

Next ... NEVER start with the maximum load given in any publication or on the advice of any source.

Remember, what may be maximum in one firearm or test rig may be over what your firearm will tolerate as maximum.

When you are reloading, keep organized! Only one powder, one box of bullets, one pack of primers, one set of dies on the bench at any one time.

If you are not able to completely finish your current reloading project, DO NOT leave the components sitting out on the bench, or powder in the measure! Put things away if you re not going to be able to complete the process now. It won't take that long to get them out again tomorrow, next month or next year.

Most of all...use common sense, and if you don't know or aren't sure of something...ask!

Just to follow up on Steve's very good advice above, when you do get to the point of assembling ammo, begin a note book and record all variables in an organized way. That way if you do have a problem you may be able to go back and review what you have done.

Also label your ammo in an appropriate way, so that you don't get different loads mixed up.

Good Luck,
BigBullet

quote:

Originally posted by Denny:
If you follow the post below about loose bullets I think you will know what brand to avoid, not that they dont put out quality stuff but it make you wonder with the lack of directions. I have been reloading for over 20 years both for rifle and pistol. My first purchase was the RCBS "Rockchucker" press and I am very happy with it. The directions that come with it are clear and it is now way as hard to do as some of the posts under the "loose bullets" make it seem.
If you can find someone near who will help you thru your first loading run it would be nice. Almost all reloaders are willing to help a new reloader. If you cant find someone close by the directions in most all reloading manuals are very clear.
If you should have any questions just post them here and you will get excellent answers. Have fun and good shooting.

I dunno Denny, do these instructions look like "lack of instructions"?





This is what max has to go by, seems pretty complete to me, but I'm NOT a rookie. Maybe if I was, they'd leave some things out.

I would reccomend starting with single stage press first for the metallic cartridges. If you have a store in your area that sells these products, go & look them over. Then make a decision on what brand you like. I personally have an RCBS Rockchucker for my single stage work & it will probably last me forever. There are many good presses & other equipment out there. take your time & shop around. Keep an eye in the news paper also, you might find someone selling their old setup or maybe getting out of it all together.
The suggestion to buy two or three loading manuals was a good one. That would be a very good place to start.

You may also wish to look into the NRA Basic Metalic and Shot Shell Reloading course. They are offered at many clubs and shops around the area. You can also check with the NRA Education Dept. for an instructor near you; 703-267-1500. Their Basic Reloading book was derived from input from all the major manufacturers and is very well done. The very good part about taking the class is that you get to try out some equipment befor you have to make the investment and have ample hands on instruction under the supervision of an instructor. The book learning portion of the class is very informative and helps sort out all the terms and helps you navagate the bullet and powder choices. I have been teaching the program and find it is helpful for those that prefer an instructor type setting. Either route you choose read up and follow the good advice given above.

Scout Master 54

if you can find some one near you who has reloaded for some time to help you,i sujest a dillion 550 or 650 for all your pistol needs. then a rockchucker for your rifel ammo

Second the motion. For quantity handgun loading the Dillon can't be beat. Rifle, I prefer the RCBS except for high volume loading for my .22 Hornet, 22-250 and .223.

quote:

Originally posted by nwwash:
if you can find some one near you who has reloaded for some time to help you,i sujest a dillion 550 or 650 for all your pistol needs. then a rockchucker for your rifel ammo

quote:

Originally posted by ABrock:
Hello,

I'm thinking about getting into reloading, but I have no Idea on where to get started.

I'm wanting to reload .357mag .38special .45apc 30-06springfield .270win and eventualy 12 and 20 guage. I know that is two completly diffrent processes metalic and shot shells.

I want a good outfit but I don't want to break my bank!

thanks

A lot depends on what volumes you plan to reload, if you plan to shoot a lot of .45 acp and other handgun rounds you will want a progressive mult-stage system, in which case I would reccomend the dillon if shooting lower volumes and want to spend little the New LEE Cast iron press is pretty tough to beat.

Thanks for all of the help guys!

I'm reading and looking at all of the kits, presses and dies. I've got lots of questions.

Like: 3 die sets 4 die sets turret presses single stage presses.

On Single stage presses do you have to change dies between each round loaded.. sizing die priming die etc. ?

When I said new to reloading I MEAN IT!

Ab, just read my post, it is the ultimate database for newbies like you and me :P

ABrock,one at a time.Buy a Nosler reloading manuel. Read it carefully-treat it like a bible.Then contact Sinclair intl. The kind man on the phone will take good care of you.Just tell hium were you are coming from,what caliber you want to reload for.The go to the shooting range and shootaway.Then come home and go on AR for any questions you might have.

Welcome to AR,if you have questions dont hesitate to ask,there is no dumb questions...

By 2-3 reloading manuals and study them closely, then do exactly as Denny says, BUY an RCBS Rockchucker Press. If you don't do that, you will just be spending excess cash, because sooner or later everyone buys a Rockchucker!! Good Luck!

LLS

In my zen reloading class, my student do not touch my Neil Jones dies until they have mastered the basics.

I start each student with a nail and two rocks.
When grasshopper can shoot sub moa with this, he may use the Lee Loader.