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| <Powderman> |
First and foremost, start obtaining reloading manuals from different companies. I know none right offhand that list your caliber, but once you get bitten by the reloading bug, you will need the extra data. The important part is that most of the big manuals have step-by-step reloading instructions in them. Next, find a friend who reloads to supervise your beginning efforts. Choose the press, dies, and other components that you will use, and then it's off to the races! You are starting on a very enjoyable pastime. Good luck! ------------------ | ||
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| <Powderman> |
By the way, I just looked at your city. How close are you to Chandler? If you wish, I have a friend down there who is a firearms and reloading instructor, and who also does classes for CCW. E-mail me off list if you would like more info. jjawa3@home.com ------------------ | ||
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| one of us |
I would suggest the Lyman reloading manual to start. It will not have data for your cartridge, but it is one of the best step by step manuals. As for a press, the RCBS ammomaster is hard to beat if speed is not a concern. It is large enough to handle anything that you will want to shoot in the years to come. Powder scale. Start with a balance beam scale. You can always upgrade to a digital later. Powder measure. There are many types, some good, some not. The Redding 3BR (must of had a brain cramp) is a good one for the money. The digitals or automatics have their benefits but are expensive. You could even start with a spoon, spoon powder into the scale pan until you are close to your charge and finish with a trickler. Slow but cheap to start off with. Powder trickler. A must have. Priming. The priming feature on most presses leave alot to be desired. A separate, bench mounted primer seater is a good idea. I use an RCBS unit. Case lubrication. These are cheap. Of course sooner or later you are going to want a case polisher. Little tools, chamfering/deburring tool, primer pocket cleaner, case neck brush. There are others that you will read about. Most of this might seem a little daunting, but if you read and re-read a good step by step manual, you will find what you need to know. There is a certain amount of satisfaction in shooting your own handmade ammo. Good luck. [This message has been edited by DaveC (edited 09-06-2001).] | |||
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one of us |
You can buy a hell of a lot of factory ammo for what it is going to cost you to start reloading...think about it. | |||
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Moderator |
I would be tempted to post something at whatever range you shoot at. In my neck of the woods there are a few guys that wouldn't mind teaching you, and then you could use someone elses equipment until you decide how heavy you want to get into it. Then again you may find someone down the block who has some extra stuff he wants to sell too. | |||
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| one of us |
The .338 Lapua is a daunting caliber with which to start your reloading career (rare and expensive dies and brass, little data, etc.) I suggest you tool up for another rifle you own in a more common caliber, then, once you are comfortable with what you are doing, try the .338 Lapua. | |||
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| <RUM> |
quote: Perhaps 3, maybe even 4 boxes in the case of the 338 Lapua... At $2+ a round, reloading large cartridges can pay for itself inside of a month -- the usual rules do not apply. | ||
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| <RUM> |
Presses: Redding Ultramag or RCBS Ammomaster. The Ammomaster will do .50 BMG if that matters to you. Otherwise the Ultramag is probably a little nicer although both are extremely capable. Dies -- Redding Scales Case trimmers, neck turners, etc -- check out Forester, Wilson, K&M, Sinclair. You will want to seat primers by hand. RCBS, K&M, and Sinclair all have the tools to do so. Powder -- Alliant Reloader 22 and 25 Bullets -- Sierra Matchking Powder Measure -- Don't bother. You will want to weigh every charge. If you do get a Redding powder measure you'd want the Redding 3BR (not the BR-30 which is only for smaller calibers). Check out http://www.sinclairintl.com/ for high-end stuff. Also http://www.brunoshooters.com has brass for under $2 a case. Sierra has an excellent reloading manual and Sinclair has some good books on precision reloading as well. Let me know how you like the TRG-42. I am seriously considering getting one myself. I have seen them for $2,200 - $2,400 @ http://www.gunsamerica.com/fast.cgi?guncat=2539 Have you seen them anywhere else for less? Currently I am shooting 338 RUM. | ||
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| one of us |
Reloading only to save money is not the base to become a reloader - you have to enjoy the job ! When you have to force yourself to reload your rounds you need next day, it would be better to earn the money for the ammo on the job you earn your living with. To find out if you have a notion for reloading read a reloading book - Lyman is a good choice. Don't spend any money on reloading stuff before that. And watch out - reloading is highly addictive ! | |||
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| <Patrick_D> |
Panchop, The current VihtaVuori and Hornady reloading manuals both contain data for the .338 Lapua mag. If you need specific load data, I can pass that on. Good shooting
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| <panchop> |
Wow lots of answers, thanks. an e-mail i sent to Dillon came back with this; AT 500 $193.95 G shellplate $21.95 QTY 3 - #4 locator buttons (.95 each) $2.85 Case Lube $7.95 Scale $48.95 Primer Flip Tray $12.95 Deburring tool $9.95 Sub total - $300.55 thing is I noticed no one here mentioned Dillon , are they not up to snuff. Anyhow I will pick up a book on the subject at this weekends gunshow in phoenix. I'll have a table there to get rid of some stuff (that TRG is expensive) stop by if your there. I'll be the guy with the HB IZZY and the HB Valmet set up on the table. thanks for the advice. I'll be back. [This message has been edited by panchop (edited 09-06-2001).] | ||
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| <ssleefl> |
The Dillon stuff is fine and has a good warranty. One drawback is that some of their stuff is not standard and cannot be interchanged with other brands. Some of their dies will only work in their presses in some models. Make sure you ask them to be sure because before you know it your passion may be reloading instead of shooting.  [This message has been edited by ssleefl (edited 09-06-2001).] | ||
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| <George Capriola> |
I'd suggest the RCBS Rock Chucker reloadiing kit. It's a great press that'll never wear out, excellent warranty & customer service, and the kit contains almost everything you'll need to get started. RCBS makes your dies, about $40, and the shell holder is about $5. You'll want to add dial calipers, primer pocket uniformer & flash hole deburring tool, and lots of books. A hand priming tool is also a nice thing to have. The liquid case lube is very messy, and causes dents in the case shoulders. I recommend Imperial Sizing Die Wax. Reloading is very interesting and rewarding, but should never be done when distracted or in a hurry. Regards, & good luck, George. | ||
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| <panchop> |
RCBS "master " kit. under $300, so looks like i need to spend about $350 and should be ready to go equipment wise. Well think I'm gonna try it.the only hold back was the unavailability of ammo. now if i can put it together for the TRG. thanks all greg | ||
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