12 October 2003, 08:14
BevoNeed advice
I have a CZ 527 American that I been shooting factory loads in and have decided to take the plung and get into reloading. I am new to reloading and have no equipment . I would like some advice on what to buy. I am starting from scratch so any advice you all can give is much appreciated. Thanks
12 October 2003, 08:39
recoiljunkyYou'll need to start with a reloading manual. Speer makes a good one and it is pretty inexpensive. All the manuals will have the same basic procedural info, some just have more reloading data. Study the manual for a couple of days, then buy a kit.
The kit should contain a single stage press. Single stage presses are easier to learn with and you will always have a need for a single stage press. Eventually you may want to add a turret press or other type of progressive press but you'll still need a single stage press for more tedious jobs.
I bought the Lee Aniversary Kit. It contains everthing you need except the specific dies that you will need. Many people dislike Lee because it is cheaper made. That being said, I have loaded thousands of rounds with mine without much problems. RCBS makes a more popular kit if you don't mind spending a little extra. Come to think of it, I would have just spent the extra money on RCBS if I had known how much I would enjoy reloading.
There are several good online distributers for all of your reloading needs. Midway USA comes to mind.
Good luck and enjoy!
12 October 2003, 08:51
Tailgunner1- Get a manual. Preferably from the company that makes the bullets your going to be using. Take it home and study it before going any further.
2- RCBS Rockchucker reloading kit (LEE's press & kit works, but I personaly prefer RCBS tools.
3- RCBS or LEE dies for the cartridge your going to reload (be sure to get a shellholder also)
4- LEE hand primer (and the shellholder it uses for your cartridge)
5- Bullets, primers, and powder type according to the manual in step one (one of the reasons it's at the top of the list).
6- Start a Notebook
7- Begin loading, start at the low end of the recogmended powder charge range, and work up (5 rounds each) in 1/2 grain increments. Keep track of the loads in your notebook.
8-Take your new loads to the range and bench them at a target, keeping track in your notebook of any problems and group sizes along with the load data for that group (5 years from now you won't remember why you did or didn't like that load).
9- welcome to one of the most addicting hobbies you can find.
12 October 2003, 09:06
arkypeteBack when bullets were stone and we used catapults............
My first loading manual was from Lyman. They had lots of pictures and had a pretty thorough write up on what the whole process was about.
I've not found many of the Lee products to be of much use. Lee has some great ideas but the quality of product is totally lacking.
RCBS makes a good beginners kit, I'm sure Hornady does the same.
If you think this will be a hobby, I shoot so that I can reload and cast bullets, that you will continue with, save some money up front and get a CO-Ax or Redding press and dies.
Reloading equipment is like optics and rifles you get exactly what you pay for.
Jim
12 October 2003, 11:05
Scout Master 54All good advice. Might I suggest you sign up for the NRA's Basic Metalic and or Shotshell Reloading course. You can contact the NRA Education Dept for an instructor / course near you. You can get some hands on time on the equipment used in the course and some good pointers from the instructor. It will make the choices as noted above easier and get you off to a good start. I do them in my area and find its a big help in getting new shooters into reloading. The course materials are first rate too.
Scout Master 54