I have a 2 bolt action rifles, model 70 .270 win and cz550 7MM Rem Mag., and a revolver, Ruger vaquero .45 colt. I want to start hand loading for them. I don't own any equipment or components. I own an older speer bullets load book that I have not read yet.

Where do you guys buy your components?
Which loading equipment do you use?
which load books do you see as the most usefull?

Ahhhh, another mind ready to be educated. To start with the .45 colt. Unique is a good powder although a bit dirty. I like to start guys out with that because you can't double load it.

.270 win I like imr4350.
7mm rem try H4831.

as far as brass and bullets I like to try to find it locally. But if that doesn't work out I order from graf and sons.

Rcbs and hornady. Lee is ok to start with. I have upgraded all my lee stuff over the years.

The speer book is pretty good.
Nosler
sierra
accurate
hornady

all of them are good manuals with plenty of valuable info.

Good luck with the loading.

Start with the pistol. easier to reload when starting out.
What joe saya

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tp.../r/12110856#12110856

The straight wall cases are easier to load for. Great cartridge to start with also. Read those books. Don't stray from the puplished load data.

Bigguns45: Welcome to a world of experimentation, frustration, and satisfaction! Until the new reloading books arrive, READ the old reloading book and get a idea of the Safety requirements for reloading in general. Always heed the safety rules and Good Common Sense! Good shooting.

Buy one of the starte kits from Lee, RCBS etc., that gives you most of the equipment that you need to start with. Before you try to reload your first round read at least two different reloading manuals for the instructions and precautions.

I'd suggest a Lee Aniversary kit, you'll only be our $80 with manuel. If you decide that you don't like it, it's not the end of the world. But trust me yo'll love it. I load for the 7mag and use RL_22 of course every rifle and evryone's personal opinions are different. Good luck and have fun.

RCBS Rockchucker Supreme press-- buy just one; will last you a lifetime. RCBS dies or Lee dies; excellent quality. Brass, powder, primers and bullets I buy locally. I also have a bunch of little tools that I've accumullated over the years; bought them locally, at gunshows or mail-order-- things lke chamfers, trim gauges, primer pocket scrapers, et cetera. The stuff lasts for years and years if you treat it well.

Good advice given so far. I would start with the revolver load first, also.

The Lee Kit is a good starter; many upgrade to other brands as their needs and wants dictate.

Lyman's manual, I believe, gives one of the best tutorials on handloading there is. Get at least two manuals to check loads against one another. Read the loading basics section first, though. Then read them again.

And don't forget to ask any upcoming questions here. Have fun!

Most of my equipment is RCBS and it has served me well. It would be impossible for me to suggest which manuals I find the most useful but when I was starting out I found the Lee manual to be very informative and easy to understand. Most of the time I turn to the bullet manufacturer's or powder manufacture's own manuals but I will cross check loads with others.

It seems to me that some manuals have lightened up on their loads a bit which isn't a problem to me as I don't like pushing the envelope much anyway.

I must say that unlike some others, I do like the whole reloading process but I'm not loading in large volume at any one time.

I started buying most of my equipment from Midway and they have done well by me. The local shops get some support also. Another source where I've found some great buys on used equipment is e-Bay. Most reloading equipment will last forever if you treat it right.

Start slow and easy.

I like Lyman's book. For beginners it's hard to beat, and I especially like the way they put it "Harping on the Ideal," a play on the name from the old Ideal tool company.

You will find good value in any of the starter kits offered by RCBS, Lyman, Redding, or Lee.

quote:

Originally posted by rootbeer:
RCBS Rockchucker Supreme press-- buy just one; will last you a lifetime.

yep...
save's a ton of money in the long run... get dies for the 45, and whichever long gun costs most to shoot...

If you have a friend that reloads, then invite him over

jeffe