What needed to start reloading

This is exactly what my point it. There are many options to do the same thing. I've been loading for the larger part of 4 decades, I have a large reloading bench with several presses, scales, machines, and accessories. I show people the process and different ways of doing things. My shooting/loading buddy prefers the hand primer and can prime a hundred or two cases while he watches TV because he doesn't have a heated shop or garage when it gets cold outside, where my shop is heated and I'm quite efficient with the priming tool on the press. It can be financially intimidating when you look at all the tools and devices on the market but you don't need them all. I got by with the very basics for many years and still made top quality reloads one or two hundred at a time.

I have several friends who come over ( with beer, of course) to load because they live in apartments. As long as they buy their own dies and components, its all good. I even have small lockers if they choose to lock their items behind until the batch is completed. Its all part of the shooting experience, and its a good activity when the winter season is upon us.
 
Blackout lockdown said:
After reading/viewing some manuals.
If someone was to start, what parts would you buy first to work towards having everything? Dies?
Click to expand...
If you really want to start handloading and you're on a budget, go onto Higginson's.com and look at the Hornady "hand press" kit.

For around $150 or less, there is enough very basic stuff included to start making complete cartridges shortly after receiving it.

The only thing I would suggest as an add on would be an electronic scale, which measures grains. MTM makes one for under $50.

Most people will collect everything they need other than a "PRESS" which is one of the most expensive components. Then never reload because they can't find anyone with a press to learn from or borrow.

If there are any gun shows near you, visit them if you can. Usually, some old duffer is selling off his stuff, so their heirs aren't burdened with it, when he's off to more celestial experiences, or whatever.

Amazon also sells the Hornady Hand Press Kit.

These kits are capable of making very good ammunition. I used one on the HBR circuit for a few years.

They're only practical if you're loading for "ONE" rifle, or several rifles that need different dies.

They aren't capable of "full length resizing" cases. They can be used to partially resize, such as bumping back the shoulder a few thou, but that's about their limit, they're mostly used to resize the necks, etc.

I believe You Tube has a couple of videos showing how to use them.

Another nice thing about them, is if you don't have a dedicated bench to attach a press, these can be stored in small box, along with all of the rest of the tools and reloading components. A medium size plastic tool box will hold it all.
 
Blackout lockdown said:
After reading/viewing some manuals.
If someone was to start, what parts would you buy first to work towards having everything? Dies?
Click to expand...
I would buy a single stage press that you can prime cases on, a debur/chamfer tool, a beam scale, Lee powder dipper set and a powder trickler, powder funnel, loading block, Lee case length guages/cutters, good dial calipers, Lee die sets, case Lube, a kinetic bullet puller and maybe a universal decaping die. I prefer a load manual I can flip through on the bench over a pdf on my phone, but that’s just me.

There’s more you’ll end up wanting but that would get you started
 
I bought the lyman ultimate reloading system a few years ago when i was getting into it myself. Its goes on sale at cabelas. It has been great to me so far. I would recommend to buy lyman shell holders to use with there hand priming tool or you can use the priming system built into the press. Other than the kit if i remember correctly all i had to buy extra was a funnel, some nylon brushes for inside case necks and i would recommend a case lube pad instead of there lube that comes with the kit and of course dies. My hand priming tool that came with the kit wasn't seating primers all the way so i called lyman and they sent me a new one no hassle was here in 2 weeks over the border. The gen 6 scale that comes with the kit wasnt working due to misalignment and they where able to guide me through fixing it over the phone very quickly. I found they are a great company to deal with. I really like the rotating turret press so i can just leave my dies set and ready to go for multiple calibers.
 
Blackout lockdown said:
After reading/viewing some manuals.
If someone was to start, what parts would you buy first to work towards having everything? Dies?
Click to expand...
Well, there was a good starter kit in the EE late last week and you would save a few dollars over Brand New.
Then one would need dies for calibers that you own.
Then after searching for the perfect components such as powder and primers .
Upon discovering that the components you chose are Not readily available it is back to reading and rereading next best choices ;)
Anyways, you spend $300 to $1500 and still want to buy more or upgrade that , etc...
any prefer RCBS and others will swear by Dillon Precision...as I mentioned RCBS, but it really is a Ford , Chevy , Toyota , Dodge choice .
Buy used to start and learn by reading and watching you tubes and other media platforms and read some more .
Enjoy the new hobby.
Rob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom