Reloading for Dummies true beginners books , which to choose ?

Evanguy said:
The simplest way to get into reloading is a lee classic loader for a 308. All you need is a mallet, power, primers, brass and bullets.

That will make ammo and then you can upgrade as you need. Maybe next a scale, opposed to a scoop, then a faster primer, then a press and dies.
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You guys make it sound like it's easy as making scrambled eggs.
I'm very excited to start this journey after waiting so long to do it.

I'm glad I chose 308, sounds like it was a good choice.

I'm going to dive into reading some parts if the books that were graciously provided by 4nt20 and once one of my rifles get sold I'll order up some equipment.
 
FatCatsDad said:
I'm a little leery of you tube instructional videos unless it's produced by LEE, LYMAN, HORNADY for example.
Being a ticketed tradesman I have seen some dodgy do it yourself videos from self proclaimed experts.
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Oh yeah. There's a lot of Acolytes of Bubba, definitely. That said, I learned a lot of stuff on da toob about a lot of different technical things I do. However, your BS meter needs fine calibration when viewing them.
 
Send me a PM with your address and ill pop a few manuals in the mail in a CP flat rate box. Ive seen you give away hunting clothes and other articles to new people so Karma is a thing. I might still have your address from buying silver from you. Sorry about the idiot wishing you harm.
 
G David Tubb has some videos thru RCBS I believe that gives a great base for the terms and the proper way for reloading. Its quite old but still available Im certain. Im wrong and the video is thru Sierra bullets and from 2012. He has lots out there but some is for very advanced loaders.
 
FatCatsDad said:
I'm a little leery of you tube instructional videos unless it's produced by LEE, LYMAN, HORNADY for example.
Being a ticketed tradesman I have seen some dodgy do it yourself videos from self proclaimed experts.
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Don’t take anyone load data at face value, work up your own loads for your rifle off published data. Use YouTube to learn the ins and outs of the loading process, lots of good videos for the beginner to expert.
 
AB3006 said:
Oh yeah. There's a lot of Acolytes of Bubba, definitely. That said, I learned a lot of stuff on da toob about a lot of different technical things I do. However, your BS meter needs fine calibration when viewing them.
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Therein lies a big problem.
Being a beginner what is BS and not BS might not be easy to tell apart.
 
Butcherbill said:
Don’t take anyone load data at face value, work up your own loads for your rifle off published data. Use YouTube to learn the ins and outs of the loading process, lots of good videos for the beginner to expert.
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Wise advice, taking recipes from books published by the big names will ensure success and safety .
 
FatCatsDad said:
Therein lies a big problem.
Being a beginner what is BS and not BS might not be easy to tell apart.
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Read the manual first, the Lee or Lyman isn’t going to stray you wrong. Then you can pick out the bs or time wasting steps others do on YouTube, the basics don’t change much but people always have some variation of the steps. Some make sense, others create more work for you.
 
FatCatsDad said:
After decades have passed, I have finally decided that I'd like to take a dive into loading my own ammunition.

So this is a true beginners post.

I'd like to start with 12 gauge and move into 308 afterwards as I think after selling 99% of my firearms that's the 2 calibers I'll stick with for everything, alongvwith a 22LR if course.

Is there a vendor that has a one stop shopping all in one high quality kit with everything for successful 12 gauge reloading ?
Sort of like the all in one box aquarium kits.

I also need a recommendation for an easy-to-use and follow book.

I see several on Amazon all claiming be the best, but only 1 can actually be it.
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The Lee book is about the best all-round manual. Good assortment of load data (all taken from other good sources), and the first half of the book reads like a textbook for beginners. Covers essential topics like safety, headspace, pressure, trimming, sizing, powder selection, etc etc. I'm not a huge fan of Lee stuff in general, but I would say that this book is hands-down the best resource for new loaders. The Lyman book is very good too, but not as in-depth.
 
I’ve posted these before, I like his videos. Simple to follow step by step for both rifle and pistol cartridges. Minimal tools as well, as nice as fancy powder measures, case trimmers etc are. You can easily get loading with the basics, it’s more important initially to focus on being consistent within the loading process than it is to crank out volume.

He’s got some how to set up dies videos as well as short and longer videos in his loading gallery. It really made it easy to follow along.

 
FatCatsDad said:
You guys make it sound like it's easy as making scrambled eggs.
I'm very excited to start this journey after waiting so long to do it.

I'm glad I chose 308, sounds like it was a good choice.

I'm going to dive into reading some parts if the books that were graciously provided by 4nt20 and once one of my rifles get sold I'll order up some equipment.
Click to expand...

It's really not that hard to get started. Just remember to take your time, double check everything, and don't get distracted - especially when charging cases with powder.

As for youtube, look for big channels with lots of views, with some sort of association with a company, website, etc.

This gives you a good idea of what you'll need and why. Just remember that there is multiple ways to do most steps - different kinds of presses, different kinds of dies, different kinds of trimmers, etc etc:
 
Lyman just came out with the sixth edition for shotshell reloading so I recommend getting that one as it will have info for the latest powders, hulls and the Cheddite primers which are more available
However if you are going to make just simple target loads then I suggest buying the ammo as it’s not worth reloading target ammo unless you want a specific light weight/ low recoil shell
Reloading buckshot and premium hunting rounds is worth it as they are expensive to buy
For loading your 308 I recommend the Lee classic turret as you can set your dies and forget it plus the press is not that much money
For shotshell I would get the MEC single stage as it’s so much better then the Lee one
 
FatCatsDad said:
After decades have passed, I have finally decided that I'd like to take a dive into loading my own ammunition.

So this is a true beginners post.

I'd like to start with 12 gauge and move into 308 afterwards as I think after selling 99% of my firearms that's the 2 calibers I'll stick with for everything, alongvwith a 22LR if course.

Is there a vendor that has a one stop shopping all in one high quality kit with everything for successful 12 gauge reloading ?
Sort of like the all in one box aquarium kits.

I also need a recommendation for an easy-to-use and follow book.

I see several on Amazon all claiming be the best, but only 1 can actually be it.
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Are you Kidding 🤷🏼‍♂️ You don’t reload shells yet 🤷🏼‍♂️ lol I started 60 plus years ago 🤪
Oh well Better late then Never ! How old are you Bud ? 😊 RJ
 
FatCatsDad said:
View attachment 941881
Wishing possible injury upon anyone is truly pathetic.

Congrats on Fukk.ing up a great thread that would not help me but likely dozens and dozens of others that don't post on the site but follow interesting threads.
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I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that if one were to chase down the Fordtrucks user ID, it will turn out to be Nathalie Provost :)
 
This thread shows how good CGN can be.

There's some great advice here.

Reloading isn't the black magic I thought it was.

The manuals I downloaded are packed with info that actually understandable and not like assembling an Ikea kitchen.
 
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