Best way to start

As far as getting into reloading, it can be entered into without a lot of cash outlay. For reasons unknown to me, whenever someone comes on this site looking for advice on getting into something new to them, the vast majority of responses price out NEW stuff. See in a couple threads on getting first shotgun. Most reply’s refer to new when good, reliable can be had by the truckload in the used market for a LOT less. Reloading is no different. 3 years ago, while participating in more shotgunning,I decided that I had no interest in loading shotshells. Figured I have enough things on my plate. Then I got a 28ga so loading became mandatory “but no way am I going to load 12ga or 20ga, not enough savings. Long story short, I now have 5 shotshell loaders (MEC 600’s in .410, 28, and 20 and two PW duomatics, in 16 and 12) and load for all of them on the cheap. I understand that my situation is unique (much of the supplies and equipment was cheap or even free) AND rifles don’t typically get shot as much as a shotgun (or pistol) so the math is a little different. Bottom line, check out used for a press, dies, scale etc at gunshows or online. Be patient and you should be able to flange up to reload those calibres at reasonable cost before spring.
 
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Ungrateful said:
I don’t know about the self sufficiency/shortage argument. It seems like when there is an ammo shortage there is also a shortage on reloading components. They’re made at the same factories for the most part. You can say stock components deep to get through the shortages but you could just do the same thing with factory ammo too. The only time that starts to change is when you start looking at casting bullets from locally sourced scrap lead
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That is relevant if you have minimal firearms to feed. I don't need to stock 25 different types of powder if I shoot 25 different cartridges. And my powder, primers and maybe even bullets can b e used in multiple different cartridges. Easier than trying to stockpile 25 different factory loading.
 
bucont said:
I currently shoot a 223, 270 and 30-30. Thinking about starting to reload and wondering what the best way to go. A full kit, hand load, or maybe piece something together. I have the calibers, mics, and chamfers etc a Tool and die marker by trade. Your opinions are valued. Thanks.
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The kits are ok and work. Even with a kit, there will be some stuff you need to get, and parts in the kit that you may want to upgrade later when you have more experience. Piecing it together takes more effort but probably would suit you well.

Reloading equipment is like ice cream, everyone has a favorite flavor and their favorite might not turn out to be your favorite. You can pick your level - from minimalist to all-out crazy. There are numerous gadgets and specialty items to look at, but I suggest starting at a basic level and working out your needs first before you start chasing the latest shiny thing. Also, take internet advice with a grain of salt. It's hard to judge experience levels in a forum, and often the most outspoken "expert" was on the forum asking how to start reloading a few months earlier.
 
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To get started with the most basic/starter reloading set up, you will need this:

1. Press (single stage) O frame
2. Scale (beam scale) for weighing powder charges and bullets.
3. Priming tool (some presses come with a priming tool, LEE for example)
4. reloading die set for your chosen cartridge AND shell holder (LEE dies come with shell holder)
5. trimmer (not needed for most handgun cartridges) use the LEE handheld trimmers for about $15
6. powder funnel
7. loading block (easy to make it yourself with a piece of 2x4 and a drill)
8. case preparation tools (inside/outside neck chamfer, large and small primer pocket cleaners)
9. caliper (digital or dial)
10. bullet puller, because you will need one eventually

This is a basic setup that will make excellent quality ammunition and is all that many shooters will ever require. At some point you may want to add a powder measure and some kind of brass cleaning machine but you don't need it right away. An experienced reloader can make 50-100 cartridges per hour with that setup.

DO NOT become obsessive with weighing powder to the nearest hundredth of a grain, at least while you're starting out. That level of measuring accuracy might be worthwhile for some long range target shooters but a tenth of a grain accuracy is pretty good for most of us looking for good hunting accuracy. Mentioning because some people get hung up on it while overlooking other, more important aspects.

This thread has some good info: https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/what-needed-to-start-reloading.1744815/
 
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Dave_D said:
You missed my message. I’d calculate how many rounds you’ll have to load to ROI everything. You’ll be surprised. And for the calibers mentioned. Probably not worth it imo
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Thanks Dave, I did not miss your message. I did checked out Xreloadm, with just the 223 and with a $600 spend to get started it would be 4500 rounds to pay it back. I did not go any further on 270 and 30-30 but I expect the savings to be a little larger but not by a huge amount.
 
jethunter said:
To get started with the most basic/starter reloading set up, you will need this:

1. Press (single stage) O frame
2. Scale (beam scale) for weighing powder charges and bullets.
3. Priming tool (some presses come with a priming tool, LEE for example)
4. reloading die set for your chosen cartridge AND shell holder (LEE dies come with shell holder)
5. trimmer (not needed for most handgun cartridges) use the LEE handheld trimmers for about $15
6. powder funnel
7. loading block (easy to make it yourself with a piece of 2x4 and a drill)
8. case preparation tools (inside/outside neck chamfer, large and small primer pocket cleaners)
9. caliper (digital or dial)
10. bullet puller, because you will need one eventually

This is a basic setup that will make excellent quality ammunition and is all that many shooters will ever require. At some point you may want to add a powder measure and some kind of brass cleaning machine but you don't need it right away. An experienced reloader can make 50-100 cartridges per hour with that setup.

This thread has some rood info: https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/what-needed-to-start-reloading.1744815/
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You missed manuals. They should be the first thing at the top of anyone's list of items whos looking to get into reloading. I suggest getting at least 2 manuals and reading both.
 
KyleSchenk said:
You missed manuals. They should be the first thing at the top of anyone's list of items whos looking to get into reloading. I suggest getting at least 2 manuals and reading both.
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https://hodgdonreloading.com/ Free loading data. No need to purchase loading manuals to get started. A hard copy loading manual is nice but not required
 
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maynard said:
The OP is a tool and die maker and has grandchildren. I assume that he has been in the trade for several years and probably has more tools than he remembers buying. Some likely have not been out of his toolbox in years, but he still has one somewhere if he ever needs it again. (ask me how I know)

Just about everyone above is trying to talk him out of reloading. What reloading does besides saving money in the long run is it allows you to tailor your ammo to your rifles. The money savings is not instant and could take several years to break even after the initial start up cost.

The other downside of reloading and thinking that you are saving money is that you will end up shooting more which cancels out any savings.

Buying a full reloading kit isn't that bad of an idea and will get you well on you way. However over the years you will end up upgrading everything anyway.
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Maynard ... You are correct on the tools, it was two full roller cabinets. I have sold about half of it so I am down to one large cabinet now. Funny part is I have found secondary uses for some of the specialized tools. Others have not moved in years. Tkx
 
Here is a good thread on getting into reloading: https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/what-needed-to-start-reloading.1744815/
KyleSchenk said:
You missed manuals. They should be the first thing at the top of anyone's list of items whos looking to get into reloading. I suggest getting at least 2 manuals and reading both.
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Intentionally left that out because this man is not an 18 year old that doesn't know his ass from a hole in the wall. He would know that he needs to have a reference source. Just like i wouldn't tell a mechanic he needs to turn the engine off before checking oil. Competence levels, and such things as that.
 
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If you decide to pull the trigger and get into reloading....I would advise getting one of the latest small chrono's. You will be able to determine ES and SD. Consistent velocity is your key to accuracy.
 
If I were to do it all over again, I would piece it together than buying a kit. It might cost more upfront but what your getting will make up for it. Sure your can buy cheaper, but what if it shoots like a shotgun....

If you have the time and the patience, reloading can be good for you. :)

Another thing I havent seen someone mention yet, is what if you really get into shooting more and you buy another caliber? Now your pretty much setup for it.
 
Ou started reloading cause i wasn’t happy with the offering up here of the cartridges i am shooting, if I was only shooting super common cartridges i would probably stick to factory. But now that I reload, I reload for everything. Kits are good or can be good but are not all equal. I would buy this one https://www.corlanes.com/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-reloading-kit.html
But I bought the Lee and there is lots of the stuff like the scale and the powder measure I find useless.
As for components, well it is hit and miss of what you can find up here so lots of it is online order.
Like Potashminer said don’t buy stuff if it is unobtainable/obsolete, it will be a waste of money and a waste of other components. Brass is most likely free so it is only primers, powders and bullets you have to replenish and it ain’t cheap anymore.
I like to reload, I like the process and the end results (most of the time) it make me shoot more but I don’t think I save lots of money lol!
 
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