What is needed to reload ammo?
- Thread starter _Rai_
- Start date
- Location
- Niagara Region, Ontario. For now
Basics:
Press
Powder Measure
Scale
Dies
brass
bullets
powder
primers
If Rifle Add:
case trimmer
chamfering tool
primer pocket cleaner
Good to have:
tumbler
loading manual
Press
Powder Measure
Scale
Dies
brass
bullets
powder
primers
If Rifle Add:
case trimmer
chamfering tool
primer pocket cleaner
Good to have:
tumbler
loading manual
Most simply, a tool to remove old primers and size at least the neck of the case, something to insert new primers, some way to measure powder, and then to seat a new bullet. A tool like the Lee Loader is the cheapest most simple way, then you can move into basic presses and dies and use a volumetric powder measure (scoop), right up to the most complex presses and accessories and scales. Something like the Lee Breech Lock Challenger kit, or Lee anniversary kit (almost identical) and a set of dies would be the most basic, add to this a Lee case length gauges and a calipre to measure your rounds and you are set. Manuals are one of the best sources for info and you should own at least one good one. Theres an infinite amount of tools and additional processes you can perform to make ammo better/more accurate or not depending on your needs and what actually works for you.
You can be reloading a single caliber for well under $100 worth of tools along with some powder, primers and bullets or you can spend much much more depending on what you want and think you need.
Example:
Lee Anniversary Kit
Lee 308 dies
Lee 308 case length gauge
Home Depot Digital Caliper
.308 Bullets
Large Rifle Primers
IMR 4895 Powder
You can be reloading a single caliber for well under $100 worth of tools along with some powder, primers and bullets or you can spend much much more depending on what you want and think you need.
Example:
Lee Anniversary Kit
Lee 308 dies
Lee 308 case length gauge
Home Depot Digital Caliper
.308 Bullets
Large Rifle Primers
IMR 4895 Powder
RCBS offers a kit that has "everything you need except the dies and shell holders" which is technically true... but if at all possible do as the others said and get a powder measure, case trimming stuff (either a mountable lathe-like thing or the kind you use with an electric speed drill, i would recommend the latter), and a caliper (it will make your life easier). You don't NEED a tumbler, but get one anyway as soon as you possibly can because life's too short to shoot with dirty shells. A bullet puller will help you deal with your mistakes with less rage. I learned the messy way that its worth it to have a method of labelling all your finished ammo, so some sticker paper and a pencil is worth picking up once you have the rest of the stuff. I'd say get Redding dies cuz i like them but whatever you can lay your hands on will work at least for a while.
Hint: dont fill up your shells until they have dried thoroughly if you wash them. this idiot i know rolled some ammo in wet cases and they didn't go bang.
Hint: dont fill up your shells until they have dried thoroughly if you wash them. this idiot i know rolled some ammo in wet cases and they didn't go bang.
Make sure you have a place where you can load in peace, otherwise you will make a mistake. Start loading on the light side. handgun ammo is easier than rifle for a beginer, .40cal cases are less sticky than 9mm in the dies as 9mm is a tapered case.
I tried the Lee lube in a tube, works fine, but I find the Hornady spray lube is faster, I throw about 30 rifle shell in a tupperware, give it a good spray, put the lid on and swirl it for a minute, let dry for 20 minutes and your good to go.
Everyone has their opinions on which press to get, I find Lee's are fine for me and easy on the pocket book, the turret press will let you load pistol and rifle and swapping calibres is easy. Read up on each press, think about your budget and how much you expect to load in a year. Body parts will not fall off if you don't XY or Z press. Go to each companies website and watch the videos they post there. Each of the companies generally have really good customer service, so no worries there. If you can find someone that reloads, try out their press and watch them do it. Remember Youtube is your friend.
I wash my brass, (did it for a year before I bought my tumbler) dry it and then tumble with a little bit of car wax, get a good timer and then your tumbler can run on it's own. Get a tumbler with a sealed lid, keeps the dust down. I rarely change my media, just keep topping it up.
Take your time, read a lot, stay focused on the task while reloading. Also remember opinions are like #######s, everyone got one. enjoy
I tried the Lee lube in a tube, works fine, but I find the Hornady spray lube is faster, I throw about 30 rifle shell in a tupperware, give it a good spray, put the lid on and swirl it for a minute, let dry for 20 minutes and your good to go.
Everyone has their opinions on which press to get, I find Lee's are fine for me and easy on the pocket book, the turret press will let you load pistol and rifle and swapping calibres is easy. Read up on each press, think about your budget and how much you expect to load in a year. Body parts will not fall off if you don't XY or Z press. Go to each companies website and watch the videos they post there. Each of the companies generally have really good customer service, so no worries there. If you can find someone that reloads, try out their press and watch them do it. Remember Youtube is your friend.
I wash my brass, (did it for a year before I bought my tumbler) dry it and then tumble with a little bit of car wax, get a good timer and then your tumbler can run on it's own. Get a tumbler with a sealed lid, keeps the dust down. I rarely change my media, just keep topping it up.
Take your time, read a lot, stay focused on the task while reloading. Also remember opinions are like #######s, everyone got one. enjoy
Pistol caliber carbine/rifle. Cheaper and quieter to shoot than a rifle.
If I am not mistaken, you don't need either one, to reload
The best advise, I can offer is, read on how the process is done, then read again, and then once more.
Are you target shooting, or just plinking, one will require a lot of precision, the other will not, but both require your full attention
Have fun....
Reading and youtube. Ammosmith on you tube has a good amount of videos on reloading.
I started with a lee loader in 303 brit and now have a lee press and two scales and I am set up for 303 brit 308 and 223.
I have Lee and RCBS dies and I prefer the Lee dies. They have a built in stuck case remover which I find really usefull.
Everyone will have their own favorites. Do research and make a choice you feel comfortable with. The store owners will always try to sell you what ever brand they sell. Dont be afraid to mail order what ever you decide to go with. But certianly buy your supplies from your local guy. If we dont they wont be their when you need them.
I started with a lee loader in 303 brit and now have a lee press and two scales and I am set up for 303 brit 308 and 223.
I have Lee and RCBS dies and I prefer the Lee dies. They have a built in stuck case remover which I find really usefull.
Everyone will have their own favorites. Do research and make a choice you feel comfortable with. The store owners will always try to sell you what ever brand they sell. Dont be afraid to mail order what ever you decide to go with. But certianly buy your supplies from your local guy. If we dont they wont be their when you need them.
First thing....Buy a good reloading manual...Check your gun store to see if they carry any books, or if they can ship one in for you....Read it, then re-read it...You can make a list of supplies required from the book...Then, read it again...Seriously....
As others have wisely suggested start with a good reloading manual then read it through and through.
A couple good manuals are the Lymans 49th and Speers 13th or the newer 14th all are excellent.
Then once armed with new knowledge from your manuals consider buying a reloading kit I chose the Redding Big Boss Pro Pak other good considerations are;
RCBS Supreme Master
Hornady LNL Classic
And keep asking questions.
Cheers
A couple good manuals are the Lymans 49th and Speers 13th or the newer 14th all are excellent.
Then once armed with new knowledge from your manuals consider buying a reloading kit I chose the Redding Big Boss Pro Pak other good considerations are;
RCBS Supreme Master
Hornady LNL Classic
And keep asking questions.
Cheers
Those who tell you to read reloading manuals are quite right. The information found there is must have. I have manuals by Nosler, Hornady, Lyman and Lee, and they each are full of good information and worth owning. I also own components by all the major brands and find them to all work as intended. Many have their own favourite press or dies but the bottom line is what works for you and your budget. That being said don't try to be cheap; the best value is found in quality. Also don't assume you will only be loading one or two calibers. Once you get started it may snowball into something bigger. Find a good clean space to work and get rid of any distractions. Ask for help when you are unsure, work safe (including safety glasses), and have fun. Pm me or others if you have questions, many people are happy to help.
Harold
Harold
