Really want to get into reloading but have no idea how to get going

flying pig

flying pig

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Hey everyone. I'm looking for advice on how to get started into reloading.

I want to start off by gaining as much knowledge as I can. I don't want to buy gear and components until I have a firm grasp on everythings proper use and function. Right now the only real resource I have is the internet and I'd like to find some good books on it and I'd love to take a class if there is one available here.

Secondly I need advice on tools. What tools do I need or don't need? I don't want to buy junk or things that are too high end for my needs.

I'm not concerned with cartridge components yet. But I'm planning on loading for 30-06, 303 Brit, 7mm Rem mag, and 38-55.

Thanks in advance!
 
There is so much good free info on Utube, start there then get a good reloading book like Lymans 49th edition. It will take you through all the stages. Just getting back into it myself. Good luck Cheers Roscoe
 
Buy some of the reloading books, read them. Then you need to figure out your budget. Dillions are wonderful, but will drill a deep hole in your pocket. Hornady is good and the hole is a little less deep. If you are on a tight budget, then Lee is your friend and no your #### won't fall off buying Lee either. I suggest that you start will a simple turret press, some can be progressive, some aren't. Beginning reloading, speed is not what you want.
 
Pickup some books. Lyman manual, RCBS reloading video, and various bullet and powder mfgr manuals. They are all avail to buy online if you aren't going into town.
There are some vids on You Tube under ammosmith that show tool usage.
A trip to the Calgary Gun show is likely worth your while, on Easter weekend, to acquire some books and ask for some info and a look at tools.
If you happen to belong to or know of a range in your area, you can ask around for help to get started.
 
All good advice said above. I would only add to look for a mentor or loading buddy who has been through the mud. A picture is worth a thousand words, and getting your hands dirty for an hour or two is equal to several chapters of the book.


Lots of shooters and roll your own type up in your area. It would be a good investment to trade off a case of beer to sit by and watch the several processes.
 
Most people would suggest the ABCs of Reloading is a good starter book. I'd recommend Modern Reloading by Richard Lee, the founder of Lee Precision.

For a simple setup to learn on you can't go wrong with a Lee single stage press like the Breach lock. If you want to jump right in and start producing ammo faster then a Lee Classic Turret press would be good.

You can get a kit that gives you a good start but some items like the scales leave much to be desired. And although the kits provide things like the priming accessory and powder measure, they don't provide everything you'll need. Some additional items you'll need are:

- Dies for each caliber (I'd suggest Lee Pacesetter 3 dies for rifle, carbide for pistol.)
- Case blocks to hold your cases while working
- Lube pad and lube. I'd recommend RCBS for both.
- Lee primer pocket cleaner, chamfer/deburr tool, case trimmer for each caliber
- Digital calipers
- Digital scale that handles grains - you get what you pay for so do some research

I'm probably forgetting some stuff but this would probably get you going.

If you're not sure this is for you, don't break the bank on it to start out and don't get all the dies at first. Most would agree if you start with a single stage press and later you get a turret or progressive, the time and investment for the single stage won't have been a waste. It's a great way to learn and the press will probably still be used for something. This is why used single stage presses are hard to find. Guys only sell them if they were junk. Keep your eyes open on EE for other accessories though.
 
Everyone recommends ABCs of Reloading, but it doesn't give you any load info,
and it doesn't tell you anything that isn't in Lee's or Hornady's book.
Don't fall into any brand loyalty traps. They all make good stuff. Just some don't
make it for the same price.
 
Thanks for all the advice everyone. I tried finding Lee's book on amazon but they dont have it, and there are 3 ABC's books by different authors. Thanks also for the gear advice.
 
Rory McCanuck said:
Don't fall into any brand loyalty traps.
Click to expand...

X2

No single manufacturer has the market cornered on "the best there is" for absolutely every reloading tool/die/press/component going. Lee, RCBS, Redding, Hornady ,,, all have their star component(s). Dillon, for example, makes some of the industry's best presses and worst dies. Lee, makes some of the best dies and worst presses.

Avoid "Kits". Avoid presses that don't take the standard 7/8-14 dies.
 
I would read free forums and watch free youtube videos. I would start with Lyman 49th or Lee 2nd manuals or even both. I also like Speer 14. I did not care for the other manuals as much, other than some of the data, but that is just personal choice.
 
Much depends on your intended volume of production.

If you only need a couple of dozen rounds or even a couple of hundred reloaded, then a single-stage press is more than sufficient. Most people start with that and many never feel the need for anything more. SS presses require you to change dies at least once and maybe three times during your reload.

Turret presses have all the dies mounted in a plate. Instead of screwing out one die and screwing in another, you just give it a turn and your next die is ready to use. A bit faster, more convenient, rather more expensive.

Progressive setups are essentially small factories. Every time you pull the handle, a complete round of ammo drops out. They're much more expensive, but if you're shooting thousands of rounds a month, a single stage or turret press would be too slow.


I agree with the comments above saying that you need to do a fair bit of reading before you buy. ABCs of Reloading is a good introduction to the full range of reloading, including stuff like casting bullets that the reloading manuals rarely touch. It is however short on the actual 'recipes', so you will definitely need a reloading manual from one of the major companies. The more you read about the subject, the clearer your requirements will become to you.

The comments from Rory McCanuck and others about the brand loyalty trap are 100% correct. While some of them have a reputation for being a little more top-drawer than others, none of them make bad equipment or they wouldn't stay in business. It's like Ford vs GM trucks - personal preference.

As for staying away from kits, it's a common comment. All I know is that I'm still using most of the stuff from an RCBS kit decades ago.
 
flying pig said:
Thanks for all the advice everyone. I tried finding Lee's book on amazon but they dont have it, and there are 3 ABC's books by different authors. Thanks also for the gear advice.
Click to expand...

Luckily, amazon is not the only supplier of books in the world. Modern Reloading is the first book I grab for cartridge or load data comparisons. I have read it a dozen times. I especially like the reduced loads calculators in each. I am a great fan of Dean Grennell's writing style and so like the older editions of ABC's, but any of them give good information or data. I have, and you will too, more than one book available on your shelf. I know, most of you new guys don't know what books are...gotta be on the 'net to get any real info. But I like print, can't stand reading a screen.
That being said, there is plenty of wonderful info on the Internet. I have yet to watch any reloading YouTube videos, but I have watched numerous hunting ones.
 
ATOM said:
As for staying away from kits, it's a common comment. All I know is that I'm still using most of the stuff from an RCBS kit decades ago.
Click to expand...

Same here. While I bought a Lee Anniversary kit years ago , I do not use the scale or the powder measure. However, I use almost EVERYTHING else each time I load a round.
 
All the above is excellent advice.

Some other good youtube/websites for reloading and comparisons of indexing presses:

Ammosmith (Youtube)
http://www.youtube.com/user/ammosmith?ob=4

Ultimate Reloader (Youtube)
http://www.youtube.com/user/gavintoobe
or
www.ultimatereloader.com

I went a little overboard.

Ended up purchasing a Dillon 650 (indexing) and a Lee Challenger Breech Lock (single) so I could use another little gadget called the Consistent Crimp (www.precisionaccuracycompany.com). Use this for adjusting the crimp on the .243W & 9mm cartridges.

The Dillon pistol carbide dies are a little finicky. Have had better success with Lee and RCBS.

Hope this helps.
 
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Everyone has excellent advice. I think the must haves are abc's of reloading and the Lyman manual. As for equipment search the forum there is alot of previous threads about it.
 
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