Completely new to reloading, want to start.

Chuck3436

Chuck3436

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I have absolutely no clue as to how to reload and am looking at the lee hand press kits. SIR lists a cheapo one for 20$ and another one for 64.99 which actually comes with a hand press thingy.

Is reloading simple enough with either of these kits? Does it require any other items? Is it simple enough to do in an apartment without any real space? Is it labour intensive...does it take much strength to load a shell. If its 1 shell every couple minutes, i may just call it lazy and buy rounds instead.

For .308 plinking rounds, can i use milsurp cases or only commercial cases?
And is there anything i need to do to them before i reload, i hear things like tumbling etc etc.

Lastly, approximately how much does it end up being per round by reloading yourself? Im looking for milsurp quality not high end hunting or target loads....yet.

Thanks for the info guys.
 
Sounds like you need to do a lot of reading BEFORE you buy anything.
reloading on the handpress, while easy, is NOT speedy, don't even try to be fast. Reloading is an enjoyable relaxing activity.
Save you money? Well, yes, but in the end, you will shoot MORE, so you'll end up spending more money anyway.
Will you need more than the kit? Not at all, if you don't want to. But, as you become more experienced, you will want more, better presses, better scales, case trimmers.... the list is endless.
 
Ok, well it says it comes with complete instructions and everything needed short of brass, bullets, powders and primers.

That 64.99 kit will have everything correct, and I WILL be able to do this with relative ease?
 
think of it this way...
you can read all the books you want to learn how to drive..but will this make a good driver?
practice makes perfect.:wave:
im kind of a green horn on reloading also..its a lot of fun and a relaxing hobby..
take your time and ask if your not sure..but yes read lots before you give it your first go
good luck and keep us posted how it goes
 
Do yourself a favor and READ up on the reloading process before you attempt anything. Become familiar with the steps and the terminology. This is not a hobby where you can screw up without consequence albeit minor or major in some cases. There is tons of info both on the web and in manuals. If you are planning on reloading, you will need a good manual anyways but if you wanna read for free, use the web or the library and approach this action with at least a bit of knowledge. Folks on this board are very helpful but dont think that you can just start spewing off questions cuz you may be too lazy to do any research. Great resource this place, but people have their limits as well.

As for military brass, are you familiar with crimped primers and their removal? Boxer versus Berdan primed? Its all in the book..You really need to know this stuff.. With a little effort, you will be reloading with confidence and a good working knowledge resulting in a fine cartridge.
Good luck
dB:)
 
It IS fairly simple as long as you can follow instructions properly, but don't expect any sort of speed unless you're loading on a progressive; with a hand-press as you describe, you'd need to set your decapping/resizing die, then lube and resize/decap all of your brass, then clean and reprime all of that brass, then add the proper powder charge to each case, then seat a bullet in each case using a bullet-seating die in your press instead of the resizing/decapping die. Depending on your load, you may then want to crimp each one of those rounds. Like said previously, you won't SAVE any money, you'll probably just end up shooting about 30% more.
 
The biggest satisfaction comes from gaining the better accuracy with handloads. Take your time, read up, library is good. Lyman 48th is a good manual that not only lists loads but lots of good info on reloading. There are many other fine books and freebies from the powder companies and component mfrs available on-line and at your local gun store. Take a breather before you start spending money on equip. If it 's just about saving dough the hand press is the way to go but for a little more money you could get the Lee Anniversary kit which will really speed things up for you. The sky's the limit when it comes to buying stuff for this hobby, good luck and welcome to a grand obsession.
 
I found this page really helpful when starting loading.
http://imakeprojects.com/projects/reloading/

Like savagefan said, if you're going to start reloading you should probably go for a "real" press. There's nothing wrong with the hand press, but I'd imagine your hands would be blistered all to hell by the time you finished resizing 200 cases. It's not really the setup if you're thinking of reloading in volume.
 
For a cheap starter kit for a bit more, you might want to check out a Lee Challenger Kit. I got mine off Ebay for like $120. It has a regular press and almost everything you need to get started (even comes with a reloading book). I use it and have replaced a few things along the way due to personal preference but it makes solid, accurate ammo.
 
Adriel that website is pretty bang on for step by step detail...

But it may be in my best interest after taking a peek around to read up on stuff. Probably best bet would be to actually be taught since there are somethings i just had no idea on.

Yah the lee challenger kit also looked interesting....but now im getting somewhat wary of jumping headfirst into the unknown without at least some hands on guidance first.
 
Do lots of reading, ask lots of questions, and best of all find an experienced shooter who has a reloading set up and get him to show you the ropes. I have been reloading for several yrs and still call up some of my old mentors and ask questions,because you will always be able to find something to stump ya.

Bearcat
 
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