Hand loading for the first time - What would I need ?

Nabs

Nabs

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I think this is the right place to post this. I haven't had much luck with the search function in the past so don't burn me please.

I am looking for hand load for my rifles. I have gone through the basics with a friend of mine who already hand loads and he let me know the basic things that I would need but I wanted to double check. I think I can pick up everything I require off the EE as well. Right now, I have two reloading dies in 8mm Mauser that were given to me by my friend for Christmas. I think they are RCBS and are in the original box but there appears to be no charts that appear to come with newer dies. One die has a long needle inside and I think it is used to punch the old primers out and the other die is used to reshape the neck of the cartridge.

I am in the process of acquiring the dies for my other Mausers but I don't have any clue exactly what to look for in terms of the reloading press or tools that would come with it or be needed. I don't need anything fancy, just the basic tools to do the job. I already have a potential seller lined up to sell me the remaining reloading dies along with powder, bullets, cases, and primers. Does anyone have a basic list of supplies in regards to the reloading press and things relating to it ?

Thanks!
 
Your die with the long needle thingy is a resizing die the other die is your seating die.
You will need at least one reloading manual that you should read from cover to cover before you start. It should cover all the things you will need to produce good safe handloads.
 
Now why didn't I think of that? I think I could find an electronic version online ?

Thank you for the link to the RCBS website, would I consider all the tools listed there ones that I would need to successfully reload ?
 
Nabs said:
Now why didn't I think of that? I think I could find an electronic version online ?

Thank you for the link to the RCBS website, would I consider all the tools listed there ones that I would need to successfully reload ?
Click to expand...

:D No, but it sure would make a nice wish list. I just thought you might find the set up instructions for the dies helpful. RCBS gear is popular among reloaders so this on line list of manuals may come in handy, especially if you buy used.

Take a look (on line) at the starter kits offered by Redding, RCBS, Hornady and Lee. They'll give you an idea regarding bare bones requirements as far as gear is concerned. The rest is icing,,icing you'll consider necessary the more you get into this :D.
 
I figured I would need more toys as my experience grows. Can I assume a starter kit comes with the basic necessities (minus the dies and stuff for the ammo) to reload ?

I would go on the EE and post but I'm not exactly sure what to ask for and what price to pay in general.
 
Nabs are you a member at any local gun ranges or outdoors type clubs in your area? If so in addition to reading all the above mentioned books, you might want to strongly consider asking around or putting a flier out asking for a guru to teach you what you need to know, both basics and not so basic. It's great to have someone you can call with questions if that person has been doing it safely for a whole bunch of years. Reloading is serious business, and you need to be dead sure about everything you do, and a guru/mentor is just the person to help you get there. Would just hate to hear about you minus a couple of fingers, eyes, hands, etc...and for god sake with your brag list of Milsurp rifles, start WAY back on the lower end of the reloading charts, you never know how metal fatigue and simple 100+ years of wear and tear may affect your rifle's ability to withstand the normal pressure levels a similar, but newer rifle could easily handle. Please don't take this the wrong way, reloading can be done by a novice and is quite safe if attention to detail is paid, but it is SO much easier to get to the safe level of ability with a guru to walk you through things.
 
I'm not a member yet but will be when I get the reloading portion straightened out. My friend, Drachenblut is running me through the process as well as other members on CGN are helping explain how to reload for my 71/84 which will require a slightly different approach.
 
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