How to Reload, for Complete Idiots.

Probably the best all-around how-to (combined with a manual) is Lee's "Modern Reloading"; it'll tell you how and why each step is done. Handgun cases don't stretch enough to make trimming them worthwhile, and the only time you'll need them with rifle cases is when you're starting to get near the end of the useful life anyway. Polishing isn't necessary, so long as they're clean (and if they're rifle cases, you have to clean and lube them anyway). The balance beam scales are at least as accurate as a digital, but they're slower.
 
There is a lot of good literature out there on the subject. I bought my first press when I got my pistols to save on cost of loaded ammo. I have a dillon model 550B and load everything from .9mm pistol up to .378 WBY. MAG. Don't spend alot of money on digital scales. keep it simple until you are set up. There are only three things to remember when handloading: safety,safety,safety.
 
try and talk to someone in your area that reloads.. have them show you their set up and "how to".
The first time I was introduced to reloading was 5 years before I started doing it on my own. ( it just worked out that way).
then when I wanted to reload I asked a tonne of questions from a few guys I knew and the rest I asked on here.
I am very thankfull for all the help I got in the beginning.. it helped me feel more confident in not wrecking my gun or blowing my face off.
and remember:
the only stupid question is the one you didnt ask.
 
Depends what kind of competition you are loading for. Balance beam scales are great, slower than a digital but I use a LEE perfect powder measure. Once set, I don't bother rechecking, it is very reliable. I only load for hunting/plinking/varminting and silhouette. If I was bench-rest competing obviously it's time to get anal and welcome to the world of diminishing returns.
 
Awesome guys! i reloaded my first bullets thanks to your links and a video i found, currently uploading the instructional video to megaupload.com then i'll post it for other newbies as it explained everything, i had to go back down to the gun store for little parts and peices that i was missing, but

reloaded my 6mm Rem with two different types of rounds.

5 Berger 95 Grain HPBT BC=.514 in
34, 34.3, 34.5, 34.7 and 35 Grain charges for 2800fps to 2950fps

then 15 Hornady V-Max 58 Grains

42 Grain all the way in .3 incriments to 44.5 Grains, with quiet afew 43 grain rounds.

should average from 3600fps to 3950fps for those.


goin to use the 95 grain for mule deer/white tail, and the 58 grain for Yote hunting.

can't wait to go blast some of these rounds off, i polished the cases with brass metal wool on a drill just for added effect, since their my first rounds i ever made, i wanted to impress some friends with match grade ammunition.

thought my reloading kit was a bad investment, but seems i will start saving myself and quiet a few friends alot of cash. told them if they kept the brass and bought the dies and materials i'd reload them rounds. one friend has a .338 Win mag which costs 50$/box for 20 rounds, he would save alot on getting me to reload them for 30$
 
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Reloading for friends seldom works out.
They generally blame anything that goes wrong, including missed game, on those "damned reloads". People that don't reload, generally think of reloads as inferior. They CAN be, but, with a little work, they are generally, better than run of the mill factory stuff.
 
gumby said:
one friend has a .338 Win mag which costs 50$/box for 20 rounds, he would save alot on getting me to reload them for 30$
Click to expand...

You SELL buddy your homeloads and he has an accident, even if it's his fault and not yours...make sure you have a good lawyer...it's all about liability
 
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