How to start reloading

[ndb86]

Hi guys i've never reloaded before and i have none of the nessecary tools as of yet. I want to reload .30.06 and .40 s&w for sure and most likely 9mm and .270 in the near future.

In my understanding i need a press, brass, bullets, primers, powder and a book of handloads. what else? what brands are CHEAP but won't cause me to have a shell blow up in my face so long as i do it right.

 

[Bigbubba]

Go to the nearest hunting store and buy Hornady's reloading manual. Read it before you buy anything else. I was just in Shooters Choice in KW-Wat and a whole RCBS set up goes for $599 i think it was....so you need to reload a lot to recoup the initial investment....but reloading is fun and makes you a better shot in my estimation plus you can custom the load to your rifle....but buy the manual first

 

[phishroy]

Hi.
Give MSG.DRW a shout he is a member here and a site sponsor.
Im sure he can get you started on the right track and his prices are very reasonable.
This is the link to his webstore http://www.reloaders.ca/
Also, like bigbubba recommended a reloading manual is good place to start.
Either the hornady or ABC’s of reloading.

Reloading can lead to hours of shooting at the range and lots of good times

 

[NorthernCX]

Another good book to start off is Modern Reloading by Richard Lee. TONS of load data in it too.

For gear, if you're just starting out, I'd start off with one of the LEE Anniversary sets- for under $200 you'll get everything you need to start except the dies for your caliber. I went that way, not wanting to shell out for the higher-end stuff not knowing how serious I would get. Added a second LEE Challenger press to speed up time and cut down on changing dies (Turret press would have been nice, but more money). Couple years later I've no regrets with the Lee stuff. Reloads ammo just as well as the big green guys for a lot less initial investment.

ABCs of Reloading's a great one too.

 

[rookie wildcat]

Another good book to start off is Modern Reloading by Richard Lee. TONS of load data in it too.

For gear, if you're just starting out, I'd start off with one of the LEE Anniversary sets- for under $200 you'll get everything you need to start except the dies for your caliber. I went that way, not wanting to shell out for the higher-end stuff not knowing how serious I would get. Added a second LEE Challenger press to speed up time and cut down on changing dies (Turret press would have been nice, but more money). Couple years later I've no regrets with the Lee stuff. Reloads ammo just as well as the big green guys for a lot less initial investment.

ABCs of Reloading's a great one too.

I doubly recommend both of these books. However, I would avoid the kit since the scale and powder measure suck. Also, avoid the dippers that come with the Lee dies. They are un-reliable. Those products being stated, I have NO problems with Lee products. Most of my reloading stuff is Lee. 2 Challenger presses, Lee case trimmers for each calibre, Lee dies for each calibre, Lee priming tools, Lee powder funnel, etc. Not that I don't have any other brands on my bench, but these were added once I got used to the process and had some more money. I have RCBS, Hornady, Redding, Lyman, and something from just about every one of the manufacturers except Dillon and Forster. But those are Cadillac stuff and I am still on a Chev budget.

 

[NorthernCX]

What's the trouble with the scale and powder measure, wildcat? Only reason I ask is that I've had no issues with either (haven't used the dippers), and the measure throws the same charge time and again. Last time I chrony'ed anything, with my handloads (57gr. Varget behind 180gr. Hornady SPs) and a witness, we saw a TOTAL velocity deviation of 20 fps... and if I recall correctly they were humming along at 2790 fps (2800 was the target). Not a single round off by more than 20. Like I said, I'm not criticizing, just wondering is all.

And just to double-check myself, I just got myself ordered a digital jeweler's scale for checking brass weights and double-checking my charge weights... because I'd rather check every third load or such to be on the safe side until I KNOW it won't throw an off charge and I don't trust any guarantee but my own. And the reason I mentioned the kit is because even if you factor in a different scale or other single component, you're still WAY under what any other setup I've seen will run a new person.

 

[savagefan]

X2 on the LEE perfect powder measure.

 

[dead meat]

X2 on the advice to get books on reloading. There are also some very good vidios to watch on the web, have fun i`ve been reloading for close to 40 years and still enjoy it.

 

[ndb86]

Great info guys. I think my plan is to get this stuff after hunting season then reolad a few and take them to teh range. if everything seems ok i'll go back home and reload all winter so when spring rolls around i can shoot till my heart's content and not have to worry about running out of ammo.

also, i'm sure the books will explain this, but can anyone give me a very simple step by step of the process? to my knowlege it it somehting like this:

1. clean brass remove old primer
2. load new primer
3. load powder
4. load bullet
5. seat properly
6. shoot and have fun!

i've got to be missing some steps. I'm sure.

 

[(((Echo)))]

also, i'm sure the books will explain this, but can anyone give me a very simple step by step of the process? to my knowlege it it somehting like this:

1. clean brass remove old primer
2. load new primer
3. load powder
4. load bullet
5. seat properly
6. shoot and have fun!

i've got to be missing some steps. I'm sure.

Not missing anything. In a very broad sense, those are the steps to reloading.
If you want to add anything, put "Pay attention at every step" at the top of the list.

(E)

 

[Donnie]

Hi.
Give MSG.DRW a shout he is a member here and a site sponsor.
Im sure he can get you started on the right track and his prices are very reasonable.
This is the link to his webstore http://www.reloaders.ca/
Also, like bigbubba recommended a reloading manual is good place to start.
Either the hornady or ABC’s of reloading.

Reloading can lead to hours of shooting at the range and lots of good times

+1 good guy to talk to, straight-up and prices seem fair.