I decided I want to start reloading - what now?

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K1LLswitch

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Hi all,

I have decided to start reloading...what now?

I have never reloaded before (and have no equipment yet) so I don't know anything about it. I will do a proper read through of all the FAQs and start getting into the details on this sub-forum so that I can learn HOW to do it, but what I need help with right now is - what do I need to buy?

- what book to teach me?
- what equipment do I need TO reload in general?
- what equipment do I need for each specific cartridge?
- what supplies do I need (primers etc.)?

Give me a shopping list (incl. brand and model) of what your ideal reloading set-up would be, ie) to begin loading both .308 and 30-06.

Not looking at the cheapest "get into reloading" set-up, but the quality "if you were upgrading from your starter set - get THIS". Don't want the ferrari, or any crazy industrial type stuff - just a good quality set-up.

Thanks in advance! Can't wait to start!

K1LLswitch
 
Hey K1llswitch I am in the exact same book and I am just starting out. I have a lee breach lock press, bought it off the lee factory sales site and it got here in about 2 weeks and the savings was pretty good, even with the shipping and tax. Got the brass off of cgn, bullets from bashaw sports and stettler for powder and primers. I went more so to the bottom end in pricing, most people recommended rcbs or dillion press's, guys I work with recommend lyman and forrester, so basically I think its more a matter of budget and personal preferences. I'm just sitting down this afternoon to try reloading for the first time and see how it goes. If you search for 308 and 30-06 loads in the forums you will find dozens of posts and hundreds of recommendations, just remember when you do a search to extend the search back to 36 months and you will get a bunch. Have a great thanksgiving.

Dave
 
Get yourself the newest edition of the Lyman Manual, read it cover to cover 2 or 3 times, then ask specific questions on here.

If I was starting out again, I would get the Rockchucker kit, comes with practically everything you need to start out, and buy the specific dies you need.
 
I wouldn't buy a kit. This is what I would do in your situation.

RCBS Rockchucker supreme press
RCBS UNIVERSAL priming tool
RCBS case trimmer
RCBS rangemaster 750 scale
calipers
powder funnel
powder thrower
shellholders
loading block
Dies for each calibre, preferably a 3 die set with a neck sizer
powder trickler
Large rifle primers
powder
bullets
case lube

The equipment is not really brand critical, however I believe RCBS to be good value. On a side note, I will not own a LEE press.
 
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I would recommend the RCBS Charge Master 1500 combo. Look at buying it (and maybe other stuff) from Natchez in the U.S. as our dollar is around par and their price on that particular item is very good. (Sale $279.95)
 
Buy good quality gear, read alot, maybe get someone that knows what they are doing to sit in on your first efforts.
 
When I asked this questions a few years back I was told to pick up and read The ABC's of Reloading by Bill Chevalier and I still flip through it once in a while. It is a great read for the beginner reloader and will answer many of your questions from interior ballistics to annealing cases.
 
7.62mm said:
Get yourself the newest edition of the Lyman Manual, read it cover to cover 2 or 3 times, then ask specific questions on here.

If I was starting out again, I would get the Rockchucker kit, comes with practically everything you need to start out, and buy the specific dies you need.
Click to expand...

This would be my recomendation also.
 
Mount Sweetness said:
Buy the Lee Challenger kit and The Lee Modern Reloading Manual, save your hard earned cash.
Click to expand...

/\ +1

Smart suggestion, from the viewpoint of value received. Just my .02

Do your homework (research), follow the instruction manuals/sheets, look for YouTube videos, and go slow when in front of your press.

When seeking another's advice, please remember as Broker's (CGN member) sig line says,

"A smart man only believes half of what he hears, a wise man knows which half." Col. Jeff Cooper

Then there is our favorite and priceless resource...your CGN friends and family.
 
Im in the same boat , except im looking into doing atleast 4 or 5 different calibers and trying to avoid buying 2 different presses . 9mm , 40sw , .223 , .308 and .45ACP.

Ive been told to start off with a single stage press at first and NOT to go starting on a progressive press as it allows you to learn with each individual case you make and allows you to ensure your getting your powder levels correct (which i was also told is a beginners issue).

Im probably going the 50th anniversary route , as its economical and i can always upgrade later.
 
I think the best way to learn is through making errors. (hopefully smal errors) My age may be showing , but the way I learned to reload was by READING THE INSTRUCTIONS. Buy a couple good manuals and actually read them. Once you have done that, read them again, you will still learns something. After that make a list of needed equipment (you should know what you need by now) and go shopping. Once you are at that point you should feel comfortable and be able to load and try a few rounds. If in doubt post a thread and we will help you.
 
Kc.338Lp said:
9mm , 40sw , .223 , .308 and .45ACP.

Ive been told to start off with a single stage press at first and NOT to go starting on a progressive press as it allows you to learn with each individual case you make and allows you to ensure your getting your powder levels correct (which i was also told is a beginners issue).

Im probably going the 50th anniversary route , as its economical and i can always upgrade later.
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Someone said good quality gear. True and if I may suggest, get a Lee Classic Turret. Its design lends itself for use as a Single Stage, manual index turret or auto-index turret, depending on your specific need of the moment.

It should be strong enough to do .308, remove the action rod and clamp to use it as a single stage.

It does not cost significantly more than a single stage.

It will allow you to produce 150 pistol rounds per hour quite easily. Impossible with a single stage, IMO.
 
Just stared reloading myself not to long ago. Bought the lee aniversy set and have no regrets. As for up grades get a different scale (got a dillion) and get the lee manual very good info.

Turret press is also a good idea when you get a load your gun likes its would be a lot quicker.
 
Both of you gentlemen could PM me if you want. I've been handloading for over 20 years and would be happy to show you the ropes. I live near Edmonton and occasionally get to Calgary on business. All of the above advice is pretty good. READ READ READ then READ SOME MORE.

Regards
 
get as many loading manuals as you can, it's always nice to have more loading data. plus, there are some powders that each of the loading books don't share, so it's nice to have more data for different types of powder.

good luck! I love reloading my own, feels great :D
 
easyrider604 said:
Someone said good quality gear. True and if I may suggest, get a Lee Classic Turret. Its design lends itself for use as a Single Stage, manual index turret or auto-index turret, depending on your specific need of the moment.

It should be strong enough to do .308, remove the action rod and clamp to use it as a single stage.

It does not cost significantly more than a single stage.

It will allow you to produce 150 pistol rounds per hour quite easily. Impossible with a single stage, IMO.
Click to expand...

I agree with the above. Lee makes great tools for the money. That's why they have the majority of the market. You can always upgrade later if you want.
I can help you get everything you need all from one place, Me.
I can supply presses, brass, bullets, powder, primers, reloading books and pretty much anything else you might need.
Most everything I carry in stock & it's only a couple of days from here in BC to you.
Check out my WTS Post link below.
Regards, Henry
Regards, Henry
 
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