Idiot-Proof Reloading

cyclone

cyclone

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I may get stoned for posting this question in this thread, but I'm newish to shotguns and we all started somewhere sometime...

Is there an idiot-proof reloading system for 12-gauge shells? I don't necessarily need the deluxe or even the multi-shell reloaders, just something that works.

Bonus: If you know where to puchase one in southern Ontario, even better...

Thanks for your patience.
 
The best method is to idiot proof yourself first. Educate yourself on reloading so you know exactly what to do and what not to do once you have the proper equipment. Read...read...read. There is a wealth of info avail out there on reloading both shotgun and rifle/pistol. Knowledge is power....
 
I am not being mean, but you got to face the reality here or else you are guaranteed to get hurt or sorry in the end if ignored.

Please read this carefully and take this seriously.............
Reloading is not for idiots... period!

Gunasauras is damn right....Do yourself and your love ones a favor, educate yourself on reloading before getting into it... There is no such thing as idiot proof reloading.

Reload safely... and good luck.
 
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As long as you get a good quality reloading machine & read the manual, follow the instructions, don't get distracted and use common sense, it is pretty difficult to get into trouble. Not impossible but difficult.

As has already been said, the safety system is the operator.
 
beretta boy said:
The MEC 600 Jr. and a good foundation in the basics and safety practices of reloading will hold you in good stead.
Click to expand...
X2.
it's the easiest loader I've ever used, and simple to set up.
The best thing, as was already mentioned, is to read the owners and loading manuals, and stick to the recipe given.
Pressurs can skyrocket quickly with a hull, wad, or even a primer change!:eek:
But yup, you can't legislate or prevent idiocy!:cool:
Cat
 
before u start get a good reloading manual (or 2) and read & understand them. Ask any friends that reload ( u must trust & respect there ability) to watch when they reload. It is not hard to do just no shortcuts or substitions of compounents. good luck AJ
 
Unless you are loading lighter loads or other loads that are not easily available or shooting very large quantities of shells, reloading is not necessarily cheaper. Buying the WINCHESTER OR FEDERAL 100 round boxes at WALMARTor CANADIAN TIRE is cheaper than 1 can of powder, a package of primers, a bag of wads, a reloading press, a book or books with the proper load recipes. Forgot a bag of shot.
 
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Someone touched on it but, whatever machine you use or even if you load by hand......stick with the exact components in the reloading manuals...you can not just substitute wads, hulls, primers, anything! Once you get going, it can be enjoyable and I figure you save about $1 on a box of shells if you can get shot for an okay price.
 
There are very good kits for shell reloading, even some low-priced ones.
But there is NO foolproof or idiotproof setup.
As the saying goes: " when a new, idiot-proof device hits the market, about a week later here comes the new, improved idiot "...
One thing which actually improves ANY good beginner's setup is the presence and counseling of an experimented handloader.
Just go to a shooting club and ask questions. I'm pretty sure you'll quickly find one or two comrades who will teach you the fine art of reloading.
Good luck!
PP.
 
Thanks all! The response so far has not been too bad...

It looks like, after the "talking-down to a newbie" posts, some actual friendly and helpful advice was offered. I didn't say I was a new shooter, or even that I was new to reloading (thought the latter is in fact true), but I do appreciate the vigilance that exists out there in the CGN community, so it's all good.

Specifics: I am looking to re-load 2 3/4 and 3-inch 12 gauge shells, and this isn't just an excercise in price-saving: I'm just genuinely interested in the process. I'm looking to know what a good "starter-kit" would look like (hence the idiot-proof), and that's all she wrote.

Keep it coming?
 
To start a MEC 600 jr. $164.95 and a MULTI_SCALE adjustable charge bar $38.99 at WHOLESALE SPORTS OR RUSSELS SPORTS , about as cheap as you can go with some quality.. I find the adjustable charge bar is good for me because when I get different cases and have to adjust the load , I don't need to wait to get another powder bushing. LEE PRECISION makes an economy model reloader for $50 or so but I have not been impressed with the Shot shell loaders from Lee, although probably very serviceable they are plastic and pot metal, I really like their rifle and pistol dies though and have 3 PRO 1000 progressive reloaders. Also check your local trap range or gun club for members selling stuff as they upgrade or downsize, sometimes you can find a bargain.
 
A Lee Load-All works fine, if you're not doing TONS of reloading. You can comfortably load 100 shells at one sitting.

Follow the instructions and recipes FOUND IN THE MANUALS and you'll be fine.

There are reloaders everywhere. Just ask somebody to run you through the steps if you're unsure, you could even get them to set things up for you if you ask nicely.
 
The Mec 600 Jr. is THE standard in entry level shotshell reloading. It has been for decades, which results in used units being available in almost every gun store, gun show and gun auction in the country. New ones are also being made every day, figure $175 for a new one set up to do one gauge.

Shotshell reloading is not like metallic reloading, in that you are not expected to make much in the way of decisions. In that sense they are all fairly idiot-proof. The manuals specify each component, and you assemble them without deviation. Many reloaders just set their press up for a single loading, and that's all they ever make. The only tricky part can be adjusting the dies for correct wad pressure and crimp.

I really don't know why all the warning-hawks came out of the woodwork. There really is only one serious rule: don't deviate from the load data. Follow that and you will be fine.
 
First buy the Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook Edition #5. Read it cover to cover. It contains all the information you need to know to load shells.

As noted previously, buy a MEC 600JR and a good scale.

Don't depend on bushing charts for powder drops. They are only approximate. Weigh your powder charges yourself to find out what your weights your loader is dropping.

Don't rush when you start. Go slowly and you'll find the right pace to load your shells.

Always make sure your shot and powder bottles aren't empty. That's usually where the mistakes occur when loading. Otherwise a MEC 600 is about as "idiot proof" as it gets.
 
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