I'm thinkin about reloading

[moosecree]

I'm thinkin about reloading for my .223, what kind of equipment does one need when starting from scratch?

 

[Canuck223]

Before we start, how many rounds a year or you talking about? For what rifle?

A guy shooting 2-3k a year out of an AR-15 has different needs than a guy shooting 100 a month from a bolt action.

 

[kastles]

Start with "the ABC's of Reloading". Best way to get started and know what your getting into and have confidence. It is a helluva lotta fun and a great addiction.

kastles

 

[moosecree]

I have a stevens 200, 223cal and we'll say 80 to 100 rounds a month to start.

 

[Jarlath]

80 to 100 rounds, 2-3 hours of work on a single stage press.

#1 item. Get a reloading book or three. Read them.
#2 Read them again.
#3 Get a press., dies, Powder scale, Trickler, dial/digital calipers, case trimmer, bullet puller! (Tumbler, primer pocket swages, cleaners, reamers etc are extras you can get later.)
#4 Read those books again and decide on a starting point for your loads.
#5 buy the bullets, powder, primers for your decided loads.
#6 Read the loads again and rememebr min/max levels.
#7 Read the book again.
#8 Start reloading SLOWLY. Safety = #1. Ensure you take it step by step and check your work. Sloppiness at best can be a misfire, at worst it can seriously damage your firearms and injure you.

Options
#9 work up several loads from min to max loads. (Say 10 of each in small increments 0.2 - 0.4gr steps, assuming the .223 load).

Find the best patterning of those loads and look/want for pressure signs.

 

[blacksmithden]

+1 for a reloading manual first. If you read "The ABC's of Reloading", you'll have all of your questions answered and you'll need to read at least one manual no matter what. If you decided not to get into it, it wasn't a huge investment. If you do jump in with both feet, the info is invaluable. Reloading manuals are one of the few books you'll ever own that you keep going back to again and again and again.