intimidated by the thought of reloading.

sharp shooter said:
Well I was intimadated the first time I did it (if you know what I mean), but after that it gets addicting........
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+1 There is a ton of little things to track and get right as a baseline for competency after that the Pro's here on CGN really have a whole other level of tricks and tips to learn.

It's enjoyable to see the finished product especially when you can verify accuracy improvements doing it.
 
I reload as a hobby mostly and for cheaper hunting ammo. I have never had a problem with my reloaded ammo but I have had a few misfires with commercial ammo. Just check everything and get a few reloading books.
 
Lots of great advice in this thread so far. I also started with the ABC's of reloading before the internet was out there. Over time I have also standardized my methods and I stick to it without deviation for consistency and safety sake. I use single stage presses for both rifle and pistol and as you would expect I use the batch method, 50 rounds or less per batch but never more than 50.

For many years now I always measure and load powder at one end of my bench and seat bullets at the other end of my bench. This forces me to get up and move once the cases have been charged with powder. Before I sit down again I have had a chance to visually inspect all 50 cases for correct powder levels under bright florescent lights. (double charged pistol cases and empty rifle cases) Obviously you don't want either.
It is very possible to start seating bullets without visually inspecting your cases first for correct powder levels. Figure out a method to use that will ensure you don't overlook this important step.
 
I was there 4 years ago, I had a lee 50th Kit, and no idea how to set it all up, watch lots of videos, read books, ask questions on here.

if your not sure ASK!!!!

2nd main rule, pay attention, double check your using the right powder, and the right load data

work up from the starting loads.

don't attempt to use that cheap lee balance beam scale, I fought with it for 2 years then finally bought a cheapish digital scale that is now losing its tare weight and frustrating me as well so buy a half decent digital scale.

the plastic powder "thrower" that comes with the kit is okay, I just recently upgraded to an RCBS more accurate and faster to dial in, you will be okay with the Lee one to get started just check several charges in a row to make sure you have consistency some powders don't "meter" as well as others and you may have to weigh them individually with your scale and fill cases with that red powder funnel in your Lee kit,

take it slow and you will be fine.

soon you will be hooked and will be buying odd caliber firearms just so you can work up loads for them:cool:

I may start loading 7.62x39 soon just because:cool:
 
I remember shooting my first reloaded 9mm/45 acp by ducking my head behind the bench. I was scared as f***. Once you get over that initial fear, it gets easier.

Haven't tried rifle calibres yet. I want to reload 223 but the amount of powder compared to a pistol scares me.
 
I just started about a year ago, like everyone else I was scared to death seating the bullet in case full of powder with a primer. Took me a couple hours to load 10, I weighed, measured, checked and rechecked everything. When I got to the range I loaded them up, aimed, shut my eyes and expected to die lol. It went bang, and to my surprise I still had all my body parts. Well, by the 10th shot I was over the fear and now I love it.

My only advise is to get in a routine and stick with it. The only time I've really made mistakes is when I try to change things up.

I also made a shelf for a wall of shame where all my unbelievable F/up's go. I have quite a collection now lol. My favorite is the upside down bullet!
 
now that i recall, i wasn't scared of making ammo, but taking it apart. before i got into guns/reloading i found a box of 30-30 at my old job and took one round to have a look at it. when i got home with it i wanted to see what gun powder looked like so i put on safety glasses, ear muffs, and a heavy jacket. put the tip of the bullet into a vice and after 15 minutes couldn't get the bullet out. i put it back in the vice and got some tubing cutters and again took 15 minutes to cut it open, success! then i set fire to the powder for some more fun!
 
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