Looking to start reloading, What should I buy to get started?
- Thread starter Mattppq
- Start date
must have:
- reloading manual (read it first then start collecting gear)
- a press
- case lube
- shell holders for each case head size
- sizing & decapping die for each cartridge (it's a combo die)
- bullet seating die for each cartridge
- primer seating device (primer tool)
- powder funnel
- scale
- calipers
should have:
- case belling die for the straight walled cases
- micrometer
- case mouth chamfering tool
- case trimmer
nice to have:
- some kind of tumbler of vibrator for case cleaning
- crimp dies for each cartridge
- primer pocket cleaning tool
- primer pocket crimp remover
- neck sizing dies
- powder thrower
if you're made of money:
- case annealer
- case neck turning tool
- bullet runout gauges
- something else
The Lee 50th Anniversary Breech Lock Challenger Kit is a good start.
You only need to add dies to this kit (I also purchased one bushing for each die).
- reloading manual (read it first then start collecting gear)
- a press
- case lube
- shell holders for each case head size
- sizing & decapping die for each cartridge (it's a combo die)
- bullet seating die for each cartridge
- primer seating device (primer tool)
- powder funnel
- scale
- calipers
should have:
- case belling die for the straight walled cases
- micrometer
- case mouth chamfering tool
- case trimmer
nice to have:
- some kind of tumbler of vibrator for case cleaning
- crimp dies for each cartridge
- primer pocket cleaning tool
- primer pocket crimp remover
- neck sizing dies
- powder thrower
if you're made of money:
- case annealer
- case neck turning tool
- bullet runout gauges
- something else
The Lee 50th Anniversary Breech Lock Challenger Kit is a good start.
You only need to add dies to this kit (I also purchased one bushing for each die).
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Legi0n's suggestion of the Lee kit is good advice. Start off with a single stage press. Yes, it is slow, and it is onerous, tedious, and boring, compared to a nice turret or progressive setup, but master the art of reloading, as well as ingraining the proper work flow and habits one stage at a time before trying to do it in a more automated fashion. Mistakes can very easily get expensive, if not downright dangerous.
The only item that is a must-have, IMHO, is a good caliper to measure shells and completed cartridges.
The only item that is a must-have, IMHO, is a good caliper to measure shells and completed cartridges.
Before you start, find yourself a mentor. I don't mean one that has just started himself/herself. Some gun shops will offer you the use of their equipment to check out which brand of loading tools you prefer.
In Vernon BC, Del Selin's has a bunch of stuff already set up so that he or one of his staff can show you the basics and maybe let you try out a few loads as well as types before you choose the brand you feel the most comfortable with.
When you are new to hand loading just striking out on your own, especially if you don't do any due diligence or really can't understand what you are reading about. That is in no way a slam. Lots of people have a tough time relating what they are reading about to actually doing something.
I have seen lots of presses with brass jammed into the dies brought to me asking for help. I have seen blown primers by the score and even separated brass in chambers on several occasions. I have also seen bullets jammed halfway up the bore and the list goes on. The worst was a Mod 70 in 257 Rob that had detonated at the bench in a lead sled, luckily for the shooter. It was his first attempt at loading and the only reading he had done was on how his simple Lee Loader kit worked.
You need a learned and well intentioned mentor before you need a press or advice on a press or other loading tools.
In Vernon BC, Del Selin's has a bunch of stuff already set up so that he or one of his staff can show you the basics and maybe let you try out a few loads as well as types before you choose the brand you feel the most comfortable with.
When you are new to hand loading just striking out on your own, especially if you don't do any due diligence or really can't understand what you are reading about. That is in no way a slam. Lots of people have a tough time relating what they are reading about to actually doing something.
I have seen lots of presses with brass jammed into the dies brought to me asking for help. I have seen blown primers by the score and even separated brass in chambers on several occasions. I have also seen bullets jammed halfway up the bore and the list goes on. The worst was a Mod 70 in 257 Rob that had detonated at the bench in a lead sled, luckily for the shooter. It was his first attempt at loading and the only reading he had done was on how his simple Lee Loader kit worked.
You need a learned and well intentioned mentor before you need a press or advice on a press or other loading tools.
ambishooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Southeastern Canuckstan
Lee Classic Cast Turret Kit - a good starter press that can be an auto-indexing press or a single stage press. Can be costly due to the fact that you need to buy dies and a better scale.
Lee Loadmaster Progressive Press - all you need is a better scale. Dies included for specific caliber only.
Dillon 550 - one of the best progressive press in the market. Dies not included.
Hornady Lock and Load - also a good advanced reloading system, dies not included.
RCBS Pro 2000 - also a solid progressive press. Again, dies not included.
Best value: Lee Loadmaster. Downside - some say it is very fussy to set-up. My take: Do not rush things. Read your manual carefully and fine-tune your set-up before you mass load.
Best entry level: Lee Classic Cast Turret Press - easy set-up and use. Downside: Priming is inconsistent but gets better with practice.
Best Overall: All of the above. Your usage will dictate what you need.
I prefer an auto-indexing turret or a progressive press. This is not a fool-proof press. You still have to focus in what you are doing. You must have heard of accidents involving double charge or no-charge. These conditions will happen regardless of the type of press used. Single-stage press is prone to this error.
Also, get a good reloading manual. Read and follow manufacturers suggested load. Buy the right powder for your need. Pistol and Rifle powders are not interchangeable.
You will also need a tumbler to clean your casings. Start with a vibratory tumbler like Lyman. Treated Crushed Walnut shells or Corn Cob as media. Then you can also explore a Rotary tumbler for stainless steel media.
If you have buddies who reload, take time to ask, ask, and ask until you are satisfied with what you need to know. Do not experiment in mixing or substituting powders. Primers are also caliber specific. Also, not all you read in forums applies to what you need. Read and do if you feel safe and at your own risk. Never exceed the manufacturers suggested charge.
Budget Shooters Supply, a supporting dealer above is a one-stop source for presses and accessories.
Oooppsss.... a Caliper is also a must.
Goodluck!
Lee Loadmaster Progressive Press - all you need is a better scale. Dies included for specific caliber only.
Dillon 550 - one of the best progressive press in the market. Dies not included.
Hornady Lock and Load - also a good advanced reloading system, dies not included.
RCBS Pro 2000 - also a solid progressive press. Again, dies not included.
Best value: Lee Loadmaster. Downside - some say it is very fussy to set-up. My take: Do not rush things. Read your manual carefully and fine-tune your set-up before you mass load.
Best entry level: Lee Classic Cast Turret Press - easy set-up and use. Downside: Priming is inconsistent but gets better with practice.
Best Overall: All of the above. Your usage will dictate what you need.
I prefer an auto-indexing turret or a progressive press. This is not a fool-proof press. You still have to focus in what you are doing. You must have heard of accidents involving double charge or no-charge. These conditions will happen regardless of the type of press used. Single-stage press is prone to this error.
Also, get a good reloading manual. Read and follow manufacturers suggested load. Buy the right powder for your need. Pistol and Rifle powders are not interchangeable.
You will also need a tumbler to clean your casings. Start with a vibratory tumbler like Lyman. Treated Crushed Walnut shells or Corn Cob as media. Then you can also explore a Rotary tumbler for stainless steel media.
If you have buddies who reload, take time to ask, ask, and ask until you are satisfied with what you need to know. Do not experiment in mixing or substituting powders. Primers are also caliber specific. Also, not all you read in forums applies to what you need. Read and do if you feel safe and at your own risk. Never exceed the manufacturers suggested charge.
Budget Shooters Supply, a supporting dealer above is a one-stop source for presses and accessories.
Oooppsss.... a Caliper is also a must.
Goodluck!
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May want to check out my articles on reloading on my blog:
Here are a couple that focus on the actual making of the ammo:
http://rifletalk.org/2015/05/24/car...ance-of-prcision-rifles-part-iii-making-ammo/
http://rifletalk.org/2015/05/30/car...ecision-rifles-part-iv-finishing-our-reloads/
Here are a couple that focus on the actual making of the ammo:
http://rifletalk.org/2015/05/24/car...ance-of-prcision-rifles-part-iii-making-ammo/
http://rifletalk.org/2015/05/30/car...ecision-rifles-part-iv-finishing-our-reloads/
- Location
- West Quebec
+1 good reference
ABCs of Reloading - absolutely. Buy it and read it before buying anything else.
Agreed on the single-stage press to start, too.
Good lighting. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Even an IKEA gooseneck floor lamp or something.
A fire extinguisher. You won't need it until you need it - and then you will REALLY need it and nothing else will do.
Stuck case extractor and spare depriming pins. Cheap insurance and sh*t always happens when the stores are closed.
Agreed on the single-stage press to start, too.
Good lighting. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Even an IKEA gooseneck floor lamp or something.
A fire extinguisher. You won't need it until you need it - and then you will REALLY need it and nothing else will do.
Stuck case extractor and spare depriming pins. Cheap insurance and sh*t always happens when the stores are closed.
Are those yours? Well done my man! Well done. Great reading. Thanks Bob.
dillon 550b with lee carbide dies set, 3 extra tool head, 3x 5 lock ring pack, 4(3 if order the 550b comes with one already) quick conversion kit and 3 extra dillon powder dies. I am going to pick one up next week. can't wait.....
for the accessories, the other guys already covered it all for you.
for the accessories, the other guys already covered it all for you.
- Lee Breechlock kit - it's a good deal for the money. Everything is more than "good enough" to start you loading.
- Dies, breech collars, projectiles, brass, primers, and powder. Use the Hodgden reloading website to "recipes", matching exact powder, and bullet by weight is usually close enough. Start with the low-end of the load, and chrony before increasing.
- Chrony (since I'm thinking about that) or find a friend with one (better be a good friend, in case you shoot it - you will)
- If you're using new or freshly-shot brass, you don't need a tumbler (just discussing this on another thread haha)
Watch some youtube videos on reloading, ask questions here. There are books as well, but I don't recommend them. It's good knowledge, but can be gained online for less.
- Dies, breech collars, projectiles, brass, primers, and powder. Use the Hodgden reloading website to "recipes", matching exact powder, and bullet by weight is usually close enough. Start with the low-end of the load, and chrony before increasing.
- Chrony (since I'm thinking about that) or find a friend with one (better be a good friend, in case you shoot it - you will)
- If you're using new or freshly-shot brass, you don't need a tumbler (just discussing this on another thread haha)
Watch some youtube videos on reloading, ask questions here. There are books as well, but I don't recommend them. It's good knowledge, but can be gained online for less.
To throw in my $.02 I started reloading in November of last year and there's a lot of information to take in. I started by watching about 20 hrs of youtube instructional videos and then gradually started buying the bits and pieces I needed to get started. I picked up the Lee single stage Anniversary set. Obviously i also picked up a die set (as a side note i'd advice you buy a die set with the neck sizing die for rifle cartridges if you can find one. I've found them to help exponentially for both accuracy and case life). That's basically all youll need to get started. As you progress you'll almost definietly want to pick up a new scale as the one that comes with the anniversary kits is extremely frustarting. You'll also need a tumbler of some kind for cleaning brass and if youre loading rifle ammo a case trimmer will definitely be needed.
I've only recently started however I've reloaded probable close to 1500 rounds in about 4 different calibers. As someone mentioned above it would probably be advisable to start on a single stage press so you can learn all the proper steps thoroughly before you move on to a much faster paced press.
Cheers
I've only recently started however I've reloaded probable close to 1500 rounds in about 4 different calibers. As someone mentioned above it would probably be advisable to start on a single stage press so you can learn all the proper steps thoroughly before you move on to a much faster paced press.
Cheers
