Need some info

[Valkxb70]

Hi there all, I am thinking about getting into the reloading scene. I am needing some advice on the best way to start out. I have a .308, .40 S&W, and a 5.56 on the way right now.

What would be a good book to read on the topic as well, I noticed the Barnes manual in the sticky but I have not found a copy of it yet.

Is there any equipment that would be considered a must have to get started, and also what equipment will I want to get later on (might buy it all in one shot).

 

[sunray]

Buy a copy of The ABC's of Reloading. Your local gun shop or Amazon. Then look into an RCBS Beginner's Kit. Go talk to your local gun shop. Gives you everything you need less dies and shell holder, plus the legendary RCBS warrantee. Have any problems, even if you caused the problem or buy used kit(nothing to worry about. Takes a lot of abuse to damage modern reloading kit)) and they'll fix it, usually for free, with a phone call. They'll ask for your mailing address and nothing else. Their warrantee is on their products, not who bought it.
You'll need a set of dies and a shell holder for each cartridge you have. Very, very roughly, about $50ish, per cartridge for dies and shell holder.
"...the Barnes manual..." Barnes will sell you a manual directly through their site. Just be advised that their bullets are not cheap.

 

[Z06corvette]

I would advise to learn on a single stage press, where things happen slowly and you can concentrate on the details. Once you become more comfortable and know what to look for, and as reloading volume is required, move to a progressive press.

 

[blacksmithden]

+1 to what sunray said. Buy the book and read it cover to cover. Buy the Rockchucker kit, dies, shell holders, powder, primers...bullets..........tumbler..................case trimmers.......................extra brass...........................................................hand held priming tool.............................................................................................another reloading press, a turret this time.............................................a few more manuals.............................................digital scale.............................................................................automatic powder measure.........................................................................................................extra reloading blocks......................................................................................................lead melting pot, lead ladle, bullet moulds, lubrisizer, sizing dies, lube........................................... Seriously, I DONT have a problem LOL!!!!

 

[Valkxb70]

Thanks guys, I ordered the book last night from Chapters.ca.

Blacksmithden - I will take a look for the RCBS Kit and some dies at cabela's, should I look at the tumbler, case trimmer right away?

 

[HKMark23]

Check out Redding's online catalog and their Pro Pack Reloading Kit. It includes Hodgdon's manual which will nicely complement your "ABC's" plus RCBS seems to be having some quality issues of late.

http://www.redding-reloading.com/

Redding stuff costs a bit more but their warranty and quality is excellent. My Ultra Mag is a precision brute.

 

[blacksmithden]

Thanks guys, I ordered the book last night from Chapters.ca.

Blacksmithden - I will take a look for the RCBS Kit and some dies at cabela's, should I look at the tumbler, case trimmer right away?

The case trimmer(s), yes. As for the tumbler, it's not a critical thing. It cleans up your brass so you're not cramming that gritty powder residue between your dies and the cases. It also makes them a little easier to inspect for damage/impending failure. Don't panic if you don't get one right away. Some guys never buy one. I use one all the time because I take my brass to the bitter end. Many times, I've thrown 300 win mag cases in that didn't appear to have any problems. When they came out, I could see that tiny line starting to appear that signals an impending head separation on those particular cases.