New to reloading

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mooger31

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Location
Whitecourt, Alberta
Hi fellow CGNer's. I currently own a .40 sw, .17 hmr, 2 ruger 10/22, .308, and I am currently looking at purchasing a .338 lm.

The question I would like to ask is what kind of reloading equipment a guy needs to start off with to reload the .40 sw, .308 and the .338 lm? And what brand name of equipment seems to be the most reliable?
 
As for reliability, you should do a forum search as everyone has their own opinion about what is the be all and end all when it comes to most reliable gear.

A couple of questions you are going to want to think about, have you reloaded before, and do you like it? It would suck to invest a ton of money in gear to find out reloading isnt your thing.

Second, how many rounds per month do you think you will be reloading?

Third, whats your initial budget for equipment?

EDIT: I realized I totally hadnt answered your question. To get started you need:

-A Press
-Dies
-Shellholders
-A Priming Tool
-Powder Measure/Scale
-Case Trimming Tools
-A Reloading Manual
 
For centerfire rifle a single stage press will work just fine. If you don't shoot a large amount of pistol the single will also work it just takes longer to make large amounts. I would suggest buyong a good manual and read it cover to coverto get a good idea what is involved and you feel comfortable with what has to be done. After that come on back and ask more questions.
 
I probably don't shoot the hand gun as much as i should. Maybe 200 rounds a years. as for the .308 and plans for the .338 both these guns will be used for hunting and long range shooting. i have plans for going out and shooting as often as I can or the wife will let me.

I just read the article on the progressive loaders. It was a really good read. I have not reloaded before, but I am very mechanical (automotive tech for 17 years) and for a lack of a better work like to tinker with tool and I am very maticulous. Have thought about reloading for years, just haven't pulled the trigger on getting into it. With the expense with shooting .338 lm thought it would be a good time to start doing it. And I totally understand that every one has there own personal favorites. So lets just say the budget would be more than nominal to buy what is needed to get for good quality and how long it will last. I do look after all my tools.
 
Other than some initial book learning before I woudl jump on a purchase, depending where you are in Alberta try and meet up with a local reloader, bring some coffee and see thier set up and how it is done. Worth it's weight in gold.
 
A single stage press is a good way to start.in that you are only doing 1 stage of the process at a time and less things to watch over. RCBS rockchucker is a good reliable press. I have a Lee that has not yet let me down evewn though you hear lots of negative on here about Lee products. As you know if you take care of your tools they will last a long time. The reloading process is not complicated but care must be taken in each step. That is why a good manual is important.
 
I'm a Dillon fan. I've had Dillon presses for over 25 years. Here's a helpful link that might help you in deciding what type of machine to look at. http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/customize-reloader.html

It never hurts to have a single stage press like a Lee for those calibers that you don't shoot often. I have a Square Deal as a backup for my pistol ammo, but do everything else on a Dillon 550, with a bunch off add-on accessories. Dillon has a couple of Canadian dealers and you really can't beat their no B.S. warranty.
 
At 200 rounds per year, a progressive might be overkill for you.

My suggestion would be to get a copy of a large paperback, The ABCs of Reloading. 90% of your questions are answered in that.
 
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