Question about getting started?

[heiko]

Well I've searched the forum and read a bunch of material on reloading, etc.

I have no idea how to reload and have never tried it, or even seen somebody do it firsthand.

I want to start reloading, only for rifle, in 22-250 and perhaps down the road for .308. I will not be needing to reload for a handgun or shotguns, etc.

I want to reload for accuracy gains only, and don't need to do this for hunting, gophers, etc. Simply trying to punch paper.

The RCBS Rock Chucker seems to be the kit of choice around here, so for my needs would I be well advised to go buy the RCBS reloading kit (or also the Hornady LNL kit is an option). Given I want to gain accuracy and load match rounds, would these be fine? Is there anything else I will need to pick up for trying to gain accuracy by reloading?

thanks guys, I realize many of these questions have been asked in different ways on here before.

 

[tiriaq]

I would suggest that your first purchase be a good manual or two.
Everyone has their personal preferences, but realistically, you can make good ammuntition with any brand name equipment.
I generally use a RCBS Rockchucker and a Reloader Special for my rifle loading, and a Lee turret for pistol. There is also a Lyman turret on the bench. I use dies of several different makes, a RCBS powder measure, and an Ohaus scale.

 

[colinjw]

I would suggest getting some good reading material & read up on the basics of reloading. Understand what reloading is about, why & what is involved.
A number of very good reloading manuals that you can get have sections on the basics & then later actual reloading data.

Over the years I have seen people have accidents due to careless reloading. In all these situations it was caused by lack of knowledge or guessing or making assumptions or trying to push the envelope. They could have & should have been avoided .

There are a number of good presses around that will suit your needs.
But please get at least one good manual & a powder measure scale.
PS. Canadian Tire has a sale on this week on digital calipers from $ 34.99 down to $ 14.99. Also very usefull to have.

Good luck.

 

[mtallman]

A good book to start with would be "The ABC's of Reloading", or something similar. You might be able to find a used one in the EE, or post a WTB add.

I started out with a RockChucker press kit. It comes with most of what you need, but you will find that you will add things as you go, such as a powder dribbler, primer pocker uniformer, etc... You also need to get a caliper from the start.
The press is nice and solid, and will be able to take on most rifle calibers as you progress. I like to use the hand primer (comes with the kit) instead of the primer arm built into the press.

Of course, if your on a budget, or not going to be doing a lot of loading, you can always go with a cheaper press, but if you've got the money, a RockChucker is a great press that you won't need to upgrade (in terms of a single stage) IMO.

 

[Kilo Charlie]

I started out with the very inexpensive Lee Anniversary Kit. It has everything but dies and works well for me. I only load about 500 to 700 rounds per year; if I loaded more I might upgrade, but at the price of the kit, you might consider this one if you expect to be low-volume. I've been pretty happy with mine for 15 years. I will say that the RCBS scale is much better. And the Rockchucker press is quite a bit more robust than the Lee.
At Wholesale Sports, the Lee kit is $129.95, the RCBS Reloading starter Kit, featuring the Special-5 press, is $329.95, and the Rockchucker kit is $399.95. I realize nickel-and-dime economics shouldn't feature in what you hope is a lifetime piece of gear, but I will say I'm satisfied with my setup and expect to keep it indefinitely.

 

[Kilo Charlie]

I forgot to add....
When I bought my kit, the Lyman manual was included. Don't know why. The vendor may have added it. Between that manual and the instructions that came with each item in the kit, I taught myself reloading and was amazed at how easy it is to do. A bit of common sense goes a looooong way.

 

[Jarlath]

I can only stress one thing when starting into reloading.

TAKE YOUR TIME!

When starting you need to learn the basics. Take your ime until you know what you are doing. No ifs ands or buts.

You will find that it is simple as pie, but until you get there make sure you learn whatever you can. Read the books.

 

[beltfed]

I would (and really did) start with the Lyman 48th Manual. Very good info, and well laid out for a beginner.
I thought the ABCs sucked, and that's what I started reading before switching over to the Lyman...


A good solid CAST IRON press like the rockchuker will last a lifetime and will not leave you wanting for something better.
I would highly recommend against any press that is made from aluminum.....

 

[Redhouse]

I started out about a month and a half ago, with the Rockchucker. Like you, I did TONS of online reading beforehand, and I read the manual that came with the kit cover to cover before starting anything.

I probably put out $400 on dies, trickler, powders, bullets, and assorted nickel and dime knick knacks (primer hole reamer, flash hole cleaner, bullet puller, etc) not required but usefull. I still dont have, and want or need, a case trimmer, an upgraded powder dispenser, and a couple of other things that will take my "investment" (word used very loosely) well over the $1k mark.

I was lucky and had another member here come over and give me some pointers the first night I actually loaded cartridges. That was invaluable to me and I owe prosper still a debt of gratitude. Since then, I've made about 350-400 rounds of .223 and 7mmRM, with only 1 minor glitch where I set a die too deep and ruined 3 rounds figuring it out. I actually enjoy it and take my time trying to do things right and precisely. But if repeated monotonous tasks make you stir crazy, plan on keeping your batches small LOL.

I still have lots to learn and experience but expect I'll be doing this the rest of my life.