reloading 101 help

macdonaldben84

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Recently got into firearms target practice for a hobby, so im about as green as it gets.I dont have any shooting buddy's yet so no one i can pick thier brain first hand. i am interested in learning about reloading but i dont know the first thing about it. can anyone recommend me with some good links or books to do some reading up on. thanks in advance.
 
Well, you will need reloading manuals anyway, so pick one up now and read through the first chapters which provide a primer on how to reload.

Lyman is a good one.

These days you can simply watch as many videos on You Tube as you can about how to reload.

Basically, once you have a press and dies, a scale, priming tool and such. just take it one step at a time.

As questions arise, don't guess. Look the answer up and then proceed once you are sure.
 
First step should always be a good reloading manual. The important thing about a reloading manual is it presents the steps to reloading in a logical and organized format.

Lyman,
Speer,
Hornady
There are probably over a dozen reputable publishers to choose from.

Pretty much all of the big manufacturers in the industry put one out and they are all good. Most experienced reloaders own several.

Once you have read through the manual twice, and have a basic understanding of the whole process start to finish, you can then take to youtube or come back to the forum to ask more specific questions about individual steps in the process, tools, components, etc.

Reloading is both an art and a science, and for many experienced reloaders also includes a healthy amount of ritual and superstition. Its a wonderful hobby in its own right.

It may seem daunting at first, but many reloaders are self taught with little to no supervision or training from experts. It can be very rewarding, and not only will it give you better ammo, will probably help you understand what goes on in a firearm when you pull the trigger and will make you a better shooter.

Don't be afraid to dive in, but a good manual, comprehensive but reading for the novice, will help you tackle it in a logical organized digestible fashion.
 
Youtube is magic - search "reloading cartridges", "how to reload ", etc. Lots of info there.
There is a book "ABCs of Reloading" that is very good.
Lyman Reloading Manual.
 
I began using Lee Loaders and a mallet, and just followed the instructions in the box.
I began casting bullets at that time, and learned about that.
Progressed to a single stage press and found that all that I needed to learn was how to adjust the dies really.
(In 1972, there was no internet or videos to use. It was all in the manuals and the odd library book.)

The point is that it's quite easy if you have reference material, and if you take the time to read or watch visual material and learn.

You need a healthy respect for smokeless powder, bullet seating depth, and following the guidelines in the manuals.

Never guess, never mix and match data, never use bullets heavier than those listed for specific powder charges, and load at all times being scrupulously careful and observant when charging cases with powder.

Only when you have solid understanding and experience should you venture beyond listed loads.
 
I agree about you tube. Lots of great videos. Also, if your'e stating with Dillon, they have tons of video's on line. My local gun store guy was the best and put me at ease. Set me up with my manual then it really came down to what are you loading, and in my case it was 9mm. He walked over to the shelf, grabbed a box of 124grn bullets, a box of Winchester primers, than a bottle of Hodgens Titegroup powder (I already have been saving my brass for years as I knew I would be loading one day, lol)
Also, Doc Murray Gardner in BC who sold me my 650 was amazing and still is years later about questions and concerns. Bottom line don't get discouraged, and keep reading what you can, Good Luck!
 
Read the educational part of the loading manuals. That explains a lot of background information that will help other things make more sense. The books are more than just recipe books.

Buy the loading kit of someone giving it up or buy a new kit. I suggest a single stage press. It makes it easier to learn the fundamentals.

Post a note on your local range bulletin board that you need help in setting up your new XTZ loading kit to load 9mm or whatever. A local will help you get started.
 
Read the educational part of the loading manuals. That explains a lot of background information that will help other things make more sense. The books are more than just recipe books.

Buy the loading kit of someone giving it up or buy a new kit. I suggest a single stage press. It makes it easier to learn the fundamentals.

Post a note on your local range bulletin board that you need help in setting up your new XTZ loading kit to load 9mm or whatever. A local will help you get started.

+1 on this. Learn what you are doing and how before jumping into the recipes
 
wow i have more reading material then i know what to do with, and you guys saved me spending $80 bucks on a reloading manual , gonna study up on a few of these manuals this week, im sure ill be back with some technical questions for the experts
 
If you're shooting pistols or small rifle (223 and the like) and you intend to reload massive amount of small calibres, the first step is to start gathering your brass casing after each shooting session. If after a year or so you find out that you've shot 1000 rounds of 9mm and that's it, then you might want to forget about reloading altogether and spend your firearm-related free time at the range. If you find yourself drowning in brass then you'll know reloading is a good option for you.

In short: don't spend thousands of dollars in equipment to reload 500 rounds of 9mm.
 
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