reloading ammunition newbie-help

J

Joel Schmidt

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:confused:I'm new to firearms but learning quickly that buying ammo can get very expensive for shooting paper. Id like to get in to reloading, but start out small if possible. Every time I go to the range, I end up talking to someone and learn little bits here and there. For that I am super grateful !! But here I am, Googling things I don't fully understand, and was hoping someone might help me out with some pointers or suggestions? I priced out bullets, primers and powder for the brass I have been saving. It seemed to be more expensive for the amount of rounds it would produce than buying boxes at Cabelas? I was estimating that 1lb of powder is about 7000 grains, then divided that by 160gr to equal about 40-50 rounds. Then again, I don't really know what I'm doing.....to be fair. I was looking at a little kit called the Lee classic loader, and I watched a YouTube video of someone using it. Seemed to include everything except the bullets etc....slow and all manual, but that's OK with me for now.

I have a Mossberg Night Train II in 308. This is the only caliber for now I am wanting to reload myself. Please, if anyone could point me in the right direction? Where to buy the supplies, what supplies to buy. I'm just plinking for now, maybe try some longer range shooting like 300-600 yards?:confused:
 
I just started reloading if you check out there is a reloading section. What you are seeing is the bullet weight of 160gr not how much powder is required. Most 308 should I would assume an average of 45gr or 160rounds per lb. But a manual would give you the load data or recipe per weight and type of bullet.

So it is quite a bit cheaper to reload versus buying factory for the 308

I got the lee anniversary kit and bits n pieces from the Equipment Exchange so if I dont like reloading then it wont be to big of a loss. Quite a few times you can find great deal on components usually just powder and primers you need to buy locally. If you have a manual the first set of pages are super helpful as well.

Hope this helps
 
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You state 160gr... Which leads me to believe there is some confusion there. 160gr, is most likely the bullet weight you are referring to and not the charge. The charge varies from powder, to cartridge, to projectile weight.

1 pound of h1000 will load approx. 92 300winmag cartridges@76gr per case, seated with 180gr bullets
 
Nova316 said:
I just started reloading if you check out there is a reloading section. What you are seeing is the bullet weight of 160gr not how much powder is required. Most 308 should I would assume an average of 45gr or 160rounds per lb. But a manual would give you the load data or recipe per weight and type of bullet.

So it is quite a bit cheaper to reload versus buying factory for the 308

I got the lee anniversary kit and bits n pieces from the Equipment Exchange so if I dont like reloading then it wont be to big of a loss. Quite a few times you can find great deal on components usually just powder and primers you need to buy locally. If you have a manual the first set of pages are super helpful as well.

Hope this helps
Click to expand...

Huge help, thanks a ton
 
I saw where I went wrong, I spoke before reading just a bit more! That was the bullet size, the powder load would only be about 42 grain. Im learning, slow but surely....Thanks guys. Powder is the hard thing to find, Im finding!
 
Its not all about saving money, with reloading your accuracy will improve once your find the correct combination of components, and if the brass you saved came from the rifle you plan to shoot you can start very inexpensively using a $30 Classic Lee Loader and a nylon hammer, then if you find you enjoy reloading you can get a press and related items.
 
Best place for you is the reloading forum. Your arithmetic is right but the 160 is not. 7,000 grains to a pound, but no .308 load ever uses 160 grains. And you must work up the load from a manual for your rifle. Do not just pick one and hope.
Lyman's manual is the best. They don't make powder or bullets and their book has more loads using more powders and bullet weights than any manufacturer's book. Those only have data for their products. That's the only reason though. Other than some do not test loads at all. Lee, for example, tests nothing.
Anyway, go buy a copy of The ABC's of Reloading. It's a beginner's book. About $30 is your local gun shop or Amazon. Worth every cent. And as heavyBullet says, it's not about saving money. It's about using the best possible ammo.
 
Hi Joe
Buy a reloading book. This will greatly help you undestand everyting about the components and reloading in general. I have several books and will probably but more in the comming years as powders and bullets evolve. I've been reloading for over 25 years and I'm always curious about new stuff out there, books are a good way to find this information.
You'll need a manual anyway if you plan to reload. I haven't read all the replys but not only will you save money but you will be able to tune your loads to your rifle making it more accurate.
If you only plan to reload for rifle then i suggest a single stage to start off. They are easy to use and a good way to spend a couple of hours in the cold winter evenings getting ready for the range.
I started off with a RCBS Partner press and I was reloading for pistol but during the winter I built up enough to shoot all summer. It demands concentration and focus and you forget about everything else while you reload which is very relaxing. Single stage presses are not very expensive nor is the other equipment required, scale, powder drop, tray, funnels, etc. It should set you back about $200.00to $300.00 depending on where you decide to purchase.
If you need any information you can count on the folks in this forum to help I'm sure. I know I'll be happy to give you any information I can to help you out.

Good Luck.
 
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