Reloading for Dummies true beginners books , which to choose ?

FatCatsDad

FatCatsDad

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After decades have passed, I have finally decided that I'd like to take a dive into loading my own ammunition.

So this is a true beginners post.

I'd like to start with 12 gauge and move into 308 afterwards as I think after selling 99% of my firearms that's the 2 calibers I'll stick with for everything, alongvwith a 22LR if course.

Is there a vendor that has a one stop shopping all in one high quality kit with everything for successful 12 gauge reloading ?
Sort of like the all in one box aquarium kits.

I also need a recommendation for an easy-to-use and follow book.

I see several on Amazon all claiming be the best, but only 1 can actually be it.
 
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The equipment, and technique, for shotgun vs rifle are quite different. Yes - you can buy complete kits for both rifle and shotgun reloading. Lee, RCBS, Lyman and Hornady for rifle, and Lee, MEC for shotgun. I bought a Lee kit (least expensive) for rifle 30 years ago, still use it today. The Lee manual gives an excellent overview of reloading - its included in the kit. Again, Lee makes an inexpensive shotgun reloading kit, which is perfectly serviceable. The MEC kit is more expensive, and much more complex to use.
If you wish to avoid American retailers (Cabelas), try Higginsons in Hawkesbury Ont , Hummason in Ancaster Ont, or the Gun Dealer in Macadam NB (your neck of the woods).
Note - All kits require extra stuff - primers, powders, bullets, brass and dies for rifle. Shot, primers, powder, hulls, and wads for shotgun. Some of these components are difficult or expensive to ship, so one has to plan accordingly.
 
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Reloading 12 gauge is the least cost effective of all reloading unless you are making specialized shells. I make low pressure shells for my Parker and have stared playing with 2.5" rolled crimp shells for said gun. What setup you want depends on the volume you will produce, for me an ancient single stage pacific and a Mec base resizer does it for me. Shotgun reloading is very specific and changing one component can significantly change the pressures involve so I stay exactly with the recipes. There are good videos to be found on all reloading types and the Hodgdon site has recipes for shotshells as well as rifle and pistol.
 
I would forget the 12 gauge loading for now, as hunter5425 mentioned, plus trying to learn two different systems is frutrating until you get one down.
The 308 is a great choice of cartridge to learn on due to the number of powders and bullets available, plus it is a very easu cartridge to make, and there are several great kits available.
The easiest manual to learn from what I can see is the Lyman, and most people I know have started with either the RCBS kits or Lee, and changed a few things up over time.
Cat
 
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Lee and Lyman for manuals, read the first sections for all the how to parts. Thereā€™s some good starter videos on YouTube worth watching.

Any of the big name companies will have press kits, you will get most of what you need but will have to buy more bits and pieces as you go. Lee will be the most affordable price wise, their dies are great for 90% of what most want to get out of hand loading.
 
In regards to loading shotgun shells, as mentioned itā€™s not worth it. I loaded shotgun shells so long ago that I was loading 1 ounce and 1 1/8 ounce target loads for $2.15 a box of twenty five and factory loads were $5.75-$6.25 a box. Just last week at our local club we discussed loading and almost everyone has quit with a few still loading. It was figured the cost was between $11.48-$12.15 to load a box of 1 1/8 ounce target load. Our club got a deal last year on Rio shells thru RD Charlton and $99 or $105 (depending on the load) a flat plus tax delivered to our club. Iā€™d stick to the rifle loading! Finding components is the biggest issue so if you like it then buy quantity when you find what you like. Youā€™ll enjoy it. I find it relaxing and when you pull the trigger and the bullet goes where your aiming, very rewarding.It can be a rabbit hole lol
 
I did all my early learning on the internet. 10+ years ago there was tons on YouTube on the topic, plus forums and manufacturers websites. Not sure if YouTube's anti gun policies have changed that by now though.
 
Suther said:
I did all my early learning on the internet. 10+ years ago there was tons on YouTube on the topic, plus forums and manufacturers websites. Not sure if YouTube's anti gun policies have changed that by now though.
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There's still a ton, both general info as well as caliber-specific tips. Coupled with the Lyman manual, that's more than enough theoretical knowledge to get going with.

Nothing beats personal instruction from an experienced colleague, though.
 
A few years back I had 3 pdf reloading manuals on my PC, including ABCs of reloading, let me know if you're interested and I'll try to find them after work.
 
You might also haunt the gun shows in your area if any. We have a couple guys at ours that are walking encyclopedias that sell good used equipment, brass and bullets. There's even a guy who does custom casting for those who like cast projectiles. I sold a set of Lee precision powder measures for $10 at the last one so deals are out there!
 
AB3006 said:
There's still a ton, both general info as well as caliber-specific tips. Coupled with the Lyman manual, that's more than enough theoretical knowledge to get going with.

Nothing beats personal instruction from an experienced colleague, though.
Click to expand...
I'm a little leery of you tube instructional videos unless it's produced by LEE, LYMAN, HORNADY for example.
Being a ticketed tradesman I have seen some dodgy do it yourself videos from self proclaimed experts.
 
The simplest way to get into reloading is a lee classic loader for a 308. All you need is a mallet, power, primers, brass and bullets.

That will make ammo and then you can upgrade as you need. Maybe next a scale, opposed to a scoop, then a faster primer, then a press and dies.
 
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