Reloading for dummies?
- Thread starter CNEPACE
- Start date
- Location
- Ottawa, Ontario
buy the book the ABC's or reloading, or the lyman reloading manual or any other load data book should also have a section where they cover the basics of reloading in it.
Dummies only reload until they run out of fingers...
There's a great amount of detail on the web - watch videos from different people on Youtube (search for Lee Press or Dillon, for example), to see "how" the reload is done, and what is involved, then check other websites to learn the "why" (why do you start loading near the minimum quantities, why is overall length different from rifle to rifle, etc).
And of course, searching CGN for answers to the questions that everyone faces early in their reloading career, including opinions on the best gear versus price, best reloading powders, bullets, etc, and what pitfalls and gotchas await. (and always wear your shooting safety glasses!)
There's a great amount of detail on the web - watch videos from different people on Youtube (search for Lee Press or Dillon, for example), to see "how" the reload is done, and what is involved, then check other websites to learn the "why" (why do you start loading near the minimum quantities, why is overall length different from rifle to rifle, etc).
And of course, searching CGN for answers to the questions that everyone faces early in their reloading career, including opinions on the best gear versus price, best reloading powders, bullets, etc, and what pitfalls and gotchas await. (and always wear your shooting safety glasses!)
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Loaded my first 50 rounds last night. I'm using the RCBS kit, with a few extra items.
Once you get the dies, powder measure, etc. setup, it really is a pretty simple process.
Definitely a sense of accomplishment when you finish a batch!
Now I need to find some time (and decent weather) to test them out.
Once you get the dies, powder measure, etc. setup, it really is a pretty simple process.
Definitely a sense of accomplishment when you finish a batch!
Now I need to find some time (and decent weather) to test them out.
^^ believe me, you have only started on the "a few other items' bit. As you get more experience, you will do more. As a case in point, when I started reloading, all I had was a Lee Classic Loader. No primer pocket reamer/cleaner/uniformer, no length trimming gear, no scale or measure. Just the loader, a hammer, powder, and bullets. Loaded for several years on that gear until I wanted to get a little more accuracy by shooting more rounds a year. So, I got a 2nd hand Lee Challenger press (came with a priming die), bought a set of dies, and a Lee trimmer.
A few batches later, I bought a case mouth de-burring tool, primer pocket cleaner. As the quest for more ammo to shoot and better accuracy is achieved, you will get more gear. I hesitate to inventory what I have or don't have now. Stuff I don't even use anymore, but needed to try it...
Enjoy...
A few batches later, I bought a case mouth de-burring tool, primer pocket cleaner. As the quest for more ammo to shoot and better accuracy is achieved, you will get more gear. I hesitate to inventory what I have or don't have now. Stuff I don't even use anymore, but needed to try it...
Enjoy...
The ABC of reloading or any good reloading manual is a good place to start. Read it cover to cover, once done, repeat.
After you have read them a few times, don't be shy to ask questions because then you might understand the answers.
After you have read them a few times, don't be shy to ask questions because then you might understand the answers.
- Location
- Saskatoon, SK
I am just a rookie but the hardest part I found about the whole process is getting set up with equipment. There are so many choices, opinions, and diferent tools to do the job. It gets awful confusing fast.
I got a progressive machine to start out with, but I am looking at a single stage press to compliment it. I don't think I would have enjoyed the single stage to start with, as I like the feeling of accomplishment you get with a progressive. Lots of guys will tell you different... and hence where the confusion starts!!
Read lots. I like the ABCs of reloading and Lymans. But also get your hands on some equipment so you understand what the books are talking about. Youtube has some great instructional videos as well.
I got a progressive machine to start out with, but I am looking at a single stage press to compliment it. I don't think I would have enjoyed the single stage to start with, as I like the feeling of accomplishment you get with a progressive. Lots of guys will tell you different... and hence where the confusion starts!!
Read lots. I like the ABCs of reloading and Lymans. But also get your hands on some equipment so you understand what the books are talking about. Youtube has some great instructional videos as well.
for the ABSOLUTE dead simple method of reloading, take a look at the instruction page of a LEE LOADER- it's even got pictures- then once you understand the steps, BUY a reloading manual, and READ THAT- then get your press, dies, trimmers etc- and your tumbler
Go to ammosmith.com and spend some time in the video library.
superd222
CGN frequent flyer
Start by reading as many reloading manuals as you can!
I suggest the Lyman and Speer for starters - read 'em cover to cover!!!
The Speer manual promotes RCBS equipment (sister companies) - not a bad thing, especially if you go with RCBS. The Rockchucker kit is a good place to start.
Good luck - SD
I suggest the Lyman and Speer for starters - read 'em cover to cover!!!
The Speer manual promotes RCBS equipment (sister companies) - not a bad thing, especially if you go with RCBS. The Rockchucker kit is a good place to start.
Good luck - SD
