Reloading for newbs

AJCrowley

AJCrowley

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So I'd like to start rolling my own at some point in the not too distant future.

I think I understand the basic ideas, but I'm not sure of exactly what I need (eg what's the difference between single stage, progressive, turret etc?).

The Reloading board seems a bit too advanced for where I currently am on the topic.

Could anyone refer me to a resource that will explain the process (with pics or videos), explain the gear that you need, explain the difference between the types of presses etc?

I'd rather have a firm grasp on it before I invest in any gear.

Thanks!
 
Youtube is your freind! There are tons of videos showing how different presses work. If your doing rifle rounds I'd suggest a single stage, but for pistol you will be much happier with a turret at the minimum. I use the turret for 9mm, 45 acp, 44 mag, and 30-30. For the 30-30 rounds I simply remove the auto indexing shaft and use the press like a single stage press. The versatility in the lee turret is awesome, but it will come down to what you want to load and how many rounds you shoot. Again check out youtube and search lee turret, rcbs rockchucker, dillon, etc. There are videos of all them and how they function. Feel free to pm me if you have questions on the turret.
 
Great, thanks.

To start with, I'll be doing .308 Winchester and 45ACP, so it sounds like turret may be the way to go.

Off to YouTube to do some research....
 
Just remember that it is a very different process for rifle and handgun rounds. For rifle you have to first decap(remove primers) then trim and chamfer the cases. This is a little time consuming but not difficult. Then you go back and load primers, then powder then bullet. For pistol it is not really necessary to trim and is just a little less involved. The videos will help you understand what I mean. Search case preparation or something like that to see the steps.
 
The Lyman Reloading manual was an invaluable resource when I started out. After reading it, and as already mentioned a fair amount of time on youtube, you'll be all set. Many loaders suggest your first press should be a single stage so you can concentrate on one process at a time. I went with the single stage, however I am only loading rifle rounds so are needs are different....Good Luck, it's very rewarding
 
Definately the place to start is with a loading manual or two, you will need them anyway, most of us end up with many.

Also if you post where you are from, there may be someone local who can show you some stuff, and maybe let you get hands on.

The other advice here is good too.
 
If you are in the Edmonton area, I think P&D puts on a course for Reloading. (Pretty sure I saw it on their web page). I learned from my father in law, it helps is you have someone who can help you along, and answer questions when needed.
 
Formula77 said:
If you are in the Edmonton area, I think P&D puts on a course for Reloading. (Pretty sure I saw it on their web page). I learned from my father in law, it helps is you have someone who can help you along, and answer questions when needed.
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I did see that, unfortunately, I'm in NS, so it's a bit of a drive.

I've been getting my reloads from a very nice guy who's the president of a local club, so I'll probably ask him next time I see him.

In the meantime, looking for manuals and YouTube seem to be the way to go.
 
Just go onto the Lee Precision site. There are a lot of videos regarding the use of their equipment and instructions etc. You don't have to go with Lee but the site gives a good overview of what things look like and how they operate. I found You Tube to be a very good resource also. I am still fairly new to reloading myself but I find it a great addition to my interest in firearms.
 
Get a manual. They are written by internal ballisticians, who know what they are doing. Major component and tool manufacturers also have video clips on-line, and they may even have some DVD's you could purchase - $$$ well spent.

Last resource would be un-vetted YouTube. Lots of insane stuff on Y'Tube, and if you are seeking knowledge, you would be challenged to differentiate between sound, and stupid. I haven't looked for reload stuff on YouTube, but if the content is like what you see with regard to shooting, flying, military service, MMA, to choose a few topics, you need to view it with a huge degree of scepticism, and before you use such info, you must have the knowledge to make the judgement. Just like on CGN, some reloading advice is frankly, wrong. Major manuals - note I said manuals, not manual, are the best source. Cross check any proposed new load, one against the other, or go on component manufacturers' sites to do the same. No one source of info will get you safe. Everyone makes typos.
 
I was in the same boat as you when I first was concidering reloading. Here are my suggestions, get some manuals. There pretty cheap, I suggest getting the lymans. Its in big print and shows the steps pretty clearly on what to do. Now after you get that one get one from the company which you think you are going to buy your products from. I am buying lee stuff so I got a lee manual, because they generally like to talk about there stuff more than other companies.
 
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