Reloading guide

Sniffer

Sniffer

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As time wears on I`m drawn more and more to a precision rifle, specifically the generation 2 enhanced Ruger Precision. I`ll probably pick up one over the winter ready for next year.

I need to decide what calibre I`m getting (head says 308, heart says 6.5 Creedmoor) and probably the biggest factor in that is cost of ammunition. I know there are significant savings to be had reloading so I will be going in that direction.

So first step is figuring out the process and then what components are required so I can size up both calibers financially to help make my decision, my question is where can I look to learn the process? Is there an online guide somewhere or do I need to buy a manual or something?
 
Cost of different calibers depends on projectile cost. Brass maybe take bit longer to source in one caliber, but serious precision requires serious brass. Many bite the cost bullet and go with Lapua. Powder, primers, dies, etc for precision are not going to be a big difference in cost in those calibers. Watch many YouTube vids to learn the process. Honestly, unless you want a new serious hobby, or are already a quite capable long range shooter, match factory ammo and instruction will make the most difference for now. Just like a race car doesn't make the driver, a decent rifle doesn't turn everyone into a great shot. Disregard if you already have the "precision shooting basic skills" mastered.
 
Reloading manuals are awesome reading even if you never intend to reload. Jam-packed with wholesome shooting trivia. I couldn't imagine starting this hobby without at least perusing one. I'd certainly start with that.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...yman-Cartridges-of-the-World?highlight=manual

I started reloading for frugality's sake. .308 is one of those rounds that you can buy affordably still. You may make better ammo at home though (the other side of reloading is making better ammo)
 
I feel that Ruger's rifles have become too expensive for what they are. Just my take. A used (often barely) 308 Savage/Remington with a "tactical" stock goes quite cheap and will help you learn a lot about the rifle you actually want after you know more. It's like a "starter boat" or even wife. The first one teaches so much you had no idea about.
 
I got a Hornady Reloading manual to get me started. The first 50pages or so give you an idea.
Most time will be spent on preparing the case.
So I would spend as I progress thru the case preparation.

Get stainless tumbling kit, it'll shave off a few steps of case prep.

Read or watch videos. Post questions.

HTH
 
I learned by scouring youtube and reading as many reloading forums as possible. I am away on shift but if you want to see the process perhaps for a few beers you could swing by and see the process.
 
Sniffer said:
So first step is figuring out the process and then what components are required so I can size up both calibers financially to help make my decision, my question is where can I look to learn the process? Is there an online guide somewhere or do I need to buy a manual or something?
Click to expand...

Best starting reference I've seen is C. Rodney James's The ABCs of Reloading, 9th edition. It looks cheap and dated, but that's misleading: it's extremely comprehensive and well made.

https://www.amazon.ca/ABCs-Reloading-Definitive-Novice-Expert/dp/1440213968

The savings in reloading... that really, really depends: if you shoot twice as much ammunition that costs half as much, you've not saved anything (and spent money on your reloading equipment to boot). Depending on how complete or sophisticated your toolset is, setting up for reloading can cost you anywhere from $500 to $2000. The press is only the central piece... you need to clean the brass, trim the brass, weight the powder, measure the rounds, etc... all that need good quality tools.
 
Sniffer, two latest edition reloading manuals, and the ABC's are almost the minimum reference material you just have to have on hand. YouTube is like every thing else on the internet. Amusing, but mostly a crock. If you read enough of the threads here in this sub-forum, you will see some very authoritative sounding individuals will give reasonable sounding advice that can get you into serious trouble. There are a few members on this site with serious technical experience, but the component manufacturers' manuals are written by people with serious technical experience, and not leavened by fools, idiots and blowhards.

Best money you will spend.
 
theiss said:
I got a Hornady Reloading manual to get me started. The first 50pages or so give you an idea.
Most time will be spent on preparing the case.
So I would spend as I progress thru the case preparation.

Get stainless tumbling kit, it'll shave off a few steps of case prep.

Read or watch videos. Post questions.

HTH
Click to expand...

Still new to reloading m'self...I don't clean brass, only run a brush inside. What case-prep steps does SS tumbling shave off?
 
Sniffer said:
As time wears on I`m drawn more and more to a precision rifle, specifically the generation 2 enhanced Ruger Precision....

I need to decide what calibre I`m getting (head says 308, heart says 6.5 Creedmoor) and probably the biggest factor in that is cost of ammunition. I know there are significant savings to be had reloading so I will be going in that direction.

So first step is figuring out the process and then what components are required so I can size up both calibers financially to help make my decision, my question is where can I look to learn the process? Is there an online guide somewhere or do I need to buy a manual or something?
Click to expand...

I'm new to both shooting and reloading (less than a year). I started shooting rifle with a Ruger hunting rifle in .308 and then more recently wanted to upgrade for precision. I waffled, like you, regarding getting another .308 (for which I'm already set up for reloading) and 6.5 CR (for which I'd need a new set of dies).

I'd look at it this way. Choose the calibre that will let you accomplish your shooting goals. For me, I want precision at distance--this means the RPR in 6.5 CR (better BC etc.). If you just want something to plink around with, get another .308. Once you know your goals, choose the calibre.

The main cost for reloading is in the initial set up. Die sets for each calibre don't cost that much.

I also recommend finding a mentor IRL to get you started on reloading. There is a sh*tload of information out there which can be overwhelming; having someone teach you how to reload will help you separate the wheat from the chaff.

My 2.5 cents!
 
WolfChild, mentors without the mentee having the knowledge and understanding to filter out the incorrect info is almost as dangerous as using the wondernet as a sole reference. Of course, with a mentor, you at least know who gave you the bum info. Face-to-face they may not be quite so cavalier with their advice, but not if the mentor himself does not know that what he is spouting is pure organic fertilizer.

Reloading is for the most part, pretty forgiving. Hence, many fool can get away with stupidity for a lifetime. The KABOOM's attributable to incorrect loads are pretty rare, considering how many times you see someone with a wooden block hammering their bolt handle open!! Still, why not learn to read and then follow a professionally written book written by professionals and reviewed and fact checked by other professionals?

Sure, the big manuals cost a pretty dollar, and they lose their currency as quickly as manufacturers develop new powders, projectiles and cartridges, but the older ones still make a good basis for comparison, and sometimes are the only source of data for cartridges or powder that have fallen by the wayside.
 
ykkid said:
WolfChild, mentors without the mentee having the knowledge and understanding to filter out the incorrect info is almost as dangerous as using the wondernet as a sole reference. Of course, with a mentor, you at least know who gave you the bum info. Face-to-face they may not be quite so cavalier with their advice, but not if the mentor himself does not know that what he is spouting is pure organic fertilizer.
Click to expand...
I definitely weigh the information. I guess I've been lucky with my mentors, as they are all very experienced benchrest and target shooters with decades of experience. It's great to have some filtering done...
 
Sniffer said:
[M]y question is where can I look to learn the process? Is there an online guide somewhere or do I need to buy a manual or something?
Click to expand...

I always recommend the Lee and/or Lyman reloading guides. Both are solid for both introduction and data. The ABCs of Reloading is also a good resource.

There are a metric ton of YouTube videos that I won't even bother linking to because you can find them very easily. Watch all that you can. Even if they duplicate information, keep watching.

There is one piece of advice I always offer people just starting out: Never think you know everything and never be afraid to ask a question.

Oh, and keep your bench clean. The guys who brag about how messy their benches are also seem to be the ones who can't understand how they ended up using pistol powder in a rifle cartridge.
 
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