reloading - what is required

soldier506

soldier506

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Hi, I am interested in reloading ammo durning the upcomming winter. I would like to reload ammo for a 30-06 , . 30 carbine, and even maybe my .303 british.

My question is this, what tools are required to start reloading. I am after just a basic starters kit. What is the estimated cost of tools needed to start loading?Could some tools be used for multible calibres?

It is ovious that I know nothing about this and would like to get some info to help me deside if it is practical to start.
 
You need a press, a set of loading dies and shell holders for each cartridge you are reloading. In addition, you will need a powder scale, primer tray, loading tray and powder funnel. This is the minimum of tools you will need but one you have them, you will be set!

Consumables are powders, bullets and primers!

Here is one place you can check for prices!

http://www.russellsports.com/catalog.php
 
id recomend a RCBS master reloading kit, it will have rockchucker single stage press, a scale, a hand held priming tool, a powder measure/dispenser, case lube pad and lube, reloading manual, case block (holds the unfinished cases while you do each step to them) only thing you would need extra is a case trimmer of some sort, lee makes single caliber trimmers for about 20 bucks. i started with all of the above and still use it all, plus a few other goodies. you can usualy find this set for around 500 bucks or so.. most other kits dont come with the hand priming tool and sometimes not even a powder measure/dispenser! so thats one reason they may be a hundred or so cheaper.
 
I would start by purchasing several reloading manuals. These will give you a good basis from which to start, and I 've found that it is a good practice to compare load data from several different sources. Bullet and powder manufacturers come to thier data from different directions, as an example "Manual A" will give maximum velocity and a corresponding load, where as "Manual B" will give maximum load and a corresponding velocity. It is also important to note that some loads are bullet dependent rather than simply being weight dependent as is the case with Barns X and other mono metal bullets, or certain VLD bullet or others which have a very short bearing surface.

As to the loading tools themselves, the sky is the limit. You have to decide if this is just something you just want to try , or if you have really been bitten and are prepared to make a long term investment, but in any case, as has already been said, the RCBS Master Kit is a good place to start.

The .30/06 and the .30 Carbine is a good way to start so that you get experience with both straight wall and bottle neck cases. I personally think you should hold off on loading for the .303 until you have a bit of experience. This cartridge is not reloader friendly, and it may take a little while to learn the quirks of loading for it.

Finally, you probably will not save any money by reloading. You can however produce better ammo than the factory can produce, and more importantly, it can be tailored for your specific firearm, to perform a specific task.
 
Boomer said:
Finally, you probably will not save any money by reloading. You can however produce better ammo than the factory can produce, and more importantly, it can be tailored for your specific firearm, to perform a specific task.
Click to expand...

I would clarify this by saying it depends on the cartridge you are reloading for. If your next gun will be a Weatherby, or something using similarly epensive rounds, then you can save a lot on ammo cost by reloading. However, if you stick with the basic calibres, probably not so much. I used to do lots of reloading, then I started buying military surplus ammo (not for hunting, just blasting/plinking, etc.) for about $100 to $150 per thousand case. Thats 10 to 15 cents each. You cannot buy the bullet for that.
 
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