So confused about getting started

sunray said:
"...For reloading data I use Hogdon's website, it's free..." Good too, but it doesn't cover every powder(Hodgdon sold powders only and not all Hodgdon powders suitable for all cartridges) for every bullet. You really need a manual. Preferably one not published by a bullet or powder maker. They give data for their products only. The Lyman manual has more loads for more powders and bullet weights than any bullet or powder maker's book.
Click to expand...

true, but so far I have only used hodgdon powders
I will definitely buy a manual one day :rolleyes:
 
Thanks guys, I have a list now of what I'm looking to get. Unfortunately price is probably going to win out over some of the suggestions. I like the look of the Rock Chucker but it looks like twill be a Lee.
 
Buy a Rock Chucker now and don't look back...
A lot of new realoaders buy cheap and after couples hundreds realoads they
feel that Lee is cheap...Lee kits does the work..Period.
You will feel in a long run that a RCBS kit will do it for the rest of your live and
no need to upgrade later.
 
Petrock said:
I'm looking into getting started at reloading. I've looked through a ton of these posts and still have some questions.
We'll try and help but a couple of reloading manuals are your best friend.
At this time I will be reloading .308 and may venture into pistol calibers in the future. The rifle is a M14S autoloader.
IIRC the M14 doesn't like full house loads and most factory ammo is designed for bolt guns, so you'll get a lot out of reloading.
I am novice at reloading!
We all were once
I can not decide what type of press I would prefer, a progressive or single stage.
Progressive for pistol, single stage for rifle
How much is it going to cost me to start up?
Approx $500.00 to $700.00 depending on how overboard you go for a rifle
What make to choose?
LEE! but don't get their base press, go for the classic cast press
How hard is it going to be for me to figure out the press and other kit?
You'll have to answer that one after your done.lol
What kit do I have to get?
I'd avoid a kit...
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Tons of good advise on here
Click to expand...

My two cents for what it's worth:
-A reloading manual.
-Lee classic cast press.
-Lee deluxe die set ( neck sizer,FL sizer,bullet seater die).
-Lee factory crimp die.
-Lee Auto prime tool.
-Lee Auto Primer shell holder for your caliber.
-A powder measure (I use Lee, but have no real preference).
-A balance beam scale ( again I have no preference), IMO stay away from the electronic scales unless you buy a quality name brand one (read:expensive).
-A powder tickler.
-A powder funnel.
-A loading block.
-A digital caliper. (Princess Auto or the like)
-A primer pocket cleaning tool (Lee).
-A case length guage for your caliber.
-A case stud and cutter (Lee).
-A brass tumbler with media (I prefer the style that has a ventilated top so its easy to seperate the cases from the media).
-A case lube pad and some lube.
+ whatever bullet,powder and primer you would like to use.:)
 
Thanks Rupzuk that is a pretty concise answer. Who ever said that they'd avoid a kit missunderstood what I was saying. I'm asking what other stuff (kit) I need to get, like the items you listed: loading block funnel etc.
 
Rupzuk's list is good, you can skip the powder trickler by using your thumb and forefinger to dribble powder granules onto the scale, and I use Imperial Sizing Die Wax, which eliminates the lube pad. Also, there are spray lubes like RCBS Case Slick that are good for fast coverage of a large number of cases.
A brass tumbler isn't required. Examine each case before loading to be sure it's in good shape, and use them as normal. Clean shiny brass is nice, but it's not necessary.
I was where you are a year ago. I'm still a novice, but this isn't rocket science, it's quite do-able. And fun.
 
My shooting buddy reloads for his M14 and he found out that max loads don't work well with the rifle. He loaded up some max charged ones and had several slam fires. They were exciting to watch, but not very accurate.
He has been using IMR 4895 powder with great success out of the rifle and I would recommend it as well.
Once you find a pet load for your particular bullet, the potential for accuracy out of that gun is staggering.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom