Thinking about getting into reloading

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Dozer33

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New to this. Sounds like reloading is one of those things where the basics can be learned in a day but getting really good at it can take a lifetime.
Was looking at some lee reloading dies on switzers but I’m not even sure if all the Lee reloading dies can work in all the Lee presses.
Are dies interchangeable between brands ?
Thanks in advance
 
Dies are MOSTLY interchangeable (e.g. Dillon Square Deal uses proprietary dies).

What do you want to reload? How much shooting do you do?

P.S. Reloading basics can be learned in a day and getting really good takes about a week. It isn't rocket science, oh wait, maybe it is...
 
A friend and I are gonna cooperate on reloading. He has some pistols.
Mainly I’m interested in reloading my Swedish 6.5x55mm for my ag42b ljungman, they are fussing about what powders you use in em. And 303.
He will be loading 458 socom also, he shoots it just for the novelty.
Shoot a few times a year but go through a lot of ammo when I do.
 
I believe that certain personal attributes are important if you want to reload. It starts with knowing yourself. Do you have patience, are you a problem solver, are you detail oriented? If you have those kinds of qualities, then reloading could be an enjoyable lifetime hobby. The "get 'er done" attitude may not be the best quality for reloading. It's about safety.
 
I rise to the task at hand .
I’m a mechanic, some jobs need tiny pliers and a soldering iron. Some jobs need the biggest hammer you can find.
 
You’ll love it.
If you can follow instructions, which come with the Lee dies.
Besides the dies and press, you need
Case lube,(Lee lube is good)
A bullet puller, to undo mistakes
A scale and/or a set of Lee dippers to measure powder
A case trimmer (Lee is good)
Primer pocket cleaner
Deburring /chamfer tool
A 6 inch caliper

I think that’s about all you need to start.
You can usually get load data on the internet from powder or bullet manufacturers.
Any questions... post them here.

Good luck!
 
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You can learn more on a 5 minutes YouTube video than you can with a book.

You actually see what they are doing with visual reference.

You can go by topic...

I'd start with case prep of some kind then branch off from there like choosing powder , bullets , etc.............then get into the actually loading/charging seating of bullets.
 
As KT mentioned, YouTube is excellent but a GOOD, KNOWLEDGEABLE MENTOR is better.

Join a local club and get to know some of the members that hand load. The good ones are usually quite happy to teach a newbie the basics and happy to pass on good practical information.

Be careful though. Most hand loaders are quite happy to give all sorts of information, some are way to cautious IMHO and others are way to aggressive IMHO.

To use a manual, one has to have a basic understanding of the nomenclature used to describe the steps of handloading.

The same goes for YouTube.

Start throwing around terms that the reader/watcher doesn't understand and he/she is lost almost instantly.

One of our local gun shops in Vernon, BC, Del Selin's has a couple of presses that they allow newbies and I believe club members to use and get started. Not sure if they also provide a bit of instruction as well???

Del and his staff are knowledgeable and helpful, so very likely they will be willing to help out.

There may be something similar offered in your area??
 
Here is a good watch on youtube;


One suggestion I would have, start with a single stage press. Learn to adjust dies individually. Jumping into a progressive may easily take away the fun and push you away from reloading due to press related mechanical issues...
 
Make sure to read load data. I reload for my 1901 made Swede M 94, modern load data is too hot for old rifle.
Load data says so. Make sure you read the fine print.
 
Mats said:
I believe that certain personal attributes are important if you want to reload. It starts with knowing yourself. Do you have patience, are you a problem solver, are you detail oriented? If you have those kinds of qualities, then reloading could be an enjoyable lifetime hobby. The "get 'er done" attitude may not be the best quality for reloading. It's about safety.
Click to expand...
Amen..
 
I just found out a supplier we use sometime reloads. I’ll ask him.

What’s a 6 inch caliper? Is that the press?
 
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So for the ag42b Swedish 6.5x55. The gun has no regulator on he gas tube. Apparently a slow burning powder causes too much pressure and turns the ejected casing into a second projectile 25 or more feet. Last week even the proper milsurp ammo was going out onto the range 15 feet. Can I trust most discussions on line about how to load for this gun? The proper milsurp ammo has become unobtainium
 
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