Totally new to hand loading! Advice Please!!

Nate.308

Nate.308

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As the title implies, I am totally new to hand loading. Its something I have intended to do for a while and Im finally in a position to acquire the "stuff" necessary to do so. SOOO where do I start. I have seen a few beginner reload kits in a few shorting magazines for about 150 $, maybe it sounds a little strange but I think I would prefer a olde fashion gravity scale for a few reasons, cheaper, for one but two I would never have to replace batteries[ survivalist in me]. Or is it more economical to purchase what I need piece meal? Is there other consideration that someone new to hand loading might miss if they didn't have a forum like this to inquirer? I look forward to seeing what I can do myself and save! :stirthepot2:

I have been part of a few reloading sessions in the past so I get the basic premise ;)

Thank guys!
 
With reference to scales I have been using a Pact digital for years but my all time favorite is the old Redding beam scale.
Over the years I have used all of the RCBS and Lyman beam scales among others and as good as they are I have found the older Redding oil-dampened scale to be the most consistently accurate. These older Reddings can be found on Ebay usually for less than $ 20...... a bargain.
 
buy the book ABCs of reloading
Everyone starting to reload should buy and read

Then you can make up your mind on the equipment once you set yourself a budget
 
What are you planning on reloading for?

Shotgun?

Bulk rifle/ pistol?

Precision rifle?

Different presses, dies, powder measures, primer tools, etc, will excel at different tasks.

Also, get a good reloading manual, and a copy of the ABC's of Reloading before doing any loading.
 
I would suggest that you pick up a copy of ABCs of Reloading, any recent edition. Will answer a lot of questions.

It's not nearly as difficult as some people make it out to be, but it does require attention.

I'm still using a balance scale a bazillion years into reloading. It does everything it's supposed to. If on the other hand I was shooting hundreds of rounds a week, a fully automatic electronic scale might be worth while.
 
Kevan said:
With reference to scales I have been using a Pact digital for years but my all time favorite is the old Redding beam scale.
Over the years I have used all of the RCBS and Lyman beam scales among others and as good as they are I have found the older Redding oil-dampened scale to be the most consistently accurate. These older Reddings can be found on Ebay usually for less than $ 20...... a bargain.
Click to expand...

Kevin, I've been using a Redding oil dampened scale since the mid 1960s. The last time I was using it was about two hours ago, and in all that time I have never had one word of complaint about it.
If ever I thought digital, the need to have check weights completely turned me off.
Bruce
 
A few years back, as part of my gradual equipment upgrade, for a scale and powder dispenser I went with an RCBS ChargeMaster Combo. No regrets or complaints, ;)but being from the pre-metric era, :redface:just to keep check on charge weight accuracy, I kept my original Lyman D5 beam scale.
Also, kept my old Lyman powder measure and use that when I'm reloading quantities of handgun ammo. Just as accurate as the charges dispensed by the ChargeMaster but quicker for that pistol kind of volume.
 
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Kevin M. said:
What are you planning on reloading for?

Shotgun?

Bulk rifle/ pistol?

Precision rifle?

Different presses, dies, powder measures, primer tools, etc, will excel at different tasks.

Also, get a good reloading manual, and a copy of the ABC's of Reloading before doing any loading.
Click to expand...

Bulk rifle and pistal for sure! I usually shoot with 9mm, .40, 45ACP, .223, 7.62x39, .270 and of course a shotty

Seems that the over whelming opinions is to get the ABC's, looking forward to the read!
 
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You've answered the first question, you need a progressive, and maybe a single stage for .270
You'll need a whole other setup for shotgun, but is it worth it...

I load rifle only on a single stage, so I won't chime in on bulk ammo.

A couple important things to remember;
Never have more than one brand of powder on the bench.
Log everything, I've written down every round I've loaded. It's your best reference material.
Dummy rounds are a good place to start, to check cycling.
Study your dies, know what does what. It helps diagnose eff ups.
I have 3 scales. It's personal preference. My beam has dust on it ;)
2 loading manuals are better than 1, 6 are better than 2
Go in to this knowing you won't save money. It's a new hobby.

Good luck
 
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7.62x39mm and 12 gauge won't really be worth it unless your doing specific loads. bolt gun for the 7.62x39mm and buckshot or slugs for the 12gauge.
 
9x19p said:
A couple important things to remember;
Never have more than one brand of powder on the bench.
Log everything, I've written down every round I've loaded. It's your best reference material.
Dummy rounds are a good place to start, to check cycling.
Study your dies, know what does what. It helps diagnose eff ups.
I have 3 scales. It's personal preference. My beam has dust on it ;)
2 loading manuals are better than 1, 6 are better than 2
Go in to this knowing you won't save money. It's a new hobby.

Good luck
Click to expand...


Good stuff right here^^^^ especially the last point, BUT you will shoot more!

You tube can also be a good tool, lots out there so take all with a grain of salt...... read and learn and read and learn, and watch, and learn and get a grasp or the "big picture". Once you develop a understanding all the little questions become ones you can mostly answer your self. For the tough ones, ask on here..... but if it can be found in a manual, you can bet what 98% of the answers will be..... read your..... :)

One thing to add.... Have fun, its a satisfying hobby that complements shooting!
 
If you are planning to do a lot of "bulk loading" I suppose the normal advice would be to buy a progressive press, but I don't think that would be good advise for three reasons. The first reason is cost, a good progressive press, even used is expensive. Second, it is easier to learn to load on a single stage press, performing each step in isolation. Third, if you don't really understand the ins and outs of reloading trying to figure out, set up and troubleshoot a progressive can be an exercise in frustration.

You will always want a good quality single stage press so start with that, used if possible. You can often get a good used Rock Chucker at a gun show for $100 or so.

When you are thoroughly comfortable reloading step by step on a single stage press then start considering how much a progressive is worth to you and research what is on the market. Dillon is top of the line but not cheap. Hornady progressive is ok and a bit cheaper. The Lee progressive is not nearly as elegant as the Dillon or Hornady but they do work and can make decent ammunition at a reasonable rate of production and a fairly low capital cost, especially if found used.

First you get good, then you get fast. Work with care, concentration and caution. In addition to at least one loading manual, a mentor is a real asset. Learning everything from books, on your own is a hard, slow way to learn. There are a lot of variables and tricks of the trade to learn so a patient and knowledgeable mentor is invaluable. If you are looking for a mentor start a new thread and post your location, you can probably find someone to help you learn.
 
buy as many different manuals (old and new) as you can afford.

you will be shocked at how modern recipes have changed and how much valuable information can be gleaned from old sources.

My favorite is an ancient Lyman I picked up for a song that gives factory equivalents (from it's era) and potentially most accurate loads for most bullet weights per caliber.
 
buy good dies... don't skimp out. Get the redding or forester dies.

Reloading is one of those things were buy once cry once could never be truer... spend the money upfront to get the good tools instead of buying cheap... then mid range then high end.....
 
"...more economical to purchase what I need piece meal..." No. The kits(never seen nor heard of 'em running $150 for a very long time. $500) give you every thing you need sans dies and shell holder. The RCBS kits come with a Speer manual, as I recall, but buy a Lyman manual as well. It's far more versatile than any bullet or powder maker's book. Those are fine, but they only give data for their products.
"...you need a progressive..." No you don't.
"...of course a shotty..." That a dog? Oh, a shotgun. Uses different equipment that can run $150ish or less.
 
Don't forget a bullet puller. I have the hammer type and have used it for fixing mistakes and for "Mexican match" hunting loads for a buddy's 7.62x39. (pull the fmj and load soft point hunting bullets of the same weight)
Even if you never have to use it, it's good insurance to have hanging on the wall "just in case"
A dedicated room with a HEAVY workbench to work off of is really nice, too.
 
thanks for the tips, now I got some homework to do! and bullet making!!! I also find the brand names you guys recommend very handy.
 
from my experience,

1 save up and buy a good set,hornady locknload or even better yet RCBS chargemaster combo.

2 Books books and more books, just last night I researched a load, 4 books later and powder manufacturers website had to call a buddy to get more data due to conflicting information. (125gr jhp 2400 powder 357 mag btw)

3 find a buddy that is experienced before you buy equipment! Get a few that reload, look at their set up, try it if you can, get a feel for the equipment. I am sure there are gunnutz in your area that would love to help shop! If I know one thing I love to shop for is equipment, I hate any other type of shopping!

4 did I mention save up and buy the good stuff first? Do not forget a micrometer!
 
762shooter is correct. My comment about needing a progressive was more tongue in cheek due to your list of cartridges.
Nothing beats a single stage for quality control and an easier learning curve.
 
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