Wanting to reload...

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Major Sights

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I am planning on getting a .223 bolt action rifle for target shooting/varmint and while for the first while I will just be buying some of the MFS MilSpec stuff (or something along those price lines) for the first bit. I would like to get into reloading as I understand it is A: Much more cost efficient, B: Lots of fun to do, and C: gets you much better accuracy.

Could someone point out a book that may help me get started? Also, what would be a basic list of the hear I would need (Type of powder, size of projectiles, dies, presses etc.) as I haven't the slightest clue of what this investment would cost to start up.

Any and all help is appreciated.

Also if there is anyone in the Peterborough Ontario Area who does reload, I wouldn't be above paying you something to show a "rook" a demo on the reloading process.
 
You don't save money from reloading, you simply get much more shooting for the same amount of money. Reloading customizes and improves performance over and above commercially manufactured ammunition.


Its very good advice to find someone locally where you can see or participate in all the steps. Books and internet sites are good for information, but comes quite short of actually doing it.
 
Hi. Reloading isn't rocket science. Go buy a copy of The ABC's of Reloading. Your local gun shop or Amazon.
"...cost to start up..." Depends on which 'Beginner's kit' you buy. Most come with everything you need less dies and shell holder. Some come with that for one cartridge too.
RCBS kit will be the most expensive(usually around $4-500), but you get their legendary warrantee and customer service. Their warrantee is on the equipment, not who bought it. Literally forever. Any problems will get fixed, usually free and no questions asked other than your mailing address, with a phone call. Even if you buy used kit.
Lee kit is considerably less expensive(MSRP is $162US for their Block Lock kit), but the warrantee isn't as good. Doesn't mean their equipment is no good.
In any case, have a look at the kits on-line. It'll tell you what equipment you need to start.
You'll need a solid bench(no OSB or particle board tops. They break.) and a relatively quiet place(distractions when loading aren't good) to put it too.
What bullet weight(.223 uses a .224" bullet) will depend on what rifle you buy. Has to do with the rifling twist. A fast twist, 1 in 9, for example, will shoot heavy(60 + grains) better. Each rifle maker uses a different twist. The 1 in 9 is from Savage(excellent rifles). Remington uses 1 in 12. That'd be better with light bullets. A ground hog or coyote won't know or care what bullet kills it though. Most match grade bullets, more expensive than varmint bullets, tend to be heavier, but Sierra makes light match bullets. You don't need match bullets for fun shooting.
"...MFS MilSpec stuff..." Steel cased and not reloadable. Sellior & Bellot is in the same price range and is reloadable. Winchester 'White Box' is another. As is Federal American Eagle brand.
"...anyone in the Peterborough Ontario Area..." You belong to a shooting club? If not, you should. Less fuss to shoot on a range and the other members will help you. Go here.
http://www.pfga.ca/
 
I'm gonna advocate the Lee gear, that way you are not out a small fortune if you decide this is not for you. I am also going to recommend Modern Reloading by #### Lee. That, combined with the ABC's of Reloading (I prefer the older editions by Dean Grennel), will get you all you need to start. However, if you get into this, you had better celan off a shelf in your bookcase for the books you will continue to collect. Most guys have a dozen or more on the shelf. Third book would be Lyman's Reloading Handbook any edition.

BTW, go easy on the Lee kit. I bought one and although things wrok well, I ditched the scale as being too finicky to use and the powder thrower was crap. That being said, many have been happy with them.

My bench has quite a few different colours on it, so brand loyalty isn't as important as what things cost me used... Try the EE and local shops often sell used stuff...

Enjoy,
RW
 
It's hard to understand what equipment you need before you know what the reloading process is.

Get the book "ABC's of Reloading" and read it.
Search "reloading" "reloading cartridges", and similar on YOUTUBE, they have hundreds of reloading videos.

Then, when you have a rough idea of the process, start looking at the equipment.

For rifle cartridges I'd start out low budget with a Lee single stage press. It's good and reasonably priced, and even if you decide you want to upgrade later you will still find the single stage press useful.
 
Another option is to go to accuracy plus and rack their brain about reloading... I haven't dealt with them a great deal but I'm sure they will steer you in the right direction.
 
I started with the Lee 5oth aniversary kit. ($150 ish). Lee triming equipment ($15). Lee dies ($45). Digital caliper ($20). Reloading books ($60). Case neck brush ($10). Bullet Puller ($30).

Not required but nice;
Digital scale ($150).

Note: You must be able to trust your scale or you will always be worried when you pull the trigger.
 
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