Wanting to start reloading

Mattones

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Hello everyone,

I have been itching to get into reloading for some time Just not sure where to start and how to do it. Any help in the right direction of what to buy and what books I should pick up to help me out would be great.

I am looking to reload .223, 3030 and shells for trap shooting. :)
 
Go to EPP's and buy a reloading kit.
Get a reloading manual and read it a couple time's.
If you've any question's, post them here and they'll be answered.
 
First, make a decision on how many finished cartridges you'd like to have for the # of hours you wish to devote. Keeping in mind that the typical trade-off for high yield is going to be quality and precision of your finished product. This decision most simply represents a single-stage press, a turret, or progressive. I suggest you start doing some reading between the three and that knowledge will help steer you in a good direction. At this point have some idea as to the cost involved with each setup.. a progressive press with ALL the bells & whistles will be WELL over $1000. Also of note is that you will require a separate rig for shot-shell reloading

Second, start buying books. An assortment is good, and I wouldn't necessarily say you must buy every one available...i think most people end up with 4-5 manuals simply because they keep going in different directions. It's wise to have a "generic" reloading manual, such as Lyman 49th ed. or the Lee book (I read Lee load data is *quite* conservative, so I didn't get one), then get a book from one of the various bullet manufacturers. Are you going to shoot Hornady mostly? Sierra's, or Nosler? You decide this by reading of other people's experiences/preferences on forums and as well by comparing against the expensive factory match ammunition that you are hoping to replicate. Again, I have a Hornady book because that's what I'll use for my 7-08 and 45-70, and a Sierra book for the 69gr and 77gr BTHP Matchking bullets in my .223 . A book from one of the power suppliers would also be a good idea. You have to keep in mind throughout this whole process that there's a explosion generating pressures in excess of 50,000psi merely inches from your face. You compare and contrast all the values across the various books in order to keep Yourself SAFE.

Lastly, keep reading and searching all the various forums you can. This will help you develop a plan of where you start and how you will develop. I've decided to go with the Lee Classic turret press. For me it's still simple to operate, it should cost me a few hundred dollars to get completely set up, output will be acceptable (200'ish/hr), and I like the modularity afforded by the turret system. Since I'm reloading 3 calibers I can have 3 top plates with the dies already measured and set in place so when it comes time to change all I do is swap out the turret plate.

Anyhow I hope this gets you going...more people will surely chime in I'm certain. But do yourself a favour and search through these forums.
 
See if you can find someone who is an experienced reloader and who would be willing to spend some time with you. Nothing teaches better than "hands on". I have a couple single stage presses, an RCBS Rockchucker, and a RCBS Partner, which I started with. For me, the reloading itself is more of a hobby than a means to an end. That is to say, I actually enjoy the reloading process, not just having the ammo when I am done. My reloading room is a special "getaway" space for me. I reload for about a dozen different cartridges. Even though I try to keep plenty of fully prepped brass on hand, I am definitely no speed demon when it comes to production ... I'm certainly not in 200'ish/hour crowd! Gather lots of info, enough gear to get started, be safe, have fun, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Despite several years of experience, I am no expert, and have been helped out many times by knowledgeable CGNers, as well as by good folks on other forums.
 
I just got into it and went with the Lee classic turret press. bought it off Henry at Budget Shooter Supply. Read lots, don't rush and take your time. I do it this way.

Mounted the press on a 2x6

Clamp it on a bookshelf in my shack (small furnace room) and just do decapping there when I feel like it

My wife cleans flash holes for me

I use an ultrasonic cleaner with a bit of dish soap and vinegar

I dry in oven

I manually hand prime

then I unclamp when I am ready and put on my workmate in the dining room to actually charge and seat bullet.

You will need digital callipers for Overall length measurement...CDN tire has them onsale for 19.99 regularly.

I bought a huge toolbox that locks and a small one for primers at Canadian Tire so I am storing powder and primers locked and separately

Its awesome, loads of fun and sorta Zenish. I am doing 9mm and will start doing 40 as soon as I get dies.

Oh, the Lee scale is hard to use, I got a Hornady digital for 32 bucks from budget, works great!

Guys here are really helpful! I have now shot about 1200 rounds of 9mm through my CZ Shadow. I am still a bit freaked and really careful but it feels good to shoot something I actually put together.

If ya want pics PM me and I will send you some
 
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