Where to start?

[weldinmike]

I am only just now starting to look into reloading, but with so much out there, I would like to know what a good place to start is? Which manuals offer the most insight for a newbie like myself? And which equipment should I look into for the best value (without getting a piece of junk) for my needs. I plan on starting with 303 rounds would like to branch out into other rounds when I understand what I'm doing.

 

[#1bcshooter]

First thing you do is make up a big sign to put on the wall in front of your press that reads
PAY ATTENTION WHEN LOADING POWDER CHARGE !

 

[captain2k_ca]

PAY ATTENTION WHEN LOADING POWDER CHARGE !

YES!! anytime I have relaoded and i thought to myself...ummm, im not sure? I dump the charge and weigh it again. Ive never done a double load, but always better to be safe than sorry!

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

303 is where i started, I use a Lymann turret press. But i have read good things on the RCBS and Lee presses. A single stage is recommended for large calibers like the .303. Are you going to shoot competition or hunt? if your just going to target shoot i strongly recommend you get into casting as well, It will save you hundreds. I use factory bullet and it is costing me a fortune, $30 a box of 100, I shoot more then that in a day so it add up. From what I have found, If you use a powder which is not very dense, it will fill the case up so you cant double charge a load unless you are using a ridiculously light load. H414 is what i use.

 

[orgrabbit]

The best place to start is by buying "ABC's of reloading". Super amount of info in this book. From which press best suits your needs to Loading.

 

[Driller]

The best place to start is by buying "ABC's of reloading". Super amount of info in this book. From which press best suits your needs to Loading.

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There are a lot of good books out there to choose from that start with basics like Lee and Lyman too. The Gunnutz here I'm sure will help you out but the due diligence aspects of it is a reverse onus.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it too!

Driller

 

[Ganderite]

ABC of Loading is a good book. Suggest you buy two different loading manuals. Read the preamble sections very carefully. there is a ton of valuable information there.

I used a good single stage press for my loading for the first 10 years, then switched to a turret, so i could leave all the dies installed. Not really a big deal for rifle loading. handy for pistol.

the Lee stuff works very well. I prefer to buy their dies over other makes. But their plastic weigh scales is a POS. Buy a RCBS or Lyman scales.

Buy an extra loading block or two to hold cases.