Zero reloading experience Where to start?

rem74283

rem74283

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Hamilton Area, Ontario
I have no equipment yet but would like to start reloadin 410.
I may eventually start reloading 28g and maybe 20g.

What press should I get, dies, etc?
I don't even know what I need to get started.
Figured this was the best place to get info and recommendations.
 
Its a great hobby and not rocket science though reasonable care needs to be taken as in all activities. Start by reading, get a reloading manual such a Nosler , Hornady or else something like the ABC's of reloading and decide where you want to begin. Also what you are going to reload and why are important, for example are you loading for volume ala pistol, premium hunting and target loads ,or just trying to lower costs so you can shoot more.
 
hunter5425 said:
Its a great hobby and not rocket science though reasonable care needs to be taken as in all activities. Start by reading, get a reloading manual such a Nosler , Hornady or else something like the ABC's of reloading and decide where you want to begin. Also what you are going to reload and why are important, for example are you loading for volume ala pistol, premium hunting and target loads ,or just trying to lower costs so you can shoot more.
Click to expand...

I'm getting more involved is skeet shooting and I'm told it's cheaper to reload 410 and 28 than buying flats. I figured I'd start by buying flats and keep my empties.

I'm looking for suggestions on makes and models of equipment and any other useful tips.
 
I would recommend that the first thing to buy is the Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook - I have the 5th Edition which was 26.99 at Wholesale Sports. Explains everything, including step by step for using single or progressive presses, and separate sections for lead, steel and bismuth shot loads.

Based on what you read and what is available in your area, a Lee Load-All would likely be cheapest way to start loading one gauge. I use a MEC 600 Jr Mark V to load my 28 gauge. According to Lyman book it is the most popular kit for loading shot shells. Everything that you need except powder, primers and shot is in the box. You can then buy universal charge bar and a scale which lets you set any powder or shot weight, and can buy conversion kits to change the MEC to load a different gauge.

Do not experiment with shot loads. The working pressures are so low that there are no signs that a home hand loader can use to gauge when pressure is exceeding safe limits. If the recipe in the loading manual calls for a Winchester HS case, 13 grains of Universal powder, with a Winchester 209 primer and a WAA28HS wad, then those are the exact components that you must use. There are hundreds of pressure tested combinations available from published loading manuals and component manufacturer websites
 
Read, read, read... Lyman manuals are always great, as well as the ABC's.
I don't actually load shotshells, but I've been doing rifle, pistol and revolver for about 30 years. Started with my dad's Lee Loader and progressed from there.
I find it enjoyable and relaxing.
 
After you have read a lot and you decide what to buy, check the EE, Kijiji and other places for second hand equip. A lot of people started to load shotgun and then found they didn't shoot enough to save money. If you are not shooting 1000's of shells a season, it is not really worth it to reload. There could be some great deals out there.
 
Buy a book first. You will find load data in there which will help you choose which brand of shotshell to buy for the hull. Like stated above there is no changing shotshell recipes. I liked the aa hulls. Very durable.
 
Greenbob sent me a collection of books to help me get started. All he asked as repayment is that I share anything I learn with other newbies with I have the opportunity.
what a great example of what CGN is all about!
 
If you are just getting involved in skeet shooting at an organized Club , there will be shooters who do their own loading as well as the club reloader . Talk to them and some well be more than happy to get you involved in reloading. They are also a good source of used equipment and advice on where to buy components.
As suggested , learn as much as you can from books like the Lyman ....
 
I'd suggest picking up the Lyman shotshell reloading manual and checking the thousands of reloading videos posted on YouTube. The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is just about the best single stage press on the market. Used models are usually pretty easy to find, especially in 12 gauge. 410 bore and 28 guage are a lot harder to find second hand. You can purchase die conversions to change gauges, but the conversions cost almost as much as buying another press in the desired gauge. MEC has a pretty decent website and has some basic how-to videos and manuals posted. I'd avoid the LEE press. It simply isn't a serious tool. It's much more cost effective to buy the equipment you'll eventually end up with anyway right from the start.

Unless it's buckshot, slugs, or some specialty load, it doesn't make sense to reload for 12 gauge anymore. It does for gauges like 16, 28 and 410 bore. Be sure to buy your components in bulk to maximize your savings.
 
rem74283 said:
I have no equipment yet but would like to start reloadin 410.
I may eventually start reloading 28g and maybe 20g.

What press should I get, dies, etc?
I don't even know what I need to get started.
Figured this was the best place to get info and recommendations.
Click to expand...

This is not the best place to get recommendations. You can ask questions here but keep in mind that anyone from any experience level can give advice and being inexperienced it will be hard for you to know what is good or bad advice. Use some good judgement and do not blindly follow or believe anything that you are told on a forum.

For basic reloading info it is actually very hard to beat youtube. Search for "basic reloading", "reloading shotgun shells" reloading shotgun using lee loader", "reload shotgun MEC", etc and there are literally hundreds of videos and some of them are very good. You can learn more in a 5 minute youtube video than you can learn on a forum in a week.
 
Holy sh!t. I just ran the cost comparison with Hummason's prices. A flat of 410 is $130 plus tax.
I compared the costs of wads, primers, powder and shot and came up with a cost of $53.75 per flat not including hulls.
 
Check out the EE for once used hulls. Guys sell them for btwn 10-20 cents each I think. Otherwise wait for the Winchester rebate and buy some flats of AAs. They are very durable.
 
I'm sure everyone has personal preferences as to which hulls last longer. Keep in mind your recipe will play a roll in hull life. Certain powders just seem to crisp up the edges quicker than others. That being said, I have read some get as many as 8-10 reloads using AA's.

Cheers
 
Go to the Hodgdon website - look at the reloading section. You'll get an idea of what powders work for 410. Note that shotgun recipes are very exact wrt hulls, wads, powder and primers. At any given time, it can be a challenge to get the components required for a given recipe. These days moreso....
 
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