[tpaw]

With ammo prices going through the roof, I would like to start reloading for my .308.......Any suggestions to get started is appreciated. Thank you.

[dmftoy1]

Pick up a good reloading manual and read the sections on case prep and how to reload using a single stage press. When it makes sense to you then I'd order the equipment and start cranking it out. It's also a good idea to see if you can find an experienced reloader to "look over their shoulder" for a session after doing your reading. There are some excellent stickies at the top of this forum that might help you as well.

Regards,
Dave

[345 DeSoto]

tpaw,
One thing you might also consider...do your research and find the best prices you can for components/Shipping. Buying pieces parts from a number of different places might also not be cost effective...you'll have to pay Shipping from each different one. You might also consider buying in as large a quantity as your budget will allow. Not only might you get a break on bulk purchases, but you can bet that the prices of components aren't going to be cheaper the next time you have to order...not to mention Shipping costs.
As for reloading equipment, go single stage and don't go overboard on top of the line whizz-bang Bench Rest quality equipment...unless you shoot Competion. Read through the Forum and you'll be able to pick out the inexpensive, but good quality equipment that you'll need. With a bit of care, it should last a lifetime...mine has....

[treeman800]

your making a wise decision. reloading is fun and saves money.
learn it and pass it on

[USSR]

Pick up a good reloading manual and read the sections on case prep and how to reload using a single stage press. When it makes sense to you then I'd order the equipment and start cranking it out. It's also a good idea to see if you can find an experienced reloader to "look over their shoulder" for a session after doing your reading. There are some excellent stickies at the top of this forum that might help you as well.

Good advise. Actually watching an experience reloader "doing" what you have just read about goes a long ways in the learning process. The only somewhat difficult part in reloading bottleneck cartridges, is getting your resizing die set up properly. Surprizingly, even guys who have reloaded for years don't know how to do it properly.

Don

[tpaw]

Thank you all for your input. I am reading a book on reloading now just to get an idea of what I'm getting into.

[jonnyc]

Also consider what you're reloading for. If it is for 1 or 2 bolties, you might want to start with a Lee Classic Loader. Very cheap way to learn reloading and load yourself small quantities of good ammo.

[Sunray]

You won't save much money, but you'll be shooting ammo that is tailored for your rifle. That's what reloading is for. Using the best possible ammo in your rifle. Go buy a copy of The ABC's of Reloading. Your local gun shop or Amazon.
Have a look at the RCBS Beginner's Kit. Gives you everything you need less dies and shell holder. It comes with a Speer manual, but buy a Lyman book too. Not that the Speer book is bad. The Lyman book is just more versatile. More loads with more bullet weights and powders than any bullet maker's book. RCBS' warrantee is legendary. Have any problems and they'll fix it, no questions asked, with a phone call. Even if you caused it or you bought used equipment.
Buying used kit isn't bad either. You really have to work at damaging good quality reload equipment. Lots of reloaders upgrade their tools and sell the old stuff.
Think 165 grain hunting bullets or 168 and 175 grain match bullets(match grade bullets aren't cheap though.) with IMR4064 and regular large rifle primers. The .308 loves that bullet weight with that powder. You will have to work up the load though.
Beginning with the starting load given in your manual, load 5 rounds only. Go up by half a grain of powder, loading 5 of each keeping them separate until you get to the max load in your manual.
Then go shooting. Shoot at 100 yards, for group only, slowly and deliberately off a bench.
Change targets between strings of 5 and allow time for the barrel to cool.
When you find the best group, sight in 4" high at 100. That'll put you on target out to about 300 yards with no hold over.
If your rifle is a semi-auto or lever action, you must full length(FL) resize every time. It's not a big deal. just be sure the dies you buy have an FL sizer die. A bolt action can be necked sized only, but only with brass fired out of that rifle. New brass needs to be FL sized first though.

[qajaq59]

If you like to shoot a lot, as I do, you might also consider using cast bullets. Compared to jacketed bullets they can save you a lot of money, even if you're buying them. They put just as big a hole in paper and plenty of guys hunt with them as well.

[dakotasin]

an rcbs master rockchucker reloading kit is a good, easy start. it isn't quite all-inclusive but it is close.

you'll still find a use for calipers and a powder trickler.