[cleardiddion]

The way people describe me is as being a squirely kind of guy who has to have something, anything to do, or else he sits there and does a lot of little things for nothing or a big thing for no good.

The way I figure, I need to get into something that's going to be productive (well, I guess I'm in school but that's a different sort of thing). It seems like reloading could be what I've been looking for since I love the sport of shooting and fine kinetic activites with doses of mental challenges (might explain why I've dumped so much time and money into model building).
And with some new stuff coming in over the horizon that's kinda tough for me to get a hold of commercially, 7.62x38R isn't exactly Wally world common, it might be a good time to start looking into this subject with a bit more of a serious eye.

I've been searching around for a little while and there has to be more information on various dies, powders, voodoo rituals, and whatnot to fill my head in a lifetime. However, what I can't really seem to find is a guide to helping me get started. I'm not looking for anything special or too complicated, definitely won't be pumping out any trounds or gyrojet rounds anytime soon, but rather a simple but comprehensive guide to getting the wheels rolling.

Thanks in advance for the replies, they're much appreciated.

[ReloaderFred]

I would suggest the Lyman 49th Edition Loading Manual. It has comprehensive information at the front of the book that explains each step in the process and all the terms involved. There is information on cases, primers, powder and bullets, along with all you need to know to put them together. It won't have any infomation on voodoo rituals, but you can always get that here.........

Hope this helps.

Fred

[SASS#23149]

I suggest you read sticky no.5 at the top of the page,then com back with more direct questions,ok?

[qajaq59]

Read the sticky, the Lyman 49th manual, and the ABCs of loading. Then read them again and you'll have a grasp on what to do. After that we can help you with any details that are not clear. Oh, and don't buy any equipment until you have read all of them.
It's a great hobby for people that can follow instructions.

[skidooman603]

Oh and by the way you better have a credit card or two with high limits! :what: Once you own what ya need you can pump em out for pennies on the dollar of retail ammo but it does take a few $ to get er going. So much internet info today compared to when I started before the internet. A wonderful tool. Have fun and be exact in what you make

[rfwobbly]

Clear Guy -
Welcome to a great hobby. One you'll be able to keep all your life. I started in early college and now I'm 58.... so you can stay with it for a long time and enjoy it for a long time too.

• Since you've still in school.... and should plan to stay there for several more years... money is an issue. I would start with reading. Check you local library. Check Amazon used books, I've bought several nice used books for $5.

• As far as equipment, get up some cash and start looking at your local on-line Craig's List for estate sales. There should be a lot of those in FL with the huge number of retirees moving there. "Used" is the best way to score a complete reloading system with books and supplies. My last used system came with 10,000 primers and 20 lb of powder for free, hidden in the bottom of a box. So you can do this cheaply if you read (know what's what) and have cash. You might even place an ad on Craig's List saying you're looking to buy reloading equipment and see who calls. You can keep the good stuff and sell the rest on Ebay to make extra money. You do what you have to do to get by!

• And last of all, come here often and ask questions. There are NO "stupid" question in reloading.

All the best. Hope this helps!

[Historian]

+1 for "the ABCs of Reloading" and the Lyman Manual.

Historian

[cleardiddion]

If I were to stick with just the barest of neccesities what would be the most cost effective kit that you guys could recommend?

[Antihero47]

Please answer the following questions. (as these are the questions that give you the best results.)

1. How much money can you afford to spend?

2. What calibers to intend on reloading. (Start with just 2-3 for now.)

3. How is your living situation? Do you rent an apartment, live with mom and dad, live in a dorm, or own a home. Will you be able to have a good size amount of equipment and a bench or work area large enough.

4. How often do you shoot? You must shoot an amount of rounds based on how much you spend to break even before you even start saving money. If you shoot 5-6 times a year its going to lengthen the amount of time that it takes to break even.

5. You do understand that reloading is about paying now and shooting later. For example, in order to be able to shoot my rifle (.308win) I must buy 29.99 for 100 SMK 168g Match bullets, $2.80 for 100 primers, and about $28 for a pound of Varget Powder. I already have the brass and it was free, but you must add in the cost if you have to buy brass.

This comes out to about $60, then prep the brass, and assemble. Which takes time... Which takes me to the next question...

6. After buying all of your components, you have to figure out how much each of these rounds cost you. For me, I am averaging about $0.48 a round of good solid accurate reloads. Then I have to figure in how much time costs. For me, my time doesn't cost too much, I do it after I get home from work and can do much of the work within about 1-3 hours. I can stretch the 3 hours over 5 days and by the next week I am ready to shoot 150 rounds. So I say maybe $5 an hour. I come out to about $68 a reload. The cheapest Federal Power Shock Soft Points at wally world is $12.99 for 20, I am making high quality reloads tailored especially to my rifle for about $13.60 for 20 if I factor in time. If I do not, then I am making these quality rounds for $9.60.

Figure in that if you buy in bulk... you could probably bring down the cost by 10%-20%.

Awnser these questions, and we will be able to help you decide on what press, dies, powder and all the other stuff.

[rosc]

I do a lot of estimating, and it is ironic, cuz I got into RL about 3 yrs ago and I have thrown a lot of money where I didn't need to. The best thing that you have dun is look for wise counsel.(there is safety in a multitude of counselors. Prov 11:14) i read probably 11 dif forums almost daily. This forum has a cost calculator. go to search. this might help in determining the calibers you will choose, and reality of what can be an expensive hobby.(doesn't have to be)
I have found that keeping notes (in a binder) on every topic is a good manual complimenting the ones suggested here.
I know that if I spend a lot of time scouting, I'll do little hunting. If I don't scout effectively I spend a lot of time hunting w/poor results. You will find that if you are patient and teachable you will get results that will be paying dividends, not to mention a safe pastime.
My biggest gains were finding experienced RLers to help me, watching YouTube, (tons of vids there) reading reading reading, talking to the staff @ the local supply, then taking my time w/out distractions honing this great hobby/way of life.
Good habits make good luck unnecessary. Go for it!

[RustyFN]

If you answer the questions Antihero47 asked, you will get a better answer on what type of press will best fit your needs.
Then I have to figure in how much time costs. For me, my time doesn't cost too much, So I say maybe $5 an hour
Anti I always get confused how people figure a time/cost number. I look at reloading as a hobby and don't figure my time as costing anything. Just wondering if you figure $5 per hour for your time to watch TV, go fishing, go shooting or even talk to us on the computer. If not then why just for reloading?
Rusty