[sprice]

I have no idea how to reload or where to begin. I would mostly like to reload rifle ammo, like 300 wsm, 30/40 krag, .308, 30/30. normal stuff; and maybe some pistol cartridges.

so my question to you all is what do I need and how do I do it? What parts do what? How expensive will it all be? I also don't know what questions I should be asking so please lead me in the right direction.

Thanks for all of your help thr members!

[rcmodel]

Check the Sticky at the top of this forum. That will get you started in the right direction to ask questions.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214

rc

[latisimusd]

Read the manuals first to acclimate yourself to all the terminology and brands of presses, reloading components, and accessories.
Read, read, read!
You will find it to be very satisfying hobby and you can create some ammo the is more accurate than factory.

Lots of information available

Here's some other stuff:
Buy any of the "basic" books for reloaders from RCBS, Lee or Dillon and read it over a couple of times. Then decide on how much you think you'll want to reload (100 rounds a week or 500?) and if your environment will let you set up a workbench for it.

For starting out, it's hard to beat a single-stage press system that forces you to work one stage at a time (i.e. resizing, priming, belling, seating stages). This way you learn how to carefully prepare your loads, check each step (the QC process) and create good loads.

Besides getting a press, some of the other things you'll want are;

1. A sturdy bench with at least 20-24" on either side of the press. Unless you like standing a lot, I suggest building the bench such that you can sit down and work. It'll be easier on your feet, knees & back!
2. A well lit workarea - lighting that doesn't glare into your eyes, illuminates your work and the floor well.
3. Fire resistant storage for powder - This could be an old ammo can but be sure it's not tightly sealed so in the event of a fire the pressure can escape while limiting the flame damage.
4. Two or more good reloading manuals - RCBS & SPEER for instance - so that you can see & compare a larger selection of powders, charges & bullet weights. I've always liked RCBS reloading manuals.
5. A powder scale. Don't scrimp on this one. Buy a good one with magnetic dampening
6. A good powder measure - don't scrimp here either
7. A good micrometer to measure case lengths, bullet diameters, primer pockets and a host of other things you never thought you'd need to know.
8. A primer flip tray - allows you to align all your primers face up/down as needed to load in the priming station. Always store primers in their containers/boxes/trays. Never store primers in loose-bulk such as a jar or bin to prevent explosive detonation.
9. A cartridge case block - Such as MTM's Case-block 50. This holds cases in rows spaced out so you can add powder, add bullets, etc.
10. Case lube pad & lube - if you reload longer revolver cartridges this will help keep cases from sticking in the dies.
11. Benchtop cover or anti-static mat. This covers the bench workarea so parts, primers, spilled powder, etc can be seen. Anti-static will also help guard against sparks when dealing with powder.
12. Organizer bins - simple hardware organizer drawers to retain boxes of primers, various bullets, different shell-holders and other small bits.
13. Notebook or binder Keep a binder or notebook of all your reloading that you've done. This will help you review your loads for accuracy and quality.

You can also buy a case-tumbler to clean your fired cases,

[ar10]

Buy or check out from the library a book on basics of reloading for beginners. (Can't remember the title but it's available). And do that before you start buying equipment. You should also try to find out if anyone you know is reloading. It's called "learning by doing" w/o the cost of the equipment.

[pmeisel]

Cost, you ask. Depending on how extravagant you get, you can probably get going for somewhere between $150 and $350... the big reloading retailers like Midway, Mid South, Natchez, Graf's usually offer some kind of intro kit, plus you will need a set of dies, some powder, primers and bullets.

Get a good reloading manual or primer first and it will help you estimate. Lyman 49, Lee, ABC's of Reloading all good places to start. Try your library, they may have something too.

[bps3040]

Read the ABC 's of Reloading, I also like Modern Reloading by Richard Lee..though it is heavy on self promotion, lol. I have not started reloading yet, but I have read both books and think they both have a lot of good info. My shop, by me, is basically out of reloading stuff...so, I figured I would read up on the subject until I can actually get merchandise. Good reading, lol, and good luck.

[cliffy]

Find a source you trust: Hornady - Speer - Barnes - Whatever, and buy it and read it! Reloading is A-B-C to begin with, then purpose-generated loads may supercede as you advance in knowledge. Pressure-spikes are our constant enemy: knocking out one's eyes may inhibit further experimentation beyond published loads. Start with a single-stage Lee Classic Cast press, avoid the Lee Challenger Press "KIT." My handloads surpass some "manual" loads, but this came about from knowing my individual firearm(s) and what shoots safely. I also shoot thrice a week on "the range" with good weather conditions. Measure each powder load on a balance scale, and NEVER trust automatic powder measures. Powder may be powder, but FIND the correct burn speed powder for your caliber and bullet weight. Follow published load data until you've shot 2000 rounds per rifle caliber in a specific firearm combination. Then you may carefully experiment! cliffy

[cliffy]

Find a source you trust: Hornady - Speer - Barnes - Whatever, and buy it and read it! Reloading is A-B-C to begin with, then purpose-generated loads may supercede as you advance in knowledge. Pressure-spikes are our constant enemy: knocking out one's eyes may inhibit further experimentation beyond published loads. Start with a single-stage Lee Classic Cast press, avoid the Lee Challenger Press "KIT." My handloads surpass some "manual" loads, but this came about from knowing my individual firearm(s) and what shoots safely. I also shoot thrice a week on "the range" with good weather conditions. Measure each powder load on a balance scale, and NEVER trust automatic powder measures. Powder may be powder, but FIND the correct burn speed powder for your caliber and bullet weight. Follow published load data until you've shot 2000 rounds per rifle caliber in a specific firearm combination. Then you may carefully experiment! cliffy

[moooose102]

i agree, read several books about it first. you can get many reloading books at the library that will cost you nothing. of course, you will have to return them, but it will give you some insight to the process and help you decide if you want to do it. if you decide to, buy a good quality kit to start with. you will save enough money to be worthwhile. then buy your dies, bullets, primers, and powder. find a QUIET place to set up your bench, and slowly start. anytime you have a question, or are unsure, STOP! come here, or to your local gunsmith and ask before you do something you regret! reloading is a fun, safe hobby, as long as it is done correctly. if it is not done correctly, it can be a dangerous/scary/ and possibly even deadly mistake. dont be one of the statistics. if the NRA offers a reloading class in your area, that would be a good way to go also. bottom line is be safe, ask questions, be safe, ask questions, etc. etc. etc. it is better to show your inexperience by asking questions, than show your stupidity by hurting yourself!

[Historian]

I recommend you read "The ABCs of Reloading" and get some good reloading manuals (Speer, Lyman #49) before you even think about buying equipment or setting up a bench.

Historian

[proplinker]

Read everything or find a reloader. Look for a shooter at the range that has more gagets than the others. and when you start take notes!! Reloading is addictive so use caution

[RandyP]

Check out all the videos on youtube on 'reloading' plus the many help videos at http://www.leeprecision.com to see the machinery in action. all the way from seing Mr Lee himself making a rifle round with his $20 Lee loader (youtube) to folks with lots of money running a full house $2000 Dillon 1050 with all the bells & whistles.

[dlzigjr]

except I have done more reading. Have loaded only 20 rounds with a Lee handloader so far....I'm hooked, they are beauties. I second the reading of "The ABC's of reloading".....very good read that is not dry. Interesting with lots of different topics on history and development, in addition to step by step how-to's. That is not the only book I've gotten, but definitely the best read so far from a beginner's standpoint. This is a great forum, keep coming to it and folks are very helpful and knowledgeable.

Dave

[rfwobbly]

Help out a first timer, PLEASE!

No. Sorry. We can only assist third through fifth timers. :neener:


Hey, welcome to the world's greatest hobby. And a great group of guys. And did anyone tell you about reading lots of books ?

I've found lots of used books heavily discounted on Amazon. Some as cheap as $5. You'll probably not want to buy any older than 1995. The more recent, the better. Also check out your public library.

All the best !

[ArchAngelCD]

No matter how much you read or how much help you get form this forum there's nothing like seeing it done. If it's at all possible try and fine someone near you who reloads and ask them to show you. It will shorten the learning curve a lot!

Welcome to reloading!!

[dave from mesa]

+1 with the above

How expensive will it all be?
You can get buy at first fairly inexpensively (not cheaply). But don't think things will be any cheaper in the long run as you find that you will shoot way more now cuz you're cost per round will be cheaper. This is a good thing if you like to shoot alot.

[rfwobbly]

No matter how much you read or how much help you get form this forum there's nothing like seeing it done.

I disagree. Reloading is more like sex. Books and videos aren't half the education doing yourself is.

:D

[PecosRiverM]

Reloading is more like sex.:evil:

Na Better not go there:D

[Afy]

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