I know this has been asked 1000 times over but here is 1000 and 1. I just bought a .264 win mag, and not wanting to spend $52 a box for ammo there is no better time then now to start. I would like to load several calibers but definitely starting with .264 win mag ( just bought some brass). So where do I go from here? I know I am going to need a good reloading manual, which one should that be and where do I find it. I will eventually move on to 38 spl maybe .243 and .270. Would like to load .223 and 7x57 since I just got a 1895 Mauser.
I want to start hand loading!!
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GP100man
Member
i`d place a wtb ad & see what happens ,supplies , dies ,primers everything is whacky rite now .
press , dies , priming tool , & scales (never skimp on the scales)will get ya to loading ,slow but loading . anything else is just to speed it up & make chores easier.
lee trimmers will get ya trimmin . & good manuals gotta have em.
press , dies , priming tool , & scales (never skimp on the scales)will get ya to loading ,slow but loading . anything else is just to speed it up & make chores easier.
lee trimmers will get ya trimmin . & good manuals gotta have em.
If you just want to do the 264, find a friend who has a bench and offer them beer to use it (my friends do this)
The thing with reloading is once you finally get all the stuff you need to reload one caliber you are just a $20 die set away from being able to reload another caliber.
The initial costs are what get ya. Press, Powder measure, Scale, Trimmer, all the misc small tools, primer seater, tumbler, manual, caliper.
If you want to get into reloading ALL or almost all of your calibers, then I would do it. Otherwise find a friend.
The thing with reloading is once you finally get all the stuff you need to reload one caliber you are just a $20 die set away from being able to reload another caliber.
The initial costs are what get ya. Press, Powder measure, Scale, Trimmer, all the misc small tools, primer seater, tumbler, manual, caliper.
If you want to get into reloading ALL or almost all of your calibers, then I would do it. Otherwise find a friend.
Hmmm thats food for thought there. I found a die set on GB today for $10. I will get that. Using a friends stuff would be a good way to learn first hand also and maybe slowly build up the tools. Now I just need some friends. My dad reloads shotgun shells but he is in California. Anyway would I be able to use some of his second tools like powder measure and scale? I suppose that would be the only thing that may translate to rifle cartridges though huh?
shaggy430
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Here's a good cheap way to get started.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true
Hey thanks for the link shaggy430 I am buying that tonight. I do have one or two friends that hand load and I will also seek a course or two from them.
NOTE: To use the case cutter and lock stud a specific shell holder and case length gauge is needed for each caliber to be trimmed.
Where should I search for these?
NOTE: To use the case cutter and lock stud a specific shell holder and case length gauge is needed for each caliber to be trimmed.
Where should I search for these?
oldreloader
Member
yep.That's about as cheap as you can get started.I have one of the Breechlock presses and it seems ok.Between it and my old RCBS JR3 they do anything I want.
loadedround
Member
NDgeek started you on the right track. I would talk with a trusted friend or a knowledgeable person who is into reloading and have them mentor you on what equipment is needed and the proper reloading procedures. You will get a lot of advice on this site, so excellent and so not so. Everyone has an opinion on what you need and I guarentee a lot of confusion from well meaning people. Work with the friend to get started. In the interim, buy one or more reloading manuals, and read the rifle loading section to get a basic idea what's happening. Good luck and good shooting! 
If you have not done so, please read the the Sticky at the first of this forum.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214
This is great basic information for starting reloaders.
I just helped one of my friends get into reloading. He was able to get all the basic equipment for around $430.00 (not including powder, primers, and brass) by shopping on-line at Midway USA, Cabelas, Midsouth Shooters Supply, and Natchez Shooters. He caught sales items and shopped for the lowest price on items not on sale. Or, you can purchase a complete reloading kit from various sources like Lee, Hornady, or RCBS, with prices ranging from around $90.00 for the Lee kits up to around $800.00 for the best RCBS kits. You can also go real cheap and use Lee Hand Reloaders.
The Lee 2nd edition manual, and the Lyman Reloading Handbook 49th edition are both good places to start learning, are fairly inexpensive and has tons of information for new reloaders. I'd get them both!
Even if you spend a few hundred bucks, and if you shoot much, the payback can come rather quick. If you are paying $52.00 per box for .264 rounds, you can recover the initial investment pretty fast. Just a quick check of my reloading cost calculator for .264 indicates you probably could load for around $18.00 - $21.00 per box (depending on exact components).
I don't know what your budget allows, but you can go cheap or expensive to get the same results. Anyway, I hope you can find something that suits your needs. BE SAFE!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214
This is great basic information for starting reloaders.
I just helped one of my friends get into reloading. He was able to get all the basic equipment for around $430.00 (not including powder, primers, and brass) by shopping on-line at Midway USA, Cabelas, Midsouth Shooters Supply, and Natchez Shooters. He caught sales items and shopped for the lowest price on items not on sale. Or, you can purchase a complete reloading kit from various sources like Lee, Hornady, or RCBS, with prices ranging from around $90.00 for the Lee kits up to around $800.00 for the best RCBS kits. You can also go real cheap and use Lee Hand Reloaders.
The Lee 2nd edition manual, and the Lyman Reloading Handbook 49th edition are both good places to start learning, are fairly inexpensive and has tons of information for new reloaders. I'd get them both!
Even if you spend a few hundred bucks, and if you shoot much, the payback can come rather quick. If you are paying $52.00 per box for .264 rounds, you can recover the initial investment pretty fast. Just a quick check of my reloading cost calculator for .264 indicates you probably could load for around $18.00 - $21.00 per box (depending on exact components).
I don't know what your budget allows, but you can go cheap or expensive to get the same results. Anyway, I hope you can find something that suits your needs. BE SAFE!
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=136881026
Is this an ok deal on the dies? Even with the broken de-capper? Can I replace that part?
Geesh I even looked for the sticky becuase I knew ther would be one never saw it thanks willymike. I will read it right now.
Is this an ok deal on the dies? Even with the broken de-capper? Can I replace that part?
Geesh I even looked for the sticky becuase I knew ther would be one never saw it thanks willymike. I will read it right now.
Well, beauty and price value is in the eye of the beholder and pocket book. For ten + bucks, who knows? Looks like a roll of the dice to me. I'm very skittish about purchasing items with "broken" parts. Sometimes the descriptions are overly optimistic concerning the function of the item.
The top of the decaping rod being broken may not affect function, but it still is a broken part that needs to be replaced.
I'm sure you could call RCBS and get great service on the replacement part, but I'd personnally rather not have the hassle. I like stuff that works right out the box.
For less than $27 you can get a Lee two-die set from Midsouth Shooters that is brand spankin' new.
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000690774
Also, if you are shopping for a press: Midway USA has the Lee Custom Cast Press on sale for $71.11. This is a great price and value. I paid $85.00 for this item over a year ago. It is, in my opinion, one of the best single stage presses on the market. I think you'd be hard pressed(no pun intended) to find a better press for the price. It is what I use and is a very stout and robust press, with great functionallity. Again, see info in the sticky on this press just to verify my claim.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=317831
Again, hope this .02 cent is worth the pennies.
The top of the decaping rod being broken may not affect function, but it still is a broken part that needs to be replaced.
I'm sure you could call RCBS and get great service on the replacement part, but I'd personnally rather not have the hassle. I like stuff that works right out the box.
For less than $27 you can get a Lee two-die set from Midsouth Shooters that is brand spankin' new.
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000690774
Also, if you are shopping for a press: Midway USA has the Lee Custom Cast Press on sale for $71.11. This is a great price and value. I paid $85.00 for this item over a year ago. It is, in my opinion, one of the best single stage presses on the market. I think you'd be hard pressed
(no pun intended) to find a better press for the price. It is what I use and is a very stout and robust press, with great functionallity. Again, see info in the sticky on this press just to verify my claim.http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=317831
Again, hope this .02 cent is worth the pennies.
falldowngoboom
Member
3pairs12, I'm a relatively new reloader. I finally feel like I mostly know what I'm doing (though I'm not wizened like some of these guys). All that confusion of what's going on and how all the tools work is still fresh on my mind, so here's my advice:
1. Get a reloading manual right away. Ideally, you should purchase this first before anything else. It's one of the most direct and reliable ways to get down the basics. I have a Lyman 49th ed. If you search around, it can be had for $20-25.
2. Use your friends who reload. They are an invaluable resource. I didn't have anyone to ask questions of, which made it much harder to get started.
3. There's a great temptation to buy RIGHT NOW to get loading right away. You'll save money by understanding what you need and why you need it before buying equipment, even if it does take longer. If you must get started, a kit like shaggy430 pointed out should cover the basics (but at least try to understand what everything in the kit does and why it's needed).
4. Google everything and try to understand it all. Just remember that the stuff online is no replacement for a good reloading manual. Before I got a manual, I had a hell of a time understanding what some articles were even talking about. Terminology alone can be confusing. Also keep in mind that not everything you read online is right or the only way.
5. Youtube! I can't tell you how many videso I watched and how helpful they were to understanding the process. Again, an experienced reloader can be an even better demonstrative resource, but I didn't have anyone to walk me through it all.
6. Get a bullet puller These tend to not be included in kits and are often overlooked by new reloaders. Kinetic ones work well once you realize that you have to whack them really hard and that they won't break by doing so.
7. If you're absolutely sure you want to reload, ignore this, but if you're not, the Lee Loader is a low cost way to test the waters. Plus it's a good portable tool to take on trips with you. Keep in mind that you'll still have to buy other things like scales, calipers, etc. and that you can only use brass that's fire-formed in your chamber or fits within certain tolerances, but it's an inexpensive way to begin.
Good luck!
1. Get a reloading manual right away. Ideally, you should purchase this first before anything else. It's one of the most direct and reliable ways to get down the basics. I have a Lyman 49th ed. If you search around, it can be had for $20-25.
2. Use your friends who reload. They are an invaluable resource. I didn't have anyone to ask questions of, which made it much harder to get started.
3. There's a great temptation to buy RIGHT NOW to get loading right away. You'll save money by understanding what you need and why you need it before buying equipment, even if it does take longer. If you must get started, a kit like shaggy430 pointed out should cover the basics (but at least try to understand what everything in the kit does and why it's needed).
4. Google everything and try to understand it all. Just remember that the stuff online is no replacement for a good reloading manual. Before I got a manual, I had a hell of a time understanding what some articles were even talking about. Terminology alone can be confusing. Also keep in mind that not everything you read online is right or the only way.
5. Youtube! I can't tell you how many videso I watched and how helpful they were to understanding the process. Again, an experienced reloader can be an even better demonstrative resource, but I didn't have anyone to walk me through it all.
6. Get a bullet puller
These tend to not be included in kits and are often overlooked by new reloaders. Kinetic ones work well once you realize that you have to whack them really hard and that they won't break by doing so.7. If you're absolutely sure you want to reload, ignore this, but if you're not, the Lee Loader is a low cost way to test the waters. Plus it's a good portable tool to take on trips with you. Keep in mind that you'll still have to buy other things like scales, calipers, etc. and that you can only use brass that's fire-formed in your chamber or fits within certain tolerances, but it's an inexpensive way to begin.
Good luck!
I am definitely going to do this. The reason I bought the brass already is simply becuase the price what right it actually comes free with 39 rounds. I was a little gun ho when I said I was going to get the set from Cabelas tonight. It does seem like a great deal but after reading the sticky twice I decided I need to read more.
I will definitely check those out. My reloading buddy is more of an aqquantence (sp?) than anything. We have bought and sold a couple of things to each other from this forum.
That is probably the route I will go. I definitely want to understand what I am about to do before I start doing it. I mean after all this almost rocket science. So thanks for the info guys. Feel free to add more. Just know that I am going to start with baby steps. After finding ammo online at $50+ a box I was ready to start today, but I have slowed that down a little.
falldowngoboom
Member
I'm not sure what you're goals are for reloading, but if you're like most of us, you'll want to find the best recipe (powder type, powder charge, bullet weight & type, seating depth, etc.). If that's the case, I'd seriously consider getting a shooting vise. Others may disagree with me here, but I found no matter how much I concentrated, I could never really trust that I was doing my part for each and every round I fired.
A vise will take that guesswork out of the equation, and you can be sure that that load that grouped well was because of the recipe and not something else. I went through a lot of ammo testing loads yet never being able to have absolute confidence that one load was better than another. I'd also recommend shooting 4 or ideally 5 shot groups to be sure. If you do it right, you only have to do it once. Do it wrong (like me) and you could go through hundreds of rounds and still not be sure.
A vise will take that guesswork out of the equation, and you can be sure that that load that grouped well was because of the recipe and not something else. I went through a lot of ammo testing loads yet never being able to have absolute confidence that one load was better than another. I'd also recommend shooting 4 or ideally 5 shot groups to be sure. If you do it right, you only have to do it once. Do it wrong (like me) and you could go through hundreds of rounds and still not be sure.
loadedround
Member
3pairs: If you can get those dies say for 14.00 or less plus shipping, they would be a good buy. New RCBS dies are over 25.00 and RCBS will replace that broken stem at N/c with a phone call. Appears that someone may have had a stuck case in the die and used a screwdriver to screw down the stem to get it out. Several people seem to be pushing Lee Dies on you. While they are adequate, they are cheaply made and will break or wear out quickly. You are much better off with Redding(my favorite), RCBS, Lyman, or Hornady dies. My recommendation comes from over 45 years of reloading experience and have used all brands of dies.. Yes I do own several sets of Lee dies in oddball calibers that I don't load frequently.
Historian
Member
Haven't seen this mentioned in this thread yet, but I always recommend that new reloaders get and read a copy of "The ABCs of Reloading". You can get one from Midway or Amazon. It is loaded with useful information and takes you step by step through thre process of reloading rifle and pistol cartidges (Yes, there is a big difference between the two.). Also find a couple of really good reloading manuals. "Lyman #49" seems to be a popular one around here. Best of luck to you and remember to think safety above all else.
Historian
"Democracy requires wisdom."
Historian
"Democracy requires wisdom."
It is in the stick and it recommends that I read it twice. It will probably take me two time reading it before I have a clue. I was going to check Amazon and Midway for that today. Thanks Historian. Hey I see you are in Dallas. After I get some reading done and get some parts and pieces would you be interested in giving me a crash course? I am in McKinney.
Historian
Member
Hey 3pairs,
Sure, I'll be happy to help you out. I live in North Dallas just south of LBJ and east of Central Expwy. PM me and we'll figure out a time to get together.
Historian
Sure, I'll be happy to help you out. I live in North Dallas just south of LBJ and east of Central Expwy. PM me and we'll figure out a time to get together.
Historian
GP100man
Member
alot of good input , take ya time & sort thru it all then take ya time making a decision .
i do reccomend the lyman manuals ,good read for beginners & experienced alike , the section on castin is what got me on the silver stream.
just take your time & understand what your undertaking & you`ll do fine!!
i do reccomend the lyman manuals ,good read for beginners & experienced alike , the section on castin is what got me on the silver stream.
just take your time & understand what your undertaking & you`ll do fine!!
Historian
Member
3Pairs,
If you don't want to wait for an online order, you can get both books at Southwest Ammo in Mesquite. Good folks, quality advice. They sell, powder, primers (they will let you buy 1k when you buy a pound of powder), bullets, brass and mostly RCBS hardware. They're kind of a mom and pop operation and they don't always answer the phone so you pretty much have to go and see them to find out if they have what you're looking for. I bought my "Lyman #49" there and I'm pretty sure the have "The ABCs". Anyway, it might be worth a trip down there just to check them out. You can google them under their name and find a map. They're off LBJ at the Military Parkway exit.
Historian
"Democracy requires wisdom."
If you don't want to wait for an online order, you can get both books at Southwest Ammo in Mesquite. Good folks, quality advice. They sell, powder, primers (they will let you buy 1k when you buy a pound of powder), bullets, brass and mostly RCBS hardware. They're kind of a mom and pop operation and they don't always answer the phone so you pretty much have to go and see them to find out if they have what you're looking for. I bought my "Lyman #49" there and I'm pretty sure the have "The ABCs". Anyway, it might be worth a trip down there just to check them out. You can google them under their name and find a map. They're off LBJ at the Military Parkway exit.
Historian
"Democracy requires wisdom."
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