Beginner reloader

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1...WPRJVIRXBGfUUm4UlCh4yn-Sur_xxsMoaAmyzEALw_wcB

I have been using that for 3 years. Like it, simple, reliable, easy on batteries.

I second everyone that says use a beam scale. I also suggest getting Lee dippers so you can have a safety check. Use the Dipper closest to your charge weight so you will notice if your scale gets bumped. I like titegroup but it is not forgiving.

Keep checking in with any questions you may have. We will help in any way we can.

If you don't have the cash, pm me. I have a Lee safety balance scale I will package and send to you. It's cheap, I hate it, it's a pain to use, but it's on the shelf in case somebody can't afford a scale. Shoot a pm with an address and it will be there, but I warn you, if you can afford a scale it's better than using this stupid thing.

This will help get you started. Grab a drink, a sammich, and a comfy chair. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214

I started using a digital scale exclusively in 2009. If it quits I will order another and wait 3 days for the mail. My hands are too shaky these days to properly use a beam scale.

For a good read on digital scales go to this thread. https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...rmation-busting-digital-scale-accuracy.759750
That and more good advice is under the sticky Reloading Library of Wisdom.

I have used a digital scale from day one. I express no opinion as to the value of electronic versus beam scales for ultra-high-precision reloading, but for ordinary uses, I think even the relatively inexpensive digital scales are vastly superior. If nothing else, one can zero the scale to each cartridge and weigh a charge as it sits in the brass, rather than dumping back and forth (risking spillage).

Here's the one I use: https://www.brownells.com/reloading...y&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_content=749-012-402

It has seen me safely through many tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of loaded rounds.

The biggest point here is that an electronic scale can fail, which is much more likely with a cheap one. A cheap one can be poorly calibrated. It can also become erratic and you might not even know it until it's too late. There is a lot at stake here. I double check my electronic scale regularly. A beam scale is pretty foolproof.

CraigC said:

A beam scale is pretty foolproof.

Click to expand...

I've never used one for reloading, but that's not my experience with them in other contexts. Things like the angle at which one is viewing the reading comes into play. And the electronics have gotten very good and reliable.

I'm not saying that this is like arguing that kids should learn to do complex calculations on a abacus because calculators can fail.... but I'm not not saying that, either.

ATLDave said:

I have used a digital scale from day one. I express no opinion as to the value of electronic versus beam scales for ultra-high-precision reloading, but for ordinary uses, I think even the relatively inexpensive digital scales are vastly superior. If nothing else, one can zero the scale to each cartridge and weigh a charge as it sits in the brass, rather than dumping back and forth (risking spillage).

Click to expand...

That method works great for checking loads for a case activated powder measure. I use a spent cartridge with a spent primer reversed, keeps powder out of the primer. If I am preparing test loads I use a coffee scoop or 308 case for a trickler.

1. Welcome.
2. Get the Lyman 50th and get to know the "How To's" in the front COMPLETELY. You may ignore the folksy stories of old "Mr. Lyman" second cousin bagging 300 prairie dogs with his 100 year old rifle and pet loads.
3. Only refer to load data in the last half of the manual for what you are shooting only.
4. Never load under the minimum or over the maximum. Period. Until you get your feet wet.
5. If you want to get a wonderfully accurate electronic scale, it will cost north of $600. The Lee balance scale as offered generously above is a good starter scale, no less accurate than many bean scales but a pain the ass to read and set up for a particular charge.
6. Remember, there are at least 20 variables to take into account when loading your own. Just address one at a time, never two or more since you will a. not know which one fixed the probleme de jour and b. drive yourself to distraction.
7. Go slow, double check everything, Ask here as frequently as you desire.
8. Also remember, when you post, you are going to get many, many different opinions on equipment, techniques and other topics. You will soon recognize what is BS, what is someone looking to not be the only one doing something "his way" and those who plain old don't know what they are doing. You will learn soon enough who is to be listened to and who is not.
9. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE FUN.

What scale are you using? MOst scales will use 'GR' for grains and 'GM' for gram. Be certain that you're not misreading it.

Bud, I beg you please...please...please post your location. You are in a desperate need of a mentor. I promise no one will degrade you but someone will help. The reason for this and other reloading forums is to pass info and to keep folks safe. An overcharged round can destroy your gun, take a hand or even your life.

You will see that on this forum many of us will argue and even say bad things about each other, (especially on the color of presses) but it would bother me if I found out any of you got hurt.

The Lee scale will get you going. It’s tricky to read as some have said, but it’s very accurate. If money’s tight, it’s a great deal.

I’m a bit concerned about OP

First getting advice from a big box store for something potentially harmful is not a good thing.
Next based on the question, I suspect they haven’t taken much time to read reloading manuals, and watch beginner YouTube videos. If I’m mistaken, please don’t take this as an attack, but simply as an opinion based on my interpretation of the posts.

OP I started with a Hornaday digital scale. Ironically I got it at Sportsman’s Warehouse. So I’m with the folks that feel that you don’t need an expensive scale. But you do need one that’s reliable. Normally I’d say that you can get a similar one cheaper, but given your posts I think you should get one from a reloading company so you get one that’ll work right for you.

I agree with fotheringill except I’ll say that you should also look at the Lee manual. I only offer this option as I have both but find Lee an easier and more enjoyable read. Both are good. So just get one if you don’t have it. If you do get the other and reread both.

Reloading isn’t hard or difficult. But it is something that you need to do precisely. Please do more research. Please read all you can, watch videos and come here and ask questions. You’ll get a lot of great info and while we don’t always agree you’ll quickly see people want you safe and will give you choices that will work for you.


Please make safety your top priority. Next learn to develop good habits, and keep good notes. And if you need help ask. As you’ve seen people will even help out with gear, replies etc.

Oh and once you get some ammo loaded and fired, you’ll find it highly addictive. The first round you shoot will be nerve wracking and a cool event. So please post when you get there. Until, please be safe!

Just to add, there was a thread on TFL where a novice loader got one of those eBay digitals set on the wrong unit and grossly overloaded some ammo for his Dad. Blew up a nice gun.

4.3 grains of Titegroup is a very small pile way down in the bottom of a .38 Special case.

OP welcome to the world of reloading.
The actual act of reloading is not that difficult. That is once you get the basics down and follow the recipes provided by the manufacturers. A quick check of your scale would be to weigh your bullet. It should weigh within one grain of actual weight on package. If not that is the first thing you need to sort out. Yes all reloading weights are done in grains. There are 7000 grains in a pound.

Drainsmith
OP has two threads on this. I suspect the double posted.
I agree they need a mentor and some help. I almost said that in the other thread. So I’m glad you said it

Can a mod merge the two threads?

This is a duplicate thread, Mods note.