Advice for someone interested in reloading

[Bfh_auto]

If you want to get started on the most cost effective way. EBay has real presses that sometimes sell for the price of a hand press. I'm using my grandfather's press from the 50s. So used isn't an issue.
I recommend a balance beam over a digital scale.
The Lee case trimmer is an effective cheap method of trimming cases.
You will continually upgrade things.
It's like fishing. You keep buying poles and lures even though you have what you need.

 

[kerreckt]

Congratulations on deciding to jump into a new world. I bought my first reloading press in 1982 or 83. A Dillon 450. I still use it today. It is the only press I bought new. I soon discovered that there is lots of excellent used equipment and never bought another new one although, I have 8 different presses. Three of which are Dillons. I have 2 RCBS JR3 presses that I bought for $25-50. Yard sales are great places to find them. Estate sales are also good sources. Oftentimes, they are in boxes pushed into the corners and no one has any idea of what they are......"box full of different junk". I love these boxes of junk. There is almost always some really great treasures in them. Before you go out and spend a bunch of money check out the different sources of used stuff. All the used presses I have work as well as the day they were made. Many people start this activity and then tire of it and sell their stuff. I find it very relaxing. Best wishes and welcome to a really great past time.

 

[Jack B.]

Get a good manual and read it. Don't jump to the load data first. Read the front of the book. Getting Started, or Introduction to Reloading. Read that part first then you can make decisions on what you need. Educate yourself first. Don't buy equipment on a I think I need this. The Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook is a good starting point. Starting on page 14 of this manual are explanations of the basic equipment you need and what these things do. Just remember most manuals you get that are put out buy powder , bullet or equipment manufactures only have their product listed in the data section. That's why I recommend the Lyman manual. They don't make powder or jacketed bullets. You will find some variety in this manual. Just keep in mind most of the major reloading equipment manufactures make the items you will need and for the most part they make quality stuff.

 

[jaguarxk120]

If you have to reload then please buy from the higher end tool makers.
You will enjoy working with quality tooling, just like shooting.
You can shoot a less expensive gun, but a higher quality gun seems to be more fun!

 

[sparkyv]

There's some good advice already posted. Here's my take to get started without too much upfront investment:

1. I'd start with the .32 Mag, especially if I already have brass since the factory ammo is pricier than the .38 Spcl
2. Unless you had a budgetary limitation, I'd go with the hand press, not the Lee Loader because of the press' flexibility; maybe even consider the Lee C press for a few bucks more
3. I'd get the Lee dies and just use their included load data with the included measure scoop; you won't go wrong, and you can upgrade to a scale later if you really like handloading
4. Get and use a set of calipers to check and control COAL; the one's from HF are not costly
5. You don't need to trim the vast majority of pistol brass
6. You don't need to clean it, either
7. Get reputable reloading information; much can be had from the internet as well as hardcopy
8. Choose a powder in the middle to high end of the loading weight range; it's more forgiving than the faster powders

All the extra/other stuff you can easily upgrade later. YMMV

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I have minimal time to load and limited space for equipment. For me, going straight to a progressive press made the most sense for my volume of shooting.

I went with a Dillon 550 series press, a Dillon beam scale, some Wilson case gauges, a Thumler’s tumbler, an assortment of Lee, RCBS, Dillon, FA tools, and multiple reloading manuals.

I’ve bought multiple quick change setups so I can now load 7 different cartridges. I know a lot of folks may disagree, but I don’t believe starting in a single stage is necessary or even desirable if you need to save time. I wouldn’t recommend going full progressive but a manually indexed press like a 550 is a relatively easy setup to learn on.

To do two cartridges I’m going to give an estimate of $1500 to do it right, with all the needed tools and to jump straight into progressive loading.

May not be for everyone though.

 

[Jim Watson]

3. I'd get the Lee dies and just use their included load data with the included measure scoop; you won't go wrong, and you can upgrade to a scale later if you really like handloading
7. Get reputable reloading information; much can be had from the internet as well as hardcopy
8. Choose a powder in the middle to high end of the loading weight range; it's more forgiving than the faster powders

It would be hard to do all of these at once. You get one dipper with a set of Lee dies and a rather short list of powders that would be safe at that volume. I did that for a while but wanted more flexibility and moved on to measure and balance.

4. Get and use a set of calipers to check and control COAL; the one's from HF are not costly

You don't need calipers to load revolver ammo with revolver bullets. Seating to the crimp groove sets the OAL.

 

[Paul R Zartman]

Advice to a new guy; do NOT do it. If you're a casual shooter its not worth it. Spend $1k on ammo rather than gear and you'll be better off if you're a 9mm/5.56 guy.

Reloading is a great hobby and I like it a lot, but its not for everyone and I hate to see a new guy get into it 1/2 way and wonder off mad/with less money. Its not simple and takes some investment mentally, if you're not into that then please just buy ammo (and lead the brass for me )

X2... dont do it..it starts out as a > 500 hobby and ends up as a multiple 1000 dollar PITA, bloody and bruised knees with imprints of 22lr and bad back from picking up brass, knots in the head from crawling under bench, confiscating other shooters brass, hours and hours of trying to find that perfect load that has eluded all reloaders (the first step is admitting it). All the books and spreadsheets then they come out with another updated volume more money, better equipment, new and more powerful supplies...its a endless fall down that dark hole that wakes you up In the middle of the night. Spend your money on fine guns and factory ammo and live a blissful life like Ozzie and Harriet...not like Ozzy and Sharon.


DISCLAMMER:
YEA... I reload too but this is how I feel...

 

[Jim Watson]

It is easy to speak against loading 9mm unless you are after a specialty load like I am.
But .38 Special is more expensive than 9mm econoball and .32 H&R is higher yet and not as well distributed.
Plus, with a revolver it is easy to save your empties.

 

[forty_caliber]

This "hobby" has been going on in my life since the '80s sometimes dormant sometimes intensely. It seems like it's something that I've always done. In the early years, working at any job I could find trying to feed a family sometimes it was a blessing and sometimes a curse. I mean how in the heck am I going to afford .79 cents for a box of primers and $6.95 for a box of bullets. Good thing I still had some of that powder I found at a garage sale. At the same time, I always had ammo to go hunting. During the times of scarcity, I always had ammo on hand for self defense.

Now many years down the road, I'm thankful for the equipment and skills that I've picked up along the way. In these uncertain times it seems more important than ever to keep on going. Buy once cry once. Looking back I've found the investment worthwhile.

.40

 

[jmorris]

You can reload 38 spl with a lee loader, brass, primers, powder, bullets, hard surface and a mallet. The components and beating object will be a larger investment than the loader.

If you load very many you will invest in a better method, what method that is, is dependent on how many you wish to load and your knowledge of just how slow the process can be, from your experience of using the slowest method.

 

[gifbohane]

I think you need to decide if you are in or out. If you are in and finances allow get some good basic gear. I would NOT go to Dillon to start, but that is my 2 cents.

 

[Howland937]

I've bought up reloading stuff in yard sales and estate sales. It's not hard to find as many people get the desire to load their own ammo then life gets in the way or they're no longer motivated (I'm one of them). Back into it now, but maybe won't be this time next year. Your personality and finances have a huge impact on the advice I'd recommend you follow. Do you have multiple hobbies? Get financially pinched occasionally? Have kids at home? If so, go with the cheapest available means of producing your own rounds. Are you settled in to adulthood? Able to be undistracted? Dedicated to tasks you take on? Then by all means, buy once/cry once.

 

[walterelm]

As you intend to reload pistol ammo (not rifle) get a turret press. The LEE turret press is fine. A single stage press is too slow ... but i have one for resizing rifle ammo ...

My first press was a Dillon x650 for 9mm. In the first year i reloaded about 15.000 rounds. I need about 1.500 rounds .357 per year ... thats why i got the LEE turret ...

 

[Whiterook808]

38 Special dies are pretty commonly found at gun shows and flea markets. Just stick with major brands like RCBS, Lyman and Lee. The same for presses. They are hard to wear out. This Rock Chucker is what I use for rifle ammo and it was made in the late 1960s.

 

[.308 Norma]

I shoot so I can reload, I like messing with stuff and reloading fits that to a tee.

You and I both, presspuller.

 

[SteadyD]

Thanks for all of the replies. I wouldn’t be doing it to make tons of ammo, mostly just to understand the process. I really don’t have the space (currently) nor the desire to get an expensive setup and I would still rely almost exclusively on factory ammo.

Does the little Lee hand loading tool require much elbow grease to run? I have tendinitis in my wrist and elbow so I wouldn’t want to aggravate it.

 

[Dunross]

At least go with a single station press. The little Lee Loaders are great in a camp site under lantern light (if you are careful), otherwise they put the slow in "glacial pace."

I would recommend you start the a turret press. Lee makes a good one.

You *are* going to want to load more ammo. This is a virtual certainty. Once you have learned how and developed some confidence in your abilities you're going to want to shoot more, thus load more, to shoot more, thus load more, to shoot more...

Either abandon the reloading idea or think strategically and get a turret press.

 

[Whiterook808]

If you are talking about the hand press it depends on the cartridge. I wouldn't think 38 Special or 32 Mag would be much effort. If you are talking about the old school "whack-a-mole" I think the mallet does the work. I would not buy the whack-a-mole myself. The hand press would be the minimum for me.

 

[AJC1]

Pistol ammunition is generally high volume, and rifle can be high volume, high precision or both. The better equipment you get the better the experience, and more precision you will have. If you decide that the process is what you want to experience, taking a reloading class or mentor may be your best bet. Where are you located and do you have anything already???

 

[9mmepiphany]

I wouldn’t be doing it to make tons of ammo, mostly just to understand the process.
...Does the little Lee hand loading tool require much elbow grease to run? I have tendinitis in my wrist and elbow so I wouldn’t want to aggravate it..

These two statements would lead me to the conclusion that you should at least start with a single stage press.

I've loaded one round with a Lee hand tool and that put me off reloading for over 20 years. Putting a case into a die and whacking at it with a hammer...then considering that you're going to have to repeat it for each step (and each cartridge)... really doesn't teach you much about the reloading process as much as it does in futility

You can start with a Lee Breech Lock Reloader Press for under $40. With that, some dies, and a scale, you can start to understand the process and see how changing different settings affect the finial product...you'll actually start to understand the process as opposed to using all your energy just trying to accomplish it

 

[bersaguy]

My original setup was a Lee Value Turret Press bolted to a Harbor Freight folding work table. A Hornady digital pocket scale, Lee manual and a Lee 4 die set for 45acp. That was enough to get started. Six years later, I still have and use that same press and dies, and have added all sorts of equipment. I can't reccomend the turret press enough for someonestarting out, it is simple enough to keep track of everything that's going on in the reloading process, and has room for you to grow as a reloader. Worst case, you find out it's just not your cup of tea, you would have a lot easier time getting your money back out of a turret press than a hand loader.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013016267
Can't hardly go wrong with the kit for $150

 

[Outlaw75]

Thanks for all of the replies. I wouldn’t be doing it to make tons of ammo, mostly just to understand the process. I really don’t have the space (currently) nor the desire to get an expensive setup and I would still rely almost exclusively on factory ammo.

Does the little Lee hand loading tool require much elbow grease to run? I have tendinitis in my wrist and elbow so I wouldn’t want to aggravate it.

If you're talking about the Lee Hand Press; it's not too bad, although it does require a bit of pressure to pop out the spent primers. The Lee Challenger Single Stage press would be a better choice as the press will do most of the work for you.

 

[Bugster]

If you don't have room in your home, and/or no bench to attach the press to, you could go with the Lee hand press. I have one and I have done it all on this little guy except swaging. I have reloaded 30-06 Springfield on it with not much trouble required. Since you're not going to be loading a lot, and it's only straight wall pistol cases it should serve your purpose.

 

[reverseturn]

Just started reloading in January so consider that my experience is limited. I second the advice to go with a bench mounted single stage or turret press if you can dedicate the space. My "reloading bench" made of scrap is a bit longer than card table but not as deep and it is big enough for my needs You dont need a lot of space though you also need storage space for brass, powder, primers and dies. The press is a minor cost compared to everything else so spend an extra 40 to 80 bucks for a cast iron one and it should last for decades. I think 400 to 500 dollars is realistic to get started. I use a lee classic cast single stage press and have not yet felt the need to go faster. For myself reloading is a relaxing escape.