Basic Reloading List of Materials for Beginer

[TechPrepper]

I've been shooting for many years now and would like to continue to do so. However with the expense of ammo these days, I need to getting into reloading if I am to continue.

I have absolutely no experience. Shopping around on Midway.com I find myself completely lost as to what tools, books, and supplies I will need.

I would like to (re)load the following calibers:

• 9mm Luger
• .45 ACP
• 5.56 NATO

Can you veteran loaders please give a total noob like me a list of basic "must-have" tools etc.?

Here is what I've found while researching, is this the right list or can some of it be left out? Should something else be added?

• Reloading Press (Single stage)
• Die Set for each caliber (will I need 2, 3, or 4 piece die sets?)
• Impact Bullet Puller
• Scales
• Powder Measure
• Powder Funnel (does this come with the press?)
• Case length Gage
• Reloading Manual
• Tumbler
• Tumbler media
• Media separator
• Chamfer and Deburring Tool
• Reloading Trays
• Bullets (for each caliber)
• Primers (what type? and are they the same for all the calibers I want to load?)
• Brass Casings
• Black Power

 

[Tom488]

I started out with this kit from RCBS, as have many others:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=646599

Along with that kit, pick up a set of carbide dies for both 9mm and .45ACP. Hold off on the .223 for now... start with pistol rounds first. Three-die sets will be fine, as the fourth die in the set is used for crimping. The seat/crimp die (die #3 in the set) will be fine to place a light taper crimp on the case. You'll read more about this in the reloading manual. But be sure and get the carbide dies... for pistol cases, a carbide sizer die won't require you to lubricate your cases - it makes life much easier that way.

The reloading manual that comes with the kit will show you what types of powder to use. Read the front section of the manual... twice.

You'll also want to order an impact bullet puller, tumbler, media, and media separator. You need to work with clean brass, so you don't damage your dies (dirt on the cases can scratch the dies).

You'll need shellholders for the cases. If you go with RCBS, shellholder #3 for the .45 brass, and shellholder #16 for the 9mm.

You can skip the case gauges... the barrels of your handguns will work fine for that, but you will need a caliper... dial or digital, your choice.

For bullets, start out with 230gr FMJ for the .45, and 115gr FMJ for the 9mm. You'll want large pistol primers for the .45, and small pistol primers for the 9mm.

You will NOT use any black powder... smokeless powder only. Again, refer to the manual that comes with the kit.

 

[1KPerDay]

I personally would start out just loading for the handguns. You'll not need a case length gauge or chamfer tool but you will need a set of calipers.

I started reloading a few months ago and I got the Lee Classic Turret press kit from kempf's with all the upgrades. I highly recommend it.

If you want to load rifle, there's a LOT more to worry about, mostly in case preparation. You'll also need to buy a case trimmer of some type. And some sizing wax/lube.

Start out with the 9 and .45 and try it out for a while. I personally have had success with plated bullets made by Berry's. I get mine from tjconevera's.

As for powder, a lot of people have recommended Winchester 231 for 9 and .45

good luck!

 

[snuffy]

Go read this sticky, then come back, ask more questions;

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

 

[Blue68f100]

I would start out with one of these Kits http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=646599 It includes most every thing you need to get started. The Rock Chucker is a press that will out last you and who ever you pass it down too. Built like a tank. Will need calipers but those you can get from about any where.

I like Hornady Dies best. RCBS, Redding are good but more expensive. Lee dies work but are a lower quality.

Buy your supplies in bulk, 10k+ primers, 5k+ bullets to get the best prices. But for starting off by powder in 1lb cans to try before buying the larger bulk cans, 4#, 8#. Buying primers and powder online there will be a $25 HAZMAT Fee added on top of shipping so be aware. A lot of time you can get primers and powders from local gun shows for a reasonable price.

I would get the book "ABC of Reloading" so you have a good under standing of what's going on.

Start on pistol brass first as suggested. Bottle neck brass has a lot of prep work that is needed.

 

[Fleet]

Qoted:
"Primers (what type? and are they the same for all the calibers I want to load?) "
No, they aren't the same. 9mm takes small pistol, 45 takes large pistol, 223/5.56 takes small rifle (different from small pistol in that the metal cups are thicker. May not ignite in a pistol due to less energy in the pistols main spring). Brand is up to you. If you had something using 7.62 Nato/.308 Win, it would take large rifle primers.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Critiquing your list.

•Reloading Press (Single stage)
Absolutely necessary. Fingers are not strong enough.

•Die Set for each caliber (will I need 2, 3, or 4 piece die sets?)
Absolutely necessary. Fingers are not accurate or strong enough.

•Impact Bullet Puller
I loaded for a decade and a half without one. Then, another decade before I used the one I got. But when you need one, you need it. There are also collet-style bullet pullers that you use in your press. Quieter. I'm not sure which is easier to use.

•Scales
Not absolutely necessary, but necessary if you want to load safely, consistently and accurately.

•Powder Measure
Not absolutely necessary, but does speed things up considerably.

•Powder Funnel (does this come with the press?)
Not absolutely necessary, but does speed things up considerably.

•Case length Gage
Not absolutely necessary, but eventually you will either be throwing away brass that needs trimming and otherwise still has many firings left it it or buying a case length gauge.

•Reloading Manual
Not absolutely necessary, because you can get a lot of the information in them from videos and the internet not available when I started, but there is no substitute for having a manual right in front of you. Get at least three. They vary in their writing style and even in load recipes.

•Tumbler
I loaded for 35 years before getting one. It was a gift from a friend. I think the appearance of my brass embarrassed him. My loads shot just fine without. Now they shoot just the same, but do look prettier.

•Tumbler media
(see "Tumbler", above)

•Media separator
You can use fingers, a collander or a dedicated kitty litter sifter (don't be cheap, buy a new one) or dump a bunch of money for a fancy specially made one. How much money do you have?

•Chamfer and Deburring Tool
Pocket knife or round file can do the job, but you will be happier with one that gets things lined up rigorously. Especially good to use after trimming your rifle brass.

•Reloading Trays
Buy two if you will process in "batch mode". Not needed if you will process in "Continuous Process" mode.

•Bullets (for each caliber)
Kind of pointless without bullets, eh?

•Primers (what type? and are they the same for all the calibers I want to load?)
Read up. If you don't know the answer to this one, you need to study before loading. The ABC's of Reloading (any edition) is VERY good to have. Also, almost all loading manuals dedicate their early chapters to describing the process. There are 4 types. Large Pistol, Large Rifle, Small Pistol and Small Rifle. Outside dimensions are almost all precisely the same (Small Pistol/Small Rifle and Large Pistol/Large Rifle), but the thickness of the metal is greater for the rifle primers because they must withstand greater pressures (like 60kpsi and up vs 15 to 20kpsi)

•Brass Casings
Unnecessary if you are shooting muzzle loaders, but with cartridges, pretty much as necessary as the bullets.

•Black Power
Not a good idea in the 5.56. The powder residue will wreak havoc with the gas piston and your semi-auto will soon become a manually operated firearm. In the 9mm and 45 ACP, you might get away with it, but you really owe it to yourself to use the powder those cartridges were designed for. Smokeless powder. Smokeless is more stable, cheaper, MUCH safer.

Read the "Sticky" thread at the top of this forum. It talks about equipment a lot.

Good luck. Study hard. Use eye protection, especially when working with primers and don't pinch your fingers in your press.

Lost Sheep

 

[1SOW]

re: reloading press.

If you actually shoot 9mm and 45ACP, a single stage press may not meet your needs.

A Turret Press IS a single stage press that performs ONE function per handle pull. The benefit here is that the next function is all ready to go. You don't have change/reset dies. An auto indexing turret will allow you to load many more rounds/hour than a single stage press.

The Lee Classic turret press will load all you listed.

JMO

 

[Lost Sheep]

About auto-indexing:

If you actually shoot 9mm and 45ACP, a single stage press may not meet your needs.

A Turret Press IS a single stage press that performs ONE function per handle pull. The benefit here is that the next function is all ready to go. You don't have change/reset dies. An auto indexing turret will allow you to load many more rounds/hour than a single stage press.

The Lee Classic turret press will load all you listed.

JMO

And, the Lee Classic Turret (and its somewhat inferior older brother, the Lee Deluxe Turret) are the only turret presses made today that feature automatic rotation of the turret head. (Which can be disabled at will, when you want to).

If you process in a batch mode, this advantage loses some of its luster, and if you perform some loading steps off-press (case trimming, priming, etc), but if you process in continuous mode and need only 4 die stations, the Lee Turret is the only press I would consider.

Lost Sheep

 

[Mac2]

I agree with Tom and Blue here. Good advise. I started with an RCBS single stage kit of my Dad's 35 years ago. Moved away and he got me my own. It's what I still use. I'm not an ammo machine (turret press), I enjoy reloading.

It's kinda expensive to get in to, with the kit and bulk components. But once you do, you won't look back. Before long, you will get interested in casting your own for some serious savings.

You won't save a lot of money, but you will shoot much more for the same price. My wife and I don't think nothing about grabbing 6 or 8 boxes off the shelf for a day at the range. I can load .38 / .357 for about $6 a box, and the big stuff (.44, .45 acp and .45C for under $10) Buy in bulk, shoot in bulk. Good luck.

 

[HK SD9 Tactical]

Depends entirely on the amount that you shoot. If you plan to reload uder 500 rounds a month, then a single stage will probably do. If you plan to reload 5000 rounds a month, get a progressive.

I started with a single stage and it got old very fast. It is not unsual for me to let loose about 1K rounds a month. That's was too much for a single stage press but I am glad that I have one. I just purchased a progressive because I shoot lots of .380, 9mm, .357, .357 Sig, .40 and .223. I load 300 Savage and 30-30 Win on a single stage as I shoot less than 250 rounds a year out of these last two. The exception to to the rule for pistol rounds is my 5.7X28mm. Those get loaded exclusively on a single stage.

Where in SouthWest Florida? Best advice is to find someone with both a single stage and progressive. That way you can make an informed determination.

 

[rfwobbly]

Sure....

Requirements...
Reloading dies
Shell holder (if not built into the press)
Priming tool (if not built into the press)
Reloading press
Reloading manual
Calipers (physical measurement)
Powder scale (powder measurement)
Powder dispenser

And of course...
Empty cases
Powder
Bullets
Primers

Then there are some accessories that make things easier....
More reloading manuals
Primer trays (for loading the primer tool)
Kinetic hammer (for removing bullets)
Case storage trays & bins
Ammo storage cases
Case lube
Case lube pad
Tumbler and media
Cartridge gauge
Case trimmers (usually for bottle-neck rifle only)
Sturdy bench
Comfy chair or stool
Dedicated reloading area
Shelves
Filing cabinet
Universal de-capper die
0-1" Micrometer
Chronograph
Dillon wall calendar


I'll not recommend a particular machine brand because that depends on your budget, your volume of reloading, and other personal factors. You can get to work in a Yugo, but some people prefer the features of a Mercedes. It's the same with the reloading machines. Every machine offered today is well built and worth every penny you pay for it. Some cost $75, some cost $1500. As with the example of the automobile... you get exactly what you pay for.

Some people will argue that the Dillon calendar is a requirement.

Hope this helps!

 

[TechPrepper]

Thank you everyone for the feedback. This is exactly what I need to get started!

 

[Groffeaston]

Hello everyone,

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to compare what I have to what is recommended to start out with and what else is "nice to have".

Here is what I have so far:

Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit
Lee Deluxe 3 Die set in .270 Win
Lee's Modern Reloading Second Edition; Reloading Manual

What I know I need:

Dies for: .30-30 Win, 6.5 x 52 Carcano, and 7.62 mm x 54 R
Caliper
2 or 3 more Reloading Manuals
Reloading Block/Tray
Tumbler and Media
Case Length Gauges for each Caliber
Bullet Puller
Chronograph
Powder
Brass
Primers

Would like to get:

Sonic Tub Cleaner
Digital Scale
Another Press or press kit

The reason I would like to have a second press is to keep one set up for decapping, to make it a little easier, more of a assembly line process, more streamlined.

As of right now I do not have a bench or an area to do my reloading. Why? The garage is full of other stuff. The Basement is completely full up with my nephew's stuff because he and his wife and children move in with my mom, dad and I. And of course I do not have space in my room.

As for obtaining the other things I need, I am getting them slowly. Can anyone suggest anything I might need that I might have missed?

 

[Jlr2267]

You don't *need* the chrono, tumbler or tray (although trays are nice). I would forego those and think about how I could consistently throw/check powder.

 

[Dudedog]

For the 3 calibers you listed I would reccomend getting the Lee turrent press. Not as fast as a progressive but faster than a single stage. Everything I have in those calibers seem to shoot up fast....


Reloading Press (Single stage) ----Lee Turrrent
Die Set for each caliber (will I need 2, 3, or 4 piece die sets?) -- I like the Like the 4 die sets for pistol
Impact Bullet Puller --- Yes you will need it for a sanity check every now and then
Scales MUST HAVE
Powder Measure-- If you get the Lee turrent press kit it has one. You will most likely need the double disk kit for 5.56 (Order the lee powder die for rifle)
Powder Funnel (does this come with the press?) --Don't need if you use the Lee powder thru dies but nice to have, inexpensive
Case length Gage -- A must for the 5.56 IT WILL NEED to be TRIMMED
Reloading Manual YES YES YES
Tumbler -- I did with out these by washing cases in the bucket but now that I have them they make nice shiney brass---
Tumbler media
Media separator -- nice but not necessary
Chamfer and Deburring Tool --Yes
Reloading Trays
Bullets (for each caliber)
Primers (what type? and are they the same for all the calibers I want to load?)- 9mm Small Pistol, .45 APC usually Large pistol but small pistol cases are out there, 5.56 Small rifle some prefer small rifle maganum ot military for AR15/MIN14 to help prevent slam fires---which are a BAD thing
Brass Casings yup need some
Black Power ---***not quite sure why with those rounds, nut you will need powder(s) at least 2 types.
With careful selection you can find powders that will work well in both 9mm and .45 UNiversal is my favorite but none around Unique and there are others check the manual you purchased or power manafactures web sites then see what works in both that you can find.
5.56 will need a different powder.

Something to trim the 5.56 cases with.....lots of thing out there depending on howmuch you want to spend. I started off with a little hand crank Hornady lathe type trimmer for 5.56 and ended up buying a Worlds Finest Trimmer for it. Much faster but more expensive.


Lee kit
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/78...-turret-press-deluxe-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding
if money is tight this will work as well.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/62...ith-auto-index-value-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding