Beginner and interested in reloading, help?

[wolverine_173]

HI, Im interested in reloading but dont have the money now but i figure i can start saving brass from my 9mm and 40. So what do i need to know about saving brass? Do i just pick it up and throw it in a zip lock bag? Do i need to clean it? How should i store it? thanks for your help.

dave

 

[Ultravox]

I would just collect it and put it in a bag until you are ready to use it.

No worries about it sitting dirty, it won't hurt it.

Oh, and read the sticky post about reloading. It's full of good info.

 

[Cherokee]

I would just pick the brass up and put it in a zip lock bag. Store it in whatever box/bucket/? you have available. You can clean them when you start getting your loading equipment. Meanwhile, you can read up on reloading. Might as well get a Lyman #49 manual as you are going to need that when you start loading. Read it several times. Also check out the sticky posting for reloaders.

 

[dbarnhart]

We have three cats and go thru a lot of kitty litter. Tidy Cat sells litter in a 35 pound bucket. The bucket is rectangular, has a permanently attached lid, and they are designed to stack nicely. I find them perfect for storing brass.

If you want to feel constructive, buy one of the many inexpensive vibratory polishers, some media,and polish the brass. The best (and cheapest) media is:

http://www.drillspot.com/products/521055/econoline_526040g-40_40_lbs_blast_media

 

[Cosmoline]

I toss the brass in old coffee type tins, with NO lid. I just store it under the bench on the shelf until enough is accumulated to do a big cleaning. I learned the hard way that if brass picks up moisture from water at the range or air, and you seal it in a bag for a few months, you may get green corrosion.

I do use sealed baggies for sorting loaded test rounds, though. These go in dry and stay dry. I put a slip of paper in the bag with the data on it for testing.

 

[rfwobbly]

Mr Wolf -
Welcome to Reloading !!

Spend this time....
• Reading the "stickies" at the top of this forum
• Read a good book on reloading, like the Lyman "ABCs of Reloading". Often your local library has these for free.
• If you buy a book, then I also suggest the "49th Lyman".
• Picking up any 9x19 "Luger" or 40 S&W brass... especially the stuff you shoot yourself. If you're buying ammo, go ahead and get the Winchester "white box" or better. The cheap Russian ammo with steel cases isn't reloadable. Start carrying a magnet to spot the good stuff.
• Start collecting stack-able plastic cans with lids. My favorite is the 2 lb containers of Folgers coffee.
• Start cruising web sites like Midway, Grafs, Mid-South, Natchez, Gamaliel, Powder Valley, etc.
• Put your locale in your profile so people who want to help you know what part of the country you're from.

Hope this helps!

 

[Hondo 60]

Can't agree more on the reloading manuals!

My local library had Lyman's 47th when I started reloading, so when the 49th came out I bought 2 copies.
Gave one to the library.

I've seen many posts saying the ABC's is another good book, but I can't say for sure as I never read it.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. The only dumb question is one not asked.
There are lots of very good folks who frequent this forum.
And even those of us with over 1400 posts still have questions now & then.