First time reloader need help and info!!

[Expertowgunner]

Ive been thinking about getting into reloading for a long time now and ive finally got the money to start getting into it. I need advice on what is the best path to take to learn to reload. Im mainly going to start loading .223 rem ammo and .40 ammo as i shoot the hell out of both and have lots of spare brass for both. Does one press do both pistol and rifle rounds? Again im unfortunately very ignorant of reloading and would like more info on it. Also how much would it cost for like a 1000 rounds of .223 if i reload on my own? It would be like 55 or 62 gr ammo that replicates most commercial .223 rem ammo on the market.

 

[Expertowgunner]

also the 1000 rounds of .223 should be adjusted for brass provided with only primers, powder, and bullets to be bought.

 

[jcwit]

Step 1 at this point, purchase a few books on reloading, both general reloading and manuals giving receipes. And read study and read, then ask questions.

I would suggest a single stage press by any of the major mfg. from Lee on up. None of them make bad presses. All make great ammo if you do your part. Some have fantasic bragging rights as to how much mula you were able to spend, some don't.

But for right now study and read.

 

[dmazur]

I need advice on what is the best path to take to learn to reload.

The potential to do yourself (or others) extreme injury is always present when reloading, so understanding the process of reloading is the first step on the path. If you don't understand it completely, you can inadvertently step off the path and have an accident.

The first 100 pages or so of the Speer reloading manual has an excellent description of all of the elements of reloading, including

• cases and inspection
• bullet types and selection
• primer sizes
• resizing
• primer seating
• powder charging
• bullet seating
• crimping

"The ABC's of Reloading" also covers this.

After you understand the process, you can ask yourself what type of reloading you intend to do, and the volume you anticipate. This will help you make equipment selections. It is very hard for others to select equipment for you...

Then, after you've reloaded a few hundred rounds, you may run into questions about some specific issue. Maybe a bullet seating depth question, or a measurement technique question. IMO, that's when the reloading forums are most useful -- to help better define the path for you. (You'll probably get 3 or 4 different answers, but by this time you'll have enough understanding to sort them out and make an intelligent decision. )

Good luck!

 

[Hondo 60]

Lyman's 49th is probably the best manual available.
It has a "How to" as well as hundreds of recipes.
Start here & you won't ever regret it.

As far as the press itself, that depends on your financial situation.
The least expensive is going to be a Lee brand press.

If it were me, I'd get a Lee Classic Cast 4-hole turret.
You can use it as a single stage until you get the hang of it, then you also have the speed of a turret press.

Don't forget, the only dumb question is one you didn't ask that got you or a buddy injured.

 

[rfwobbly]

Step 1 at this point, purchase a few books on reloading, both general reloading and manuals giving recipes. And read study and read, then ask questions.

I'd amend that to say Step 1 is to read the anchored post at the top of this forum.

Then Step 1a is to do some outside reading, Maybe look on Amazon and try to find a used copy of "The ABC's of Reloading", or borrow a buddy's reloading manual. All the manuals have detailed instructions as their first chapters.

Step 2 When you feel comfortable, then ask questions here. The other guys are here to help you. I'm here because I'm in the 'time out corner'.

Step 3 Cast around locally on Craig's List or at your local gun club for a used single stage press. You can buy a used 30 yo RCBS Rock Chucker system for cheap, and it will be better than some of the stuff you pay $200 for new.

Step 4 Study up and start with on your 40S&W. Pistol always is easier and goes faster. Start with very small batches of 5-10 rounds. Use a recipe right out of the reloading manual. No experimentation for the first several months.

Step 5 Try really hard to locate a local buddy who can mentor you. You'll need someone to look over your shoulder. This ain't exactly making mud pies you know.

 

[RoostRider]

I recommend buying a copy of The ABC's Of Reloading and reading it cover to cover and then ask some questions and THEN decide if reloading is for you.

If it IS for you, then buy a simple press and some dies and the Hornady Reloading Manual (or some equivalent), and start slow and steady.

Reloading can be fun for some people (not so much for others), and can save lots of money for some people (but not for others), and can produce great quality ammo for some (but not for others)....

 

[greyling22]

I like modern reloading 2nd edition by lee. it's a bit preachy about how awesome lee stuff is, but there's good material there.

I got into reloading 223 when it was high and scarce. now cabelas has 223 for sale at $3.79 per 20. I can't reload it for that, and 223 is a pain to load for. lubing cases, expensive components, etc.

40 smith on the other hand is easy. carbide dies don't require lube, I can't buy it near as cheap as I can load it, and it doesn't have to be as precise. you should start here and move on to 223 if you like reloading.

I really like the lee turret presses. you can load anything short of 50 bmg on them, they're cheap and function well. I like that you load 1 complete round at a time so there is less risk of losing track of what you were doing if the wife interrupts like with a single stage, and there is not so much going on to keep track of like in a progressive press.

also, saving a bunch of money when reloading is something of a myth. you have high upfront costs, a lot of time involved in producing your round, more time in hunting for your brass, and unless you're casting your own lead bullets, jacketed bullets are expensive. if you're casting, that's more time, scrap lead lying around, potential for lead poisoning etc.

now, I reload for all my guns, I enjoy it. I like tailoring a load to a gun. I like downloading powerful calibers to make them more pleasant. I like knowing exactly what my gun eating. I also like building my own computers, but that's not the best route for everybody.

Lee stuff gets my recommendation. it's like a hyundai. you get a lot of bang for your buck, and it's enough for most people. there are nicer pieces of equipment to be had though. however, no 1 company has the best anything. for example, the best setup might be (picking all these brands at random now) forster dies in a hornady press with an RCBS powder drop and a Lee powder scale.


PS: Step 5 from rfwobbly is the very best thing you could do.

 

[qajaq59]

It's been said 7 times already, but I'll repeat it. Start with the books and really read them. No skimming. And don't buy any equipment at all until you read and understand what the books say. That alone willl save you a bunch of money.....

 

[bullseye308]

I won't repeat what the others have said bout reading the books like the Lyman manual or the ABC's cause that has been covered, what I will throw out is that after you have done that and have an idea of what you are looking to do, ask yourself these questions:
1. How many rounds per month do i need to load?
2. How much time can I dedicate to making them?
3. What is my budget for hardware and initial purchase of components?
4. What type of press best suits my needs & capabilities?*
5. How much will caliber conversions cost down the road & how easy to change over?





*by needs I mean single stage, turret, or progressive. By capabilities I mean technical aptitude & budget. If you are not good with multiple processes happening at once on a machine you have to tweak some, don't let your first press be a Loadmaster(have one-love it). Don't think a single stage is not a good investment, you will always have a need for one.

 

[Win1892]

ABCs of Reloading. I have a copy I loan out to interested parties. Half the people start reloading and half realize it is more learning, work, and diligence than they are willing to invest

 

[ScratchnDent]

Just doing some figuring off the top of my head, I'd say you could load 1000 rnds of .223 FMJs for a bit less than $250, given that you have the brass already.

These costs are estimates, as I haven't bought any components except primers in at least a year.

Primer 3.5 cents each
Powder 8 cents each
Bullet 10 cents each

 

[Bluehawk]

After you have read and read and re-read it all, order/purchase an inexpensive Lee Loader kit and try loading with that first. If after 100 or so rounds you feel reloading is for you then by all means begin purchasing the heavy duty reloading equipment! Very many of us started out reloading with the Lee Classic loaders...they are easy...simple...go anywhere tools!!!!!!

 

[qajaq59]

and half realize it is more learning, work, and diligence than they are willing to invest

At least they found out before they spent $600 on reloading equipment. Not everyone is going to like it.

 

[gatsbysdad]

reload

Reload with a friend for a 6 month-1 year period, then go out on your own. You will then know how and what you need to start.

 

[Bluehawk]

Reload with a friend for a 6 month-1 year period

If one is a very slow learner I would tend to agree but the average person can pick it up in four weeks of practice, 2-3 times a week. By that time they should feel comfortable enough to be on their own with one caliber and practicing good safety and housekeeping rules.

 

[oneounceload]

Quote:
I need advice on what is the best path to take to learn to reload.
The potential to do yourself (or others) extreme injury is always present when reloading, so understanding the process of reloading is the first step on the path. If you don't understand it completely, you can inadvertently step off the path and have an accident.

The first 100 pages or so of the Speer reloading manual has an excellent description of all of the elements of reloading, including

* cases and inspection
* bullet types and selection
* primer sizes
* resizing
* primer seating
* powder charging
* bullet seating
* crimping


"The ABC's of Reloading" also covers this.

After you understand the process, you can ask yourself what type of reloading you intend to do, and the volume you anticipate. This will help you make equipment selections. It is very hard for others to select equipment for you...

Then, after you've reloaded a few hundred rounds, you may run into questions about some specific issue. Maybe a bullet seating depth question, or a measurement technique question. IMO, that's when the reloading forums are most useful -- to help better define the path for you. (You'll probably get 3 or 4 different answers, but by this time you'll have enough understanding to sort them out and make an intelligent decision. )

Excellent post and advice!....Follow this to a T

 

[ArchAngelCD]

After you do all the reading you should do first take a look at the Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret press. You can load your 40 S&W ammo fairly quickly on it and remove the auto-index rod when loading rifle ammo.

Note, I said "Classic" turret press. The Classic presses have cast frames which are much better than the other presses they make. The ram and linkage is also heavier on the Classic turret press.