Help Getting Started

[Styx]

I am aware that this has probably been asked before, but I not able to find simple info. That, and I'm really not sure what to look for or where to look for this information.

I know absolutely nothing about reloading, but I want to get started for as inexpensive as possible. I googled for information, but people on most other forum threads just start throw out random information and names that only experienced reloads would comprehend.

From what I could gather from the web, I guess I need some sort of press, dies for 9mm and 40s&w, a reloading manual, some sort of scale to weigh power, a caliper, power, primers, brass, bullets.

The Lyman 49th Edition Reloading Handbook was suggested for the manual and the Lee Precision 9-mm Luger Loader. I'm not sure about what else I would need, what's the best place to get it from, and what's the best brand.

I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

 

[Reloadron]

I would suggest starting with the Lyman 49th Edition you mention, read it over a few times and most important become familiar with the terms and what is discussed. Things begin to get clear the more you read and the questions you ask. I wouldn't worry about buying a press or any hardware initially. Read through This Sticky in these forums. There is a wealth of wisdom to be read in there.

There really is no "best brand" because everyone has their pet hardware. It becomes a matter through reading finding out what works best for you and also important your budget. This is why at this point I won't even suggest any hardware, let alone a press.

Reloading is not rocket science, you will in time get a handle on it. Read the suggested book and ask questions. There is no shortage of people here happy to help and suggest things.

Ron

 

[Walkalong]

While the loader you linked to will "work", you will soon tire of it if you load more than a few rounds a year.

Get a Lee single stage kit (around $100/125 depending on where you buy it.), some calipers (HF often sends out coupons to get them for $9/12), a reloading manual, and get started. Once you have the items in hand, you know better what questions you have.

 

[balderclev]

I would suggest starting with the Lyman 49th Edition you mention, read it over a few times and most important become familiar with the terms and what is discussed. Things begin to get clear the more you read and the questions you ask. I wouldn't worry about buying a press or any hardware initially. Read through This Sticky in these forums. There is a wealth of wisdom to be read in there.

There really is no "best brand" because everyone has their pet hardware. It becomes a matter through reading finding out what works best for you and also important your budget. This is why at this point I won't even suggest any hardware, let alone a press.

Reloading is not rocket science, you will in time get a handle on it. Read the suggested book and ask questions. There is no shortage of people here happy to help and suggest things.

Ron

Yep, read, read, read. Books and this forum. After a couple of weeks you will know enough to begin thinking about what you want to start off with in terms of hardware and components.

 

[il.bill]

While the loader you linked to will "work", you will soon tire of it if you load more than a few rounds a year.

Get a Lee single stage kit (around $100/125 depending on where you buy it.), some calipers (HF often sends out coupons to get them for $9/12), a reloading manual, and get started. Once you have the items in hand, you know better what questions you have.

^This is a very good place to start.

The Sticky mentioned by Reloadron http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=649184 has lots of good links, especially for a raw beginner.

If you have no one to 'show' you, spending some time searching for reloading videos can help take some of the mystery away. Watching various approaches on YouTube made me feel more comfortable with the process.

As has been stated - read, read, and read some more.

Be patient, be careful, and you will do fine. Good luck!

 

[grogetr]

When I started a year ago I got the Lyman manual and hung out here and did a lot of reading in both. Every time someone made a link to something they were discussing I would follow it to see what it was. If a part is mentioned you don't know what it is look it up at Midway Usa or one of the other supply outlets to see what it is and the difference between like items. It's a great way to find out the difference between a single stage or turret or progressive press and many other things. The manuals will start making more sense and easier to understand. I did this for a couple months before I bought anything. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[J-Bar]

A good mentor is a godsend. Do you have any friends who reload? Can you make any friends who reload? Is there a shooting club or range near you where you could put a note on the bulletin board and ask for help getting started?

Spending some time with an experienced reloader helped me a great deal. It gave me confidence enough to buy a Dillon progressive reloader as my first press (usually the recommendation is to get a single stage press first) and I have had no problems.

 

[hanno]

Welcome to the reloading brotherhood.

Another good manual is "Modern Reloading" by Lee Precision.

http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision...20038064&sr=8-1&keywords=lee+modern+reloading

As noted above, start reading every thread on this forum. At first, some may not make any sense at all but you will also pick up a lot of useful information.

You might consider calling the NRA and asking about metallic reloading instructors in your area. You could also ask around at your local gun club and local gun shop. Most reloaders would be happy to take a newbie under their wing.

 

[iShoot17]

I am with the above shooters. Read, watch videos, etc.

As far as equipment, we need to know more about your shooting habits. Are you a guy shooting 10,000+ pistol rounds a year? Or are you a guy shooting 500? Do you like to experiment or do you like one and done?

I shoot 9mm.. I reload for it on presses ranging from $100-$1000+, depending on my ultimate goal for the round. I also have 10+ types of bullets specifically for 9mm, I have over 10 types of pistol powder, and I have a few types of primers. There is no simple "buy this kit and you'll be set for life". Our needs and desires as reloaders are always changing. Also , our desire to experiment also puts a dent in the wallet.

If you do not shoot mass quantities or are just a weekend shooter looking for another hobby, then pick up a single stage or a turret press and start going to town AFTER you have read and no more about reloading. Hands down, you'll need a manual. In addition to this, you will need calipers, a press (that comes with a priming device, or buy an additional one), a scale, and dies.

I will say this: if you're reloading to save money, you are barking up the wrong tree. Heck, you may be in the wrong forest all together if shooting is your hobby and you're looking to save money! Equipment can be found cheap and can do as intended, it is just the upgrading that gets interesting! You won't save money because you'll just shoot more!

Powder, primers, brass, and bullets will also be needed. These are deemed components though, not equipment.

My suggestion: Read the manual, find out what is happening in that high PSI explosion in your hand, and learn. Watch videos on YouTube about different equipment. I still do this and have been loading for quite some time and have some great tools and experience. That doesn't mean I can't learn more.

Once you can tell us a little more about your experience, and know a few things about reloading, check back in! You can make ammo on a $25 Lee Hand press or in a $30,000+ Camdex! Our needs are better served, when we honestly know more about the hobby we want to get into and what the ultimate goal is.

ALSO! Try to find someone who is into reloading. You may want to "try before you buy" in this case. Reloading is tedious, takes time, will certainly test your patience/sanity/nerves at some point (experimenting..), and should not become a 'chore'. If you can find someone to show you the ropes, it will make things better for you!

 

[Katitmail]

Ok. 40s&w and 9mm. Pistol shooter.

Couple questions:

1. How much do you shoot (rounds per month)?
2. How much time do you want to spend reloading? Or, in other words - what's your time worth?

Now.. With those calibers, given that you have equipment and brass is free - you will be able to make ammo 1/2 of the cost. 9mm is 1/2, 40sw probably even better.

Some rough math.. My equipment paid off after about 10k rounds, took little over a year. If I had single stage press it would be like 100+ hours (or 2hr a week reloading). With turret it's like 50+ hours. With progressive I spend no more than 2hr per month.

 

[gojuice101]

The ABCs of Reloading is a great book for beginners. Plenty of information that is easily understandable even for someone completely new to reloading. I suggest getting that and reading it, in addition to loading manuals.

As far as equipment, the Lee kits are a good deal. They are relatively cheap (think I paid just over $100) and they include everything that you'll need to get started, short of caliber specific tools such as dies and shellholders They include the single stage press, the scale, powder measure, pan, deburr/chamfer tool (which I suggest you upgrade when possible. The Lee one is not very good IMO), and primer pocket cleaner. Getting into reloading takes a little initial investment in equipment and components, but you can definitely save in the long run. You can get into it really cheap, with the Lee loaders instead of standard presses, but it will be much more difficult, time consuming, and not as rewarding.

 

[homatok]

I would suggest that you get one or three reloading manuals and start reading. For now, just read up to the beginning of the actual loading information. Read it all at least twice. As suggested, you can watch videos on "you-tube" BUT---keep in mind that anyone can post a video and many of them are more dangerous than helpful. Reading a lot of material published by people who sell bullets and those who sell powder will at least give you an idea if the video you just watched had any real value. Safety first!

 

[Bronx kid]

You are definitely going to need a kinetic bullet puller.

 

[savanahsdad]

a year or so back a newbe was told get the Lyman #49 and was very unhappy with the data , and was a little upset as to why everyone told him to get that book , , so to clear a few things up , it is a must have for info , and most of the how-to you will need , but the load data is not the best , lots of cast stuff and less common loads , but I would still get one for all the other info in it , I have #45 , #47 , #48 and #49. but for the best data get some caliber specific books they run about $8 each and have data from all the powder manufactures and bullet manufactures , and/or if you plan on using Sierra bullets get there book or Hornady get there book , or skip the lyman book and get the ABC's of Reloading , then the other books

 

[gamestalker]

If you live in my neck of the woods, I would be more than happy to walk you through the process?

GS

 

[Ventura Guy]

I was in your shoes just over a year ago. All my research and YouTube videos indicated that the Lee single stage kit (not the anniversary kit) was the best and most economical way to start. If you go the lee route, get the lee reloading manual (although you should lyman also). As others have mentioned $10 calipers from HF work just fine. The HF tumbler works great and crushed walnut shells from pets mart.

BUT, if you load 9mm and shoot alot like me a single stage press is slow. You will quickly outgrow it and wish you instead invested in a progressive press. I still think the Lee kit is still a great value especially if you are thinking of loading rifle ammo.

Tips on cleaning brass, crushed walnut shells, new finish polish, one cup of uncooked rice and 6 small pieces of cloth (old shirt, socks).

Reloading is very rewarding and therapeutic. Good luck.

 

[gamestalker]

I never out grew my single stage presses, but everyone has always said "that boy just ain't right".

GS