How do I start reloading?

[SniperStraz]

Hello all. I'm thinking that its time I start reloading. The problem is I have no idea what I'm doing and it doesn't seem like the kind of thing to just figure out as I go along. I was wondering if any of you could break the process down for me. I need to know what kind of equipment I need. What is all of that equipment called? Where can I buy it. What kind of powder do I need? How do I measure it? I'm going to start with just reloading one caliber and then move on to a few more. So for starters, what do I need for 7.62x39? Anyway, I kind of just need someone to break it down for me like I'm a 2 year old. Any and all help will be appreciated.
Thanks. -SniperStraz

 

[delta5]

First you need to buy a couple of reloading manuals and start reading them. I read through my Lee manual several times before I actually started reloading.

You will get all kinds of recomendations on equipment, but you should take a look at the Lee 50th aniversary set. It has everything you need except dies. Its very affordable and wont break the bank. Learn with this press, then if you feel you like the hobby and want to continue, go buy a better press and use the Lee press as a secondary press. You dont need to buy a zillion dollar blue or green setup to start. The Lee Challenger press will work for you just fine while you are learning.

 

[bang_bang]

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1233267853.4768=/html/catalog/anivers.html

That's a link to Lee's Anniversary Kit. Has everything for a novice reloader to start the basics with, except your dies for the caliber, powder, primer, bullets, etc.

Get a couple of manuals, some shops give them out for free via manufacturer of the powder i.e. Hogdons, IMR, etc.

I have the 50th Anniversary Kit, very user friendly. And as always, if you have any questions about it, ask these very experienced people on here. They know what they're talking about.

BE SAFE! Double/triple check and read ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

 

[safetyjoe]

I would buy an up to date reloading manual (or 2 or 3), then read it end to end. Reloading isn't rocket science but it is dangerous. Sorry, I'm sure you understand it's dangerous, but it's also addicting, I did a search and found this book at Midway and others The ABC's of Reloading. As far as gear, I started with a LEE 3 hole Turret press and had good results with it, www.leeprecision.com and now use a Dillon RL550B www.dillonprecision.com. There are many others out there, Hornady, RCBS, and Lyman are some of the names that come to my mind. Midway www.midwayusa.com is a good place to buy gear from but there are many others. There is a ton of info on the web, I know I didn't answer your questions but hopefully this helps.

 

[isitdeadyet]

lurk here for awhile, read all of the posts about which press company is the best. Then go out and buy a Lee 4 hole turrent or classic cast, jump in, spend some money and just begin. Must haves not in Lee kits, digital calipers, good scale (lee scale dose'nt work well) case trim tools, one shot lube, another load book, and of course powder, primers, bullets, cases, bullet puller, cartridge cases & trays, dies, new work bench, better lights, storage containers, chrono graph........

 

[rfwobbly]

Start with reading.

Reading the permanent posts at the top of this Forum's page.
Reading the posts that concern the calibers you own.
Reading reloading books from your library.
Reading the free reloading booklets handed out at your local gun stores.

Recognize that reloading takes space, time and money. Over time it will repay the money, but does your living space have room for another hobby? Do you actually have a spare 2 hours in your weekly schedule that will allow you to concentrate without interruption?

If so then I think you've found a hobby that is fun, interesting and will complement your shooting. Welcome aboard !!

 

[Dean Williams]

This is one of the threads that Wobbly notes in his post, above:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214
It will give you a decent idea of what you need.

 

[SniperStraz]

Thank you guys very much. I'm gonna start by just learning everything I can before I buy the equipment but I appreciate you starting me off in the right direction.

 

[33rowdy]

Quote
"I'm thinking that its time I start reloading."

You sound like you are unsure if you want to reload and asking us if its something that you might like. If that is the case; RCBS has a DVD "Precisioneered Handloading". Or ask to look at someone else's toys to play with.

And yes...we all beat you people that are just starting out about:
BOOKS!

BOOKS!
Those books will save your life. Live by them!

 

[RandyP]

I would also suggest looking at some of the very informative videos available at the Lee Precision site plus good old youtube.

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/video.html

Under reloading you will find dozens of youtube videos showing actual owners reloading rifle and pistol ammo on a variety of presses. If a picture is worth a thousand words a video is an encyclopedia.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=reloading&aq=f

FWIW I too just started and have begun using the Lee 50th Anniv. kit, picked it up at my local Cabelas.

 

[qajaq59]

I'm gonna start by just learning everything I can before I buy the equipment

Smart move......

 

[rfwobbly]

...I'm gonna start by just learning everything I can before I buy the equipment....

VERY SMART, indeed.

There's a LOT of equipment offered, some of it you need, some you don't. No need to spend extra on a case trimmer if you want to reload pistol rounds. No need to spend extra on a progressive press if you want to reload 50 rifle cartridges. No need to learn pistol reloading if you want to shoot shotgun. Follow?

Reloading is like flying. First thing to decide is what you want to do. Stunt flying? Fighter pilot? Bomber pilot? Round-the-world record attempt? Crop dusting? Each different type of flying calls for a special plane and special piloting techniques. Some of the equipment and techniques carry over, but not all.

Sometimes your guns will determine what kind of reloading. Sometimes a sport like "dove hunting" will determine which area you go into.

As you read and learn, you'll be able to focus in on a specific area. Then tell us about it.

 

[coloradokevin]

I'll come in here just to parrot everyone else:

READ, READ, READ!!!

I started about a year ago, and didn't have anyone available to coach me through the process. I started out by reading everything I could find on the net, which even included a number of Youtube videos and whatnot. I later went to my local library, and borrowed a copy of The ABC's of Reloading. Then I bought the Lyman 48th Edition load manual (now they are on edition 49).

Finally, I started checking out reviews of equipment and plunked down some money for the Lee Classic Turret setup. I wouldn't nearly call myself the reloading expert that some of these guys are, but I'm turning out good ammo so far, and haven't had any failures or blow-ups

 

[dagger dog]

Sniper,

The first stop to buy equipment for your new reloading hobby is BOOKS A MILLION or BARNES & NOBLE ,pick up or order a copy of THE ABC'S OF RELOADING. Better yet, if the old wallet can stand it, get the new #49 LYMAN RELOADING HANDBOOK too.

Then plan to spend the next couple days thumbing through the pages.If these two books get to where you can't put them down, then the bug done bit!
Then your next move is to get deeper into the pocket and spring for a starter reloading set up.

If for some reason that bug bite doesn't poison you, you won't have a lot invested and you can post the stuff in the reloading for sale forum .

But I have to warn you that the reloading bug bite is darn near fatal.
The wife says I get the shakes and my eyes start buggin' out every time I walk by the local Bass Pro shop, and the only way I can get rid of the shakes is to spend some time up stairs on my reloading bench.

So if you don't want people to mistake you for a junkie, better go get a big bottle of 100% DEET, and what ever you do don't get around anything that smells of gunpowder cause thats where them little suckers hide, So pour that DEET on before it's too late

 

[R.Clem]

SniperStraz:
I agree will all others, but after reading, and reading, and reading. Use the forum to try to locate someone in your area who has reloaded for some time and do a hands on learning with them.
I have a friend (George) who now lives in Arizona that just had to get into reloading. George went out and purchased a bunch of reloading equipment, built a bench in his soon to be reloading area and started buying components and books. He followed the directions in the manuals, (so he said). and went out to shoot his new reloaded ammo, the results were anything but good. No high pressure signs or anything that would appear dangerous, just the worst accuracy you could ever imagine. George called me a couple weeks later and explained what had happened. The following week end I drove the hundred or so miles to his home to see what had happened. His load data was what came from the manual, except he had crimped the bullets to the wrong OAL for his rifle, used a bullet that his rifle apparently did not like and so on. To make this story a lot shorter, after about 6 months of reloading and not getting what he thought he should be getting for accuracy, he ran an add in the local paper and sold the whole thing, including his beautiful reloading bench, for $150. This was very heart breaking to me. George had spent about $800 on the entire set up, had loaded maybe 100 rounds through it and decided it would be of more benefit to him to buy his ammo, and save his reloading time for other things. He moved to AR in 2001 and I have lost contact with him.
As most, if not all will tell you, don't expect great results the first time out, this hobby takes a lot of time, $, patience and log keeping. Document every change, no matter how small, never make more than one component change at a time, and never exceed the listed max load in the manual you are using.
I have been reloading for the better part of 40 years, and I love it. I hope you can get into reloading, learn the finer points, ask the questions, and find out that shooting is only half the fun. GOOD LUCK with your new endeavor!