I'm interested...

[RonDeer10mm]

In reloading but there are some questions I need to ask that will make it or break it in my decision so here they go.

1. Are the powders for reloading fine dust do they get in the air easy?
2. Are smokeless powders harmful to the skin nose mouth under prolonged exposure.
3.How much can I save reloading compared to factory ammo in 10mm?
What is the best most reliable reloading supplies and cheapest as well? RCBS?

 

[Eagle103]

1. No.
2. There should be no need for your skin, nose, or mouth to come into contact with powder. It's been said that the fumes can cause a headache in some people but I've never experienced that myself.
3. My guess is it'll cost you at LEAST 50% less to reload than what factory ammo is costing you right now.

Put your worries aside and join the club!

 

[RonDeer10mm]

I have a headache right now or the right part of my brain is hemorrhaging

 

[PT1911]

I too am getting into reloading...

To answer your questions... NO, NO, and it depends...Also, I opted for the RCBS Rockchucker supreme kit.

you will find that the majority of savings in common caliber reloading comes from the savings you get in reusing brass... On the first go around, you will save precisely NILL, but after on that first reuse of your brass, the price per round drops significantly and continues to drop with each successive use.. so you may find that the first rounds you load are very little savings OR perhaps even slightly more expensive than factory, but as I said, the savings comes later.. one more reason to attempt to optimize brass life...

ALSO, savings is only one reason (and a small one a that) to get into reloading... the biggest reasons I will be starting in it are as follows...

1- The ability to rely on myself for my ammo if needed (I will still buy and keep factory ammo, but also reloading components.)
2- The ability to tailor loads to my guns... This applies more to rifles than to handguns in many cases, but when it comes to practice, little birdfart loads can be fun...
3- Versatility!!!!!... if you cant find it.. make it
4- To pass the time.

 

[LiveLife]

Are the powders for reloading fine dust do they get in the air easy?

No.

Are smokeless powders harmful to the skin nose mouth under prolonged exposure

.
My wife says by the way I am acting, it is. Seriously, been reloading and shooting 15+ years with no "obvious" damage.

How much can I save reloading compared to factory ammo in 10mm?

If you already have brass, it will cost you around $7.50-$8.50/50 using 155/180 gr jacketed bullets and buying reloading components in bulk (8 lbs of powder, 5000 of primer, 1000-3000 of bullets).

What is the best most reliable reloading supplies and cheapest as well? RCBS?

If you are talking single stage, I think most O-ring type presses are adequate for the job. If you are talking about progressive press, I will let others comment. Many will recommend Lee classic turret press that can be used as single stage or a bit faster turret press. If you are just starting out, I would gladly recommend the Lee classic turret.

FWIW, I recommend both single stage and progressive press mounted on the same bench (I happily use RCBS RS5/CH-4 205 single stage presses and Lee Pro 1000 progressive - many will comment that Pro 1000 is not a "reliable" progressive press - yup, they are right as it does require more care/maintenance than others).

 

[Sunray]

Buy a copy of The ABC's of Reloading and read the whole thing. About $15 from your local gun shop or Amazon. Not the $100 plus version.
1 & 2. No. Smokless powders comes in several types of granules. None of which fly around in the air. If you get any of it in your nose or mouth, you've done something wrong. Doesn't bother the skin unless you're allergic to the chemicals in it. Wash your hands after loading, keep 'em away from your 'cake hole' and eyes while loading and you'll be fine.
3. Depends on what bullet you use. Shooting jacketed bullets gets expensive quickly. Lots of cast bullets available though. You can likely expect around 50% less cost over factory. Mind you, reloading isn't just about saving money. It's about using ammo that is tailored for your pistol.
There really isn't a 'best'. RCBS kit is great and they have outstanding customer service(have any problems with anything they make, even if you buy used, they'll fix it with a phone call. Usually for free. Their warrantee is on the kit, not who bought it new.), but their kit isn't the least expensive. Dillon's warrantee is the same, but their stuff isn't cheap either.
For a starter kit, have a look at the Lee Turret Press kit. If you never plan on reloading rifle cartridges. Their 50th Anniversary Kit if you do. Their warrantee isn't as good though. The kit isn't as robust either.

 

[LRS_Ranger]

+1 on the Rockchucker. I'm a relatively new reloader as well. What I have noticed is that you start reloading to save $$ but wind up reloading because you enjoy making quality ammo that shoots better than the store bought. Calibers like 9mm and 5.56 can be reloaded a little cheaper than buying it, but not by much, if you are buying by the case. Defensive loads and oddball calibers is where you start to safe the $$. 45-70 will save you from 50-80% off retail. In all calibers though you will be happy to create ammo that shoots well, and plus, YOU made it. Nothing beats shooting a .4 inch group with your own loads.

 

[medalguy]

I never save anything reloading. However I do have three to four times as much ammo as I would otherwise. Funny how that works out.

Also I have a ton of supplies on hand (primers, powder, bullets, brass) so I will never again be subject to any kind of shortage.

 

[qajaq59]

The best thing to do is what Sunray mentioned. Get a copy of the ABCs of Loading and a copy of Lyman's Loading Manual and do some reading. Those will answer a lot of questions you otherwise wouldn't even think to ask.

 

[mbopp]

Lots of people use Lee equipment and are happy with it. I considered a Lee turret press to complement my Rockchucker but I found a deal on a used Lyman turret press instead.
For handgun cartridges I'd opt for a turret press to start.

 

[mdi]

I agree with getting The ABCs of Reloading. It explains, in depth, all the steps in reloading for rifle, pistol, and shotgun ammo

I'm not an accountant, but savings over factory can be significant if just comparing components costs. (If you count pennies then you may have to consider gas/fuel to go buy components, wear and tear on your vehicle and reloading equipment, utilities in your reloading room, etc. Just makes my head hurt thinking about it!). I don't handload for saving money, I handload because I like to. I custom make ammo specifically for my guns (I have 5 .44 Magnums that take 3 different size boolits), and I can "play with my gun stuff" any time I feel the need.

Handloading/reloading is a VERY satisfying addition to my shooting activities. The only thing better is casting your own boolits to reload!

 

[RustyFN]

I have to agree with mdi. For me saving money is a bonus.

 

[Hondo 60]

I think PT1911 said it best.

If you're reloading strictly to save money - just don't!
This is a hobby of potential danger. So you're looking just to scrimp, you'll not do well.

If you're looking for self-reliance & the ability to tailor make your ammo, then welcome to the addiction!

As far as supplies, try to find a local shop that has powder & primers.

For the "other stuff" MidwayUSA.com, Midsouthshooterssupply.com & grafs.com all have pretty good pricing. Every once in a great while Cabelas.com or Gandermountain.com will have sales.

For a press, you have several options.
RCBS (green paint) is a good one
Lyman (orange paint) is about the same
Hornady (red paint) same too
Dillon (blue paint) is the most expensive & those who have 'em say they're worth it
and last but not least is Lee (red paint) these are by far the least expensive.

I have three Lee presses (single stage, turret & Pro 1000) The single stage & turret
are great presses. They do what they're supposed to do & do it cheaply. The Pro 1000
is a progressive press. It works well, but needs a LOT of tweaking. If you're
mechanically inclined they can be a challenge, but not unmanageable. They run about $150 vs $400 & up for the other progressive presses.

 

[Furncliff]

You only asked about one caliber, 10mm. You would have to be shooting a lot of 10mm to make it cheaper. If you want a better load one tailored to your gun that's something else.

As a relatively new reloader... there is a learning curve. Reloading is easy to do and difficult to master. The number of variables is mind numbing. Do you have the time to devote to it. If you still want to do it after you read a couple of books, you can't finder a better more friendly and expert source for information than right here. These guys are the best.