Okay now i've always been inerested by handloading so I bought some books.And that's when I got lost I need major help please send price list,pics,info and tipsI'm just getting started in handloading
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Okay now i've always been inerested by handloading so I bought some books.And that's when I got lost I need major help please send price list,pics,info and tipsPrices and pics can easily be found online at various mail order places. I like to use www.midwayusa.com, but there are certainly others.
List? Not sure what kinda list you want, but the basic reloading set up consists of a press, a scale, dies, loading manual, and calipers. This is the minimum to get the job done, and you wouldn't need anything else. But there are lots and lots of other tools to make things more convenient.
Tips:
- Invest in a good scale before investing in a good press. The scale is the most important tool in terms of safety. And a convenient, easy to use scale will improve your productivity as much as anything will.
- Lee gear is a good value. Painless to buy, and it gets the job done. It's a great way to start out. Don't buy the expensive brands until you're sure you know wht you want.
- Avoid max powder charges. They rarely make for the best loads, and they're expensive and harder on your rifle.
- Measuring spoons from the kitchen make for some pretty good improvised powder measure. Just be sure to weigh each charge.
Perhaps this is enough to get you started. But "send price list,pics,info and tips" is a bit vague. What, specifically, would you like to know?
List? Not sure what kinda list you want, but the basic reloading set up consists of a press, a scale, dies, loading manual, and calipers. This is the minimum to get the job done, and you wouldn't need anything else. But there are lots and lots of other tools to make things more convenient.
Tips:
- Invest in a good scale before investing in a good press. The scale is the most important tool in terms of safety. And a convenient, easy to use scale will improve your productivity as much as anything will.
- Lee gear is a good value. Painless to buy, and it gets the job done. It's a great way to start out. Don't buy the expensive brands until you're sure you know wht you want.
- Avoid max powder charges. They rarely make for the best loads, and they're expensive and harder on your rifle.
- Measuring spoons from the kitchen make for some pretty good improvised powder measure. Just be sure to weigh each charge.
Perhaps this is enough to get you started. But "send price list,pics,info and tips" is a bit vague. What, specifically, would you like to know?
jfh
Member.
Headless... has given you a good response, wannabe. If you think you need to get more "clarification," then order out a reloading DVD/video, to see someone actually going through the process.
And, through your local shooting contacts, find a reloader, and see what he's doing. That alone will reduce anxiety.
I am just getting out my reloading gear again and setting it up after a nominal ten-year hiatus, so I have some similar questions and concerns, typically falling into the "now what did I forget?" category--but I tend to perfectionism, and that alone can be a real obstruction to getting set up.
To Headless' observations, I'm going to add this: get organized with a good permanent bench setup if you can afford the space, dedicated for the reloading. It wouldn't even have to be three feet wide--but it should be well-built (there are plans readily available to help you with that issue). And, since I can have dedicated space, I am now going to get dust covers for my presses and scale as well, and I would recommend the same.
Personally, I own Lee gear--and I was plenty happy with that--see another thread here about the pros and cons of that.
Lee Dust Covers were available in the aftermarket about ten-twelve years ago. I can also sew my own, but does any one if they are around in the market? Googling hasn't produced them yet--
And, through your local shooting contacts, find a reloader, and see what he's doing. That alone will reduce anxiety.
I am just getting out my reloading gear again and setting it up after a nominal ten-year hiatus, so I have some similar questions and concerns, typically falling into the "now what did I forget?" category--but I tend to perfectionism, and that alone can be a real obstruction to getting set up.
To Headless' observations, I'm going to add this: get organized with a good permanent bench setup if you can afford the space, dedicated for the reloading. It wouldn't even have to be three feet wide--but it should be well-built (there are plans readily available to help you with that issue). And, since I can have dedicated space, I am now going to get dust covers for my presses and scale as well, and I would recommend the same.
Personally, I own Lee gear--and I was plenty happy with that--see another thread here about the pros and cons of that.
Lee Dust Covers were available in the aftermarket about ten-twelve years ago. I can also sew my own, but does any one if they are around in the market? Googling hasn't produced them yet--
Get the book "The ABC's of Reloading" by Dean Grenell. Excellent primer (pun intended).
Find a friend who already reloads and buy him dinner for coming over and showing you how to get started.
Find a friend who already reloads and buy him dinner for coming over and showing you how to get started.
Walcome to the world of re-loading. You will find as much of a hobby as the shooting and collecting itself.When you need to get lost in somthing: there is the bench of tranqulity.
I echo the sentiment about getting a good scale. You may be able to scrimp in other areas, but you can't cut corners on your scale. I recommend the Ohaus 10/10 scale; it will weigh anything up to 1010 grains. You can find them oftentimes on eBay at a good price. When you buy your scale, don't forget to purchase some check weights as well, so that you can calibrate your scale on a sturdy, level surface. It pays to develop small habits of great attention to detail while reloading, and the more attention you pay to safety and quality control, the more you will enjoy your ammunition. Best wishes, and hope this helps! By the way, I have mostly Lee dies, with a little bit of Hornady and RCBS, and have no problem with them. I'll go ahead and recommend a press to you, as well. I loaded several thousand rounds with the smaller Lee press, but when they came out with the Lee Classic, a very heavy, cast press, I purchased one. They can be had for ~$69.00, and in my opinion, they are the best value for the money in a quality, heavy, single stage press, which I recommend that you use to begin with. I have more than 12,000 rounds loaded, and I still use that Lee Classic press. Their hand press is also a tremendous value. It will allow you to deprime pistol brass, flare pistol cartridges, and do a number of loading tasks while sitting in your easy chair watching TV with the family. Hope this helps!
Great advice you've been given.
One more thing... start by reloading .38 spl. It's the simplest to start with, perhaps. I'd avoid auto rounds at very first... they have more critical variables than .38 does.
Buy ONE powder... a pound of Unique. Works great in almost everything.
Please keep reading and posting.
StrikeEagle
ps I'm assuming you HAVE a .38 or a .357... do you? LOL
One more thing... start by reloading .38 spl. It's the simplest to start with, perhaps. I'd avoid auto rounds at very first... they have more critical variables than .38 does.
Buy ONE powder... a pound of Unique. Works great in almost everything.
Please keep reading and posting.
StrikeEagle
ps I'm assuming you HAVE a .38 or a .357... do you? LOL
I am also starting on reloading as well. I hope I am not hijacking the original post. But I plan to reloading rifle cartridges, .308 and .30-06. I went to Sportman Warehouse today and looked at the presses that they have. I have a hard time deciding which press to buy. They have:
- Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit
- RCBS Partner Single Stage Press Reloading Kit
- RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press Master Kit
I like the kit since they have everything in there, including the manual and stuffs. But since I am a bit tight on cash and already reloading shotshell I have a scale from Hornady. I thought I can just get a press, a die set, a cartridge tray, and get started instead of getting everything at once. So what should I get the kit or just the minimum. Which I thought would include:
- A press - I thought the RCBS Partner is good and reasonably priced.
- A die set, I was looking at the RCBS (2-Die Sets consist of a Full Length Sizer Die and a Seater Die)
- A cartridge tray
- new empty case, bullets, powder
I thought about the powder dipenser, and the case cleaning and lube stuff. But I thought I can buy them later when I am loading more and more. I guess I can measure the powder and clean the case manually for now.
I would appreciate any guidance you can provide. I am a bit nervous of making errors. I know rifle cartridge is much more serious stuff than the shot shell. I just want to be extra careful.
Also I do not plan to load anything fancy, just the standard load for .308win and 30-06. Where can I find the recipes for the load? Would the powder manufacture have these recipes?
Thank a lot ofr your help. I will shut up now and listen.
- Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit
- RCBS Partner Single Stage Press Reloading Kit
- RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press Master Kit
I like the kit since they have everything in there, including the manual and stuffs. But since I am a bit tight on cash and already reloading shotshell I have a scale from Hornady. I thought I can just get a press, a die set, a cartridge tray, and get started instead of getting everything at once. So what should I get the kit or just the minimum. Which I thought would include:
- A press - I thought the RCBS Partner is good and reasonably priced.
- A die set, I was looking at the RCBS (2-Die Sets consist of a Full Length Sizer Die and a Seater Die)
- A cartridge tray
- new empty case, bullets, powder
I thought about the powder dipenser, and the case cleaning and lube stuff. But I thought I can buy them later when I am loading more and more. I guess I can measure the powder and clean the case manually for now.
I would appreciate any guidance you can provide. I am a bit nervous of making errors. I know rifle cartridge is much more serious stuff than the shot shell. I just want to be extra careful.
Also I do not plan to load anything fancy, just the standard load for .308win and 30-06. Where can I find the recipes for the load? Would the powder manufacture have these recipes?
Thank a lot ofr your help. I will shut up now and listen.
TexasT,
Nothing wrong with starting out with the Lee press. After you move on to a better press, you can still deprime with the Lee.
You need a press, dies and shellholders. You can't get any work done without them.
You need a way to measure the length of you cases and loaded ammo. Most folk use 6" dial calipers.
You need a way to prime cases. While you can prime using the press, a hand held priming tool is worth the investment.
You need an accurate dependable scale. This is you #1 piece of safety equipment. If you are comfortable with your current scale you need not buy another.
You need to lube you cases. Imperial Sizing Die Wax, accept no subsitutes.
You need a way to trim cases. The lathe type trimmers are not created equal. I suggest you start out with the Lee case trimming system.
You need a way to deburr and chamfer cases.
If I had to start cheap today
Imperial Sizing Die Wax: $9.00
Lee Auto Prime Hand Priming Tool: $11.00
Shellholder for above: $3.00
Calipers: $25.00
Dies: $25.00+ each
Shellholder: $6.00
Lee Case Trimming Setup: $15.00
Chamfer and Deburring Tool: $12.00
Lee Reloader Press w/ Lee Manual:$21.00
Total: $173.00
The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press Master Kit is a great kit and is on sale at Midway right now for $230. However, you would still need calipers, a way to trim you cases and dies. The grand total comes up to $320 or so, but you come out ahead. You never have to buy a better press ($90) and you get a powder measure ($60).
If you have $300 to spend, I'd get the kit and one set of dies to start. If $150 is more like you, then piece it together with a cheap press. You may find a deal on a good press on ebay.
Try here for online load data.
David
Nothing wrong with starting out with the Lee press. After you move on to a better press, you can still deprime with the Lee.
You need a press, dies and shellholders. You can't get any work done without them.
You need a way to measure the length of you cases and loaded ammo. Most folk use 6" dial calipers.
You need a way to prime cases. While you can prime using the press, a hand held priming tool is worth the investment.
You need an accurate dependable scale. This is you #1 piece of safety equipment. If you are comfortable with your current scale you need not buy another.
You need to lube you cases. Imperial Sizing Die Wax, accept no subsitutes.
You need a way to trim cases. The lathe type trimmers are not created equal. I suggest you start out with the Lee case trimming system.
You need a way to deburr and chamfer cases.
If I had to start cheap today
Imperial Sizing Die Wax: $9.00
Lee Auto Prime Hand Priming Tool: $11.00
Shellholder for above: $3.00
Calipers: $25.00
Dies: $25.00+ each
Shellholder: $6.00
Lee Case Trimming Setup: $15.00
Chamfer and Deburring Tool: $12.00
Lee Reloader Press w/ Lee Manual:$21.00
Total: $173.00
The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press Master Kit is a great kit and is on sale at Midway right now for $230. However, you would still need calipers, a way to trim you cases and dies. The grand total comes up to $320 or so, but you come out ahead. You never have to buy a better press ($90) and you get a powder measure ($60).
If you have $300 to spend, I'd get the kit and one set of dies to start. If $150 is more like you, then piece it together with a cheap press. You may find a deal on a good press on ebay.
Try here for online load data.
David
45Frank
Member
Has anyone ever started out with anything other then a LEE Press. I did as did most reloaders I know.
Good Luck !!
Good Luck !!
only1asterisk said:
45Frank said:
My very first was a Lee Classic. But my first progrssive was a Dillon SDB. Does that count? (PS: I got them both less than 4 months apart...)
Berek
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