Reloading help!

[Countryguy1982]

I just recently got a hornady lock and load reloader kit as a gift from my gf.. i always talked about wanting one cause every time i walk into my local gun shops, seems like the brands/loads i like keep going up 4 or 5 dollars a box. Always grumbling about the prices and can't shoot as much etc etc. so she suprised me. I would really like to start loading some kind of cast bullets for my35 remington and 45/70 for hog hunting etc. i have probably 100 pounds of tire weights and prob 100 pound roll of lead wire that i use for pouring sinkers and such so i am good on lead for a long time.. keep in mind i am VERY green and don't know squat about reloading . The more i read the more i get confused and the more i want to cuss. its like trying to read japanese stereo installation instuctions. can some body please explain to me what do i need now that i have the hornady lock and load kit? cause i am all confused on bushings, shell holders, sizing dies, crimpers etc etc. thought this was going to be the best thing sense sliced bread at first lol

 

[Overkilll0084]

Do you have any manuals?
Consider buying the Lyman 49th edition reloading book. There is a lot of detailed info for the beginner. Since your looking at casting your own, also consider getting the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook. It has a bunch of info on the cast bullet aspect of the reloading process. "The ABC's of Reloading" might be a worthwhile purchase as well. Get a solid understanding of the processes involved before you load your first cartridge.
It's just my personal opinion, but I would get a handle on the process of reloading with commercial bullets before worrying about shooting your own cast bullets. Keep the amount of variables to a minimum during the early part of the learning process.
Edit: I can't speak directly to the Hornady setup, but as in many things, Youtube may be a good source of setup info.

 

[Jim Watson]

The ABCs and Lyman are good sources, but I would also look at a Hornady manual. It will be full of general information but probably illustrates things with their brand of equipment.

 

[Steve Koski]

CG - The best thing you can do is find a reloader in your area and go to his place for an hour or two some evening and watch him reload. Then the stuff you've read will gell in your mind and the skies will open up and the birds will sing.

 

[oneounceload]

Since you jumped right in with a progressive instead of a simple single stage - first - read HORNADY'S instructions, one page at a time. Second, there are stickies here and on other forums that go over the basics of everything. Third, you need reloading manuals, preferably several, that explain the reloading data.

If you are having trouble actually setting up the machine, call Hornady and someone will walk you through the process. I would do that AFTER reading their instructions.

The process is simple, you - as a new reloader - made it a little more complicated going with a progressive right off the bat - but go slow and easy; step by step - you'll be fine

 

[243winxb]

The Lock-N-Load® Classic Kit has most items you need.

For the Lock-N-Load Classic single-stage press kit as shown here

http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Load-Classic-Kit/
35 Rem Die set http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=334527 35Rem shell holder comes with the Lee dies set. . You will need a case trimmer as the brass gets longer each loading. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=795961 Some large rifle primers, bullets, H4895 powder*, plus some brass should get you started on the 35 Rem. As for casting your own bullet, start loading with jacketed first.

 

[243winxb]

45/70 can use H4895 powder also. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=818681 Shell holder comes with the lee die set Hornady Lock-N-Load Die Bushings Package of 10 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=786036

 

[raddiver]

I see you're in Northern GA. if you're anywhere near Trenton, i can spare an hour or two the next time im down that way.

 

[Blue68f100]

Like other have said, read books, find someone to help you start off. You will need dies, shell plate for the calibers you will shoot, lube, a set of calipers and scales. Since your totally new to reloading, setup the press and use it as a single stage press. Meaning with only 1 die installed at a time. Once your comfortable with that and your setting are good you can start the progressive process. But only 1 brass at a time, before going into full auto mode.

Don't forget to do the 500 free bullets promotion for the press and any dies you buy (100 free).

Now the best way to save once you get going is by buying in bulk. Since you want to cast, I would buy some Berry's or Rainer Plated bullets. Since these load like lead your loads will be pretty close.

Good luck on your new adventure. It will bring a life time of pleasure.

Just take it slow, if in doubt STOP and ASK.

 

[bfoosh006]

http://ultimatereloader.com/2011/01/16/hornady-lock-n-load-bullet-feeder-loading-45-acp/

That website has a ton of excellent tutorials in video form. For whatever brand you like. Look on the left hand side under "Hornady Lock-N-Load Videos"

 

[Hondo 60]

You said you have a Hornady Lock-n-Load.

But Hornady calls ALL their stuff Lock-n-Load.

Is it a LnL Classic? Or LnL AP?

Plus a BUNCH on the manuals.
They're definitely your best friend (just don't say that out loud next your dog or your gf)

 

[rfwobbly]

Mr Country -
All good info above. Here it is in step-by-step order....

1) Buy a good reloading manual and read, read, read. Sometimes you can find manuals at your library for free. If you buy a used manual from Amazon or other, then make sure it's no older than 5 years, hopefully 2. If you got a Hornady manual with your machine, then that's a very good one, but may not cover all your calibers. I highly suggest Lyman #49 which covers almost every caliber.

Start with the lowest power loads and work up slowly. Ask questions here. In north Georgia you can find local reloaders on this web site: http://forum.gon.com/

2) Reload first 100-500 rounds using factory made bullets. Casting bullets is a hobby unto itself. Master the "reloading" hobby using factory bullets, then after lots of success, move to home made bullets.

3) Start casting your own bullets after everything else is successful. See a web site called "Cast Boolits". http://castboolits.gunloads.com/

Hope this helps.

 

[243winxb]

KIT

He has a KIT

I just recently got a hornady lock and load reloader kit

 

[Ala Dan]

Nice Gift From Your G/F

Find all the information you are seeking in one of the more popular handloading
manuals; and has already been stated, Lyman 49th and the ABC's of reloading
are excellent places to start. I also recommend Speer's 14th, for a step-by-step
process in handloading for metallic cartridges. Pics and drawings are worth a
thousand words, as they say; and Speer certainly covers this well~! Just be
careful, and don't rush into any step without proper research and you will do
just fine. Just be sure to watch closely the C.O.L. [cartridge overall length].
Have fun,and please report back to us~!

 

[Arkansas Paul]

First, congrats on having an awesome girlfriend.
This sticky has a lot of information on equipment for the new loader.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214


Welcome aboard and happy loading.

 

[citrus]

You have a great girlfriend! Don't let her get away!

 

[x_wrench]

i have probably 100 pounds of tire weights and prob 100 pound roll of lead wire that i use for pouring sinkers and such so i am good on lead for a long time..

once you start casting and reloading, you will go through that in no time! start looking NOW for a renewable source! think of lead consumption as a turbo charged engine. it takes a little while to spool up, but once it gets going, it REALLY GETS GOING! when i first started loading, i thought it would be absoloutly crazy to buy an 8 pound "keg" of powder. now, i NEED to buy it that way to keep it affordable!