Reloading newbie. Where do I start & what do I need?

[TXhogkilr]

I'm a lifelong hunter & shooter but have never got into reloading.... until now. A friend gave me a brand new Forster Co Ax press & I am wanting to get my feet wet. The plan is to start with 308, 243 & 556 (hunting & target reloading).

The question is: Where do I start? What primary tools/supplies will I need to get started? Is there a book/video I should read to learn the basics?

Looking forward to learning from guys who have much more experience than I.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

Did you do a Search here or on any other reloading site? This question has been asked and answered thousands of times.

 

[Caldart]

Suggest you get a manual first and do some reading. That will give you a great place to start. It's what I did. Read first then you can come back and ask more specific questions.

 

[TXhogkilr]

Suggest you get a manual first and do some reading. That will give you a great place to start. It's what I did. Read first then you can come back and ask more specific questions.

Thanks. Is there a specific manual that you recommend?

 

[bbqreloader]

Welcome, but go to link supplied and look at the section labeled For The New Reloader
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/reloading-library-of-wisdom.649184/

 

[badkarmamib]

^^^^^ Definitely this. It is a lot of reading, but it is worth it. This is definitely a take-your-time hobby.

I like Lyman's for the new reloader. While the second half has your load data, the first half of the book covers the process, tools used, and precautions to take.

 

[dgod]

I like Lee's Manual as well as Lyman. Lyman 49 should be available reasonably now as #50 has been released. Lee is very well written for the reloader.

If given the chance, check them out. and see which you prefer..

Good Luck, and Welcome
dg

 

[Tinybob]

Welcome to THR!

I like the Lee manual.
"Modern Reloading 2nd edition". Read the first half a couple times and start slow. If you really like the hobby you'll go crazy at first and think you need every little tool you see. You don't need a lot to start out. Also pick one caliber and concentrate on to cut your teeth in reloading.

Develope a set process and stick to it for safety. You are assembling things that go boom inside a tight environment! This is more than picking out random components and slapping them together to get a perfect outcome.

When done correctly and safely reloading is an amazing and challenging hobby that can be very enjoyable and rewarding!

PS: You probably won't save money.

 

[red rick]

I like the Lyman 49th edition reloading book . If you plan on shooting a Hornady or Sierra or Barnes bullet you might want to start with their book . It never hurts to have more than one reloading book .

You will also need :
Safety glasses
Two loading blocks to hold your cases .
Reloading dies for your calibers .
Case lube
Priming unit , there are several types to choose from .
Primer tray
Powder measure
Powder scale
Powder trickler
Powder funnel
Calipers
Case trimmer
Deburring tool & case prep tools
A case tumbler would be nice also for cleaning your brass .

Your budget will limit you to what type of equipment you start with on the case trimmer , powder scale , powder measure , deburring / case prep tools and tumbler . You just need to decide how much manual work you are will to do and how much time you want to save vs. money . It's not a cheap hobby , but it can be rewarding and if you are young enough and shoot enough you might break even .

 

[WestKentucky]

You started off well by joining here and asking questions. Read books and learn, then ask questions on what is confusing in the books.

 

[ATLDave]

As others have said, read at least one manual - I suggest two - in their entirety. Reloading isn't particular difficult, but it's also not baking brownies from a box. You need to understand the principles at work, not just follow rote instructions (though you should follow the instructions very precisely). Having a good, basic grasp of what is going on will help you avoid many common mistakes and enable you to troubleshoot most difficulties on your own.

I like Speer, Hornady, and Lyman (in that order), although that's based on the one-edition-ago version of each.

 

[George P]

After a manual or three, you will need - primers, powder(s), projectiles, dies for each cartridge, a SCALE (I prefer a good old-fashioned, well-made balance beam) - that is the BARE bones minimum; otherwise the more complete list posted by red rick above will make things a little easier.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

I agree start with a manual. You’ll need it and it’ll get you started. I like Lee too. It was my first manual and many like it as it explains all of the processes well.

From there Go to YouTube and watch some videos. And read all you can here and on other web sites.

Since you have a press you need the following tools
Dies
A scale
Calipers
A priming tool
And a case trimmer
A block or box to put your ammo in
A notebook to keep track of what you’re doing and to use as a learning too.

Anything else is an extra and makes reloading nicer, easier and faster, but the basics will get you started.

You’ll also need consumables. bullets, powder and primers.

Oh and other than that just remember safety first and folks here will help you if you have questions.

 

[Jack B.]

Read ,Read , and learn. Get as many manuals as you can from the bullet and powder manufacture's, some are free. Treat anything you get off the internet with caution. First thing you need after the manuals is a good sturdy bench. You can take it from there as you learn. Stay simple at first , learn the craft.

 

[hdwhit]

TXhogkilr asked:
Where do I start? ... Is there a book/video I should read to learn the basics?

Yes, buy a reloading manual. Lee's ABCs of Reloading is popular as is the Lyman Manual #50, while I grew up with the Hornady Handbook. They all say pretty much the same thing so pick the one you find easiest to read. Focus on the section near the front of the book addressing "How to Reload". Read - well, really Study - it thoroughly. It will answer your questions about what equipment you need.

Good luck.

Warning: Reloading can be habit forming.

 

[Nature Boy]

Thanks. Is there a specific manual that you recommend?

All of them.

Seriously though, have a few that represent the bullet brands you intend to use the most.

I like Hornady’s manual because the bullets are readily available, good quality and relatively cheap.

Whatever maual you get read the “how to” section in the beginning. You’ll get a lot of good info there

 

[glc24]

Did you do a Search here or on any other reloading site? This question has been asked and answered thousands of times.

I'm a lifelong hunter & shooter but have never got into reloading.... until now. A friend gave me a brand new Forster Co Ax press & I am wanting to get my feet wet. The plan is to start with 308, 243 & 556 (hunting & target reloading).

The question is: Where do I start? What primary tools/supplies will I need to get started? Is there a book/video I should read to learn the basics?

Looking forward to learning from guys who have much more experience than I.

I had the same questions as you. I started from scratch, and did what the first reply post stated. I searched on my own, and found out everything I needed to know/do. This day and age, the internet is a very powerful tool.

 

[Blue68f100]

Hopefully the person giving you the press can be a mentor. Like said there are many good books that cover reloading, but nothing makes any since till you start doing it. But first get the books and start reading. One thing in your favor is the internet to find quick answers to your questions. Pick only 1 caliber to start off with. Master it before going on to the next. The knowledge you gain will be applied to all. The mistakes that most make starting off is improper setting of the dies.

Welcome to THR,

and the addictions that comes. This is one hobby that being OCD helps.

Forget about this saving you any money.... You just shoot the savings up. Besides starting off you will have a lot of expenses.

 

[warnerwh]

Manual first and read it twice. It will make it easier for you if you read it twice when you start loading. You will definitely need a scale and dial calipers too. Welcome to the club!

 

[Bang!]

On most Facebook pages if you answer the OP’s question with, “read a book, this XXX is a good one”. You get beat down and threatened with banishment. Read a reloading manual is the best advice you can give a new reloader. You need that basic knowledge before you buy anything. That same basic knowledge is needed to formulate your questions on your new adventure.

I recommend the Lee Manual. Leans toward Lee equipment but Mr. Lee does a great job introducing newbies to reloading.

 

[wrench459]

I see that most of the basics has been covered.
Read,read,read
My input to this thread is to mark your reload lots with info.
More then likely you'll run into problems that you'll find out about later on.
I use a simple card in the storage bag...

Along with a log book.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

Hopefully the person giving you the press can be a mentor. Like said there are many good books that cover reloading, but nothing makes any since till you start doing it. But first get the books and start reading.

I was going to say something like this. I know you probably want to jump in with both feet, but reloading, although fun and useful, can be fairly dangerous if done wrong. A good manual is definitely a good place to start. If you want a decent manual for free, go to archive.org, and search for "modern reloading". One of the results will be Lee Modern Reloading - 1st edition. This manual is in the public domain, but is fairly comprehensive on methodology.

If you're the type who wants to learn from someone, I'd look for someone nearby who can mentor or work with you when you do your first loads. It definitely helps when you have an actual brain to pick in the room with you. That said, get a manual first, and read through it. Then when you think you are ready, start low, measure twice, and don't hesitate to ask for help (either from a mentor, or online in a reputable forum like this).

You might get some replies that tell you the question has already been asked and answered, but someone will be around to give you helpful advice, or point you in the right direction. A lot of people are hesitant to give general advice to beginners because they don't want to do or say anything that may get you hurt. That's one of the reasons you should read through a manual, and then ask specific questions on things that are unclear.

 

[mjsdwash]

I like the Lyman manuals, they have practical information, and data independent of the manufacturers. Get some dies, a powder measure, and see what you can buy locally for parts. I would recommend BLC(2) for what you want to load. I would recommend you start off with one caliber, make sure you like it, and get it down before moving to the others. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...ase-trimmer-universal-3-jaw-chuck-case-holder I got one of these to trim brass, and it has made reloading rifles far easier. The lee pilot cutters go with it, and make cutting very fast. Rifle brass stretches when fired, and will eventually need trimmed. Dont forget to lube the cases, and THR can answer pretty much any specific questions you have when you start.

 

[Dudedog]

Welcome to THR,
lots of great people here.

Good info above.


One thing I would like to add is only have one type of powder on the bench at a time. Keeps the others someplace else while working with that one.
Mixing up powders can be a recipe for a kaboom.
Try to minimize distractions, not a good idea to try to reload with crying children/barking dogs etc etc..
Pick up a good pair of safety glasses, you should be wearing them when reloading.

I would also suggest a bullet puller, impact type are inexpensive. RCBS seems to have the best warranty.
You may never need it but it's nice to have.
Some way to remove crimps from .223 (and possibly .308) brass
I use this one, lots of ways to do it.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/501588/hornady-primer-pocket-reamer-tool-small
Note: you need small for .223, large for .308.
As mentioned earlier I would start with which ever one you shoot the most of, then add the others later.

I like the Lyman manual but the Lee is good as well.
It's not a problem but the data in the Lee manual is from other sources, Lyman actually tests loads themselves.

PS: I mark the base of my .223 brass with a colored sharpie. That way I can tell that they are my cases and I have already removed the primer crimp.
Wide tip ones work best

 

[Bang!]

The ‘Handloading and Reloading’ section here on THR is a great resource. The pinned post at the top are a wealth of information. There’s also several thousand pages of topics going back about 16 years. I find it interesting to just start flipping back through these pages and finding topics that answered questions I didn’t know I had. Yeah, the search engine is great and all but it’s interesting to just flip back through the years of topics and find thread titles that peak your interest. Not too far back there you’ll run across a guy with the handle ‘rcmodel’. He’s no longer with us but he left us a reloading legacy in those pages. Wisdom as well entertaining I always looked forward to his post on topics. There are a lot more like him here with us still. You do your part and these wizards of reloading will lead you to whatever level of reloading you want to master.