Should I begin reloading?

[andrewdl007]

Ok, Ive shot everything since I was very little but I never learned to reload. My neighbor who is responsible for teaching me to shoot is an avid reloader. He showed me how to reload and I still have the first (and only) 5 rounds of .38 special that he had me reload. Anyway, Ive since moved away and no longer have acces to reloading equipment. I was always intimidated by my neighbors reloading room because he had so many different devices to measure powder, clean the brass, incert the primer, and etc. Is reloading really dificult or is it not bad. Also, are there new devices that consolitate the process? I get Cabelas catalogs and just get utterly confused when I get to the reloading section . Im sure you will all recomend to begin reloading but how sould I go about starting? Thanks

 

[cdrt]

You might want to pick up a copy of "The ABC's of Reloading". That should give you a start on figuring it all out. After that, get the latest MidwayUSA catalog. Cabela's is a little pricey in my estimation and Midway is a good place to start since they carry just about everything.

You can find the ABC's book at http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=738288 on Midway's website.

Navy Vet & SWIFT Boat OIC

 

[gandog56]

Yeah, the ABC's is a petty good start for any potential new reloader.

 

[Gustav]

Heck yes reloading is fun and addictive one can save alllot by shopping around for components and all of the top companies offer a complete beginners package deal.
IMHO for a beginner a single stage or Lyman Turret press is better than a progressive reloader.
Get a couple of diffrernt manuals and always cross reference your load data, have someone who has been doing it show you proper techniques and safety until you really get the hang of it.
RCBS Hornady/Pacific Lyman Redding are some good companies to start with.
Good luck

 

[alucard0822]

As far as reloading goes, it depends on what you shoot and how much you shoot it weither or not reloading is the answer, and what equipment to buy.
If you shoot a couple of boxes every month or two, especially more common cheaper rounds like 9mm, 45 or 223, 30-06 them it may not be cost effective. Cost savings and potential increase in accuracy vary wildly depending on caliber. It might cost you $6 a box to reload 9mm, but you can get target or surplus for $7, just the same 45LC could cost about the same to reload, but factory ammo can run $25 a box. I started reloading about 2 years ago with a lee pro 1000 mostly to save money on 357mag, 45acp and 44mag. I now have a pair of pro 1000's for pistols and a rcbs rock chucker for rifles, load for 10 calibers and shoot about 500rds weekly, have developed rifle loads superior in accuracy to just about any factory ammo, have bought some of my favorite guns that I didn't even consider before, and have become a much better shooter. To start reloading 1. get a book I would suggest the lee manual, pick up the Hodgdon reloading magazine, then decide on powder, bullets, primers to use (THR would be a good place to help). A basic reloading setup: table, press kit (lee aniversary kit, or pro 1000 are not too expensive, work well and include about everything to start with (pro100 kit includes dies, anniversary kit doesn't, storage area, a tumbler and then go to town. Any questions, then just post em and you will get a lot of good advice.

 

[RustyFN]

No, if you start to reload it will be harder for me to find components. OK I was just kidding. If you have loaded with your friend and enjoyed it then I would say go for it. It really isn't that hard but requires you to pay attention. It sounds like your friend had a lot more equipment than you will need to start. Do some reading as suggested and then figure out how many rounds you will need per week or month. After that ask some more questions and there are plenty of people here that will be glad to help.
Rusty

 

[BigSoundRacing]

Be fore warned – once you start down the reloading path, you might become addicted like many of the rest of us.

I reload because it is technical, attention to detail, provides me with more rounds per dollar and higher quality rounds per dollar. Very easy once you set yourself up and get over the initial intimidation.

Everyone has their own opinion on what equipment to buy and the reasons why – do your own research and make your own decision to meet your requirements.

If you need help, ask….
If you get frustrated, chat with these people…
Think about your equipment purchases…. So you don’t have to buy a second time…

Once my friends see my reloading equipment, they ask me to explain how it works, why I have what I have. Then they want to build some rounds and go to the range – very rewarding to shoot your first rounds.

Be safe, BSR

 

[dairycreek]

andrewdl007

Should you being reloading? MAYBE How should you begin? That's easy! Begin to read, read, read, and then read some more. One of the previous posters suggested the "The ABC's of Reloading" and that is a great suggestion. Let me give you a couple of additional suggestions. Modern Reloading by Lee, 2nd Edition, and Speer's Reloading manual Number 13 or (preferably) No. 14.

You can purchase them at pretty much any gunshop or at Midway/Cabella's on the net. You will find them to be a wealth of information about equipment, techniques, loads, and a lot more. That's where to begin.