Hi, peetmoss--
First, let me welcome you to the wonderful world of reloading. Hope we see a lot of you on the H&R forum.
Second, I urge you to use the SEARCH function, both here on THR and also in the archives at
www.thefiringline.com, for various topics such as:
getting started
Newbie question
what do I need to start loading
and variations on those themes. There are at least a dozen threads along this line. No doubt, someone will post several links here on your thread.
Your questions, in order_ - - -
1 Can I learn to reload from a reloading manual, such as the one provided by RCBS in there Rock Chucker kit?
To some extent, yes. You'll do well to otain at least one full scale manual, such as one from Speer, Lyman, or Hornady. Don't just try to start and then research cures for your problems. Rather, you should READ the whole section on getting started.
2 Can the Q3131A 5.56 ammo that made in Isereal the stuff that Ammoman sells be reloaded?
Yes, it can.
3 Can I reload my own cheaper then the 200 bucks for a thousand rounds I am paying now. Not including equitment and my time?
Surely, if you choose your componets carefully. Check with the various suppliers such as Widner's, Midsouth, and others. Do a net search and you'll find more than you can handle. I buy most of my primers and powder at nearby gun shows and save on hazardous materials shipping fees.
If you've been shooting Q3131 ammo much, I gather you are shooting mostly semi auto for paper or plinking. FMJ military style bullets can be purchased in bulk for very reasonable prices. OTOH, if you are setting up for super accurate bench rest or varmint hunting work, you'll probably want the more expensive bullets
4 Figuring the 250 or so for the RCBS kit how much more money would I have to invest to get started reloading 5.56 excluding bullets, primers, and powder?
Sorry, I don't have a list of what comes in that kit. With all the gadgets around, the sky's pretty much the limit. For instance, unless you have a solid source of once fired cases, you'll need to trim cases sooner or later. You can spend several hundred dollars on this alone--Or you can buy the slower but still effective Lee case trimming gear for $25 or 30. You can get along for a while without calipers, ut lief is much easier if you can measure case lengths, length of loaded ammo, and so forth.
I imagine the kit comes with a scale of some type. If you're loading in much volume, you'll want a powder measure. Figure anouther hundred for odds and ends, and then pick up other items as you become convinced you really need them.
5 How much space does a starter setup need?
You can really expand, but realistically, three feet of clear bench space plus some shelf space will serve pretty well. I've know guys who operated with two feet of bench top, and who kept their components and accessories in a foot locker on the floor. Workable, but inconvenient.
Seriously--- do some reading, run a couple of searches and read all of THAT, make yourself a list of questions, and get ready to learn a bunch. Nice group of people here on H&R forum, and most want to help out.
Best regards,
Johnny