want to start reloading,but worryed about safty

[UpTheIrons]

I'll echo that there's lots of good advice here. I'll add the necessity of a loading block - you can easily see what cases are charged, and which ones aren't.

I started recently with a Lee Deluxe Turret kit, and used it as a single-stage for the first several hundred rounds. That's the way to go, I think, because now I can use it as it was intended and my production rate has steadily increased. I don't think I'm "pushing" any boundaries, either, since I'm sticking to published, mid-range data on my loads.

There's plenty of time to 'tinker' with accuracy, etc. on rifle loads after I have a few thousand more pistol rounds under my belt.

I read "The ABC's of Reloading", Lyman's 49th, and Lee's Modern Reloading, as well as watched lots of YouTube videos and asked questions on forums like this before I started.

You are on the right track. Go for it!

 

[rfwobbly]

I think we scared the OP off with the "it's not dangerous" theme.

 

[LiveLife]

Well, if gpwelding indeed welds, he would understand the "real" safety concerns of welding hazards as well as the "real" safety concerns of reloading hazards.

I recall all the long list of safety instructions that were hammered into our brains during wood/metal fab/welding shop classes to preserve our fingers, but when you have your "first hand" experience with some of them, they strike home and become a permanent part of your routine.

I tell you though, compared to wood working, metal fabrication and welding, reloading is so much less "messy" and more fun. (my wife tells me reloading is much cheaper than wood working/cabinet making too) I tell you, once you incorporate Quality Control into your steps and overcome "issues/problems", reloading truly becomes a great hobby to produce better than factory ammo. You rarely hear, "Nah, I tried reloading and I didn't like it." Most get hooked on first exposure and reloading becomes a life-long hobby/passion.

Now days, I have hard time making myself buy factory ammo since some of my "designated loads" are so much more accurate and range/match sessions are that much more "joyful"

 

[qajaq59]

My buddies used to say that I was so clumsy that I could cut myself with a bowling ball. But I've been loading since the early sixties and have never been hurt or had an accident. Simply follow the short list of rules and you'll be as safe as can be.

 

[gpwelding1]

thanks for all the advice every one.im going to my LGS tomorow to get some manuals,and hopefully i'll be getting with Magoo soon and gettin started.what i want to reload is 9mm,.32 acp,.25 auto, 243 win and 30-30.

 

[marsofold]

Personally, I limit myself to powders where my load takes up at least 2/3 of the case, that way if I would double-charge the case (the worst possible error), the case would overflow and I'd see it.

 

[cfullgraf]

thanks for all the advice every one.im going to my LGS tomorow to get some manuals,and hopefully i'll be getting with Magoo soon and gettin started.what i want to reload is 9mm,.32 acp,.25 auto, 243 win and 30-30.

Good deal. Pick one cartridge to start and learn with before you invest in other dies and shell holders. It just reduces some of the information overload.

32 ACP and 25 ACP can be frustrating because of the small case and bullet size. Any of the other three would be good places to start. Remember, while reloading rifle and handgun cartridges are basically the same, there are small differences in the process. The various manuals will describe the differences.

Enjoy your new hobby.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

The most critical step is charging your cases, that's the step or mis-step that can really ruin your day, lol. As long as your careful and tedious with case charging, you shouldn't have any problems. Of course you have to make sure you have the appropriate powder on hand, no bullseye in 30-06, lmao!

Also, get Richard Lee's modern reloading 2nd edition, I read it cover to cover before I started loading, its a great book, can be had for around 15 bucks.

 

[GaryL]

thanks for all the advice every one.im going to my LGS tomorow to get some manuals,and hopefully i'll be getting with Magoo soon and gettin started.what i want to reload is 9mm,.32 acp,.25 auto, 243 win and 30-30.

You've gotten some great advice in this thread.

I would suggest pick 1 to start and focus on it exclusively until you've gained some experience. Personally, I think the 9mm is the most forgiving of all you listed. Actually, it may be the most forgiving of any caliber to reload.

As suggested, start with a powder that comes close to filling the case, so that an overcharge is obvious.

We all had to start somewhere.

 

[Offfhand]

Get some good books and manuals on reloading. Study them carefully and descide. Notice I say books, people with real names.