ArkansasFatboy
Member
Guys I need some info on a good starter set up for handloading is ther any starter packs that that are good for a beginner or is it better to to purchase your equipment piece by piece? Any info. would be greatly appreciated.
Wanting to get started in Handloading
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ChristopherG
Member
Well, it sorta depends. I mean, there are kits for the beginning handloader, but they're all single stage. This is a good thing for a lot of folks, but not some others, IMO.
So, what do you want to reload? And how much?
So, what do you want to reload? And how much?
The major manufacturers all sell "kits" to get you started. I use a lot of Lee equipment and have found that it functions well. I do not recommend their powder scale, as I owned one and it was not very accurate.
As far as buying seperately, even if you buy a kit, you will still find yourself buying other tools that will not only make life easier for you, but will help you to make better quality ammo. Tou will want to pick up a case trimmer, for instance. I trimmed by hand for a while until I did this and found that a bench mounted trimmer was more accurate and quicker.
Get a tumbler! This will make your reloading life much easier. I cleaned cases by hand for many years until I bought one and once I used it the first thing out of my mouth was "Why the heck didn't I buy one of these years ago!? (hits self in head with large pipe)"
As far as buying seperately, even if you buy a kit, you will still find yourself buying other tools that will not only make life easier for you, but will help you to make better quality ammo. Tou will want to pick up a case trimmer, for instance. I trimmed by hand for a while until I did this and found that a bench mounted trimmer was more accurate and quicker.
Get a tumbler! This will make your reloading life much easier. I cleaned cases by hand for many years until I bought one and once I used it the first thing out of my mouth was "Why the heck didn't I buy one of these years ago!? (hits self in head with large pipe)"
I learned the hobby back in the mid-80s with a Lee Turret Press. I didn't buy any "complete setups". I bought the turret press, a Lee Hand Prime, a few die sets (Lee), a scale, a tumbler and a few other basic things. As I went along, I added more items... such as a dial caliper, a debur tool, etc.
neoncowboy
Member
It's best to start by reading a manual, Lee publishes a good one. This will help you to understand the process, and thereby understand what tools/equipment you should choose.
It's fun.
It's fun.
lee n. field
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Absolutely yes.
Ditto carbide dies.
It's best to first read a good book to understand the process, to better understand what it is that you do need (because no kit I've seen seems to have everything I'd like).
If I had to do it over again, and if I had the bucks, I'd get an RCBS Rock Chuck kit, mostly because over time most of my equipment has ended up being green.
If I had it to do over again, and (more likely) didn't have the bucks, I'd get a Lee Hand Press kit, as an irreducable minimum which works better than I expected it to.
What I actually did, 10 years ago, was go the bits and pieces from here and there route. Some of what I bought then I still use, some I do not, though I don't think any of my money was ill-spent.
Anyway, "how do I start reloading" is a question that gets asked frequently. Flip through the handloading forum.
aka108
Member
Get a really good press like RCBS Rock Chucker. When you really get into this reloading stuff you will probably do some case forming and a strong press is essential. The Rock Chucker is one that will last for generations.
LkWinnipesaukee
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Smokey Joe
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Much good advice
and many good thoughts above, ArkansasFatboy. I would add only one suggestion: Before you even buy a reloading manual, which you should do before getting any equipment, the FIRST purchase ought to be The ABC's of Reloading, put out by Krause Publications, www.krause.com
Then read both the ABC's and the loading manual. THEN think about what kind of equipment you need to buy now, what you want but don't need, and what you can wait 'til later to buy.
The ABC's is a how-to and more importantly why-and-why-not to kind of book. A reloading manual is like a recipie book; you'll need one of those, too (my fave is Lyman's 48th edition) but before you can use a recipie you need to know the fundamentals of cooking.
The ABC's will get you informed enough that you then will be able to make a decision as to what kind of press you want, single stage or progressive, rather than buying one to try, and mebbe finding you want the other. It is just paccked with good fundamentals, and also not so fundamental.
Should be on every reloader's bookshelf, well thumbed, IMHO.
Oh, and welcome to The Magnificent Obsession--Reloading!
and many good thoughts above, ArkansasFatboy. I would add only one suggestion: Before you even buy a reloading manual, which you should do before getting any equipment, the FIRST purchase ought to be The ABC's of Reloading, put out by Krause Publications, www.krause.com
Then read both the ABC's and the loading manual. THEN think about what kind of equipment you need to buy now, what you want but don't need, and what you can wait 'til later to buy.
The ABC's is a how-to and more importantly why-and-why-not to kind of book. A reloading manual is like a recipie book; you'll need one of those, too (my fave is Lyman's 48th edition) but before you can use a recipie you need to know the fundamentals of cooking.
The ABC's will get you informed enough that you then will be able to make a decision as to what kind of press you want, single stage or progressive, rather than buying one to try, and mebbe finding you want the other. It is just paccked with good fundamentals, and also not so fundamental.
Should be on every reloader's bookshelf, well thumbed, IMHO.
Oh, and welcome to The Magnificent Obsession--Reloading!
Try handgun reloading first
Ditto on all of the above advice. I suggest starting with a handgun cartridge at first if you have the choice. It will be a bit simpler.
My recommendation for starting out (I think any brand will work, may want to see what is locally most available. I have used Lee, RCBS and Hornady).
* Reloading manuals, at least two. The best ones for reloading instruction I have seen of the recent crop are Lyman, Speer, and Lee (the Hornady manual is likely very good too). Get the one from the press and die manufacturer you have chosen. Also, download or buy the manual from the manufacturer of the powder you choose. If you can a third manul then try to get the one from the maker of your chosen bullets. If you buy RCBS equipment and load Speer bullets with unique powder, the you just need the Speer maula (RCBS and SPeer are same company) and the online data from Alliant Powder.
* Single stage press unless you are planning to load more than a few hundred rounds per week. A turret press would be good as it is operated as a single stage but has the convenience of holding all the dies in one plate for easy change out for other calibers. Or, if space or budget is limited then get the Lee Hand Press. I started with the Lee Challenger and it has done all my handgun and rifle loading. I am thinking of adding a turret press so I don't have to readjust my dies all the time. But the little Challenger has loaded thousands of rounds for me.
* Dies for the caliber you choose. Get carbide for straight wall handgun cartridgfes such as 9mm, .357, .44, .45. I would get four dies, including the normal three plus a separate crimp die.
* Powder. Get a general purpose powder such as Unique, Universal Clays, Accurate #5, etc. you can load decent loads in almost any caliber. You just won't get the most high powered ones.
* A good scale. get the best you can afford. the electronic ones are very fast to operate, but I get buy with the RCBS 1010. This is about the most crucial piece of equipment.
* A quality dial caliper such as from RCBS, Dillon, Lyman, etc. Absolutely must be able to measure cartridge length to the nearest 0.001"
* 2-4 loading trays to hold the cases during the various steps.
* Some form of primer system. I have used an RCBS hand primer for years but am going to try the RCBS plastic strip APS system with a press mounted priming tool. Or you can get a priming die from any of the die makers.
* Primers and bullets. Keep it simple. Buy at least 200 new cases and several hundred primers of the same brand. get a pack of 500 cast lead bullets in the most common weight (115 or 147 gr for 9mm, 180 gr for .40, 230 gr for .45, and 158 gr for .38 or .357.)Once you get a decent load worked up with one powder and the same case and primer combo, then you can start to vary cases, primers, bullets, and other powders. but start with one set of components and learn on that.
* Two shell holders for your chosen cartridge from the same maker as your dies. Use one in the priming tool and one in the loading dies.
* Powder measure. I use the RCBS with the additional micrometer meter. Like a good quality scale, a good quality measure will save you a lot of frustration and make your sessions go smooth and quick. I use the top of line measure from RCBS, but hear that the Hornady and Redding measures are good too. Lee and Lyman also make them.
LATER ON AFTER YOU START RELOADING THE SAME CASES
At first with new cases you don't need all of the possible tools out there. Later, as you re-use the same cases over and over you want to add some more items.
* Case tumbler and polishing media such as crushed walnuts.
* Primer pocket brush
* Case neck brush (nylon or bronze)
* case gauges to quickly check length and diameter of loaded rounds
If you reload for rifle then you need case lube and a lube pad or lube spray; a case trimmer with whatever accessories needed for your cartridge, and a case neck deburring tool.
Ditto on all of the above advice. I suggest starting with a handgun cartridge at first if you have the choice. It will be a bit simpler.
My recommendation for starting out (I think any brand will work, may want to see what is locally most available. I have used Lee, RCBS and Hornady).
* Reloading manuals, at least two. The best ones for reloading instruction I have seen of the recent crop are Lyman, Speer, and Lee (the Hornady manual is likely very good too). Get the one from the press and die manufacturer you have chosen. Also, download or buy the manual from the manufacturer of the powder you choose. If you can a third manul then try to get the one from the maker of your chosen bullets. If you buy RCBS equipment and load Speer bullets with unique powder, the you just need the Speer maula (RCBS and SPeer are same company) and the online data from Alliant Powder.
* Single stage press unless you are planning to load more than a few hundred rounds per week. A turret press would be good as it is operated as a single stage but has the convenience of holding all the dies in one plate for easy change out for other calibers. Or, if space or budget is limited then get the Lee Hand Press. I started with the Lee Challenger and it has done all my handgun and rifle loading. I am thinking of adding a turret press so I don't have to readjust my dies all the time. But the little Challenger has loaded thousands of rounds for me.
* Dies for the caliber you choose. Get carbide for straight wall handgun cartridgfes such as 9mm, .357, .44, .45. I would get four dies, including the normal three plus a separate crimp die.
* Powder. Get a general purpose powder such as Unique, Universal Clays, Accurate #5, etc. you can load decent loads in almost any caliber. You just won't get the most high powered ones.
* A good scale. get the best you can afford. the electronic ones are very fast to operate, but I get buy with the RCBS 1010. This is about the most crucial piece of equipment.
* A quality dial caliper such as from RCBS, Dillon, Lyman, etc. Absolutely must be able to measure cartridge length to the nearest 0.001"
* 2-4 loading trays to hold the cases during the various steps.
* Some form of primer system. I have used an RCBS hand primer for years but am going to try the RCBS plastic strip APS system with a press mounted priming tool. Or you can get a priming die from any of the die makers.
* Primers and bullets. Keep it simple. Buy at least 200 new cases and several hundred primers of the same brand. get a pack of 500 cast lead bullets in the most common weight (115 or 147 gr for 9mm, 180 gr for .40, 230 gr for .45, and 158 gr for .38 or .357.)Once you get a decent load worked up with one powder and the same case and primer combo, then you can start to vary cases, primers, bullets, and other powders. but start with one set of components and learn on that.
* Two shell holders for your chosen cartridge from the same maker as your dies. Use one in the priming tool and one in the loading dies.
* Powder measure. I use the RCBS with the additional micrometer meter. Like a good quality scale, a good quality measure will save you a lot of frustration and make your sessions go smooth and quick. I use the top of line measure from RCBS, but hear that the Hornady and Redding measures are good too. Lee and Lyman also make them.
LATER ON AFTER YOU START RELOADING THE SAME CASES
At first with new cases you don't need all of the possible tools out there. Later, as you re-use the same cases over and over you want to add some more items.
* Case tumbler and polishing media such as crushed walnuts.
* Primer pocket brush
* Case neck brush (nylon or bronze)
* case gauges to quickly check length and diameter of loaded rounds
If you reload for rifle then you need case lube and a lube pad or lube spray; a case trimmer with whatever accessories needed for your cartridge, and a case neck deburring tool.
benedict1
Member
The best buy is Lee equipment. Use Lee carbide dies--they work very well and can't be worn out so far as I can tell. Go to the Lee website to look at gear--you can download their catalogue even--but buy from a retailer 'cause prices are better.
The single stage presses are good to start with and you can't wear them out--
Here is a kit with everything but dies--
http://www.kempfgunshop.com/products/reloading/leeprecision/kits/90174.html
They also sell dies at this shop. Call the people at Kempf if you have questions, they are very helpful and aren't going to sell you something you don't need and they won't gouge you on shipping and handling charges.
Don't listen to advice about the Lee scale not being any good--I have one and have checked it repeatedly with Lyman test weights. It is the most accurate and sensitive scale you can use. I am a retired chemist and know scales and balances. Trust me on this one.
Good luck. Reloading should be fun--this is a fun way to start and for around a $120, including a Deluxe Pistol die set in the caliber of your choice and shipping, you're in business.
The single stage presses are good to start with and you can't wear them out--
Here is a kit with everything but dies--
http://www.kempfgunshop.com/products/reloading/leeprecision/kits/90174.html
They also sell dies at this shop. Call the people at Kempf if you have questions, they are very helpful and aren't going to sell you something you don't need and they won't gouge you on shipping and handling charges.
Don't listen to advice about the Lee scale not being any good--I have one and have checked it repeatedly with Lyman test weights. It is the most accurate and sensitive scale you can use. I am a retired chemist and know scales and balances. Trust me on this one.
Good luck. Reloading should be fun--this is a fun way to start and for around a $120, including a Deluxe Pistol die set in the caliber of your choice and shipping, you're in business.
armoredman
Member
I was extremely lucky - most of my equipment was given to me, from old time reloaders wanting to get another in the field. I agree on the RCBS tools/press, great stuff. Well, everything except the dies. I couldn't stand the 303 dies I bought, and traded them off. All my die sets are Lee, simple, easy to use, and the Final Crimp/resizing Die is awesome. If you don't want to lubricate all of your pistol brass, make sure you get carbide insert dies, as all-steel dies require case lube.
I also reccomend a check weight set for your scale, whether it is beam or digital.
If you get the Lee case trimmer setup, get the big wooden ball handle - the little original one will have your hands cramped inside 10 cases. Use the ball, and a drill chucked into the case holder. MUCH easier. Trust my aching hands - I know.
Get many manuals, including all the free ones from the powder manufacturers. then be shocked, when none of thier load data is the same from manual to manual...this is why it's half art, half science.
I also reccomend a check weight set for your scale, whether it is beam or digital.
If you get the Lee case trimmer setup, get the big wooden ball handle - the little original one will have your hands cramped inside 10 cases. Use the ball, and a drill chucked into the case holder. MUCH easier. Trust my aching hands - I know.
Get many manuals, including all the free ones from the powder manufacturers. then be shocked, when none of thier load data is the same from manual to manual...this is why it's half art, half science.
DWARREN123
Member
I have been reloading for a month now. I got the Lee Anniversary Kit and the die sets (3 piece) for the calibers I needed, I also brought bullets, primers, powder and a small work bench for mounting the press on, cost about $430 from MidSouth Shooters Supply except for the work bench which I got from Lowe's. I reload 357 mag and 32 H&R mag.
I picked up 3 powders, Lil' Gun, Longshot and HP38. The brass is once fired Federal. I also got Lee's reloading book and a computer based reloading program.
So far so good and I am happy.
I picked up 3 powders, Lil' Gun, Longshot and HP38. The brass is once fired Federal. I also got Lee's reloading book and a computer based reloading program.
So far so good and I am happy.
lee n. field
Member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2002
- Messages
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Avoid Lee's priming die. You want to adjust the priming die to seat the primer to exactly the depth you want when the press handle bottoms out. Can't do that with the Lee -- there's not enough body to put a lock ring on.
I've got two Lyman priming dies, set up one each for large and small primers.
I've got an RCBS priming die, but haven't had a chance to mess with it yet.
Ditto -- mine tested right on, when I finally got a check weight set.
But, the little Lee scale only goes up to 100 grains.
.38 and .45ACP are pretty forgiving cartridges to reload.
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