Wanting to start Reloading

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Freddie

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I am a total rookie at reloading...Watched my Uncles when I was a kid but that is all..I am now in my 50's and want to get started reloading as a hobby...I would like to know where to start...I have ordered the Lyman 48th Reloading Handbook (just waiting for it to arrive)....I will be reloading .40 S&W, 30-30, 380 auto, .45 ACP and .270 to start...
I have been looking at the different reloading equipment, ie: Presses, dies, progressive presses....I am confused on what to get....
Can some one please help the beginner out......Thank You very much

Fred:banghead:
 
First of all, if you reload for a hobby, you might be disappointed. Some people love reloading, others find it an awful bore. For me, it's somewhere between those extremes and I do it strictly as a matter of economics. My advice would be to study the manual very closely before you start reloading. If you still want to go ahead with it, buy only the basic stuff such as a press, powder throw, weight scales and one set of dies. You can always get additional dies, case trimmer, bullet casting equipment, bullet puller, vibratory cleaner, etc later. Good luck and let us know how it turns out for you.

P.S. one tip Double check your powder levels before you seat the bullets. Better yet, have your wife or a friend triple check them.
 
Freddie, I am in my 50s, and only started loading for the first time a couple of years ago.

First I'll recommend a second book to go along with the Lyman 48. That is the Speer Loading Manual edition #13. Their introductory section is a bit more thorough the the Lyman. They are both good books to own in any case. You will not be wasting your money if you have both. Speer is primarily a bullet maker, and all their bullets are listed in their manual. Plus it is better laid out than any other that I've seen.

The big decision for a new loader is do you want the capability to load many many cases in each session? That means, will you be happy to load in batches of fewer than, say 150-200 rounds per session? Or must you be able to crank out 500 plus at each session?

For high volume loading you will probably want to get a Progressive press (there are many brands, including several Dillon models).

If you are a rifle loader, or a handgun shooter who doesn't go through boxes and boxes of ammo, then a Single stage or Turret press is what you will want (a Turret is like a Single Stage but with extra die holders -- speed of use is very similar).

The choice between the above is purely a consideration of volume. If you aren't sure, then get a Single or Turret to start with. It will always come in handy for small batches, experiments, or rifle loading even if you get a Progressive press later.

I won't go into the details as they will be readable in your books.

The other thing I'll recommend here is a beam balance scale as opposed to an electronic digital scale. The beam is just as accurate, but is much more reliable -- a very important attribute indeed.

That's my 2¢ worth. There will be more to come from others...

The only other thing I'll add is that loading your own is very enjoyable, and makes shooting even more fun.

.
 
Turret Press

I was thinking of the Lee 4 hole turret press kit....Any pros and cons.....Also what else do I need with this kit to get started? I know I sound dumb but I just hate to order something and then be missing something I should of ordered when I go to reload my first one...
 
It all depends on how you want to reload, really.

A single-stage press gives you all the experience of reloading, but is pretty slow and inefficient for small batches. You can put out rounds at a decent rate if you're doing large batches, though. Most people will recommend you start with a single-stage, since they're simpler, and they require that you're paying attention to what you're doing. Even if you eventually get a progressive press or something, everyone can always use an extra single-stage press.

Turret presses are nice because they can do both large and small batches very efficiently. Either run lots of cases through a single die at a time, just like a single-stage, or rotate the turret between handle pulls (some turrets will even do that for you) to crank out finished rounds at a decent rate.

Progressive presses are even faster. Some of them only require a handle pull, and do everything else for you. I don't think a progressive would be the best thing if you plan on reloading as a hobby, though. The machine does 99% of the work; you just act as the engine, like a hamster in a wheel. Also, you really have to know what you're doing, or you'll end up with dozens of messed up rounds before you catch the mistake.

Whoops, you replied while I was typing. Personally, I'd say a Lee turret press kit is a good way to start. Though you'll definitely want to get an upgrade for the auto disk powder measure, and probably a double-disk thingie for reloading rifle cartridges. It'll wear out very quickly if you leave the powder measure as is, because of the junky screws which must be removed and replaced every time you switch disks. And with the number of calibers you plan on reloading, you'll probably be swapping disks fairly often.

And you'll probably end up tearing your hair out if you stick with the Lee scale, so check E-bay for deals on used powder scales of other brands. Avoid those cheap electric scales, though. They're only accurate to 0.15 grain instead of 0.10 grain, which isn't quite good enough. Stick with the balance-beam type scales, unless you're willing to pay out the nose for a quality electronic scale.

You'll also need calipers. Some people get by fine without them for a while, but it's important to make sure that everything is the right size. Right now, MidwayUSA has Frankfort Arsenal digital calipers on sale for $20.

Also, if the Lee press looks good to you, wait a month or so before buying one. Lee is coming out with a new, faster priming system for the turret press, and if you buy one of the old ones, it'll cost $20-30 to upgrade to the new system.
 
New reloader--Welcome!

It's The Magnificent Obsession.

+1 here on everything Thirties said, plus I reccommend another book you oughta buy AND read before ordering any equipment. This is The ABC's of Reloading put out by Krause Publications. They are up to the 7th edition; they must be doing something right. This book is not recipies for loads, it is a how-to and more importantly a why-and-why-not book. Get it @ yr local sptg gds sto, gun sho, an I'net dealer, or from the publisher, Krause Publications, www.krause.com

The ABC's is more complete and extensive than a chapter in a loading manual could be. When you have finished it you will probably be certain whether or not to commit to reloading.

BTW, if you are the type who must always be pushing the envelope, who won't or can't follow directions, who is ultra-easily distracted, for whom safety rules are for the other guy, who feels restricted if not allowed his freedom to be creative, who knows more than the experts who wrote "the book," then DON'T get into reloading. Buy your ammo and do your risky experiments in another venue.

Reloading is fun, interesting, and a very safe practice, IF you follow the rules.
 
Reloading

I've used a single stage press for years and have been happy with it and have loaded a BUNCH of ammo with it from .44 Magnum up to .375 H&H Magnum. It's certainly an economical way to start until you get a better idea of what handloading is all about and get a chance to form your own opinions.

Handloading for such cartridges as the .380 Auto, 9 mm Parabellum, etc. may be more trouble than it's worth. Those cartridges are fairly cheap anyway and when you're only dealing with a few grains of powder, you measurement thereof has to be very accurate if you want quality ammo. You should save quite a bit reloading .270 Winchester though. If you ever get a gun that shoots a wildcat cartridge, then handloading is your only choice (and a bit of fun).

I've also never gone to an electronic scale; my RCBS balance beam scale has served me well for years. I bought some weights I use on occasion to make sure it's still weighing accurately. For certain powders (such as IMR 4064) with larger grains, I use my scale and a powder trickler to measure each charge. IMR 4227 weighs very accurately with my powder measure so once I've thrown a few charges and find every thing is right, I use my powder measure for the rest.

I also think it's good to have several reloading manuals to compare and read. The ones I have are those of Hornady (very good), Speer (very good), Barnes (very good if you use their bullets) and Lee (the older Lee manual which is OK but not as good in my opinion as the other three). The Hornady and Barnes manuals tell you in many cases which powders in a list of suitable powders they found best for a cartridge which I've found quite useful.
 
I have to kick in, again, that I reload 9mm, and enjoy the heck out of it. I use a single stage, and don't reload more than 50 to 100 a week, if that, so it is more of a relaxing and productive hobby than an assembly line. I do testers for differant bullet weights/types, looking for the mythical magical accuracy combo for my CZ75 PO1, that will help make up for my slightly better than average shooting skills...:rolleyes:
I have an extra Lee Perfect Powder measure, because the RCBS Uniflow is worth every penny it costs...
Enjoy your new hobby! it is fun, productive, and perfectly compliments your shooting hobby - but be very slow, methodical, and triple check your work!:)
 
For pistol powders I'd recommend Hercules Unique to start with for the simple reason that it's diffucult to double charge the cases. This is important to a beginner.

Start with .38 special/.357 mag to begin with till you get comfortable reloading. Get a set of Lee carbide dies with the taper crimp die.

Shoot me an email with any questions anytime!!
 
Press

So for me to start maybe the Rockchucker would be good? The reason I am asking all these questions is because there is no place I can go to look at the different ones in person...
 
Yes, that's an excellent choice. I'm still using mine and I've been reloading since 1984.
 
After 25 years I'm getting back into reloading. I had sold my Presses and components at that time to help in gathering funds to finance my wedding expenses. :banghead: The RCBS Rock Chucker SUPREME Master Reloading Kit is what I'm looking at as a replacement. I found 1 for sale (RCBS Rock Chucker SUPREME Master Reloading Kit), http://www.natchezss.com/category.c...7&subgroup=1696&CFID=1477775&CFTOKEN=33821901 I'm asking is this a good price?
 
You new reloaders today sure have it made with forums like this where you can ask questions about reloading anytime (and get answers). I started with a Rockchucker and still have it. I don’t think you can go wrong with one.

PS - Freddie and Lambo Welcome to THR.
Looks like a good price to me. I’d buy it.
I'd recommend Redding dies.
 
Freddie said:
I was thinking of the Lee 4 hole turret press kit....Any pros and cons.....Also what else do I need with this kit to get started? I know I sound dumb but I just hate to order something and then be missing something I should of ordered when I go to reload my first one...
Click to expand...

If you're new to reloading, start with a single stage. You quickly get in the habit of observation and details and obtain a better understanding of the process.

Once you get comfortable, then get a progressive. You can get a progressive that takes standard dies, so you're not out anything. I have both a single stage and a progressive and I find myself using both about equally. I wind up doing my high-power rifle loads on the single stage and my pistol on the progressive. But under it all, I started out on a Lee Classic and I'm thankful for it.

Just my $0.02...
 
Reloading equipment

Try the Lee equipment, I have the turret press and use it all time. Don't know how many shells I've reloaded with it but it's in the thousands. Good luck.


Love a Bulldog, take him hog hunting!!!!
 
Good loading

I too am 55 & have been reloading AGAIN for about 3 yr now aftre a 20 yr. interval. I have the RCBS set up you are looking at. I did not get that good a price. :banghead: You will need calipers later & a case trimmer for your rifle brass. If you choose to wait on calipers for expenses, use this procedure to seat your bullets.
1. Put a factory round in your shell holder & run it to the top.
2. Screw your die in until it touches the shell holder & back off 1/4 turn.
3. Screw your seater plug in until is finger tight against the factory bullet.
4. Remove factory bullet.
5. Screw seater plug in agout 1/8 turn & load one.
6. Set 2 factories up about 3 inches apart & set your load between.
7. Place a ruler on the top of the factories & your load should just clear.
8. Ajust seater as needed.
Worked for me for a long time. I bought tumbler, trimmer, components, brass... calipers were last. Good loading.
 
Smokey Joe said:
+1 here on everything Thirties said, plus I reccommend another book you oughta buy AND read before ordering any equipment. This is The ABC's of Reloading put out by Krause Publications. They are up to the 7th edition; they must be doing something right. This book is not recipies for loads, it is a how-to and more importantly a why-and-why-not book. Get it @ yr local sptg gds sto, gun sho, an I'net dealer, or from the publisher, Krause Publications, www.krause.com

The ABC's is more complete and extensive than a chapter in a loading manual could be. When you have finished it you will probably be certain whether or not to commit to reloading.
Click to expand...

I will also recommend this volume. It has detailed step-by-step instructions for rifle, pistol, and shotgun reloading. In addition, there are chapters on different aspects of reloading - bullet casting, black powder cartridge, etc that you might find useful later on. I've been reloading for quite a while and I bought it for those extra chapters, and it is well worth the money.
 
Can't decide

After reading some I am undecided on which kit to get...
Either the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master kit or the Lyman Crusher II Expert Kit...

Any advice and help will be greatly appreciated...
 
ROCK CHUCKER !!!

But I say this because this is what I have and it works great. Don’t know about Lyman.
 
agree

Freddy! + 1 for the Rock Chucker. I have one & it is simple. I have been reloading again for about 3 yr now. It was about 25 yr layoff. I believe I read on another one here that Natchez Shooting Supplies has them for 219.00. My catalog says 229.00. Should be able to check it out on line. www.natchezss.com. 1-800-251-7839. Lambo found it & the add web site is on his post. You both will not beat RCBS for quality. You can beat it speed if you are going to load & shoot 1,000 rds a month. Me, the wife, my Mother, shoot 5,000 rds a yr & I load them all on that set up. I will admitt to anyone that I do not set in front of a TV. My free time is spent in the loading room & here on the shooting forums. If you are a TV lover & want 3 hrs. a night & 5hr of football on Sat. & Sun. you can't do it. If you enjoy the quiet of a loading room & the noise of your own production then you will be happy w/ it as a starter. Many have never changed. :) Others have "up graded" to progressives. For the investment you can't go wrong.
 
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