where do i start,what equipment will i need

[05kas05]

i want to get into reloading my own ammo,i know bad time to start with all that is going on but im very interested, is it worth it or not.or are they going to do this ammo coding thing.well these are the calibers i have .380,9mm,
38spl,357magnum,.40s&w,12gauge,and the lonely .22lr. i am looking to get started with the .380 or 40 s&w for now but really have no idea where to begin.so could you guys give me a little info on all the stuff needed to start and or books i can read that have the best info for a beginner.

i have used the search and am more confused now than i was as far as what to get and what is best.i am not trying to spend a fortune i just want the ability to do it when the need arises. i appreciate all the help many thanks

 

[RandyP]

did you already read the sticky post 2 above your posting and the same question answers 2 below yours?

If not they are well worth reading. As are a number of reloading manuals )Lee, Lyman, Hornady) that you should check out before doing any buying.

For all the pistol calibers you mention a Lee Classic Turret setup would be hard to beat for efficient and economical reloading.

 

[jfh]

Here's a jump off point, I think--

1. Buy The ABCs of Reloading.

2. I would suggest you start with reloading the handgun cartridges. Choose the one you shoot the most--or start with 38 Special. (380 would also work, as would 9mm, but the cases are smaller) and .40 S&W can be touchy, and I would NOT start off with that one.

Shotshell reloading is a whole 'nother game and generally not economical at this point in time. And, of course, .22LR cannot be reloaded.

3. To keep the list of items you may want simple, here's a link to one thread that can help you start a list--perhaps other readers with better links for a list will add one.

Finally, feel free to ask any questions you may have--but I suspect you need to do that reading first, so that you can ask questions that make sense to you.

Jim H.

 

[rfwobbly]

First, reloading, like shooting, rock climbing, air planes, etc can be dangerous, so the first thing you'll want to do is read, read, read. I would recommend a book called The ABCs of Reloading by Lyman. Also check your local library. Look on Amazon for used reloading manuals no older than say 1998. If you can find some for less than $12, then buy them.

Then you ought to consider what calibers and how many rounds you'll want each month. Is it 200 or 2000 ??? As the volumes go higher, the equipment tends to become more specialized. Same as with fast cars or planes. So you really need to think about this or you may end up with a Cessna when you really needed a 747.

Your best source for reloading advice and gaining experience is meeting local reloaders. Tell us where you’re located and/or ask for local help. Splitting orders for powder and primers with friends can cut your reloading costs considerably.

I highly recommend a single stage press to start with. In this manner you can start to get "close up and personal" with each reloading stage. You'll really start to understand what's going on much better this way. Yes, a multi-stage press is faster, but that's because it's doing 3 or 4 steps of the process at the same instant. This can make setup and tweaking impossibly difficult for the beginner. That's what I want to steer you away from.

As far as a first purchase, I highly recommend a used system. The reason for this is that you'll also get several dozen small pieces thrown in, that would take you a year or more to collect. Whereas these items are usually thrown-in with a used system. And too, you'll usually get some extra dies, bullets and powder you can use for trading items. Look for used systems on Craig's List web site and only buy face-to-face after you inspect it. Obviously, if you do not feel confident to spot a good deal, then local reloading friends are your best source for help.

Two things about reloading equipment:
• Every press on the market today is a quality item. Reloading manufacturers aren't into rip-offs.
• You get exactly what you pay for. A Corolla will get you to work just the same as a Mercedes, but some prefer the comfort and added features of the later.

Brand A is no better than Brand B, it's all in what YOU want. And no one can answer that question, except for YOU.

Generally speaking, Lee is the low price leader. In the middle tier we have RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, and some others. In the high end we have Dillon and some others. The funny thing is though, almost every complete middle weight system seems to cost about $500 by the time you have all the bits and pieces. Why is this? Because, like your stereo, the receiver may be the high dollar item at purchase time, but you’ll have far more in CDs at the end of the first year. So don’t be swayed by price alone.

Hope this helps!

 

[05kas05]

thanks for the links and information i am going to start reading alot more info formost the stuff you guys recommend.i am sorry i missed the sticky and other stuff you guys linked to i will be more diligent in my searches before asking such newbie questions.once again the information is trully appreciated and i am thankfull there are people willing to help even when these questions have been asked before.these are the reasons i am a member on this board.the members here are top notch and they never give you the screw you attitude so i say once again thank you.05kas05

 

[RandyP]

as a fellow newcomer to reloading (been shooting handguns for over 40 years) the reading and viewing advice I've seen has been been a great education into the actually relatively simple and easy process of making safe, reliable and accurate ammunition.

There are loads of youtube reloading videos and the Lee website also offers some great videos showing the process and of course featuring their line of products.

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/video.html