Which caliber is a good first cartridge to start reloading.

[Potatohead]

I was told 45 and 38 when I asked the same question a few months ago. FYI I started with 9mm and 380 and had pretty much zero problems with 9mil. 380 is quite another story.

 

[gonoles_1980]

I started with 38spl and now load both 38spl and 357. I'm getting ready to buy a die for 9mm for my wife's gun, I've got some studying to do on that one since it's a semi-automatic vs the revolvers I use.

 

[1911 guy]

The only one I'd question for a beginner reloader is .44-40, and that is anecdotal. I have herd from others (I don't reload for .44-40) that the cases can give a newbie fits due to the crimp partway up the case. Not sure why this is, as I've never loaded for it myself.

I have, however, loaded for the others mentioned, with the exception of .40 S&W. They were smooth running enough for a beginner to have few issues.

I would suggest, as per the advice of GaryL, to select a powder that fills more than 50 percent of the case. This eliminates the oversight of a double charge, as it will either overflow the case or make bullet seating impossible.

I would also recommend reloading on a single stage press until you are intimately familiar with the process.

 

[Catpop]

I started on .35 Rem in a 336 straight stock Marlin back in early 70s. Had a ball shooting groups between whitetails. No problems encountered.
Then I moved to .357 and again no problems encountered.
Have fun!

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Get a 38 special to start reloading.

The cases are easy to pick up and handle. The tolerance for error is quite forgiving and there are tons of components that work in it.

Once you master the process and the concepts, then you can branch out easily.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

So what powder do you suggest. Here is the list of powders I've picked up to use.

Universal Clays
TiteGroup
Winchester 231
Vargent
IMR 4831
Vihiavyori TinStar
Vihiavyori N320
Vihiavyori N340
Unique
BullsEye

 

[me26245]

.38 Special

For a new reloader I suggest .38 special. Of the powders you list I would use Bullseye or Unique.

I used Unique in .38/.357 for years, until I moved to Solo 1000.

I your going to use 148gr Lead HBWC I'd suggest Bullseye. For Jacketed bullets 125gr to 170gr I would use Unique.

 

[Jlr2267]

I agree with anyone who says 45acp, with one caveat - use a powder that fills the case at least 50%. You should be able to see at a glance that the charge is correct - not a double or a squib.

^^^^agree, and this applies to whatever cartridge you start with.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

My bullet selections are Zero (9mm,45acp), Montana Gold (9mm,10mm,357) and Missouri Bullet Company(45acp,357,10mm)

 

[Jlr2267]

From the list above, Unique would be good. I've also had good luck with Green Dot in 38sp (not recommending this as a first load by the way), which seems to be the only powder left in my area.