1st time reloader

[HKILLER]

Hey guys well I think I have enough brass to start reloading, I have no reloading supply sure do I start, I will be loading .223,556,6.8 and 308/762. Where do I stArt?

[chili]

I would start with buying a copy of the "ABC's of Reloading" and at least two reloading manuals produced by the major bullet and/or powder companies. Read the "ABC's" cover to cover, well maybe skippingg the shotshell section, then focus on the rifle section. You don't need me to tell you this, BUT, follow the directions in the manuals.

Once you have read the books, decide which caliber you want to load and go from there.

Some folks have their favorite brands of reloading equipment. IMO, they are so close to being the same it does not matter. Um, with the exception of Lee presses. They are not as durable as RCBS, Lyman et al.

If there is someone who reloads and is local, see if they can show you their process.

Hopefully this is some of the info you were looking for.

[spectre]

pm my dad bro hes been reloading for at least 20 years.

[yellowhand]

Lee Precision has a lot of videos that will help you on the process, as well as RCBS and all of the other reloader suppliers.
I've used progressives for decades, but just went to a turret press from Lee and it's a hell of a thing for a new person to learn on and also produce a LOT of ammo pretty darn fast.
REsize and deprime.
Prime
Drop in the powder
Drop in the bullet
The things that go along with the above might seem a little complicated at first, but after a few thousand rounds it becomes second place and natural.
A lot of us have been at this for decades, so if you get stuck, and lube those cases before resizing:) just shout at one of us.

[Norton]

I use RCBS for the press, powder measure, case trimer and most other tools
I like LEE dies because the price is right and they give you the factory crimp die in many sets. I also like LEE molds and casting pot.
As noted before Richart Lee has a great book.. ABCs of reloading.
I know they sell good dvds on reloading basics and computer software for loads now. Check with Lyman for that.
If you do buy a LEE press get the classic cast iron press and skip the light beginer press. Reloading is an addictive hobby once you make a few good hunting loads and drop a deer dead in its tracks or clover leaf some target rounds.. You are hooked. Plus it is a very relaxing hobby, when I reload I zone out and forget about work or any troubles. If you buy high quality products you will have them for life and can pass them on to the next generation

[rep30cal]

Reading the book is helpful but so is asking questions, remember the only dumb question is the one that you don't ask.
I have LEE and RCBS equipment and both have done me just fine, I have a LEE press that a piece broke on and it that was cast aluminum and it now has a replacement part in steel that won't break available from the company. As for LEE's two year warranty the piece I broke was twelve years old, I sent it in with payment for a new one and they sent me the replacement and my money back.
I also went single stage for years and loaded one step at a time for many thousands of rounds but I know each round was loaded right, (no missed steps).
If you are reloading military brass I would suggest the LEE cast iron single stage press part #90998 or 90999 although my LEE Challenger has 16 years of good use on it. I also have an RCBS RS3 that has a good many years on it and is more than strong enough to resize machine gun fired military brass. The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme is a good press also.

Have fun it is a great way to relax or just get away and still do something constructive, at least for me.
Sorry this went on so long, I get carried away sometimes.

[shibbykins]

Ive been loading for about 2 years now and I can say definitely get some books on it. I use a Lee turret press and it has been a good setup for my low volume style or reloading. Its a excellent press for a beginner or the occasional loader. I will be upgrading to a hornady lock n load AP in the future for more "volume". For dies I use Lee carbide dies which usually separate the bullet seat and crimp processes as it has 4 dies instead of 3.

I tend to order my primers and powder from wideners. You can get stuff from midway and cabellas also. When I ordered all my hardware it was from cabellas back in the day when they were running some specials. The thing to remember is to purchase primers at a minimum of 5000 at a time and add powder to reduce the blow of the hazmat charge. I would buy primers locally but the shops think primers still need to be sold by the hundred for stupid prices.

Bullet wise I load pistol so I use the following company's. I havnt loaded rifle yet sorry.

For lead
http://www.missouribullet.com/

Jacket/plated (sometimes he carry's 5.56 military projectiles)
http://www.shop.rmrbullets.com/

I hate to refer to another forum but when I got into reloading I got alot of great info on thehighroad.org in the reloading sub forum.

reloading is for sure addicting :2pistol:

[HKILLER]

I see that almost every one sells a starter kit would it be better to buy a kit or piece by piece?

[shibbykins]

I got mine as a starter kit. this is what I had ordered.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Reloading/Presses-Dies|/pc/104792580/c/104761080/sc/104516280/Lee-Classic-Turret-Press-Reloading-Kit/706046.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fshoot ing-reloading-presses-dies%2F_%2FN-1100195%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104516280%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253Bcat104792 580%253Bcat104761080&WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104792580%3Bcat104761080%3Bcat10451 6280

I didnt like the powder scale so I went down to the local head shop and bought a digital scale that measures in like 8 different things including grains. Loooove it.

For the powder measure the disks are fun but I bought the one you can manually change that replaces the disks. I will say theres other powder throwers out there that people seem to like better. I can never seem to get the powder to measure what the lee manual for it says. Like im trying to toss a 5.8grain of something and it will measure only 5.6grain from the hole the mauals says to use.

FWIW stay away from the lee 1000's. I found ALOT more negative than positive threads online about them and even videos on youtube about the issues and I couldnt justify taking a chance with the funds.

[97th Signalman]

I see that almost every one sells a starter kit would it be better to buy a kit or piece by piece?

Starter kits can be good economical packages. Or, if budget is an issue, used equipment can save you lots of money. Gunshows and ebay are good places to look. If you do go to Lee stick with the cast iron presses. I use RCBS dies and a Lee Classic single stage press for all my rifle calibers and small volume hand gun loads. I use Lee dies in a Lee classic turret press for higher volume handgun reloading.

Other than that, read everything you can get your hands on. I have the ABC's of Reloading mentioned above...it's great resource. There are also some good videos out there as well. Better yet, the best thing to do is to get some help form someone who is expereinced.

>Read
>Ask questions
>Learn and follow all safety rules
>Be methodical
>Keep good records
>Keep a neat bench
>Store your powder and primers safely and apart
>Lable each of your boxes of reloads with the loading details before putting them away.

[Norton]

I see that almost every one sells a starter kit would it be better to buy a kit or piece by piece?

A starter kit is the way to go.

[jbruney]

You guys didn't mention a major key word he'll need a little further down the road......Lube and a good one at that.

Well.....It was the part that eluded me in the beginning anyway.

[HKILLER]

You guys didn't mention a major key word he'll need a little further down the road......Lube and a good one at that.

Well.....It was the part that eluded me in the beginning anyway.

i will keep that in mind thx

[DaCapster]

rcbs ROCK CHUCKER II and a good vib cleaner.

[drine]

A kit is a good start. A set of calipers and a bullet puller were my first "extras". I use a single stage mainly because I want to be sure so each case is filled close and trickled to exact grain. I've never seen a progressive in action and don't want to right now because I'm sure I'd be upgrading. As with golf, shooting, scuba, etc.. make sure you get something more than the beginner set. You will grow tired of it too fast and waste money upgrading that you could have spent correctly in the first place. My .308, 5.56, 30-06, are all Lee dies. You will want the crimp die for your semis so buy the set that includes it. It is about the most relaxing thing I can think of. I zone out and lose a couple of hours concentrating on the reloads.

[Buddymack]

My wife bought me a Lee anniversary a couple days ago, I will take the advice that has been left here, its a lesson in patience for me I am very ADD but safety conscious at the same time.
I have to learn the methodical approach to this, what has helped me with my gun builds is to put a white board up in the office outlining the needs that come to mind and then putting a marker at what point I have it at that follows the whole red light green light model.

[DaCapster]

I set the powder charge to .01 gr and drop 10 cases re-measure every 10th. charge all cases the use a flashlight to verify all look good, some different types of brass will make a big difference in how much the case is filled up.........I discard those.

[drine]

Forgot: A tumbler! The scotchbrite pad with the case chucked in a drill got old.

[SSwee]

I did not realize how many times I would handle the brass just getting it prepped to reload. The single stage press has a place on the bench even when running a progressive. I have 2 mounted, 1 with a universal decapper and 1 with a collet bullet puller. If you go with a start up set, you won't be hurt. Just get one with a decent press. I favor the RCBS rock crusher but that is a personal preference. It is a good feeling when you can shoot your own loads.
SS

[HKILLER]

lots of positive review on the rcbs set ups. i think i will go that route. thanks guys i will be asking lots of question im excited.

[Sapheit warrior]

. It is a good feeling when you can shoot your own loads.
SS

:walkdoor:


I have the lee breech lock challenger set up.It's 89.99 from Midway. Not to mention you are pretty close to haveing all the gear you need. I like mine... It works well. Good luck.

[yellowhand]

Here is one of just about everything, except progressive, spoken about all on the same small bench.
All come in handy and each does something better than the other.
Good luck, you will enjoy re-loading, gets in the blood quickly...

[yellowhand]

helps to post photo, long day:)

[spectre]

i know people are ragging on the lee but my dad has 2 progressive setups and he avg's 100+ rounds an hours. not bad for being under 150 bucks. yes it can be finnicky but keep her clean and she will run good.

[drine]

:walkdoor:


I have the lee breech lock challenger set up.It's 89.99 from Midway. Not to mention you are pretty close to haveing all the gear you need. I like mine... It works well. Good luck.

That's what I have. I need to buy some extra adapters so I can keep the .223 and .308 set up.

[cfish]

I have the hornady Progressive loader. Been loading for 20 years and have used RCBs and Lee. I like the hornady the best so far. Not to mention if you buy there set up you'll get 1000 of your choice Hornady bullets. I took the 308 bullets and the cost of the bullets was almost as much as the press. Hornady has been very good about warranty and questions. Good support!
Get a few books read up everything you can, find someone you know who reloads to help you get started and always remeber. When you reload, do it when you have no distractions what so ever and that you are completely focused on what you are doing. Be safe and have fun!

[yellowhand]

i know people are ragging on the lee but my dad has 2 progressive setups and he avg's 100+ rounds an hours. not bad for being under 150 bucks. yes it can be finnicky but keep her clean and she will run good.

I sat down one afternoon and watched a, "tribal" person take the following actions on a spent 7.62X54R
Pocket knife blade to dig out the primer, Berdan.
Case mouth placed into a drilled out hole in a piece of flat metal, and a couple of taps with his beat to hell hammer, and the mouth was resized???? to hold bullet???
Out of a leather bag was pulled a 1000 block of CCI large rifle primers in pristine condition, wrapped in some sort of wax paper, I think.
One primer placed onto a flat piece of metal, case placed over the primer, small hammer strike onto a block of hardwood on the case mouth and the primer was "set" in primer pocket flush!
Out of a coffee can, it had crylic writing, he dipped a metal spoon full of powder, of some type, held his hand over the case mouth like a funnel, and dropped in the powder, charging the case.
A lead bullet was taken from another bag, placed into case mouth, out came the hammer, a few taps, couple of hard looks to insure depth, and he started in on another round droping his completed one into a pile at his dirty feet.
I always wondered where in the hell he got those CCI primers.
Everytime I complain about what I have or don't have to work with when it comes to reloading, I think about that old man with his hammer and just make what I have work.

[jbruney]

That was surely the most hard core reloader in the world.

[Norton]

[QUOTE=yellowhand;222134]I sat down one afternoon and watched a, "tribal" person take the following actions on a spent 7.62X54R
Pocket knife blade to dig out the primer, Berdan.
QUOTE]

I wish that tribal person would show me his trick with the pocket knife.

I tried all these utube methods and have had poor results. I tried Finn 54R
German 56R Chinese 54R all very tough. This RCBS De-priming tool sells for the price of two dies and I hear it works only fair. If somebody could really get a berdan de-prime method down pat you would make a lot of Milsurp type reloaders very happy..

[DaCapster]

as for trimming,,,,,, Possum Hollow

[yellowhand]

[QUOTE=yellowhand;222134]I sat down one afternoon and watched a, "tribal" person take the following actions on a spent 7.62X54R
Pocket knife blade to dig out the primer, Berdan.
QUOTE]

I wish that tribal person would show me his trick with the pocket knife.

I tried all these utube methods and have had poor results. I tried Finn 54R
German 56R Chinese 54R all very tough. This RCBS De-priming tool sells for the price of two dies and I hear it works only fair. If somebody could really get a berdan de-prime method down pat you would make a lot of Milsurp type reloaders very happy..

I don't know, if he had a notch or whatever on his knife tip, but he seemed to just hook them, twist/pull and then wipe the spent/stuck primer off on his knee.
This was one HARD old man and I stayed a respectful distance away from him and a few of the others like him.
Hard times make for very hard men...

[Norton]

At least you know it can be done, if you know the trick and practice.

[chili]

lots of positive review on the rcbs set ups. i think i will go that route. thanks guys i will be asking lots of question im excited.

I use a RCBS Rock Chucker IV, RCBS Spartan press (1960'svintage) Lee dies (with 1 exception), lyman 2500 tumbler, RCBS case prep center, Lee hand primer tool. I started off with all Lee stuff 25 years ago, but as the Lee stuff broke it got replaced with other brands. I prefer Lee Dies in both rifle and pistol, but I love the RCBS presses for durability.

I still say try to find someone local to you who reloads. Reading books and watching videos are a great way to learn, but having someone to physically show is way under rated.

[agalindo]

Starter kits are a good place to start. They'll have most of what you'll need to start with one caliber.

Price wise Lee is cheapest Dillon is best and most expensive.

I have a Lee Pro1000 and and a Lee ProLoader and and a single stage Hornady. Started of with the Honady many years ago. The everything but the dies had Pacific as the brand name. :)

[oldpaint0]

as for trimming,,,,,, Possum Hollow

That is Possum Holler, the South Holsten river runs in there and pipes the sunshine in. Anyway, that is my Possum Holler. Good days.

[oldpaint0]

Lyman Orange Crush and Dillon RL550B. Do not take anyones advice in reloading, period. That is a fast track on ruining a weapon and possibly yourself. Get a LYMAN reloading manual. I have not seen any better than the LYMAN. If you are loading for a firearm with a floating firing pin you will most definetly want to use CCI # 34 or 41 primers to prevent a slamfire.

[cem308]

Check out u tube if all else fails,tons of vids on reloading rifle and pistol.