Getting started reloading….

Group –

Randy has given me a TON of help and info to help me get started reloading… Thanks! — I am now in the process of deciding just what I want to get started with and/or looking out for a good deal on good, used equipment. I know I could easily spend over 1k getting started if I wanted to, but I also know I can get started for $1-200 if I find the right deals and/or used equipment.

But I thought I would also “open up the floor” for anyone else to get their 2 cents in…

STEP 1 — As a newbie to reloading, I would be looking to start “relatively small” and expand from there. I have a buddy with some equipment that I could borrow or use if need be. But if I was going to go out and buy just the basics, what would you recomment?

STEP 2 — Once I get the beginning gear, what is the next most essential gear to have?

STEP 3 — What are the “upgrades” or “nice, but non-essential” tools to step up to next?

OPINIONS BASED ON EXPERIENCE — Stuff or brands to absolutely have vs stuff or brands to absolutely stay away from…

I’m sure a lot of this will repeat what Randy has told me, but I figured if nothing else it will be an interesting and informative post both now and to look back upon for reference in the future. (Or has this topic already been covered on here?)

Thanks!

Grasshopper – you learn quick. Never take someone at 100% when it comes to reloading. Always verify information!

Start with a rock chucker and work your way up to a progressive. still use the rock for rifle loads myself.

Check out Ammo Craft in hopkins on Shady Oak Road. They have everything you need to get started reloading. I think they even have used equipment there.

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Grasshopper – you learn quick. Never take someone at 100% when it comes to reloading. Always verify information!

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LOL..

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Start with a rock chucker and work your way up to a progressive. still use the rock for rifle loads myself.

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That’s the plan. A single stage press to start… I’m not sure I would need the speed of a progressive (and certainly don’t need the expense), since I probably won’t be shooting as much as some guys… I’ve heard they can wear out easier, need more maintenance, can be finicky and can introduce less accuracy into loads since they are trying to preform multiple operations at the same time.. Probably will stay away from progressive presses for the forseeable future, but who know what the long term will bring.

Let’s start by talking about you and what you’re likely to need.

1. How many rounds do you think you’ll load each year?

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2. How many different calibers will you reload?

If we assume that you’ll be relatively low-volume, then the place to start is with a good single stage press. Everyone will say get a Rockchucker and there’s nothing wrong with that which is exactly why I have one. Except, of course, there’s the price. A Rockchucker is on the expensive end of the single stage press category and depending on what calibers you intend to reload, it might be overkill.

Instead, I’d suggest a good and very low cost alternative is the RCBS Jr. You can pick these up on eBay for <$50. RCBS quality and completely functional for the beginning and lower volume reloader. I have one and I bought it just to leave it set up for seating of the caliber that I reload the most and it also gives me the ability to use the big Rockchucker for sizing and then another person can use the JR at the same time.

Next you need a powder scale, powder measure, dies, and don’t forget the shell holder as they don’t come with the dies. Many of these items can be bought on eBay individually, or you can buy them new as a kit.

You’ll also need some tools like a primer pocket cleaner and a digital caliper for measurements.

Also, a very important tool is your reloader’s log. Log EVERYTHING! There’s nothing more frustrating than cooking up the perfect load and then fogetting was it a Remington 7 or 7 1/2 primer that you used? Oh, and what was the overall length? Log it and you’ll know.

Reloading manuals are important, but as Randy says, verify everything. Over time, recommendations change.

That’s about all you need to get started. From there, buy tools when you need them. For example, you’ll eventually need to think about a case trimmer, a tumbler or case cleaner, a bullet puller, and so forth.

And let’s get one thing right straight out of the box. Almost NEVER is the max load the most accurate load. In fact, not almost never, it’s just never IME. Sometimes I can max out a load without losing much accuracy, but the that just gives more velocity, not more accuracy.

Bottom line is start and work your way up. Safety is one reason, but just know that faster is not automatically better and in many cases it’s worse.

Good luck.

Grouse

Grouse, you nailed it

I also find great deals on Ebay, including great reloader’s manuals.

I’d also exhaust all Cabela’s bargain caves > see if they might have a discounted reloader kit like the RCBS or Hornady…

And like Grouse said, log it. Keep the boxes marked well, and keep your logs in your reloader manuals so you can find them….

Manuals change because powders and bullets change.
Example: my .357mag loves 158 gr Hornady XTP’s over 10.8 gr of Blue Dot powder. In the last two editions of Hornady’s manuals, you don’t even see Blue Dot mentioned in that 158gr. Doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop using it.

Never cease to ask questions of what other’s successes are
and enjoy the process. Focus on one step at a time.
Good luck

Thanks for the great response —

To answer your questions,

1. Low volume compared to most guys. Single stage press will work great for my needs.

2. 2-3 calibers, at least to start. Mainly 7mm RM and .243… Possibly 30-06.

Given your needs, I think it would be worth looking at the Lee Challenger package:

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/423081/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-anniversary-kit

For $109, there’s a lot of value here IMO. Yes, I know some are quick to bash Lee as being low end, but I don’t believe that to be true and in fact they make some of the best hand-prime tools and the best simple case power-trim systems on the market.

Also know that by going Lee now, you’re not locking yourself into anything in the future. It doesn’t matter if your dies are RCBS or if you later replace any other piece with another brand.

As long as you’re not instantly going to need high volume capacity, then your needs are pretty straightforward and there’s no need to overcomplicate things.

Grouse

Reloading can be very gratifying and humbling when you realize that with all your efforts and time that you can develop a load that meets or exceeds what factory loaded ammo is capable of. The general consensus is that hand loading is a sure way of having a load that will out perform any factory stuff, true but there are factory loads that shoot extremely well and can be challenging to out perform at that point you meet the level of performance, have the ability to adjust it in time as the barrel erodes some and save a few $bucks as well as the satisfaction that you did it yourself

I believe in talking to a few accomplished shooter reloaders, and you will seem, as if very dumb and not know the entire language wang tang that goes with it, but always ask away. If you’re hooked up with the right person then he will relate back and understand thus getting you headed in the right direction.

There’s a ton of reloading stuff out there, Buy once cry once. For many reasons set yourself up with right stuff right out of the gate. Press, Die’s prep stations the whole works. That way you’re not throwing money away later, and when a load is shooting perfect you’re not upgrading later to a new change in the system. You will find out that after doing one batch or two that you will have recovered most of your equipment expenses this of course all depends on the cost of the factory loads, but it will pay for itself fairly fast, Buy your powder in 8 lb jugs and bullet and primers inn bulk when they go on sale.
But if possible buy the powder in the 8 lb jug – often a debate but I believe you have a better average of keeping the load info with out having to re-adjust because the burn rate will be the same on the 8 lbs versus, even though listed as the same 1 lb jugs can vary a little when always replacing

If you can, find someone that you can spend a day or two with that is very picky about reloading, get your feet wet with all the steps if his level of trust is high enough then make sure you end up doing all the steps right to the finish product versus just watching. There is something about being told how things work versus having to actually do all the steps while being somewhat under pressure with the instructor watching you. You will also remember details better this way and the end result of actually doing it right and an accurate load on paper is very rewarding and sticks with you.

I’m not sure where you actually live but if you don’t mind a little travel time you would be more then welcome to spend a full Saturday going through a batch of ammo from shot brass to a complete lot of ammo ready to shoot that I would have ready for us to work on.

I am just NW of Marshfield WI., a little over an hour from Eau Claire WI.

I have listed the items I use, there are others that work well also but this is what I have and the process works well and is very accurate.

I prefer power trimmers, it eliminates trying to hand grind and seems from having to do both that the power trimmer seems more consistent because of the constant pressure and rotation of the machine is even until it stops at your setting. I have to hand grind the 50 cal BMG that I am working on for someone and it just seems sloppy even though it’s not.

The Dispenser works great but I still run everything by my beam to check and correct all my ammo. The dispenser cannot always stop an extra kernel or two from falling. Anyone having problems with their electronic dispensers no matter what brand, avoid cell phones and you may have to wipe the unit down with a paper towel and Windex to de-static the unit in the winter months with the dry air.

Always pay attention to powder loads no matter if it’s a small amount or 228 grains of powder being loaded. I could go on and on about reading manuals and paying attention to using the proper powder, but this has been brought up a bunch.

Any how here’s a list of what I depend on and use

Also I have listed some very good reading info for folks to look at that will help folks understand more about reloading, You don’t have to take everything said as gold but there are some very good tips to help beginners as well as folks that have been reloading a while. I read it a few times and consider it good info

As I said I would offer the opportunity to have you help me prep and reload a day to further help you get comfortable and get some hands on with the equipment and setting up the equipment

Info

Resource for additional info as far as reloading , this is valuable in understanding and preparing yourself some prior to reloading or taking a instructive day of prepping and reloading with someone. It is also something you can always go back to after getting into reloading as a refresher.

Reloading part 1 – http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1696162#Post1696162

Reloading part 2 –
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1699588#Post1699588

Reloading part 3 –
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1705470#Post1705470

Reloading part 4 –
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1713419#Post1713419

Reloading part 5 –
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1723219#Post1723219

Another on Reloading
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=96660#Post96660

Equipment I use and with a link to be able to look at the item some

List of equipment I use

Redding T7 Press $274.00
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/588482/redding-t-7-turret-press

Shell holder for press – average $9.00 ea.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/767998/redding-shellholder-6-7mm-remington-magnum-300-winchester-magnum-338-winchester-magnum?cm_vc=OBv1

RCBS Gold Medal FL Bushing Die Sets $125.00
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/13223

RCBS Bushing for sizer die average $11.00 $22.00
http://www.midwayusa.com/find?sortby=4&itemsperpage=12&newcategorydimensionid=12763&pageNumber=3

RCBS Case Lube kit $19.99
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/744565/rcbs-case-lube-kit

Lyman 1200 DPS3 powder dispenser $276.00
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/279731/lyman-1200-dps-3-digital-powder-scale-and-dispenser-system-110-volt

RCBS 505 Beam scale $97.00
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/758842?cm_vc=S014

Lyman Powder Funnel $6.50 nice for loading cases while dispenser is reloading
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/118739/lyman-electronic-scale-powder-funnel-pan

RCBS Power Trim Pro $295.00
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/481398?cm_vc=S014

Lyman Express Prep station $117.00
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/22831

Lee Auto Prime XR Hand Priming Tool $16.50
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/413473/lee-auto-prime-xr-hand-priming-tool?cm_vc=subv1

Lee shell holder kit $16.00
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/566058/lee-auto-prime-hand-priming-tool-shellholder-package-of-11?cm_vc=sugv1

Digital Caliper $25.00 $50.00
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/417494/hornady-electronic-caliper-6-stainless-steel?cm_vc=subv1

Hornady Bullet Comparator set $27.00
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/231904/hornady-lock-n-load-bullet-comparator-basic-set-with-6-inserts

Note Books for logging all info – one book for every rifle
OAL measurement take a measurement of new barrel chamber to lands – overall length of bullet /case and what type and grain of bullet used.

COAL measurement take a measurement of the same info using the Hornady comparator on the caliper to measure the bullet at the Ogive giving you a more accurate reference versus the tip – Meplat area which can be deformed a few thousandths

The above info of the new rifle barrel is very important when checking later on in life to evaluate the throat erosion and then being able to use that info for moving the bullet out farther to match the original bullet jump to the lands and get back into the sweet spot.
Any notes pertaining to practices used when sizing cases
Powder charge info used or tweaked
FPS of certain loads
Notes used to reference the measurements COAL of the finished loaded bullet
Round counts
Record the good and bad days

Jeff

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/937051/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-single-stage-press-kit

Forgot to mention Midwayusa.com

on sale now…

Jeff –

I’m not sure what to say, but WOW, and THANKS! Tons of info and links!!!

Thanks also for the invite to a tutorial… If/when I get some time I’ll try to give you a shout. Might not be soon, but we’ll see…

Sorry it took me a few days to respond, I’be been offline for the weekend.