Reloading for Dummies?

[skipperbrown]

If you are a member of a gun club, start there. Ask seasoned members for advice. If not, I'm sure there are some reloading forums on the net. Also, check out some youtube videos for reloading. Right now, most suppliers are selling kits by RCBS, Hornady, Redding, Lee, Lyman,Lee, etc. that include a basic press, a handbook (priceless), a beam scale and a few other accessories for really good pricing. Check Midway, Brownells, Cabelas, Bass Pro, Midsouth, and Nachez as well as others. Once you decide on a kit, head over to youtube and find demos by the manufacturer and/or seasoned reloaders. Always, always, always start with minimum loads and work your way up. Different combinations of powder, brass, primers, guns and bullets can give drastically different pressures. And beware, friends who reload may not be experts. Progressive loaders are very nice, but generally frowned on for new reloaders as there is a lot going on with several things happening every time you pull/push the lever. Reloading is very rewarding and you can turn out some fine ammo custom made to your gun's full potential with just a few tools.

 

[BRMyers]

My wife bought me a Dillon 750XL and surprised me with it. Easy machine to setup and use.

 

[RNeumann]

You will have fun with the hobby/sport. This guy has good stuff. He will give you a good starting point. I think it’s easier to understand when compared to reading-

What You Need to Start Reloading Rifle Ammunition - a Walkthrough - YouTube

From there this guy is very good and practical-

Precision Rifle Load Development Series - YouTube

As for presses etc- it’s kinda like guns. Lee is the starting point with regards to budget and has a cult like following. Then you get into all the other names like RCBS, Hornady and Dillon. They all have advantages and disadvantages. I strongly believe a single stage press is where to start. About everyone who reloads has one kicking around so you won’t “outgrow” it.

 

[jasonzee]

It's real easy! I didnt know anything either but I knew I wanted to do it so I did. Buy good dies rcbS or Lee.

 

[nybirdman]

I reload all(but .223) our rifle calibers;.243,7/08,25/06,30/06 and .444 Marlin.After purchasing a quality single stage and current reloading manual,see if you can find and experienced reloader to help you get started.There are a lot of little things that and expert can teach you.
Above all;don't go "over" or "under" recommended loads in your manual.Best thing I ever purchased for reloading is an electronic scale.

 

[k0ua]

My wife bought me a Dillon 750XL and surprised me with it. Easy machine to setup and use.

Your wife loves you dearly :thumbsup:

 

[shooterdon]

Forgot to mention in my first post that I have reloaded for over 50 years. Did not have a mentor but read a lot...no internet back then.

Mentors can be over-rated...some are good some are hacks. YouTube the same. Read a lot so you can tell the difference.

You can damage your gun and/or yourself if you are careless or foolish.

 

[BRMyers]

Your wife loves you dearly :thumbsup:

YES! I was completely surprised, came home and walked into the computer room and there was a the brand new Dillon 750XL and she had ordered the shooter package, powder, primers, and bullets. She had everything I needed to start reloading. I was very shocked, since we bought the tractor this year I figured the reloader would be off the table for a while.

 

[davrow]

One thing in the single stage vs progressive debate is that you can run a single round through a progressive so you can concentrate on each 'stage' for each round. You just don't have to swap dies, they are all there and remain fixed in place (while doing one caliber). Then when comfortable doing one round at a time, you can switch to multiple rounds at a time without changing anything!

I loaded .44-40 WCF for cowboy action. Accuracy was not primary, cost saving was. Also, this was a low pressure round, so cases could be reused until the neck split.

I found it relaxing and enjoyable.

 

[k0ua]

One thing in the single stage vs progressive debate is that you can run a single round through a progressive so you can concentrate on each 'stage' for each round. You just don't have to swap dies, they are all there and remain fixed in place (while doing one caliber). Then when comfortable doing one round at a time, you can switch to multiple rounds at a time without changing anything!

I loaded .44-40 WCF for cowboy action. Accuracy was not primary, cost saving was. Also, this was a low pressure round, so cases could be reused until the neck split.

I found it relaxing and enjoyable.

Exactly. You can single stage all you want on a progressive. You can make sure everything is working like it should and the results are good. You can turn up the speed any time you want, or not at all. It is up to you.