Get started in reloading???

[Jacob Chapman]

I'm interested in reloading my own ammo. Ive never done it before and woukd like to know how to get started, any books or magazines that I should buy/subscribe to?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[mtswampfox]

lots of online help, you tube -forums -chuck hawks . but if you can find someone to actually show you, priceless. would think in your area someone reputable is just waiting to help you.read and re-read as many reloading manuals like sierra or hornady as you can get your hands on.

 

[Shrek]

Everything you need to learn is online and free. Accurateshooter.com has a buch of videos as do several other shooting oriented sites.

 

[Clarktar]

Hey Jacob. Before I moved to MT, I had just started to do some reloading. My neighbor was showing me the ropes. But, now I am here in Bozeman in the same boat as you.

There is a guy on this forum from Townsend, who seems to be very knowledgable about reloading, and long range hunting. Maybe he will chime in.

Lets grab a beer sometime this week...

 

[Curtis C]

Start by reading a couple reloading books. I'd suggest the Lyman and Lee books. You will have a good idea how to avoid common mistakes made by beginners. You will also learn what equipment is an absolute must have to safely reload.

Ask questions!!! there are no stupid ?'s in reloading

 

[Shrek]

One thing I recommend is not buying a kit and assembling your own tools. I'd buy good dial calipers on ebay for a few dollars more than the Chinese garbage sold by the reloading companies. Some like new Brown & Sharpes , Starrets , Mitutoyo calipers. A Lee classic cast press will do everything any other cast single stage O press will do just as well.

 

[Oware]

Sites to ask questions
reloadbench
castboolits

Lee stuff has worked well for me.
Montana has powder companies and bullet companies. You might be able to visit for fun or get deals.
Miles City has Accurate and Ramshot powders.

 

[Justin Crossley]

As others have said, read all the reloading books that you can. I really enjoyed the Berger book myself. And after you read whatever you can get your hands on, find someone to show you in person. That is the best way to go imo and it will save you a ton of time and money.

I will disagree with Shrek and say get a kit to start with. I feel that it's a good way to start and you can then upgrade your equipment as needed.

 

[fire arrow]

Well there will be a ton of opinions on this. Be as everyone has said above, look at youtube and watch how the reliading process works. Then decide if you still want to do it. If so, then decide if you want to reload for precision or for high volume. Then after that decide on how much your willing to spend. Either way I would call up Sinclair International and get one there catalogs. They have a lot of stuff. Most importantly, get a reliading manual, because it has many recipes and direction on how to safely reload.

 

[jlmoeller]

I recommend starting with the Lee Challenger Kit. It is very affordable and it works very well. I started with a similar kit 18 years ago and I still use a lot of it. I load all my hunting and F-Class competition ammo on a lee press. If you have any specific questions feel free to email me at [email protected]

 

[Cascade_Sherpa]

Aaron Davidson of Gunwerks explains things really well, check out this youtube video, he breaks it down in a couple consecutive videos that are short and to the point:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDMyjoUG5WY&list=PLiFdOLCcXlfo4kBn1Bt7aCDsDtNg5VvdH&index=3

 

[KMD]

If it's hard getting firsthand tutorial on reloading, I would suggest you buy Sierra's video called "High-power Rifle Reloading". David Tubb is the host, the information presented is clear, concise & professional. I'd recommend that DVD, over misc. youtube vids. We are visual creatures, and watching a video will help your brain process the information contained in reloading manuals more efficiently...

An RCBS starter kit w/ Rockchucker press will get ya rollin' and provide years of service.

Good luck & have fun!!!

 

[RMLamp]

The Lyman reloading manual is a great guide to help you get started.

Watch videos from reliable/reputable sources.

If possible, find a mentor to show you some basics.

Buy things piece-meal, chances are you're going to try equipment you don't like and end up up-grading.

Start with a single stage press, they're inexpensive and you'll learn the basics of how to set up your dies and get knowledgable on each step of the loading process.

Start with common rifle calibers. The 30-06 probably has more load data than anything else out there. Pistol calibers can have very narrow min-max loads separated by less than a grain, accidentally double charging a small case is easier to do and can have catastrophic consequences.

Don't trust reload recipes from somebody off the web that you can't find published in a reloading manual. Always stay within published load data.

Harbor Freight (Hazard Freight) has inexpensive work benches with thick wooden tops that are good for mounting tools to. If you don't already have a workbench these provide a good work area.

 

[tstowater]

Whatever you do, get a decent scale that is accurate. Last thing you want to do is blow up a gun or worse because of a faulty load (too light or too heavy). Stay within load specs from a reliable source until you know a lot about reloading or under the direction and supervision of a very responsible experienced reloader. Be careful about subsituting components (primers and powders are different and respect the difference). Get a good reloading manual and read it twice. Understand the warnings in the manual--- they are there for a reason.

I load all my centerfire calibers for several reasons: costs, control of accuracy and speed and for fun. It can be a lot of work to really dial in a gun, but the satisfaction of a job well done is worth everything.

Unless you have someone locally that you want to buy components (good idea for powder and primers due to haz mat), I would look at some of the bigger names for gear and materials. I personally use Midway, MidSouth, Natchez and Precision Reloading. Periodically, I will pick up some supplies at Cabelas, Sportsman's Wharehouse or Scheels if I need something and I'm at the store. There are several others out there and you will find differences in prices and availability from company to company. There may be some sponsors on this site who may be a resource to use also.