How to get started in Reloading?

[Bcoonce117]

Main thing for me was (and still) to take my time, and double check each step. When I am reloading I usually don't even listen to music.

Yeah I have even talked to people that say they write down everything they did after each step that way they don’t forget anything or double charge

 

[Bcoonce117]

I bought a Rock Chucker kit plus a few extras and dies throughout the years and never looked back. I started nearly 40 years ago now and all my gear is still going strong. I wish I had recorded the number of rounds I loaded.

Yeah I’m leaning toward just buying this kit and a trickler to get started and then graduate to the nicer stuff from there.

 

[Cousneddy]

Keep an eye out for used equipment on Marketplace, Craigslist and estate auctions. You may find someone that's getting out of it and selling everything together.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Keep accurate records of all your loads.

 

[xebadir]

Was lucky enough to be given alot of what I have, bought a few extras to round out my kit. Keep a lookout for second hand presses and dies - there are usually plenty around. Agree on reloading manuals, and accurate recording.

 

[SloppyJ]

If you have the cash to spare and know you're going to get into it, start off with some better stuff than you get in a kit.

This should be standard: Get the Satern funnels for each caliber you load, a good set of calipers, bullet AND headspace comparator sets.

Optional: A tumbler, auto powder dispenser, brass prep station and trimmer.

Don't go crazy trying a bunch of powder right off the bat. Ive had best luck with Hodgdon stuff across the board. I'd stick with varget, h4350, and H1000 depending on what you're loading.

 

[Bcoonce117]

If you have the cash to spare and know you're going to get into it, start off with some better stuff than you get in a kit.

This should be standard: Get the Satern funnels for each caliber you load, a good set of calipers, bullet AND headspace comparator sets.

Optional: A tumbler, auto powder dispenser, brass prep station and trimmer.

Don't go crazy trying a bunch of powder right off the bat. Ive had best luck with Hodgdon stuff across the board. I'd stick with varget, h4350, and H1000 depending on what you're loading.

I actually have Varget and h4350. And 3000 primers. I bought the stuff that was harder to come by before getting all the reloading equipment

 

[PaHunter86]

Keep accurate records of all your loads.

This is important. Otherwise you will be like me right now. I misplaced the paper that i wrote the charge of varget I put in the case for my sons 7mm08. So now I'm going to pull 3 bullets to figure it out.

 

[magtech]

If youre just starting out in reloading define your budget.

If your budget is "cheaper is better" get a rock chucker kit. Its a solid baseline to start. The press is nice but the rest is adequate.

If youre looking to splurge get a fx120 scale and v4 accutrickler. Theyre in stock and work well. There are more expensive options than this, but this is in stock and a known quality.

Hornady comparator guages and a quality caliper (.001 or better) are almost essential.

Pick a brass trimmer in your budget and it should work fine for beginning.

On 24hrcampfire and sniperhide and other forums you can go to the reloading section and they have reloading pt 1-5 on how to reload accurately. Its a good baseline for gaining knowledge.

Most powder companies like hodgdon have a searchable database for powders and cartridges, i havent used a book in a decade.

If you read the reloading things i mentioned youll understand more, without havung to buy. Good luck.