Enlighten me

[noharleyyet]

Have never reloaded but am considering. Could use some laymans' advice for basics...ie: what would I need to get started. Expense factors, etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[OSOK]

RCBS Rockchucker press, can be had for a reasonable price used at a gunshow. Powder trickler, invest in a good one you won't be sorry. Scale, same as previous. Case trimmer, same as previous-previous, Priming tool a must. A good reloading book, I'm sure many will chime in w/ their suggestions as to such... Probably 300ish $$$ to get set up descent, then again we've had our stuff around for ages so I'm not really certain.

 

[Gunner46]

B4 you go out and chunk down a wad, check out the Lee line of reloading products. They have a starter kit that has the basics.

Just to get going you'll need:

A Press, shellholder, powder measure, scale, dies, case trimmer, and data. You can figure out what you like as you go along, upgrade, but keep it simple. You should be able to start rolling yer own for under $100.

As a last note....don't push the envelope on Vol. Stay to published data.

Good Luck

 

[csutton7]

I have a Lee press, hand primer, dies(loading and priming), hand case trimmer for my various guns--Lee dies/RCBS dies/Lyman dies--RCBS hand primer and some dies(loading/priming), RCBS electronic case prep multitool and Lyman bench trimmer and now the electronic scale/dispenser---so stuff does mix and match is what I'm trying to say here---

I have for sale an electronic RCBS digital scale and electric RCBS powder dispenser that has been used probably to reload 100 rounds if that---I needed to clear some room on my bench so I bought one that is combined(Lyman)--I'll make you a good deal on the set---only issue is the key pad on the dispenser moves a little when pushing the buttons, I never did anything to fix it cause it worked fine --let me know---

the Lee stuff is good, but I've just found out that the RCBS hand primer uses the same shell holders as the press, thus you don't have to buy two sets of shell holders--one for the priming tool and one for the press if you buy the Lee hand primer---chris

 

[danr55]

Scooterless.. I started with a Rockchucker but made the move to a Dillon 550 as soon as they were available. It makes the entire activity so much faster. One setup and you start loading. It's really pretty simple. A couple of words of advice if you decide to go with a progressive press.....

Weigh every powder charge for rifle cartridges.

Always make sure your brass is clean BEFORE you size it.

Always measure case length after two reloadings and only measure cases that have been sized. If you need to trim the cases, determine how much and then you can trim to the shortest case. Deburr the necks after you trim and while you're at it, you might as well uniform the primer flash holes.

Try not to mix powder lots. Don't assume that the burn rate is the same from lot to lot if you are loading high pressure rounds and max or close to max loads. This is especially true of magnum cases like the 257 Wthby and the 264 Winchester. Any cartridge that is really over capacity for the bore will go over pressure very suddenly. You could be in great shape at 64.5 grains of powder and then find out that you are over pressure at 64.7 grains of the same powder. If you work up a load that is close to the listed max and then you have to change powder lots, work up that load again. You could save a great rifle and maybe even a couple of good eyes..

Try to find someone you know who has been loading for a while. Get them to let you watch and talk about it. Maybe get them to come over and help you set up the first time. Experience is a great teacher.

When you are loading, avoid distractions. If you question whether or not you've fully charged a case, dump the powder and start over. It's really embarassing when you have to explain why the top strap of your new S&W is stuck in the overhead at the range.

Oh.. Not that I should have to tell you or anyone, but don't smoke when you are reloading. A guy in Prescott did that a few years ago. I understand they are still finding pieces of him in the yard.

 

[snake river rufus]

I'd suggest that you get a loading manual or video, look at the pictures to see what is involved

 

[gundog]

Gunner 46 is on target. The Lee Anniversary kit is the best buy on the market for someone just getting started.

 

[noharleyyet]

Thanks everyone for the input. Reloading seems a prudent alternative to the spiralling prices of premium ammo. Am researching systems you've suggested...am sure more questions will arise.