Need help getting into reloading

NYGuns · Sep 12, 2016

I'm going to "watch" this thread because I have been thinking about getting into reloading too.

Airborneguy · Sep 12, 2016

Well, I can help you with .44 for sure. I'm trying to sell a bunch of .44 brass I won't be using. Also picked up some good .308 brass recently that I don't currently reload also.

I don't have a progressive yet. My reloading has been small-scale for the past two years since I started. But I may switch when I get some extra cash because I am now a member of a local range so I shoot much more often. My issue will always be the availability of powder. I don't know of anywhere I can buy it even remotely local.

What questions do you have anyway? I'll help with whatever I can.

camper4lyfe · Sep 12, 2016

This is one of those topics that you're either an expert at, or don't know where to start, from my research. It's tough to get a cumulative list of "what do I need to get started".

Big John · Sep 12, 2016

Would you like my .02?

Big John · Sep 12, 2016

I can post the same Articles I wrote and post on AA if you would like.

Deplorable Me · Sep 12, 2016

http://www.dardascastbullets.com/mm

5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=dardas&Category_Code=44

Dardas cast bullets has been good to me for years for general purpose lead bullets.

Oregon trail bullets have done me well when I can't find jacketed bullets. Oregon trail are high alloy bullets and handle higher velocity. I let them rip thru my rifles at 1500fps. No leading.

Edit: the link is for Dardas cast bullets, the graphic table is for Oregon Trail Laser cast bullets. They are not the same for load data. I'm a pollack and am having trouble posting.

Darth · Sep 12, 2016

A starter kit.

A good starting kit will get you most of what you need. You need different things for rifle vs. handgun calibers too.

The best thing to do for specifics is to get a manual like Lyman's 49th and read through the "How-to" section. Then ask about each specific step in the process to see what we all use and why.

I started with the Lee Anniversary Kit for single stage. After learning how to do things, I bought the Hornady LnL progressive press on it's own. Not much I had to buy from beyond those kits.

But read a How-to section of a manual, I suggest Lyman 49th, and ask about specifics. It's way too broad to just list everything.

GTN · Sep 12, 2016

I use a Hornady Lock n Load for 9 & 45. If you ever want to check it out let me know

mosquito · Sep 13, 2016

If you are on or close to Long Island, you are welcome to come over and I can show you everything that you need to know, to get started. I have 2 Dillon 1050's, a Dillon 650, a Dillon 550 and a Redding T-7 Turret! It's not rocket science BUT, it takes concentration and focus. Once you get the basics down and your dies/press set up, it's actually a pretty simple process.

Skeeter

mosquito · Sep 13, 2016

Big Johns write up is a great read..........and a perfect place to start!

repete · Sep 13, 2016

You've heard of the K.I.S.S right?
I highly recommend starting with a single stage press, that way you are dealing with only one operation at a time compared to several on a progressive press. You'll always have a use for a single anyway. Just about any of the presses available today (and yesteryear) will be fine just stay away from the china brands like Smart reloader! I saw a pic of one of them broken in half and others where the die hole is out of line with the ram.
If you go used/old school beware that some used old smaller dies than today's standard 7/8" they also used specific shell holders that are difficult to find today.
O type press is stronger then a C type but the C type is easier to use and see whats happening. Turret type presses are great for switching between different tasks because the die is always set up and you can move back to it. You could say that a turret press is a poor mans progressive, that and it does give a lot of the benefits of both.
I gave away an old Lyman single years ago and still regret it even tho I have others.
Start loading for your .44 first, straight wall rimmed pistol cases are the easiest to learn on. Some folks say they have lots of problems loading 9mm I believe that's because the 9 headspaces on the mouth and not the rim like .44. That also applies to bottlenecked rifle cases except they headspace on the shoulder and the position of the shoulder is critical! Better to start out on the cheap and work your way up than to drop a bundle on a top of the line Dillon and get frustrated and decide you don't like reloading.

repete · Sep 13, 2016

mosquito said:
View attachment 43 If you are on or close to Long Island, you are welcome to come over and I can show you everything that you need to know, to get started. I have 2 Dillon 1050's, a Dillon 650, a Dillon 550 and a Redding T-7 Turret! It's not rocket science BUT, it takes concentration and focus. Once you get the basics down and your dies/press set up, it's actually a pretty simple process.

Skeeter

That place is so clean it makes me wonder if you ever use it or did you clip that pic out of some reloading mag?
J/K I'm jealous!

Aimtite · Sep 13, 2016

There is no much to reloading but it must be done by the book. Step by step.
The biggest PITA is careful brass preparation if you want results. For pistol is not so critical.
First read and watch some videos. A single stage press must be the place to start and add equipment gradually.
There is always some use for a simple press that one can take later to the range to work on loads and then find out if reloading is for you.
Some folks spend thousands only to find out they hate reloading. If you don't maximize the use the equipment you are wasting your time and money.
At the other hand there is a way to quickly amortize the investment on a simple press.
Press kits can be ok but they also come with things one will never use given the opportunity to use something else.
I have three progressive presses and two single stage but I feel I could have survived with the one single state and one progressive.
The RCBS piggy back are a good way to start with a used one. I like the idea of having these small ones dedicated.
Start reading and we will post more info as we progress.
Don't buy expensive books. The popular lymans manual is a waste of money. Some load information is outdated.
Go to the library or borrow the ABC of reloading and start with that quick read. The directives are all the same.

minderasr · Sep 13, 2016

I'm relatively new to reloading. My only experience is with a Dillon RL550B. With the right accessories you can load both pistol and rifle ammo via one press. I'm very happy with it.

Aimtite · Sep 13, 2016

These are the two main objetives of reloading:

A) Make a round precisely the same as the previous one (consistency).
B) Be Safe. Safety is the key. A pair of good eyes are hard to come by... or worse.

Some folks make the main objective cost reduction. That is ok as soon as we can always keep safety and certain level of quality and consistency even
if it is for personal practice and plinkin. I have seen people going to the range with reloads that would not work 1/2 of the time. That's a waste of time and money.
If one likes wildcats then there might not be other option but to reload and most catters do it to seek performance whether is accuracy or terminal properties or
a combination of both.

3GunDad · Sep 13, 2016

I started reloading this year, and am totally addicted. I actually started with a progressive press and learned everything I needed to know through you tube and forums. You can do it! Start with pistol rounds first, easier than rifle, less involved and a good place to start.

I am using a Dillon XL650 and am currently loading 9mm and .40 cal

You can learn a lot on you tube about how to set up and operate the press. Once you try some light loads, and tune them to your gun, you will realize there is no going back to factory ammo. I thought I would save money but turns out I just shoot more!

I got started with the following:

Dillon XL 650 press
Dies for the caliber you want to load
Calipers to measure cartridge length and width
Powder scale
Flip tray to get the primers all facing the same direction, pick up tubes to load up with primers to transfer to the press
Tumbler to clean brass (I like to wet tumble with stainless steel pins)
Powder
Bullets
Primers
Bullet puller (to take apart rounds that don't pass final inspection)
Reloading manual to determine correct combinations of bullets, primers, powder

I use my gun barrel instead of a case guage to do the "plunk test" to insure the round is sized correctly

Once you start loading you will develop a list of additional components you might want, but you can start with the basics listed above.

3GunDad · Sep 13, 2016

I forgot to mention, you will need brass ... If you are considering reloading in the future, you should start collecting range brass now, build up your collection so you have what you need when the time comes. You can purchase new brass but it is expensive. I collect all my brass at the range. My lane is super clean when I leave! I have fun sorting through the various head stamps and have come across some very interesting cases. You will find sorting brass is important, and you will notice certain head stamps are great to reload and others go straight to the garbage. I discard cases that have staked primers, stepped cases, poor primer pockets, etc.

mosquito · Sep 14, 2016

While I respect everyone's opinions......like everything in life, we can agree to disagree! I started on a Dillon 550 and I disagree that you need a single stage press as a starting point! I feel that some people may get frustrated with the slow pace of using a single stage and having to constantly change each die, to do each step. You can see by the responses here that everyone has their own experiences and some have started on a single stage and many have started on a progressive.

Skeeter

mosquito · Sep 14, 2016

View attachment 82

repete said:
That place is so clean it makes me wonder if you ever use it or did you clip that pic out of some reloading mag?
J/K I'm jealous!

Lol, thanks for the compliment......I can assure you that:

1. This is my reloading room
2. I did not clip this out of a magazine
3. I probably load more ammo in this room, in a year, than most load in a lifetime.
4. It is pretty clean

togmaster · Sep 14, 2016

mosquito said:
While I respect everyone's opinions......like everything in life, we can agree to disagree! I started on a Dillon 550 and I disagree that you need a single stage press as a starting point! I feel that some people may get frustrated with the slow pace of using a single stage and having to constantly change each die, to do each step. You can see by the responses here that everyone has their own experiences and some have started on a single stage and many have started on a progressive.

Skeeter

I could not agree more. I too started with the 550 and never looked back. To the OP if you intend to load 9mm and intend to shoot any volume of that caliber you will regret having a single stage press. A single stage is great for precise loading but will become frustrating unless you have A LOT OF TIME to devote to the hobby. In a perfect world I would have multiple presses for different calibers but space and my budget prevent this. I think the 550 while not perfect is a great all around machine to start with.

Eddie Gunks · Sep 14, 2016

I am with mossy above. I started with a dillon 650. Never looked back. Never regreated my choice. If you plan to shoot alot. Get a progressive.

Get a dillon. They hold their value.

I buy and use processed brass for 223 and 308. I find it is a huge time saver and the only way to go.

Bg

3GunDad · Sep 14, 2016

I got my Dillon press, dies, primers, and equipment from Bullet Guy, he will get you a great deal and will help you get started. He will save you time, and money with great advice.

Big John · Sep 14, 2016

I have nothing against Dillon products having said that, if a person is looking to start out on a shoe string or is just not sure if reloading IS for them the Dillon at $560.00 is an expensive way to start only to find out that reloading isn't for them. Time is not something that should be considered when reloading by that I mean if you are going to reload plan on being there for the duration, this isn't a game of get it done fast but get it done right. When I sit down to reload the word is out DO NOT DISTURB ME AND I AM IN THERE FOR THE DURATION. I weigh every load and trickle them exact as possible, everything I do is for the best possible shot I can get.

Eddie Gunks · Sep 14, 2016

Big John said:
I have nothing against Dillon products having said that, if a person is looking to start out on a shoe string or is just not sure if reloading IS for them the Dillon at $560.00 is an expensive way to start only to find out that reloading isn't for them. .

but the great thing about dillon is you can sell it for almost what you paid for it. so it really is no financial risk. even if you lost 10% that is a small "rental fee". like $56 to find out. that is minor compared to what you will have in all teh components you need to buy either way. and you wont get your money back outta primers and powder......

Big John · Sep 14, 2016

But he can pick up an RCBS kit for $250 new in the box free shipping on E-bay. A set of Hornady Custom dies for around $48.00 and not worry about resale.... Plus there isn't anything wrong with used gear if it is done right....

3GunDad · Sep 14, 2016

All good info. When I say BG will save you time, I wasn't referring to loading quickly on a progressive press, this is not something you rush for sure, safety first. I was referring to the time it takes to learn about various equipment options. The benefit of someone's experience can save you time. I have been down the road of trying to save money and choosing gear only to have to spend more to fix or upgrade, buy once cry once, but I also recognize the importance of not breaking the bank before you know if you are going to enjoy something. Reloading safely requires a proper setup. I am glad that I invested in a press that has a separate seating and crimping station. The reason for that could be the subject of another thread. If you are on the fence and not sure if reloading is for you, might be better to spend some time with a reloader on their equipment before investing in gear, I recognize that is not possible for everyone.

Airborneguy · Sep 14, 2016

I've been using all Lee equipment for two years with no negative effects. Eventually I plan to upgrade, but it works for me for now.

Need help getting into reloading

6.5 Creedmoor

.308 Win

.338 Win Mag

.308 Win

6.5 Creedmoor

.45 acp

6.5 Creedmoor

.45 acp

.700 Nitro Express

Bunny In Chief

.308 Win

.40 S&W

.40 S&W

.338 Win Mag

.338 Win Mag

.40 S&W

6.5 Creedmoor

.40 S&W

9mm

9mm

.40 S&W

.40 S&W

.450/400 Nitro Ex

.338 Win Mag

9mm

.45 acp

.338 Win Mag

.45 acp

9mm

.338 Win Mag