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Want to start reloading

2K views 24 replies 18 participants last post by  wallyLOZ 
#1 ·
I want to start reloading but not sure about anything. The more I read the more I get confused.

Looking at presses?
Dies needed?

Going to reload 9mm, 45 acp, .40, and 5.56

What kindof press, brand of press....ideas?
What is the difference in the dies? (not the caliber)
deprimers? Crimpers?

If I get a multi stage press for 5.56 what dies will I need to go from start to finish?
Case trimmers? etc

I dont want to waste money so any feedback would help.
 
#2 ·
Get a book from the library called "The ABC's of Reloading", that will answer nearly all of your questions for free. If you can spare $20 get the Lyman 49th edition reloading manual from Amazon and when you get done reading the how-to you'll have some good reloading data to reference.

Personally I suggest that you start with one of the pistol cartridges and learn it well before moving on to another. The pistol cases are easier to load, no crimped primers to bother with, and no need to trim them. You'll need to find pistol powder first which should be your second purchase as that may determine what cartridge you load first.

Just get a single stage press, Redding, Hornady, and RCBS all make excellent tools. For the pistol cartridges I suggest carbide dies as they don't require you to lube the cases, making life simpler. A standard 3 die set will give you the ability to de-prime and crimp the bullet. The press should have a mechanism on it to prime the cases or you can but a hand held priming tool. Again, read one or both of those books and many of your questions will be answered.

Oh yah, watch this guy too: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLByND7BRp-e3o7wTkopLmGk9QNjp3WI7j
 
#3 ·
If cost is the driver, start with a single stage press of choice. I have the Lee Breech Cast and it does what I want. There are better ones costing more out there. Start off with one caliber like the 9mm as it takes usually less powder than the others you mentioned and is less pressure sensitive than the 40. Use the soaking method for cleaning brass (may require some manual pocket cleaning activity) initially. Later get the system you want for cleaning brass. The Lee die set is cheaper as well. Get a $10 dollar calibration standard off ebay and get a set of Harbor Freight 0.000.5 calipers. Don't trust the Harbor Freight unless you know them to be accurate. I have a set that are right on but I check them against a standard. Digital scales can be spendy for good ones and the cheap ones may get you into trouble. Get a beam scale like Hornady's. If you get free range brass, make sure you look at them per the manual(s). Buy the bullets on line as they are cheaper that way. Many recommend the following manuals: Lyman 49th, Lee 2nd, Hornady 9th, Speer #14, Sierra V (7th printing). Read the forwards and ask lots of questions.
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Check the prices and total them up before buying to make sure you want the stuff. Christmas sales are coming so wait for them.
 
#8 ·
Do purchase a few good manuals first. Some folks will tell you that you can jump right to a Dillon 550B progressive right out of the box. That may be so, but either a single stage RockChucker or a Lee Classic Turret will serve, and if you decide to upgrade, the progressive, either LNL or Dillon, is a good move, but keep the others as a backup, or to load some test calibers. Get the books first.
 
#9 ·
You have found the very best firearms forum. Lots of experts here (I'm not one of them) offering friendly, helpful advice. Welcome, I joined about 7 months ago so I'm still a new member.

Excellent advice already given. My comments:

1. Buy Lyman's 49th manual and read all the instruction in the front half. Then reread it. Haven't read the ABC book but I understand it is excellent.
2. Purchase a good single stage press first. You will always use it for rifle. Once you master the SS, process then you can investigate progressive presses.
3. Don't rush in and buy everything all at once. Buy quality equipment. Research it out including asking advice on this forum.
4. Start with a single pistol caliber. Drymag makes a good suggestion starting with 9mm.
5. Buy a second manual. My favorite for loading data is Hornady's 9th. Lyman's is my favorite for instruction.
6. As soon as you can, identify components and start shopping. Pistol powder is very hard to find right now. Bullets and primers not so much.
7. Be safe, take your time, be conservative, have fun.
 
#12 ·
started to watch vids. Thank you for the advice. I think his vids are gonna help big time.
Welcome to the forum! You have got some good advice so far. Your main problem right now will be finding powder, brass, and bullets, in the right combination. Good luck with that! What state are you in?
 
#13 ·
Jumping it both feet right off the bat and spending big money will let you down. I know of a guy who blew a big wad on a whole Dillin set-up and all the goodies. Something like $1500. He got all confused and is giving it up while trying to recoup his expenses.
I'd seriously look into a "kit" from someone like Lee to gtet started. Is it the best out there? No. Will it get you some experience without killing your budget and/or patience? Yes. You can always upgrade later if this hobby suits you. Baby steps, man, baby steps
A local friend tutored me for a bit and sold me his Herters press, scale, and powder measure for $50. Kind of like a drug pusher giving you a deal on your first hit.
 
#14 ·
That's why it's never a bad ting to pick up cheap equipment if it's in good shape. I'll buy a used single stage press if it is not sloppy just to keep around. and occasionally double up on a die set if it's cheap. every now and then find 10$ sets..e tc. those are good gift starters, especially for pistol. a press, die set and lee scale , from a gun show or yard sale can be had for 35$ ( have done it at least a couple times ). that makes a good give away or cheap sell set if you find a local friend that wants to get in.
 
#15 ·
I would recommend the following
1) First, as stated above, read and reread as many manuals as you can get your hands on.
2) Start with any brand single stage press except Smart Reloader. Even a used one is fine, as long as you check to see if it has slop in the ram. I’m talking about the ram and not the handle.
3) Start with 45ACP. The easiest auto caliber to load for, and the only low pressure round you list. It will show you the savings over factory ammo, more so than 9mm or 223rem, and not as touchy as 40S&W.
4) Come back here and ask more/any questions you may have.
 
#16 ·
Kits are great but there is a darker side to one of them as I can't speak to the others. The good and bad of the Lee Turret kit was the balance beam scale. The Hornady scale settles out quickly while the Lee takes 5-7 swings. That is an issue for me. When I trickle up I have to wait for the movement to slow down. If you have an unknown weight, you have to dink with this slider bar that jumps all over while trying to find the sweet spot only to have to wait for it to settle down in each touch. I gave it up and got the Hornady. It was on sale. I hear the rcbs is a good one as well but I can't speak to that. There are other good scales. I'm saving my Lee balance beam until I can find that magic powder/bullet combo for those 1000 yard shots. My Hornady isn't all roses. I can't run it dry as I trickle up cause there is enough pores in the support/knive edge that I need oil so it isn't held back by friction. When I just get to where I need it, I tap the beam arm to let is rock/settle and then it is right on.
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If you get a Lee single stage kit, such as the Lee Breech Lock which is on sale at Cabelas and may be cheaper elsewhere, especially at Christmas, http://www.cabelas.com/product/Lee-...&Ntt=lee+kit&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products you will end up with the Lee Perfect Powder Measure. While mine works good for ball and flake powder, it is an issue with extruded (log type particles). The nylon rotor doesn't have that Bruce Lee cutter to slice them in half and cause it to sometimes jam. The all metal stand alone powder measure are better. The initial break in of the Lee takes awhile to get the parts to mind meld smoothly and you need graphite dust to help it along. I bought the Lee dipper set and rough the powder into the tray then trickle up and that works good. But do place the scale at eye level because the bending over to view the scale gets old (especially for us older types).
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Whatever you get, if you feel it is a lemon, work out the issues with the forum or the customer support. Eventually it should be resolved and make for a happier outcome. None of my three presses with their adjunct parts were without issues but all have been resolved.
 
#18 ·
My best advice is to read as much as you can about all aspects of reloading, ask all kinds of questions (even so called "dumb" ones) and then buy the best reloading gear you can afford. Start slow and be careful, mistakes happen so pay attention to what you are doing. I't a great hobby and you'll enjoy shooting even more when you "roll your on" ammo..........good luck.
 
#20 ·
Good advice here, but what I notice is the enthusiasm expressed. This really is a great, rewarding hobby. But I'm reminded of the kids at school, 45 years ago, talking up trying pot 'cause "all the cool kids do it.":D

I started out with a RCBS turret press kit that had everything I needed to start reloading effectively, for about $300 (plus 500 free bullets). I've had no complaints with any of the stuff that came with the kit, though I've ventured out into other brands as I've added to my tool box. They all make stuff that will do for getting started, so don't break the bank. Once you're thoroughly hooked, you can refi your house and get whatever you want.
 
#21 ·
Get a book from the library called "The ABC's of Reloading", that will answer nearly all of your questions for free. If you can spare $20 get the Lyman 49th edition reloading manual from Amazon and when you get done reading the how-to you'll have some good reloading data to reference.

Personally I suggest that you start with one of the pistol cartridges and learn it well before moving on to another. The pistol cases are easier to load, no crimped primers to bother with, and no need to trim them. You'll need to find pistol powder first which should be your second purchase as that may determine what cartridge you load first.

Just get a single stage press, Redding, Hornady, and RCBS all make excellent tools. For the pistol cartridges I suggest carbide dies as they don't require you to lube the cases, making life simpler. A standard 3 die set will give you the ability to de-prime and crimp the bullet. The press should have a mechanism on it to prime the cases or you can but a hand held priming tool. Again, read one or both of those books and many of your questions will be answered.

Oh yah, watch this guy too: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLByND7BRp-e3o7wTkopLmGk9QNjp3WI7j
Was there a specific "The ABC's of Reloading"? There are at least 4 of them.
 
#23 ·
My copy was printed in 1997 and is still very applicable, the cruft from the 80's in the back whining about paying $5 a pound for powder is not so much.

I'm not saying that this is the best book out there or the best purchase, but it does seem to turn up at libraries which makes it a good option for those looking to learn at no cost.
 
#25 ·
All good advice here. I'll just add a few points.
1) If you know someone who reloads, ask for their help. Most would be glad to share info and help you get started.
2) GO SLOW. Read at least two manuals cover to cover.
3) Keep a log book of all of your reloading sessions. Even if you repeat a tried and true recipe.
4) Start with a single stage kit. No need to spend a bunch of money and then find out that reloading isn't for you.
Good luck, be safe, and let us know about your progress.
 
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