how to get started?

[smyrna]

I admit that I know absolutely nothing when it comes to reloading but I am interested in maybe getting a press and giving it a try. First, I have questions though...
-Is reloading something you can learn easily by reading a manual or is it best to "apprentice" under someone?
-What's the best way for a beginner to get started?
-Recommended equipment for a beginner?
-Is it cost effective (cheaper in the long run) or do people just do it to tailor loads for specific purposes?
-I am mainly interested in reloading handgun calibers with maybe a few rifle thrown in. Can this be accomplished without specailized presses for each caliber?

Sorry for all the newbie questions, but I am totally ignorant of reloading and just want to know what I might be getting into.
Thanks!

[pedalman]

The best thing to do is get a good manual or two (my favorites are Speer and Hornady). My first experience with reloading was self-taught with good manuals. Be particularly mindful of safety warnings in these manuals. They are not joking.

This should provide info that will help answer your other questions.

[Rex B]

Look for a "Lee Anniversary Kit".
These were very complete, single-stage presses, plus everything you needed to get started except the componenets.
They sold a ton of them up until last year for $69.95. You can still find them for that. Look for sellers that include some dies in calibers you have.
After you are comfortable with the process you may choose to upgrade some or all, but it's a good start.

[Oldgringo]

Hey y'all,

Do a google; e.g., "How to Reload..." and you'll come up with all sorts of information, opinions and even some videos.

Be safe and have fun.

[Houston1944]

I think the best way to get started is to make friends with someone at your local range that reloads. Most reloaders are more than happy to help others get started.

We are easy to spot. We are the ones shooting ammo from funny looking plastic boxes, coffee cans, brown bags and almost anything other than a factory ammo box.

[Oldgringo]

Houston1944 wrote:

We are easy to spot. We are the ones shooting ammo from funny looking plastic boxes, coffee cans, brown bags and almost anything other than a factory ammo box.

... and scrounging around on our hands and knees looking for MT's.

[smyrna]

Look for a "Lee Anniversary Kit".
These were very complete, single-stage presses, plus everything you needed to get started except the componenets.
They sold a ton of them up until last year for $69.95. You can still find them for that. Look for sellers that include some dies in calibers you have.
After you are comfortable with the process you may choose to upgrade some or all, but it's a good start.

From what I have heard or read, "Lee" is kind of the "gateway" brand to reloading...Budget minded but useable gear. In fact, I've been eyeballing that exact setup in the Midway catalog.

Here's some more questions for you guys in the know...
-I assume, like most other tooling, carbide dies are better than steel. I heard carbide dies require little or no case lube when reforming cases. Is this true?
-I heard that for most straight walled or slightly tapered pistol cases require only a 3 die set where as bottleneck pistol or rifle cases require 4 die sets. Is this true?
-Also, are die sets proprietary to the brand of press, or do they all pretty much use the same threads? Just wondering if I were to upgrade, if I would be stuck with a bunch of dies I can't use in a different brand press.
-I kind of have in my head that reloading is about 1.) de-priming and reforming brass, 2.) flaring the mouth to accept bullet, 3.) adding a primer and charge, and 4.) seating a bullet, with each step having its own die. Is that it? Sounds too easy. What about prepping used brass? Do the inside of the used cases have to be cleaned or is that just a preference thing?

Sorry for all the newbie questions. I know a lot of people that shoot, but no one that reloads. Thanks!

[ghostrider]

>Here's some more questions for you guys in the know...
>-I assume, like most other tooling, carbide dies are better than steel. I heard carbide dies require
> little or no case lube when reforming cases. Is this true?

Yes and maybe. Most dies now are carbide. You generally do not need lube for pistol cases, but you do for bottleneck rifle cases regardless of whether the dies are carbide or not.


> -I heard that for most straight walled or slightly tapered pistol cases require only a 3 die set
> where as bottleneck pistol or rifle cases require 4 die sets. Is this true?

Pistol dies are normally sets of 3: deprimer/resizer, case mouth expander, and bullet seater/crimper. I generally use a separate crimp die (for a total of 4) for pistol cases. Its easier to set up a separate dies for bullet seating and crimping steps. Progressive presses usually have toolheads to hold 4 dies so you can do this.

Rifle dies are generally sets of 2: deprimer/resizer/expander and seat/crimp

>-Also, are die sets proprietary to the brand of press, or do they all pretty much use the same threads?

Other than the one Dillon press (square deal) pretty much all dies/presses use the same threads.

>-I kind of have in my head that reloading is about
>1.) de-priming and reforming brass, 2.) flaring the mouth to accept bullet,
>3.) adding a primer and charge, and 4.) seating a bullet, with each step having its own die.
>Is that it? Sounds too easy.

That's basically it. The hard parts are:
# setting up the dies initially
- I recommend a case gauge (go/no-go) for pistol and an RCBS precision mic for full-sized rifle

# selecting a good starting load, given the large amount of reloading data that is generally available
- have at least 2 loading manuals from different companies (eg. Speer and Hornady)

# measuring the powder charge
- Lee powder scoops are cheap and will get you by, but I recommend some kind of scale


> What about prepping used brass?
>Do the inside of the used cases have to be cleaned or is that just a preference thing?

the easiest way is a brass tumbler.
rifle brass may have to be trimmed to length if it stretches too much

[ghostrider]

> -Is reloading something you can learn easily by reading a manual or is it best to "apprentice"
> under someone?

Its relatively easy and safe if you're careful.

>-What's the best way for a beginner to get started?
Having someone teach you is probably the best, but its easy enough to learn from books. I think there are some reloading DVDs available now as well.

> -Recommended equipment for a beginner?
single stage press - a Lee challenger will do fine
powder scale - the electronic ones are really nice
dial calipers - for measuring OAL
loading manuals - at least 2


> -Is it cost effective (cheaper in the long run) or do people just do it to tailor loads for specific purposes?

yes :-)
many will tell you that you won't save any money, you'll just shoot more. It does allow you to tailor loads for specific purposes or guns. Some guns/calibres are fussy about what they'll shoot well. It also allows you to assemble something you can't buy (say 255gr .45 ACP loads) or something that is really expensive to buy (.500 S&W).


> -I am mainly interested in reloading handgun calibers with maybe a few rifle thrown in. Can this
> be accomplished without specailized presses for each caliber?

you can load everything from 32acp to 7mm mag and larger on a single stage press. I think most of them will handle anything smaller than 50 BMG. For large volumes, a progressive is the way to go.

[smyrna]

Thanks ghostrider!

[ghostrider]

you're welcome.

[Venus Pax]

I am also new to reloading and i would recommend buying The ABC's of Reloading book. I just finished it and now i think i am ready to begin.
Mike

I also read this book, and would highly recommend it. However, I would get with a seasoned reloader for a lesson or two before going it alone.

Dad showed me how his press worked, then came over to the house to help me set everything up.

I also recommend the Lee Anniversary Kit and some carbide dies.

You will also want:
reloading trays
a vibrating brass tumbler (for outdoor use only)
walnut media for use in the tumbler (found at pet stores and sold as lizard bedding)

(Everyone else: what else am I forgetting. I can't reload now that I'm pregnant.)

[ghostrider]

I'd also suggest calipers are very useful to have:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?p ... ber=604242" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[skip]

I admit that I know absolutely nothing when it comes to reloading but I am interested in maybe getting a press and giving it a try. First, I have questions though...
-Is reloading something you can learn easily by reading a manual or is it best to "apprentice" under someone?
-What's the best way for a beginner to get started?
-Recommended equipment for a beginner?
-Is it cost effective (cheaper in the long run) or do people just do it to tailor loads for specific purposes?
-I am mainly interested in reloading handgun calibers with maybe a few rifle thrown in. Can this be accomplished without specailized presses for each caliber?

Sorry for all the newbie questions, but I am totally ignorant of reloading and just want to know what I might be getting into.
Thanks!

How is the reloading going? I have found this to be a very helpful thread. I am getting a setup from LT, and am looking forward to beginning this.