Reloading Questions

[Santa Cruz Armory]

Ok, so I have all my reloading stuff....I think...well, minus a few items (tumbler & media) and now I need to get down to reloading.

What I need to know is if there is a book or website that walks you through step by step of the reloading process. It's been QUITE a few years and I dont really remember the steps (I have good idea, but...) so, I need a little help.

Next, I have most of the stuff to reload .223, now I need the reload data. I am using 55gr FMJ bullets. What powder, how much (safe load), type of primers etc.?

I also need the same info for the 7.62x39. I don't have the bullets yet (any suggestions?) Do I use .310 or .311? what type of powder & primers? I'm using Federal casings I think (they're marked FC on the case) I think they're the large primer? how can I tell?

Oh yea, I have some powder, IMR 4895, 4831, and 4350. I also have about 300-400 large rifle primers. Can I use any of this?

Thanks guys....

[jumbopanda]

Modern Reloading Second Edition is pretty good, it's got about 200 pages of instructions and about 500 pages of load data. The book only costs $12.99 from midwayusa.com

The author does go on for a while about the virtues of his own products, but the info is all there.

[762cavalier]

If you don't have a Loading manual then you DO NOT have everything you need to start reloading . Do yourself (and the other people at the range you will be shooting at) and get yourself a loading manual and read it. I suggest the Lyman or Lee loading manual as they both have step by step instructions as well as safety precautions. There is also Load data available online from most powder manufacturers. Please get a good loading manual before you start.

[50BMGBOB]

Most reloading manuals will list loads, size of primer and proper bullet diameter. They also have a basic how to reload section. The NRA has a reloading class. You might want to check for one in your area.

[ivanimal]

Lyman's 48th Edition Reloading Handbook is in my opinion the best.

This is the first one to pop up on Google-fu

http://www.a2zoutdoors.com/lyman_reloading_manuals_and_gun_books.htm

The powder profiles can be found on this site, including recipies.

http://www.imrpowder.com/

The book will give you multiple recipes as well as bullet size, and primer type. The 7.62X39 is the only cartridge I have reloaded for that has and uses small and large rifle primers. You can tell by looking at them. I sort them by primer type.

I only reload for my mini-14 it uses 308 bullets so I donet know which you need.

The primers will last forever as long as you dont touch them. The grease from your fingers will retard the ignition.

This is a helpful site as well.

http://www.reloadbench.com/main.html

Also try

http://www.reloadammo.com/

Never attempt to reload unless you have uninterupted time to complete the job.

[Santa Cruz Armory]

If you don't have a Loading manual then you DO NOT have everything you need to start reloading . Do yourself (and the other people at the range you will be shooting at) and get yourself a loading manual and read it. I suggest the Lyman or Lee loading manual as they both have step by step instructions as well as safety precautions. There is also Load data available online from most powder manufacturers. Please get a good loading manual before you start.

I DO have a reloading manual, 2 actually. but they got chewed up by mice in the desk drawer of my Dad's shop,( he passed away 11 yrs ago ) plus they are probably 40 years old. So, I do need to get a new reference.

I was just looking through all the equipment at Midway the last few days and I'm seeing all this new stuff that we didn't use back then ....and I'm wondering if it is really stuff I need. The stuff I have is probably from 25yrs ago.

Thanks again

[ivanimal]

Some of my favorite stuff is 20 or 30 years old. Get a modern book as powders have changed for the better. PM me and I will give you my number to get straight answers. At least according to me.

[Santa Cruz Armory]

Some of my favorite stuff is 20 or 30 years old. Get a modern book as powders have changed for the better. PM me and I will give you my number to get straight answers. At least according to me.

Sounds great! Thanks!

[thmpr]

I take no responsibility for the data provided. Always start from the minimum load and increase by 10%. Check for pressure signs around the primer and Lower case area. Found the Varget and Ram-TAC powders giving the best velocity and consistency in my ARs.

[762cavalier]

I only reload for my mini-14 it uses 308 bullets so I donet know which you need.

Uh not to nitpick or anything but I assume you mean a mini-30 .308 bullets in a mini-14 might be a little hard to digest

[762cavalier]

I DO have a reloading manual,

Sorry didn't mean to get on my high horse Have fielded questions from some newbies that are ready to just dump powder into cases and go blasting

As has been said the Lyman manual has lots of good info as well as load data and is what I used the most when I started. As far as old tools those are some of the best and some of the new gadgets aren't necessary just kind of neat or does something that was accomplished another way .Lord knows I have a couple of those neat little gadgets that have taken up residency in dark corners of my reloading space

[dw1784]

some links 4u

Lee's got online tutorial and video instructions:

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/video.html

Varmint hunter's tech section is a good read:

http://www.varminthunters.com/tech/

reloading forum:

http://forums.handloads.com/default.asp

also chk out the reloading forum at THR.

[ivanimal]

Uh not to nitpick or anything but I assume you mean a mini-30 .308 bullets in a mini-14 might be a little hard to digest

Doh!

You are correct. I use the 125 grain Nosler ballistic tipped projectiles in my mini 30 and they seem to do well in my rifle.

Must sleep now!