Reloading recommendations for a newbie

[pidooma]

I'm interested in learning how to reload ammo and would be interested in hearing other people's recommendations.

I've read that starting out with a single stage press is a good way for beginners to start off, to better learn the different stages and such. My main goal at this point is just to learn how to reload as opposed to a desire to crank out bunches of ammo to save costs. Figure hand loading is a good skill for a shooter to have.

Probably look to reload a few common calibers such as .45 ACP, .223, .308 and 30 carbine. I know I'll have to get the die sets for whatever calibers I want to reload.

Since I don't have a workshop setup, any recommendations on a reasonably portable workstation so I can set up and put away without too much fuss? I'm single, so no worries on a wife complaining about a bunch of reloading stuff spread all over the house.

I've been looking at the RCBS Rock Chucker Master Supreme Reloading kit (can they throw a few more adjectives in there? "Incredible Omnipotent!"):

http://www.rcbs.com/default.asp?menu=1&s1=4&s2=2&s3=6

So, does that Rock Chucker setup look like a good starting point for a newbie or are there other recommendations? One thing that interests me about the Rock Chucker is that they have the Piggyback system to convert it to a progressive press. Anyone have any experience with that? Any other "must haves" not in the RCBS kit (aside from the die sets and bullets/primers/brass/powder)?

Thanks.

[pidooma]

I'm interested in learning how to reload ammo and would be interested in hearing other people's recommendations.

I've read that starting out with a single stage press is a good way for beginners to start off, to better learn the different stages and such. My main goal at this point is just to learn how to reload as opposed to a desire to crank out bunches of ammo to save costs. Figure hand loading is a good skill for a shooter to have.

Probably look to reload a few common calibers such as .45 ACP, .223, .308 and 30 carbine. I know I'll have to get the die sets for whatever calibers I want to reload.

Since I don't have a workshop setup, any recommendations on a reasonably portable workstation so I can set up and put away without too much fuss? I'm single, so no worries on a wife complaining about a bunch of reloading stuff spread all over the house.

I've been looking at the RCBS Rock Chucker Master Supreme Reloading kit (can they throw a few more adjectives in there? "Incredible Omnipotent!"):

http://www.rcbs.com/default.asp?menu=1&s1=4&s2=2&s3=6

So, does that Rock Chucker setup look like a good starting point for a newbie or are there other recommendations? One thing that interests me about the Rock Chucker is that they have the Piggyback system to convert it to a progressive press. Anyone have any experience with that? Any other "must haves" not in the RCBS kit (aside from the die sets and bullets/primers/brass/powder)?

Thanks.

[Guest]

It's a good start, make sure you get a scale and a set of calipers. Get one of the reloading books that are out there also. It will show you some tips & tricks to make reloading easier.

[Technical Ted]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by pidooma:
Since I don't have a workshop setup, any recommendations on a reasonably portable workstation so I can set up and put away without too much fuss? I'm single, so no worries on a wife complaining about a bunch of reloading stuff spread all over the house. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
As far as a portable bench goes, the Frankford Arsenal Portable Reloading Stand might meet your needs in the beginning. It breaks down to fit in a closet.

Since the most force you apply during the reloading process is when you're resizing your cases, this stand may be *just* sturdy enough to handle full-length sizing of 308 cases. In my experience, handgun, 223 and straight wall rifle cases resize easily.

http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/155024

[PJA]

I am in the same boat. Downsized last year (last kid off to college) and moved into a condo. I looked at the Frankford setup, and it seemed too small. I ended up buying a Black and Decker Workmate and a piece of 3/4 inch plywood about 3 x 4 feet. Mounted the press and powder dispenser on the plywood and then use 4 C clamps to attach it to the Workmate. I just throw a tarp on the floor and load away. When I'm done, I unclamp the top, fold the Workmate and store both in a closet. Works OK, but not as my "dedicated" reload bench in my former garage.
Pete

[imported_DULLYJAY]

I got you covered in all those caibers. You are more than welcome to come by test and see if reloading is for you. I have both single and progressive presses.

[BigAL]

I started with the RCBS master kit to learn the ropes of reloading. IMO, the RCBS Rockchucker is "the" single stage press to have. It'll long outlive you. Don't tknow about the piggyback system as all the guys I know bought dedicated progressives. The one thing I can think of that you will want but does not come with the kit is a set of dial calipers. You don't need the super expensive Japanese made ones. I also recommend Hornady one shot case lube, but that's not mandatory. It just helps on the shoulder during marathon loading sessions. It sure didn't take long to get tired of the tediousness of having to change out dies for each step of the process. I would still use a single stage for any precision loading, but can't fathom using it for anything high volume once I got my Dillon 650. If I had to do it all over again, i'd prob skip the single stage press. I just don't think reloading is all that complicated as long as you take basic safety precautions and use common sense (YMMV). As long as you understand what each stage of the reloading process does, it's not hard to see it as an assembly line, which is all a progressive really is. If you decide to go with a progressive and don't mind paying a lot, I'd recommend Dillon Precision. They have a very good reputation for taking care of customers. If you want a book on the basics, I recommend "The ABCs of Reloading" by Bill Chevalier.

For my table I went to Lowes and bought a steel frame workbench that just required assembly. Weighs about 120 lbs and is plenty sturdy to support my Dillon. It also has a lot of workspace for case prep.

[BigAL]

Also I wanted to recommend that you start with just one caliber at first to keep things simple. .45 ACP is a very forgiving round to load b/c of the relatively low pressures, and the brass practically lasts forever (no need to trim either) so I would start with that.

[imported_DULLYJAY]

Is your bench always that clean?

[BigAL]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DULLYJAY:
Is your bench always that clean? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually I cleaned it up just for the pic. Right now it's covered in spare AR parts leftover from a build and 10 NIW LEO marked D&H mags I just got in today. They're sweet.

[ivanimal]

reloading is great fun, I always recomend a case trimmer to anyone starting out. Long cases cause higher pressures. If you load to max this can be real dangerous. Get a few load books and always cross reference. The internet is a great tool for powder and projectile info. It is safe if you respect it, like electricity.

[snwnme@realguns.com]

Buy a notebook and a clipboard. I keep a list of my favorite loads and other oft needed info like which shellplate and holder to use with what caliber on the inside back cover of my logbook. The clipboard is for use at the range.

Also, go to these manufacturers' websites and start printing out load data. They might not apply to your needs all the time but they are a good reference to have when you're trying to figure out a load. I print out from the powder makers' sites. They have data on generic bullet styles vice brand specific loads you'll find on a site like Speer.

All my equipment is Lee. I've been handloading for a year and a few months. I made 12,000 rds in my first year. I love my Lee Pro1000 ($125 with dies). I also have a Lee single stage ($20). I am thinking of getting another prog so I can have a dedicated 45ACP machine.

Don't worry about saving money BTW. You don't. You just end up shooting more

[shooterx10]

Well, you can learn to reload on a progressive press, but the learning curve will be like scaling El Capitan. Ok, maybe that is an exaggeration, but with a progressive press there are a lot of things (functions, parts, etc.) going on that you have to be wary of.

I started to reload with a Dillon 650 (the exact same setup as BigAl's pic). It auto indexes so your chances of getting a double charge in a round drops. I also bought the reloading video which shows you step by step on how to setup the machine, reloading techniques, and changing calibers. I studied the video and reloading instruction manual dilligently. Furthermore, it took me some practice to troubleshoot problems (which aren't hard to solve) and change calibers.

Overall, I am extremely happy with the press and Dillon's customer service and lifetime warranty is top notch. As a bonus, it's nice to get a copy of Blue Press with the beautiful girl and firearm on the cover once a month.

For more info: www.dillonprecision.com

Recommended reloading manual: Lee's Modern Reloading Manual 1st and 2nd Editions by Richard Lee

[ivanimal]

I also use Dillon products, I own the 550-B If you can afford one start out with a progressive and never look back. I know you so I feel ok recommending that. Not bright people I always recommend the single stage first. As always Dully and I will be available for any questions or help in training. You dont need to buy all Dillon products, for all rifle calibers I weigh by hand or by volume. I buy Lee, RCBS, Lyman, Hornady ect. dies and keep them on a 550 toolhead. The same shell holder will work for many calibers. I would buy new or check ebay for deals.

[pidooma]

Guys, thanks for all the tips. Some good info there. Gonna research a bit more before taking the plunge.