I would like learn how to reload

[Krayzcolt]

Where would be the best place to start? Is it worth it? I am looking to reload pistol ammo, shotgun shells, and rifle rounds. Would one piece of equipment do all of those? I know, I would have to buy all the different dies , or would I need to buy many pieces. What is the best brand of equipment? Any advice would be very helpful.

Thanks

[Chris M]

Visit the Ammo & Reloading subforum.

As for "Best", you'll get a lot of varying answers. It all boils down to how much you shoot, and how much time you want to spend at the reloading bench.

The first thing you should do is pick up the latest Lyman's Reloading manual and read it thoroughly.

Besides the components, you'll need at a very minimum:
Reloading Press
Set of dies for each caliber
Scale
and some way to seat the primer. I prefer the RCBS Universal Priming Tool.

As for Shot shells, you'll definitely have to buy a separate press. I have a couple of MEC 600 Jr's in 12ga and 20ga. Very good single-stage shotshell press.

[Divernhunter]

You can load rifle and pistol rounds with the same reloader(except Dillon Sq. Deal) but you need a different reloader for shotgun rounds.

Get the Lyman #49 Reloading manual and read it. That will answer most questions.

[CSACANNONEER]

The best equipment is that which fits your needs best. There is no absolute "best" brand for everything. After you've done a little research and have a general idea of the basics, you can start asking questions. Right now, I'd have to ask you a dozen questions before I could start to answer your few questions. How much do you plan or have available to invest in equipment? What type (calibers and are you planning to load shotgun shells?_ of ammo do you plan to reload? What do you want from your reloads (cost savings, precision ammo matched to your gun, etc.)? How many rounds do you shoot at one time? How often do you shoot? How much time are you planning on investing in your new hobby? How much space are you able/willing to dedicate to this? Do you have kids or others around who might touch, move or adjust something by accident? and, the questions just keep coming. So, you need to do a little more homework before you start asking questions.

Right now, your questions are no different than if you ask us to recommend a commute vehicle for you. We have no idea if you communte by plane, train, boat, car, quad, etc.



There are plenty of presses besides Dillon's Square Deal that do not have the ability to load all cartridges.

[SanPedroShooter]

The first thing you should do is pick up the latest Lyman's Reloading manual and read it thoroughly.

This is good advice. As new reloader, the lyman manual gave me a solid foundation. I always go back to it to verify anything I read or hear. I have a few other manuals for different formulas, but getting a handle on the step by step basics is the first place to start.

[AAShooter]

Here are a couple of upcoming reloading courses:

NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading Course Orange 4/23/2011
NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading Course Tehachapi 5/1/2011

You can check for courses using: http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx

[Krayzcolt]

Thanks for the information guys. I will definitely pick up the manual, and do a lot more research.

[RandyD]

I have been reloading for 35 years. I got into reloading so I could make practice and hunting ammo. The primary reason was to save money and be able to shoot more. My reloading hobby evolved into buying a high end Dillon press and I have acquired the higher end precision reloading tools so that I can make very accurate ammo that is tailor made for for my target and varmint rifles. I enjoy making precision ammo. Given the cost of investing in buying reloading equipment, I can't say that it is a money saver but it has become a hobby that I can do at home and I enjoy it and you will learn a lot more about shooting if you become a reloader. To start off, I would recommend going to a gun store or an online store and buy a basic reloading manual to give yourself an understanding of this practice.

[hcbr]

It's worth it to reload, but my two cents on why, it's because 1) if you shoot 308 or any rifle caliber, it can get pricey! so reloading just makes more sense and 2) it's because i got fed up with stores not carrying the ammo i want, and looking online at ridiculous prices, that it prompted me to reload hand gun ammo (i.e. 10mm) myself.

Start out with the basics, lyman, and a lee press, etc. etc. and from there , or if you have the coin, spend it on a Dillon etc.

[Divernhunter]

Like I have said many times You will never save any money at the bottom line BUT you will shoot more and most of us enjoy reloading as a hobby in-itself.

Yes I know you may be able to save on a per round cost(like I do with some hard to find ammo or my 50bmg etc) but if you add up the total cost per year most all of us will have spent more than if we bought factory or surplus ammo. But we got to shoot more. I use to load so I could shoot more. Sometimes I now think I shoot so I can reload more. I have more in reloading stuff than most people have in firearms. However I would probably not have all the firearms I have if it were not for the fact I reload for them.

[bohoki]

i do not see the savings in shotshell reloading

i reload 9mm and 45acp that reloading is easy no trimming (just have to beware of berdan 9 and small primer 45)

.223 and .308

i barely get savings from .223 and trimming is a bit of a hassle crimped primer pocket restoration is also annoying

i never find 308 brass in the wild and i have to beat people with sticks to keep them from mine

[Spaceghost]

i never find 308 brass in the wild and i have to beat people with sticks to keep them from mine

Buwhahahaha! Wild .308 brass and beating people with sticks, great post.

[rockman]

Get into reloading, you will save a lot of money in the long run. I reload 45acp fmj for $6.00 a box of 50. This allows me to practice shooting at a real cheap price.

[AAShooter]

I don't know a reloader yet that has saved money. They just shoot more.

[glbtrottr]

Here are a couple of upcoming reloading courses:

NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading Course Orange 4/23/2011
NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading Course Tehachapi 5/1/2011

You can check for courses using: http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx

This answer for the WIN.

I also have a reloading Dillon 550B with a bunch of dies. I also have a manual. Not the point. I have bullets, cases, powder and primers.

I want someone to hold my hand while I learn. I'm needy that way.