Reloading tips

[Renuco612]

looking into reloading. Where should I start? I am looking into buying a Lee Loadmaster in 9mm since that is what I shoot the most right now. Is there a better one that I should buy? I want to get one that is All in one just like the Loadmaster. I like how it has the mulitple stations in 1 contraption. Any type of help or suggestions will be awesome.

[RGMoore]

You may want to start with a basic starter set with a single stage press just to get your feet wet. A single stage is always handy anyway so you will want to use it for various things in the future. Once you have mastered each operation individually, it will be easier to go to a progressive press. I have heard good things about the Hornady LNL and Dillon but all my stuff is green.

[Suhleen]

Buy at least 2-3(if not more) reloading manuals, read them all cover-to-cover, and make your decisions from there.

[beerman]

I reccomend an RCBS rock crusher or other RCBS press.. Their stuff is guarenteed for life and totally expandable. Not everybody shoots enough to justify a progressive. One round at a time will really teach you how to reload. 20+ years,I still use a single stage press.

[CS25]

Single stage press will allow you to learn each step properly. Watch some videos on youtube...they are helpful. Just read read read! Be careful and good luck.

[BisDak]

RCBS reloader here.

Start with a single stage set up. Get the progressive as you progress.

I use single stage for my quality rifle match rounds and progressive for my pistol plinkers.


.

[GW]

I started with a Lee turret press and still have it though I have a Dillon 650 for my primary loader now

[postal]

There is *NO* reason to get a single stage press for handgun ammo.

Start out loading one single round at a time on the progressive until you understand what happens at each station.

Be in the habit of having a lamp shine down after the powder charge so you can SEE powder in it.

Once you are comfortable loading one at a time on the progessive, go to 2 cases in the shell plate and get used to doing more steps between pulls.

Then go to three... and finally four cases.

It's always best to have someone with experience go over it with you the first time.

[klewan]

If you get the Loadmaster, be sure to SOLIDLY bolt it to a heavy table or bench. I've noticed on some other forums that LM users, with it mounted to a flimsy table were having priming problems, that ended when they got the press solidly mounted. I mounted the LM to a heavy table right from the start. I've only had priming issues when I ran some crimped brass and didn't know it was crimped. I never could understand why my LM chugged thru the priming without an issue, and so many others had problems.

Other thing is read and follow the instructions. There seems to be a large percentage of the population that won't do that, and then blame the tool....

[Dvrjon]

Bought a Lee Progressive 1000 in the mid-80s. Learned to load one at a time as previously suggested. Been turning out 9 mm, .38/.357, .44Sp. /.44Mag ever since.

JR

[Colt562]

Read the manual, read the manual, read the manual, then read the manual again.

[CSACANNONEER]

Join the now forming calguns reloading club.

[asm_]

Find someone to show you how to do it, or join a club. Whatever you have to do to see the entire process in action. It helps.

Now, get a sturdy table. If you got enough space, Costco and Sam's both have heavy work bench that is 6' long. There is not more annoying than shaking work bench while reloading.

[jtv3062]

Go to the reloading subforum and check out Ivanimal thread. He's offering to help anybody to get started into reloading. He's in the bay area.

[uhlan1]

There is *NO* reason to get a single stage press for handgun ammo.

Start out loading one single round at a time on the progressive until you understand what happens at each station.

Be in the habit of having a lamp shine down after the powder charge so you can SEE powder in it.

Once you are comfortable loading one at a time on the progessive, go to 2 cases in the shell plate and get used to doing more steps between pulls.

Then go to three... and finally four cases.

It's always best to have someone with experience go over it with you the first time.

This!
Also, I have both the Loadmaster and a Hornady LnL. Much prefer the Hornady. You should visit the ammo and reloading forum. lots of great stuff and people there.