How to Start Reloading Where do I begin?

[WhiteSands]

I have .223's ,.40 cal glock and 12 gauge shooting gun.

What would be good equipment I'd need ?

I tend to buy upper middle end stuff.

Any tips would be appreciated.

[mvpatriot]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=108907

I just started myself a few weeks ago. Gather all the info you can and get a few reload manuals. GL!

[WhiteSands]

OK!

Thank you!

[sammy]

where are you located?

[r08ert209cali]

reloading 101 3rd link from the top. do lots of research on reloading for that glock .40 . alot of problems have been had in glock .40s case goes boom.

[22popnsplat]

The place to start is to buy 2 reloading manuals and read them , then start looking at equipment .

[goober]

you will need completely different presses for the 12 ga vs. the pistol & rifle.

and +1 for the caution regarding reloading Glock .40.
If you just want to make your own specialty loads starting w/ fresh brass, no problem, but after being fired in a Glock, .40 brass can be sketchy.

[WhiteSands]

Is it worth making my own NEW .40's for a glock?

Or should I stick to only reloading only for my .223's and my 12 ga?

Which Manuals should I buy first?

[USN CHIEF]

Now a days, the best thing to do is to start by getting all the reloading components first and then the press last. there is a big shortage on reloading components.

[jwest]

Is it worth making my own NEW .40's for a glock?

Or should I stick to only reloading only for my .223's and my 12 ga?

Which Manuals should I buy first?

www.loadbooks.com - site doesn't seem to work with Firefox but does with IE.
Take a look at the specific sites with the powder that you like - i.e. -
www.hodgdon.com - take a look at what they post for burn rate and reloading data - http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Hodgdon%20Basic%20Manual.pdf

HTH,
jwest
PS - Take a look at www.dillonprecision.com - the 900 is for shotshells, the 550, 650, etc. are for handguns & long guns.

[4literranger485]

probably not worth making your own .40 for the glock. your glock doesnt have a fully supported chamber and the brass that comes out is slightly disfigured and sometimes cant be sized properly. this may end up with a KB some day. Switch to a match barrel, or any barrel with a fully supported chamber and you should be good. Personally i just shoot junk factory ammo in the glock for punching paper

[4literranger485]

i recently started and the best way to go, i found, was to purchase a reloading kit. comes with most of the necessary components to start reloading. i went to Bass Pro in RC to get my stuff (please save the laughter for when i leave ) but it went quite well. If your lucky find an old timer browsing the reloading section as they often know A LOT more information than the sales associates.

Research as much as you can before you purchase to help from getting screwed.

[.454]

At first you need to be familiar with the THEORY of reloading. Basic things like case prep, grains, burn rates, primers, do and don'ts etc. In order to learn the theory you need to buy a reloading manual (probably the best for beginners is Lyman).
Read it, use your new acquired knowledge to make a list with the equipment you want, go to Midwayusa.com and see how much it costs and what can you afford, then come back to the CG forum and post your shopping list. Then we will give you our advice.
You will find that in matters of reloading equipment our opinions will differ greatly. What you need to understand is you can reload the same ammo using a Dillon (the most expensive) or a Lee (the least expensive); the difference is what your budget is. Reloading gear is just like cars: a Civic can transport you from point A to point B in about the same amount of time as a Mercedes. The difference is luxury, features and prestige. If you can afford a Mercedes, good for you. If you only want to test the waters or your budget is limited, a Lee will crank up just the same finite product in the same amount of time.

[4literranger485]

i got that lyman manual you speak of, it is A+ for beginners. I was a total newb (and still am) but that manual helps immensely

[Mickey3Gun]

A Question on Volume

I have .223's ,.40 cal glock and 12 gauge shooting gun.
What would be good equipment I'd need ?
I tend to buy upper middle end stuff.
Any tips would be appreciated.

WS, how often and how much are you going to reload? Low production (200 rounds per month) maybe a Lee Deluxe Turret press kit for starters. 200 to 500 RCBS and Hornady. 500 plus a month (USN CHIEF volume) a Dillon. (IMHO) Another good manual, even if you don't buy their equipment, is Lee Precision. Lot's of background, as well as, lot's of load data too. You will also find the Hornady manual very helpful, but read how and with what equipment was used to develop the loads, too. That can be a factor in your own development.

Lee product's are not easily found in local shop's, at least in the LA/OC area. RCBS seems to be the equipment of choice around here for many retailers. More costly and more do-dad's, but RCBS is good equipment never the less. It seems your best price option's are on-line, just factor in shipping and sales taxes when buying on-line. They can really add up quick! In addition, when you need to pick up an "Oh S@$t I Forgot" item, having a local supplier is a real plus! (Don't ask me how I know this)

Like USN Chief suggests get you recipe component's lined up first, or at least in parallel with your equipment. And shop you butt off on line for the lowest prices, because they going to add up quickly. But buy your powder and primers locally, to avoid HAZMAT shipping surcharges! Or join in on a group buy to spread the pain. You can find them here from time to time. And ask for load help on the Board, it will save you pain. Finally, see if you can find a local "mentor" or class to help you with the first few loads. That way you know what to expect, and what "normal" should look like.

Anyway, this is just a few observations I've made from my own start-up pain's. Hope this help's. After the initial 'God, I hope I'm doing this right" puckers' you'll start to enjoy it. And the fun of wringing out the last ounce (I mean grain...) of performance from you weapon(s).