Request for beginning advice

[Rizzo]

Hello, I am interested in starting to reload in the little free time I have. I plan on only really reloading my 270 win for hunting. I am completely new to this and was just seeking some general advice as to where to start.

Appreciate it

Sportsmans Warehouse has a free reloading class once a month in Redding.
Maybe give your local one a call and see if they also offer one.

Reloading is a fun, satisfying.....and sometimes frustrating.

[RNE228]

Been reloading for 35 years. My RCBS Rockchucker and gear has been flawless.

Looking back, I think I would look at a turret press first, probably Lyman.

My go to books over the years have been the Speer books, and Ken Waters Pet Loads. TONS of info on the "How to" in those books. I also like the Sierra book.

Looking forward, a progressive is on my list for 45acp, 38/357, and 223.

[Full Clip]

Absolutely there is plenty of info/date online, but books like the ABCs of Reloading and the Lee Reloading Manual have a step-by-step methodology that is extremely useful for beginners.
Not saying anyone has to buy them, but...

[iareConfusE]

First book I bought for reloading was the Lyman manual. Read all the important bits about safety, and the rest are just recipes for tons of calibers I'll never own/shoot.

First press/kit I bought several years ago and one that I continue to use is the Lee Anniversary Kit which comes with a very basic single stage press and a lot of gear for the casual reloader. Cost me less than $200 for the kit and the Lee dies + an extra set of die bushings. I load 9mm and 45ACP on it and I've loaded thousands of rounds with this kit with no problems. I use the priming tools, powder drop, and the manual powder scale that comes with the kit. I haven't needed to ever purchase a separate piece of equipment for reloading for those two calibers. You'll need some brass prep tools to process necked rifle brass, and those don't come with the kit.

All of the ammo I've put together using this extremely budget setup has been super accurate and has never failed in any of my guns. Much of reloading comes down to the effort you put into making your ammo, as opposed to the equipment. Better equipment like progressive presses and digital powder drops, etc will just allow you to crank out more rounds in less time, but no amount of expensive equipment will help you make your rounds accurate and reliable if you're not putting in the effort to properly weigh charges, measure brass/cartridge lengths, etc.

Since you're just starting, I would suggest a single stage, which will serve you well for reloading just a single cartridge. Don't bother with progressives or turret presses unless you really plan on cranking out volume. The pace of a single stage will force you to be attentive and you will be rewarded with good reloading habits. Eventually you'll pick up speed on the single stage to the point that it becomes nearly robotic - but you should never forget safety.

Youtube is your best resource. Learn how others order their reloading operations, and learn how to set your dies properly. The rest comes with experience and repetition.

Here's a link to the Lee Anniversary Kit for reference - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013011111

Happy loading.

[Fjold]

RCBS Rock Chucker kit is the place to start. Add some .270 dies and you’re good to go.

Everyone says to buy a book, but honestly, there is so much “official” reloading data online now I don’t think it’s necessary anymore. Hodgdon, Barnes and Nosler all have extensive data available online.


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You don't buy a reloading manual for the data. The manuals have detailed information on how to do every step of the reloading process, why you do each step and what happens internally to the case during the firing process. It tells you all the precautions and the consequences of not following the approved procedures.

There are also usually a lot of information on exterior ballistics and you get much of the theory and a much better understanding of how and why everything works.

[Jesse 2]

For a new reloader, I suggest starting with factory new brass and skipping the brass prep steps. Cleaning and sizing, especially the neck annealing and sizing, is overwhelming to beginners. I found it was easier to deal with dirty brass later, after you had some loading experience.

[maxfam]

Location? Someone will volunteer to get you started.

[silvertriple]

Location? Someone will volunteer to get you started.

[Full Clip]

For a new reloader, I suggest starting with factory new brass and skipping the brass prep steps. Cleaning and sizing, especially the neck annealing and sizing, is overwhelming to beginners. I found it was easier to deal with dirty brass later, after you had some loading experience.

I always size, measure and (if needed) trim "factory-new" brass.

[OIFVet03]

I don't know if they make Lee Loader's in that caliber but if they do you can start with that for much cheaper. It's all manual but it costs like 40 bucks. That's how I started. I started with a Lee Loader for.308 Win.

[Chocula]

The reason for the book is for all the chapters BEFORE the loading data.
The stuff that's MORE IMPORTANT for safety than the load data.

+1000!

It is also good to have a couple of data sources. Having a mentor help you set up and walk you through making your first few round would make for a fantastic start. That way they can explain WHY you do each step that may seem insignificant initially.

Start with the single stage press, even if you get a progressive later, you will still have plenty of uses for your single stage. Depending on your volume, you may never need more than a single stage.

Avoid inexpensive electronic scales. My cheap 30 year old Lee Safety Scale (beam) is still accurate, my Ohaus 5-0-5 beam is easier to read and settles faster. I trust both and they agree with my check weights.

A case gauge is super helpful setting up your dies correctly, and a chamber checker is useful making sure your completed ammo is in spec. These look similar but are different tools for different tasks.

Resist the urge to chase velocity, accuracy is more important.

What county do you live in, you might be able to find someone close to help you in person?