Ammo and Reloading Question

[Syst3m Ov3rrid3]

Could someone teach me or show me how to reload ammo before I dive into buying my own equipment? Usually I'd seek YouTube for stuff like this but for this specifically I'd like a hands on to see how all the equipment works, what to do and what not to do. I'm a good learner when it comes to hands on type stuff. Thanks, Steve

[theduece]

What are you trying to reload rifle or pistol? Turret, single stage, or progressive? After you know those answers what's your favorite color red, green, or blue?

[Syst3m Ov3rrid3]

lol trying to reload a 9mm, but would like to get a basis on reloading in general

[theduece]

Ok well rifle verse pistol is a bit different. Not worlds different but nonetheless.

Well I do load for both not 9mm yet though. I would be glad to
help out in anyway, I am in Yorba Linda.

The majority of my questions were to narrow down the type of machine and therefore it will be easier for you to find someone with similar equipment.

How much are you looking to spend on the press?

[Syst3m Ov3rrid3]

I don't even know what the costs generally range for equipment like this. I more so wanted to see how it worked. I suppose I wouldn't spend more then $350 in Equipment. I dont know what kind of equipment I could get with a $350 budget. I don't mind the equipment where you have to have separate machines to do everything. It seems the All-In-One Machines are quite expensive. Thanks

[damndave]

You can get by for $350

Lee Classic Turret with everything you need for it $200
9mm die set $45
Tumbler $60ish
Calipers $20
Reloading manual $30

[Syst3m Ov3rrid3]

I understand the Reloading "Bible" as some have called it on youtube is highly important in learning reloading techniques right? Cool thanks AlliedArmory!

So can anyone show me how to reload? I'd like to just watch. Anyone going to the Tactical Turkey Event at Burro Canyon?

[Low-Pressure]

$350 is enough to get started. A single stage press will do you fine.

[Syst3m Ov3rrid3]

Sweet. Hopefully I'll pull together some cash with some computer jobs and I'll start gathering my Reloading Equipment. I'll need to build a workbench too.

[NotEnufGarage]

Sweet. Hopefully I'll pull together some cash with some computer jobs and I'll start gathering my Reloading Equipment. I'll need to build a workbench too.

Maybe start there. It's not a huge investment in itself, but worth taking some time on. I'd recommend building it bigger than you think you need and as sturdy as you can make it. Don't even bother with partical board for the top, only use 3/4" or thicker plywood. You'll need to be able to run long bolts through whatever you use to secure the press.

Mine is a 2"x10" board along the front filled in with a couple 2"x6" to the depth I wanted, with plywood on top. Everything is secured to 2x4's and the base is a couple cheapo Home Depot kitchen base cabinets where I keep my supplies (brass, tools, etc.). You want some weight in the base to keep things from moving when you're cycling the press, especially with longer rifle cases, that is if you can't secure it to the wall.

Plenty of shelves for dies, books, chemicals, etc. is a good idea, too.

There are a couple threads with pictures of peoples reloading setups. Take a look at those for ideas.

[Syst3m Ov3rrid3]

Should i build a workbench with depth or is length good enough? I'm 6'0" so I need something when I sit down the bench is elbow height so I'm not killing my back. I slouch when I sit. Yeah I saw the reloading setups. A lot of people have the workbench with the cabinets overhead and under workbench storage. I like that idea. I will probably be making it length with some depth because I'll be devoting part of it for my Computer Repair Biz but it'll be separated enough that two hobbies aren't sharing the SAME working space as each other.

[theduece]

also there are some shops that have reloading "clinics" look into those. They will have a variety of equipment to fondle.

fowlers and fieldtime have them from time to time. Dont know anyone up your way.

[Whiterabbit]

Need a bench and have little money? Frame it out using only 2x4's. They are <$2 a piece at agent orange for a 92" piece. You will have to cherry pick them for straightness. But you'll only need 10 or less to make a bench that will survive the collapse of your house.

Block out a space halfway between (36" height is standard cabinet height) and you can fit sterilite bins from Target on the frame, four of them. couple bucks a piece. Not as fancy as folks here, but cheap and gives you LOTS of storage.

For the top, 3/4" MDF is the budget item that is best. It doesn't warp like ply, it's heavy, it machines easy, and is stable. Two negatives, it doesn't hold a screw and scars easy. For the screws, you aren't gonna use them. Machine screws with nuts only. As for the finish, you'll get some paraffin wax from the grocery store for $1.50 and melt it into the top and scrape smooth with a disposable razor blade. Then it will be hard, chemical resistant, and burn resistant. If you size it to 2'x4' you'll have lots of space and it will be cheap.

If you don't have lots of cash, the above will get you a SOLID bench for $25 + bins.

[damndave]

You can build a nice workbench for around $40-50. My entire bench is 2x4s and 3/4" 5 ply on top. It is more than strong enough for me to stand on top of it. I have limited area so I made it 48" wide and 36" deep. I stand while I reload, so the bench is tall.

[gunboat]

I use the garage wall as an anchor for the bench -- Not as important with newer compound leverage press's. The older press's will lift the bench off the floor :-). I found 24" deep to work best for me, otherwise stuff gets lost in the back - I also made it 8' long to accommodate weapons cleaning and other work.
I assure you, you will use all available space --
my tuppence