Newbie Q's

[NickZag]

I've been shooting and collecting firearms for years but I've never tried reloading. I want to start loading .308 first as it's the primary caliber that I hunt with, but I also go through probably 250-500 rounds a month at the range of various different pistol and rifle calibers. While I'm sure a progessive loader like a dillion seems like the best way to go, I've never reloaded before and I want to learn and get the hange of it first before I step up to something that expensive. I was thinking about getting a basic RCBS kit like this one to get started. I figure after I get the hand of it (assuming I haven't blown myself up) I can get some different dies and practice them as well. Do any of you have any other recommendations on a good way to get started? Does that kit come with everything I'll need or should I get anything else? Thanks!

[Stoopy]

That kit plus a set of dies the proper shell holder bullets powder and primers and you can load with that kit. You will quickly learn what you want to upgrade and what works for you. You will probably want a tumbler to clean the brass also. I really like the stainless media setups. The lube pad kinda sucks also but will work to get started. Digital scale makes charging the cases quicker. Lots of options on stuff. Make sure you read the manual first and read as much as you can online.

[CalTeacher]

You are on the right track by wanting to learn the process slowly first. The kit you linked to will get you started, though there are more cost effective alternatives. Please read the reloading 101 sticky at the top of the ammo and reloading forum.

[lpspinner]

The RCBS kit is an excellent kit. You can't go wrong with that press. It should give you decades of service.

For the .308 caliber, you're going to need dies and a case trimmer gage. The Lee or RCBS dies are good. The Lee will be the least expensive. Since you don't seem to be loading that many .308 rounds, go with the Lee Cutter and Case gage (select the .308 one).

For the pistol calibers, you're going to need the dies and the shell holders if not included and a few more reloading blocks. Try to find the blocks with 50 rds vs. 40 rds. I suggest at least 4.

The Speer Reloading Manual #14 is another excellent book with plenty of loads to look at.

hmm, am I missing anything?

[rcschummers]

You will need a caliper. Spend the few extra bucks and get a decent one. Loading rifle brass, especially being new to the game, it is likely you will need a stuck case extractor. The most important thing you can get is a good lesson on reloading from an experienced loader, learn from their mistakes.

[Javi]

I just received my RCBS Rock Chucker kit in today & everything looks great. I ordered that, shell holders & dies(& a uniflow powder baffle but that's not really a necessity). Things I'm going to order are a tumbler to clean my brass(you can clean by hand if you want), a lathe style case trimmer and I need some calipers. Check to see if Palmetto State Armory is still having their excellent sale+free shipping.

[thai562]

Yes that kit have everything you need to start, all you need is the right set of dies.
But I like to put this out there. Consider using a Lee single stage press, and primer instead. They work really great and cheap.
I would buy everything separately. The scale and powder measure in that kit is not that great. Check out RCBS 10-10 scale, and a good digital scale and a powder measure with adjustable chamber, like Redding.
When you reload 308, get case gauge like Lyman, or cycle all your resized brass through your rifle before continue with the reload.
Also, PAM make great case lube.

[Cowboy T]

First, welcome to the hobby of rollin' your own! You will make better ammo at a better price than anything store-bought.

Here's my recommended shopping list.

1.) Lee Challenger O-frame press
2.) Lee Pacesetter die set for .308
3.) RCBS 502 or Dillon Eliminator scale (both are beam scales). Like thai562, I also have the RCBS 10-10, which I now know to be somewhat overkill.
4.) Analog calipers to measure OverAll Length (OAL). Any brand is good.
5.) Lee Auto-Prime hand priming tool, or RCBS Universal Hand Primer (both are good)
6.) Lee cutter and lock stud
7.) Any chamfering and deburring tool (I use Lee's, but they all do a good job)
8.) RCBS case lube

You don't need to spend a lot of money at first. Like others have said, time and experience will teach you what, if anything, you "need" to upgrade.

I'd hold off on the powder measure at first, until you've had a chance to load several rounds weighing each charge. That's what I did for my first 500 or so. Like you said, you want to learn what you're doing. This may sound like the "old-fashioned" way, but it's worked for millions of reloaded rounds over the decades.

Any loading block should do the trick. I use one of the various "redneck" methods, in my case using a plastic ammo tray from a Federal American Eagle .45 ACP ammo box. :-) Hey, it does work!

For reloading manuals, Lyman's 49th is one of the most popular, and for good reason. Lee's book is also good. I haven't read RCBS's yet, but given how long they've been in this game, it's probably good, too.

[Javi]

I plan on getting a good variety of Speer bullets so so far, I'm really liking this manual. I've had it for about an hour so I'm just thumbing through the calibers I want to load & some of the instructional parts. I love that Speer's #14 has two different load data for the 6.5x55 Swede; Military surplus actions & modern actions. Having both the Lyman & Speer is great.

[Cowboy T]

Gotta agree, the Speer book also has very good explanations of the reloading process. Personally, I think some of their max loads have become a little tamer than necessary over the last couple of years, probably thanks to the lawyers, but the info is good.

[NickZag]

Great info. Thanks everyone.

[Divernhunter]

If you are near me I would be happy to help you out.