Now I am a reLoader

[Colt562]

I finially ordered my reloading equipment. I wanted something that would kill time when I was bored. I didnt want to break the bank becuase I mainly just wanted to see what reloading was all about and if it would really save me some extra cash. Well right now its doing the opposite, buy the press is the easy part. All the accessories needed break the bank but oh well. So now that I got everything, the press, dies, hand primer, scale, powder funnel, manual is there any tips that you would give a new reloader?

I am mainly going to be reloading 308, 9mm, 45acp, 556.

[epcii]

When you load for auto rifles, ALWAYS use a small-base die. Pulling 200+ rounds is not fun. Speaking of which, you WILL eventually need a bullet-puller. And a system for cleaning brass.

[Colt562]

what do you mean small-base die? and yeah i do plan on getting all that stuff

[epcii]

Instead of the ordinary full-length sizer, use a small-base die. What they do is size the width of a brass a bit smaller as well as bump the shoulder down a little more to ensure reliable feeding. With a regular full-length sizer, I had multiple stuck rounds in the chamber. Very frustrating.

[Colt562]

ok thanks for the advice

[760practicalshooter]

LOL! You think you are "saving money"!

Buddy it only makes it so you can shoot more ammo, you're not saving believe me!

It's only begun and it will only get worse.

[XDRoX]

Sometimes I think I shoot in order to reload more.

[Colt562]

LOL! You think you are "saving money"!

Buddy it only makes it so you can shoot more ammo, you're not saving believe me!

It's only begun and it will only get worse.

I had a feeling that someone would say that right when i pressed start thread. I do know that I wont save money but I like to tell myself that I will be saving money

[NoNOS67]

When you load for auto rifles, ALWAYS use a small-base die. Pulling 200+ rounds is not fun. Speaking of which, you WILL eventually need a bullet-puller. And a system for cleaning brass.

Or you could start with a small batch and see how they do. I use standard dies and have had no problems in my semi autos.

[Dark Mod]

Sometimes I think I shoot in order to reload more.

You need to get the brass from somewhere. Plus every time you go to the range you get to bring home more than you left with

[OldShooter32]

Invest in a chronograph. Basic one is about $100 and you will never know how you are doing until you can clock the bullet speed!

[CalTeacher]

Read and learn as much as you can, don't be afraid to ask questions if you're not sure about something, and be safe.

Also, buy in bulk to keep your per unit cost down.

[Colt562]

Ive honestly been researching reloading for about 2 or 3 months and still feel like i have way to much to learn but over time hopefully ill be knowledgable about it

[blockfort]

I hated the lee hand primer. Now I just use the small one that fits on the challenger press ram. It's more comfortable to use, safer, and has never mis-fed a primer. I've had some go in sideways with the hand primer.

I also just bought a digital scale because the mechanical balance is a pain in the *** and slow.

[ExtremeX]

I also got on the reloading bandwagon not too long ago.

Small base dies are optional. Most people I know including myself use full length sizing dies for semi auto.