First time Reloader

[ERC12]

I feel a little overwelm about buying powder, bullets, and primers. Im looking to reload Match grade Ammo .40 S&W and .223 Rem. Can any one help where to start.

Thanks

[ept000]

Read, read, read.... Check out your local range. Guys there are always looking for someone to teach reloading. Where are you located?

[ditchdigger]

Buying the powder, bullets and primers is the easy part. Powder Valley and Brunos are 2 sources that you can find on line.

The process isn't that difficult. Read as much as you can about the process. Take it one step at a time and keep your instructions out and opened to the step that you are doing. The 3 most important things about reloading is pay attention, pay attention, pay attention.

[rconnerley]

+1 on study up before you buy equipment or components. I found the book, ABC's of reloading, as well as the Lyman and Hornady manuals very helpful in getting started. Handloader Magazine has a wealth of info too. Enjoy!

[donger]

Remember to turn your head away when you fire your first reloads!

[dholla]

Where are you located? Maybe someone maybe interested in helping you get started.

[Nirrad]

The ABC's Of Reloading is a great guide. And you can get it on Amazon through the Shop42A link and help support Calguns!

Start saving brass (if you haven't yet).

And read everything you can get your hands on.

And "Remember to turn your head away when you fire your first reloads!"

Obtaining components is easy, knowing what to do with them is the knowledge you need. Look up a powder manufacturer and check their loading guides to get an idea on possible powers and projectiles.

Maybe update your profile and add you location? People will be more willing to help if they know you are nearby.

[5150bronco]

Great feedback.

I see literally, "turn your head"........

Location would be cool too cause I am new and collecting my stuff now.

Is it good idea to get load manuel that is specific to what bullets you are loading, for example Hornaday bullets with Hornaday manual?

Thanks guys!

[ejhc11]

+1 on study up before you buy equipment or components. I found the book, ABC's of reloading, as well as the Lyman and Hornady manuals very helpful in getting started. Handloader Magazine has a wealth of info too. Enjoy!

+1
Read, re-read. Be safe try everything w/o primers and powder the first time to do a dry run on the whole process.

[russt]

only use published load data. a great resource is data.hodgdon.com, not only is it filled with free load data it will show you some powders suitable for a cartridge

[DarkSoul]

My two cents, pay attention, no distractions, always cross reference your load data with a minimum of two sources, pay attention, no distractions, Always when loading a round for the first time, work your loads up from the suggested minimum load, pay attention, no distractions.

[Bill Steele]

My two cents, pay attention, no distractions, always cross reference your load data with a minimum of two sources, pay attention, no distractions, Always when loading a round for the first time, work your loads up from the suggested minimum load, pay attention, no distractions.

+1, Some really good advice here.

On the advice to turn your head away when you shoot your first rounds, I had a good laugh on that one. This does bring up an important point, when reloading, if there is any doubt about the safety of the round you loaded, there is no doubt, just pull the bullet and start over.

Get a couple of reloading books (Lyman's is good, Lee 2nd Edition, etc.) and read them through. The reloading how-to parts of these books are easy to read and really pretty short. I have been reloading since I was 18 and still buy a book every year or so. The order I placed with Powder Valley earlier in the week included Hornaday's latest load book. Amazing how many times I go and dig up a book I bought a decade ago or more ago to find some tidbit.

Good luck, have fun.

[insik]

Always do a dry run first. When I started with 9mm, I didn't prime and load powder until I was comfortable doing the de-priming, bullet seating, crimping on a dry run. After doing 10, I will pull the bullets out using the bullet puller and start doing it again.

I usually separate my tasks. One day, I will be just de-priming and priming. The other days, I will be loading. Heck, there are days that I will be just watching my stuff, cleaning and organizing my things. I do clean my work area after every reloading.

Keep on reading your books or the internet for some tips (but don't believe everything on the internet, LOL). Don't ever rush doing things. Take one thing at a time and enjoy the hobby of reloading.

After your first 1000 rounds, come back here and share experience to others just starting to reload.

Above all, be safe always.

Good luck.

[oddjob]

All good advice here. I recommend reading the Enos Forum and look at their reloading section. The forum has specific areas covering .40/10mm and rifle ammo.

You will find tons of information there. Almost too much information. Just keep in mind the handgun(s) your loading for when reading (Glock vs 1911 pattern for example).

Depending on your handgun you might go to a forum that deals with your type of handgun. When I wanted reloading information for my Glock I went to the Glock Talk forum for information. Do the same with rifle ammunition (gas gun vs bolt gun).

Good Luck!

[ERC12]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I reloaded 100 rounds and fired them I was nervouse on the first shot. My Rifle was still intact and my fingers and body parts was still intact. I still have a lot to learn and will continue to ask questions and learn more.