Getting started reloading!

[JoshuaS]

I just got a Hornady single stage press "Classic Lock'N'Load" for Christmas. Now I have over a dozen reloading books (got them cheap, used), read a few. Watched many videos. And even inquired into a class at Angeles (though probably won't). Only things I need are the shell plate (have the dies), it is on backorder, and components. Well other than cases. I used to have a couple of thousand but our cleaning ladies threw it out or took it thinking it was throw-away. But a still have some (a few hundred), and the press came with a rebate for 500 free bullets from Hornady, which helps on that end.

Anyhow, anyone know any good programs workable in Linux, or under wine, for reloading data? Or failing that, some spread sheet templates for it?

No chronograph for now. I think I am just going to shoot two groups with each load, one at bench rest, one standing at two different ranges and go with the one I shoot best, not necessarily the one the gun does (no good I cannot handle its recoil). Though I am used to shoot hot 357 loads...so maybe they will be the same.

Also, what would be a good powder to start with? I have a list of candidates, but wanted to know what other people thought was a good powder to try.

[rsrocket1]

Use the reloading manuals or go to the powder manufacturer's websited for load data.

There is a program called Quickload for Windows, but it is really not intended for conjuring up a load recipe (although if you know how to use it, you can get good starting points to understand what to do). It should not be an "instead of" but "in addition to" published and tested load data. Plus its not cheap ($152)

To start with, a good general purpose powder is Unique. It will work with just about all handgun calibers, is bulky enough to let you know of a double charge. .357 is so big, only Trail Boss is really bulky enough for it and you won't get much above "light recoil" with it. Unique will also get you up in speed, not top end but close.

[Javi]

. I used to have a couple of thousand but our cleaning ladies threw it out or took it thinking it was throw-away. But a still have some (a few hundred), and the press came with a rebate for 500 free bullets from Hornady, which helps on that end.

That's horrible. Are you taking it out of their paycheck?

[JoshuaS]

Thanks. I wasn't thinking of cooking my own recipe outside of the load data in the books. I was thinking more a program that would allow me to enter all the data I have and/or calculate certain ballistics not given in the reloading manuals always, like TKO, how it will fair at a given distance, as opposed to muzzle, etc. But I can find sights and/or do that math myself....just though a program would be handy.

It does look like I picked a bad time to start reloading. Most places are out. I am hoping Angeles has some of what I need in stock. The online vendors I have looked at don't, not in sufficient quanity to make up the shipping+hazardous charges at least.