new to re-loading(where to start?)

[Maton]

Well after buying that darned fn five-seven Im thinking about getting into reloading. Also I plan on doing lots of .45 shooting after I get my 1911. My question is where do I begin???? I decided to come here and ask because calgunners are always helpful and courteous. Thanks again guys!

[Fjold]

I'm going to ask for this to be stickied one of these days.

Here's a good site. At the bottom there are tutorials on metallic cartridges and shotshell reloading along with videos of how to reload.

http://www.reload-nrma.com/intro-reload.html

[packnrat]

i like rcbs but for a good starter deal look into lee, as they have a very good startup kit. just need to buy the dies,

then the powder and bullets and primers and you are ready to go at it.

but first get a couple loading books and take your time at first,
and allways double check ALL the time.

have fun...but safety is the first rule, and the second rule.





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[American_pride]

Well after buying that darned fn five-seven Im thinking about getting into reloading. Also I plan on doing lots of .45 shooting after I get my 1911. My question is where do I begin???? I decided to come here and ask because calgunners are always helpful and courteous. Thanks again guys!

if by lots you mean more than a 10000 rounds a year then i would suggest a dillon 550. You can get a 550 plate for 5.7, but not from Dillon............. makes it easy. If you mean less than 250 rounds a month then get a single stage press. But what ever you do, do not buy the rcbs 5.7x28 dies. Mine only lasted about 300 round before the neck expander ball broke. The hornady dies that replaced them are still going strong.

[brando]

Go take an NRA metallic reloading certification class - it's best to get a good foundation before getting head of yourself.

[r08ert209cali]

ebay has best prices on used presses

[1911su16b870]

IMO reloading is for folks who love to tinker around with machinery. If you like to work on guns and machinery, it is the next step. If you take that step, I would recommend a Dillon 550 progressive press. If you really think you are going to be kicking out the rounds, then the 650. You will be spending some bucks to get the equipment, components etc, but nothing beats that feeling of shooting your own, especially when the groups are one ragged hole.

[1911su16b870]

It seems to me that the 5.7x28 reloading sequence will include brass polishing, lubing, sizing, neck and primer hole brushing, de-lubing and then loading just like rifle rounds? Is that correct? The OP may be better starting with 45ACP and then moving into the 5.7 if thats correct?

[CSACANNONEER]

The 5.7 will also require trimming. I'd start with a few thousand rounds of 45acp first.

[scrat]

This link has what you need.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214

So where abouts do you live in California. Depending on where you live we can recomend a place to go that will teach you.

Here around the Los angeles area. Angeles ranges has a good reloading store and they have reloading classes.

[1hotrod]

I would check out some videos if you can find some, on the reloading process. The the best would be to find friends or a store that you can see it and feel the press. Back in the days, the gun shows would have a lot of vendors demoing their stuff, but I really don't see that many at the shows any more.

Keep an eye out for the group guys on primers, power, and bullets. Get the once fired brass online or locally.

[Maton]

Good info, thanks for the links, im currently not in CA, but in Roswell NM. Well thanks again for the info!

[bruceflinch]

Good info, thanks for the links, im currently not in CA, but in Roswell NM. Well thanks again for the info!

We've been infiltrated by Aliens!

Gather up all your info, be safe & have fun!

[CSACANNONEER]

We've been infiltrated by Aliens!

Gather up all your info, be safe & have fun!

At least they are the little green men kind!

[Matt P]

I would agree with some of the other comments that the 5.7 would not be a wise choice to reload for at first.
I reload this cal on my Dillon 550, I purchased a custom shell plate holder as Dillon will not make one from what I understand.
This little cartridge is quite difficult to work with. Its quite sensitive to sizing, and you must be careful not to crush it down on the shell plate holder.
You normally do not polish with case media, as they have a finish on them. Clean them with Simple Green.
The primer pockets are crimped, so you do have to swage those.
There is very little, and I mean little reloading data on this cal. I think only Ramshot has reloading info for it.
Due to the very high velocities, even from the pistol around 1900 fps, you must be very careful when reloading. Tenths of grains make a difference.

I have never had more problems with trying to reload a cartridge, then I have had with the 5.7.
I just dont know if a progressive is the best press for this round. I sized first, then cleaned all the case lube off. Next I used a deburring (RCBS Tool) and took the crimp out, then I hand primed with a Lee product.
Finally, I started using my Dillon to feed the primed case onto the turret for the powder charge, along with bullet seating.

PM me if you like, for a site which would be all things five seven, including reloading info and possible brass availability.

Good luck, and congrats on a unique shooting defensive firearm. Its my primary carry for the mean streets of Fresno...