Reloading 1st Time Buyer, need suggestions.

[Re1apse]

I want to buy reloading equipment. What would be a good starter kit. I shoot 7.62x39,.40, and 556. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Bill Steele]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=108907

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=229221

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=158086

Pretty much covers it.

Components to reload are almost as hard to source as ammo, so starting reloading right now probably won't help a great deal. It is a great hobby and you can make better ammo than store bought.

Good luck, have fun.

[HPBrowningMK3]

Welcome to reloading.

The least expensive and simplest is Lee Classic Single Stage Press. You get to learn reloading and you can always move up to 4 turret or progressive and use your single stage for rifles. Lee Powder Measure, electronic scale, Lee Auto Prime Ergo Prime Hand Priming Tool and the dies. Start with one die and slowly add what you need.

But most importantly, get at least one Reloading Manual. Lee "Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Revised" Reloading Manual is around $20, so worth the money. Get it. And get some more reloading manuals later and always compare the data and start with the starting loads. Always.

Good luck and remember to triple check everything.

[mac128k]

Thanks for the links. I've read those before and they are helpful. I have ordered my press and am now waiting...

The thing I am struggling with is trying to make a list of components to hunt and buy! So many powders and bullets to know about. Even primers which I thought were simple, aren't so simple. NATO primers to protect against slamfire? Just never thought about it!

Oh how I wish for a simple shopping list for common stuff like "223, 45 and 308 affordable target loads - buy this". Or a similar list for match grade.

I'm going through the manuals I can locate and buy but it sure is a lot to take in for a noob.

I have two months before the press arrives so I have time to figure it out. It will sure be a shame if I can't find anything and end up with a really cool looking paperweight!

[Hallx7]

Components are out there, you just have to keep searching. Depending on what press kit you got you'll also need to start stocking up on all your supplies for case prep as well as dies.
I didn't have any other reloaders around when I started so I did a lot of reading.
To pick powder I started finding what there was a lot of data on and started with that. Unfortunately nowadays you may be more limited to what you can find.
At this point you really just need to find components and start learning reloading. Once you have an idea of what you're doing and how small changes translate to your shooting you will be able to buy specific components for your desired outcome. Hopefully by that time availability has improved.

[koehn,jim]

If you have 2 months you have time to read the manuals, at least twice. I like the Lyman manuals as they have a lot of info in them. I have been loading for over 30 years and am still learning new things. Please remeber that there are no silly questions only stupid mistakes caused by not asking. You will need to find some primers, for rifle and pistol so start looking now.

[glock7]

What he said. Start sourcing components, brass and read up.

[mac128k]

Ordered all of the manuals I can find and I am on the hunt for components. Wish me luck!

[Re1apse]

Thanks for the info. Going to go out and get my manual this weekend. My fiance is going to buy me my single stage press for my birthday next weekend. Cant wait.

[atdski07]

Where are u located? Turners in San Marcos has a dillon 550b, some dies, and hand gun cases 8mm Luger, 40s&w, primed and unprimed


Sent from the twilight zone

[chasjr1]

Welcome to the forum ,+1 for the dillon 550b will do everything you need to reload

[EscalonShooter]

The FWIW Department

Starting out learning to reload by yourself sucks....it's like any other complex skill that you have to learn from scratch...you can do it but it will take time and you will make many mistakes...

My suggestion? Spend some time at a local range ....make a few friends and ask questions.....most people are more than willing to help you learn. Get one of your new friends to show you their setup and how they do it.

How do you know if someone is into reloading? They will not be pulling ammo out of factory boxes.......

You will find that any serious reloader has definate preferences and normally have good reasons for them.....ask and they will tell you why......

What equipment? That's like asking which brand of truck.......there are fan bois for every flavor......

Suggestion for equipment? Unless you have reloaded before and KNOW you will like it, buy a single stage press(any single stage press) in the caliber of your choice. If you decide reloading is not for you, you are not out much $$$. If you decide you like it, the single stage can be converted to duty reloading small batches of a caliber you do not shot very often.(My single RCBS does all my 450 Marlin and 45-70).

Best progressive reloader? Its the one you like and will do the job. Mine is a Dillon 550.

Basic stuff needed? Tumbler(and media, either walnut or corncob), brass sifter(to separate the tumbled brass from the cleaning media), primer tray, reloader of choice, powder scale, brass, bullets, primers, powder, chronograph(or access to one. I consider this essential. It will tell you how fast the bullets from your reloaded ammo are moving - It also will help you in your load development).

Hope this helps!!!

Questions == Good!!!

[rm1911]

I wish I had this internet thing back when I started reloading. however, sometimes the volume of information will be overwhelming. I started in the early 90's, and most everything I learned was from other people who reloaded. which I gather is still the best source of info.

the big change right now is that when I started I could pretty much walk into any gun shop and grab any pound of powder, bullet, etc., I wanted and test it out. so right now you're going to be stuck trying to load with whatever you can acquire, versus what you want to. and as frustrating as it is, wait.

the other thing alot of us do is try to find a powder that can do double or triple duty, meaning used in multiple calibers. powders like bullseye, 231, AA#5, red dot, and others work in a variety of handgun loads. maybe not optimal, but functional.

[Re1apse]

I'm looking at the Hornady single stage press. They seem to make quality equipment. Most of the supplies seem to be in short supply at the Orange County stores. Im sure I will have better luck online.

[glock7]

Lee turret press. Great price point. Easy to use. For a cheapskate like me it works great. 2+ years now. Works well. I had thought at one point I wanted a dillon, but it's a luxury. It works well I've used my buddies and it can crank out rounds like nobodies business but I've found that I'm like the tortoise when it comes to reloading slow and steady....good luck