Best way to start reloading?

[Lifeon2whls]

So I understand that now is a terrible time to start reloading. I have been wanting to start for well over a year but finances didn't allow it and now that I have the money, the supplies aren't available. So I'm wiling to continue to wait until things *hopefully* settle down but in the meantime, are there things I can purchase / do / read that will help me once everything is back on track?

My plan is to start with .45 and 30-06 (for a Garand). 9mm and .223 is also on the list but I have a large enough supply that it will come later. 300 Win Mag may also be on the list a couple years down the road when I get a hunting rifle.

So any help/advice/direction is appreciated.

[Dark Mod]

Get a manual and read it thouroughly while gradually collecting all the stuff you need. Theres alot of cheap reloading tools on the marketplace if your not desperate and can wait a bit.

Once stuff is readily available again drop a chunk of change and buy everything you dont have. You will already know what to do and youll be ready to start as soon as the panic is over

[edgerly779]

What Dark mod said. You can find a good c or h press and scale and measure
if you watch craigslist and here and gunbroker.com.

[Colt562]

Get a manual first, preferable the Lyman 49 or Lee 2nd edition. Both great books IMO. I would personally start looking for components first, just get a little here and a little there, it will add up in the long run.

Then I would start looking for equipment, when something pops up grab it. Dont pay these ridiculous prices, the equipment isnt getting banned.

Just my

[Lifeon2whls]

Thanks guys, I'll start looking for the books.

I have been holding onto some older catalogs to have an idea of the pre-panic prices because I knew things would go up, just not this badly given what happened in '08. I dont think anyone could have predicted Sandy Hook. I'll start reading and go from there.

[UnknownShooter]

Get your order in for projectiles now if you want jacketed for that .45. Precision delta has a 16 week wait on fmj projectiles, and they dont bang your card until they ship - theres no reason not to get in line.

As for presses, dies, primers & powders - if you spend enough time on the net, they are out there.

[Lu(ky]

You can take a FREE CLASS I think on Saturdays at STOCKADE on Beach Blvd/Westminster and they go through the process. Again FREE call for the next class..

[Jeymz]

+1 on Lyman 49th. I also did a lot of online reading and watching reloading videos specific to my press and calibers. Ask a lot of questions. If you are not 100% positive on any step, stop and ask someone knowledgable/experienced.

[ExtremeX]

All of the above and start by getting a tumbler and media.

I started by sorting and cleaning all my brass even before I got my press. I was ready to rock and roll as soon as it came in.

[pbgrasso81]

Hey guys, I'm also looking into getting started in reloading. I cleaned up my garage today and and made room on my bench for a press. I plan on loading 40S&W to begin, and maybe trying 7.62x54R for my Mosin. Eventually I'd like to get into other calibers, but that will only be when my gun collection increases as well. I'm considering a single stage or turret press. Cabela's has a RCBS Explorer kit for $319 with a $50 rebate or 500 bullets, a Lyman Crusher single stage press for $150, and a Lee Turret Press for $90. Which way would you go? Are these decent prices?

Is it better to start with a kit, or to pick up single peices of equipment for your specific needs as you go?

[Ferrum]

Read the book ABC's of reloading, it's a great book if your just starting out. Also try to find someone that reloads and "donate" some time. You'll see in a hurry, what you need, and what's fluff.

[russt]

Piece it together or a kit, Either way works. I recommend getting the ABC'S of reloading and reading it cover to cover. You will be glad you did!

[Malthusian]

Start looking for components

primers:

you should be able to get them at pre-panic prices

Go in with a friend or group buy and split the haz-mat fee

Get powder with the same order

grafs
powder valley
wideners

Bullets:

berrys
precision delta
montana gold


Also

Midway
Cabelas
Bass pro

[egpost916]

I just started getting into reloading. Got most of my equipment and now waiting to get some supplies. A reloading book is a must.

In the mean time I'm cleaning and prepping all my brass.

[AlexKintner]

The Garand takes special loads unless you have an adjustable gas plug. The Hornady manual has a section dedicated to the M1. There may be others also. If I were to do it over again, I'd have started with a Rock Chucked kit instead of the Lee.