How to start Reloading

[Renuco612]

As we all know Ammo isn't cheap or easy to find nowadays. So I want to start reloading. I posted in the wrong area yesterday so i might as well start posting on the right forum.

I was wanting to buy or was looking at the RCBS Rock Chucker but I've been seeing that it's no longer available or Discontinued. I want to start reloading 9mm since that is what i shoot the most right now. Is there another alternative then the RCBS that is around the same price range?

Sorry I know I am a rookie.

[HighLander51]

Redding, Lyman, Lee. But unless you want to spend an entire weekend loading 100 rounds, get a Dillon progressive. Spend time shooting and not reloading.

[ExtremeX]

I don't think the Rock Chucker is discontinued...

Here is a good place to start, and lots of videos too... along with different links to press brands to help pick which color coolaid you want to drink.

http://ultimatereloader.com/

YouTube is another great resource.

Spend time reading to understand the process... there is lots to learn, and the learning never stops.

Rock Chucker is a great press, I use mine mainly for rifle reloading. I use a progressive for pistol ammo, but a turret press is another good option.

[Bill Steele]

As we all know Ammo isn't cheap or easy to find nowadays. So I want to start reloading. I posted in the wrong area yesterday so i might as well start posting on the right forum.

I was wanting to buy or was looking at the RCBS Rock Chucker but I've been seeing that it's no longer available or Discontinued. I want to start reloading 9mm since that is what i shoot the most right now. Is there another alternative then the RCBS that is around the same price range?

Sorry I know I am a rookie.

The RCBS Rock Chucker is a wonderful first press for someone that plans to start loading for their bolt action rifle. The Rock Chucker Supreme kit is full of premium components that will last you a lifetime regardless of where your reloading takes you.

Having said that, starting loading for 9mm, the Rock Chucker is not the ideal press, IMO. IMO, a better option for someone in your exact place is a Lee Classic Turret (the classic part is important, you don't want the "deluxe" turret).

With a handgun caliber like 9mm, you want output a little faster than a single stage will deliver. With the LCT, you can operate it like a single stage press when starting out and then insert the indexing rod to get a little more automated process. There are a couple of retailers that sell a LCT kit, which would probably be a painless way to go, albeit with some of the components being ones you will likely want to replace over time. The price is right with these kits (around $200-$250).

Have fun, good luck.

[ExtremeX]

Here you go OP... in stock too.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/937051/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-single-stage-press-kit

Even if you get a turret or progressive, everyone should still have a single stage press on the bench. I get a lot of utility out of mine.

[M1NM]

Find an old Rockchucker you'll be a lot happier with the priming system. Used they are $75-125. You can find them on ebay too.

[Ghost_Maker]

I just processed 1k in 38 while my LnL is awaiting a part.... still use the hell out of it and it probably outdates some peeps on this forum... its an RCBS JR2...

[pa15537]

Reloading for 9mm

I started to reload during the last shortage of ammo and have continued to this day. I bought a Lee Pro 1000 progressive and started to load one stage at a time. When I thought that I had it down I moved up to progressive and loaded that way for some time. Lately I just load one stage at a time and I enjoy it much more. a good source of presses and parts for lee presses is FS RELOADING. a pro 1000 sells for $174.00 and you can change calibers for around $50.00 or less

[Dirk Tungsten]

Having said that, starting loading for 9mm, the Rock Chucker is not the ideal press, IMO. IMO, a better option for someone in your exact place is a Lee Classic Turret (the classic part is important, you don't want the "deluxe" turret).

Bill, is this the press you're referring to? http://www.midwayusa.com/product/814...e-turret-press

I'd like to upgrade from my rockchucker to something a bit faster, and i think I may look into this.

[Colt562]

Grafs.com has the RCBS kit in stock as well and shipping is only 4.95.

[Bill Steele]

Bill, is this the press you're referring to? http://www.midwayusa.com/product/814...e-turret-press

I'd like to upgrade from my rockchucker to something a bit faster, and i think I may look into this.

Yes, the exact one.

Here is one in kit form for the OP.

http://www.fmreloading.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FMR&Product_Code=90304&Category_Code=Semi+Progressive+Presses

You can change whole calibers faster than you can switch dies on the RC. I love my RC'er though as well.

[ArmedCMT]

From one newb to another...

Start SLOW. A single stage press might be slower but in the beginning your going to want that. You should contact whoever is running the calguns reloading club in your area. Look here and if your in the la/ventura area check here.

Since you already know you want to reload 9mm i would suggest you start with looking bullets and small pistol primers. After you have bullets and primers i would start looking for a tumbler, dies, a single stage press and brass if you need it. After you have all that stuff and you taken a class or lesson then worry about powder.

stay safe

Edit: Under the watchful eyes of my teachers and starting with prep'd brass in a tumbler, I made a little over 150 rounds on a single stage press in around 6hrs on my first day if you dont count stopping for further instructions.

[Altahick]

im pretty much in the same boat as you, just getting into reloading. next week i am buying a lee single stage kit, primarily because its cheap and gets very good reviews. a lot of people will recommend a progessive press, and while thats good advice, for me personally i dont really have the money to reload thousands of rounds. so if it takes me all night to load a few boxes up thats fine with me. i say though if you got the money might as well get the one you want or the best you can afford the first time (dillon comes to mind). im sure il be wishin i had a progressive press, but the fact that $115 gets me stared reloading with the lee kit seems hard to beat. i am also primarily for bolt action rifle .243

[gemoose23]

Read stickies up-top, buy or borrow from the library ABC's to reloading

http://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Reloading-Definitive-Novice-Expert/dp/1440213968

After all that you will decide if reloading is for you.

If yes, start buying components, bullets, brass, primers and powder. Order reloading kit, acquire free load data from powder manufacturers, cross info with the reloading book with your kit.

If no, enjoy the free time of not hunting for components or spending time working a press.

Other incidental info: RCBS and Hornady have rebates, free bullets if you purchase their gear. Back order dies now, popular calibers are out of stock atm.