Getting started

[RW Dunn]

Ok i want to get started in reloading .223/6.5 rem mag ammo and don't have a clue on where to start without makeing mistakes of other firstime reloaders.Basic
break it down in lameman terms(Me)on what i need from A-Z and products to avoid and the best or what you think is the best beginners set-up and other reference materials needed. I'm really tired of the rising cost of ammo and laws being put on us and really need a addiction. RW

[Someguy925]

I think the first thing people usually suggest is getting a manual first and read through it.

[StraightShooter]

Yeah, get yourself a reloading manual first and read through it because a ot of them are very informative and have great illustrations in them. If you could answer some questions I can help point you in the right direction a little better.

How much do you plan on loading a month?
Do you plan to buy brass at first or use brass you pick up on the range?(you may need a primer pocket swager/reamer)
Do you eventually plan on loading for other rifle or pistol calibers?
Are you mainly loading typical range day type ammo or are you going for low volume but precision ammo?

Once you know these things it really narrows down the options.

[RW Dunn]

1.How much do you plan on loading a month? - at least 200+ a month or more
2.Got about 1000 shell or more of .223 and 4500+ live to be shot and hundreds of 6.5 (.264)Rem mag which is rare and i save every shell now. when i can find it loaded it goe's for $1.83 a round so i need to reload that for sure and thinking about 9MM also in the future.
3.Are you mainly loading typical range day type ammo or are you going for low volume but precision ammo?- I imagine both,but for now it would be for range on .223 and precision on 6.5

[StraightShooter]

1.How much do you plan on loading a month? - at least 200+ a month or more
2.Got about 1000 shell or more of .223 and 4500+ live to be shot and hundreds of 6.5 (.264)Rem mag which is rare and i save every shell now. when i can find it loaded it goe's for $1.83 a round so i need to reload that for sure and thinking about 9MM also in the future.
3.Are you mainly loading typical range day type ammo or are you going for low volume but precision ammo?- I imagine both,but for now it would be for range on .223 and precision on 6.5

I would definitely get some type of progressive press with the round count that you are looking at. The progressive will serve you greatly with the .223 and any pistol calibers you would want to load. I have a Dillon 650 which is definitely expensive but well worth it for me because I shoot a lot of 9mm and .223. There are definitely cheaper options out there that will fill the need of 200-300 rounds a month though.I also have a cheap single stage press with a beam scale and a powder trickler that I use for my precision loads in .243 winchester. If you want to do both precision and volume you either have to sacrifice time by loading volume on a single stage or you have to sacrifice precision by loading on a progressive. The best thing you can do is get a nice progressive and cheaper single stage and you can use the dies interchangeably if you want to as well. As long as the .223 brass you are using doesnt have crimped in primers you wont need a primer pocket swager or reamer but if you do, dillon makes an excellent one that makes the operation very easy.

[RW Dunn]

I would definitely get some type of progressive press with the round count that you are looking at. The progressive will serve you greatly with the .223 and any pistol calibers you would want to load. I have a Dillon 650 which is definitely expensive but well worth it for me because I shoot a lot of 9mm and .223. There are definitely cheaper options out there that will fill the need of 200-300 rounds a month though.I also have a cheap single stage press with a beam scale and a powder trickler that I use for my precision loads in .243 winchester. If you want to do both precision and volume you either have to sacrifice time by loading volume on a single stage or you have to sacrifice precision by loading on a progressive. The best thing you can do is get a nice progressive and cheaper single stage and you can use the dies interchangeably if you want to as well. As long as the .223 brass you are using doesnt have crimped in primers you wont need a primer pocket swager or reamer but if you do, dillon makes an excellent one that makes the operation very easy.

Thanks for the fast reply looking into now

[C.G.]

Get a Lyman's reloading manual and read it; eventually get more manuals.
If you can get hold of Carl (older black gentleman) that shoots at Laguna Seca or possibly at Markley's, where I think he does their reloads, I am sure he would volunteer to give you some pointers. He knows a lot about reloading.
If that fails, PM me and although I am getting busy now, we might be able to arrange a time when I can show you the basics (I only have a single stage Rockchucker).
Personally, I think it is better to start off on a single stage, less chance of a mistake. Initially I made a few, but was able to catch them. When you get comfortable with the single stage then get the the proggressive. I am now getting to the point where I think I may get into a Dillon.
Also, if you decide reloading is not for you, you haven't invested that much with a single stage.

[RW Dunn]

long time no see C.G., i think i still got your number and starting small will do me good for now.

[Fjold]

If you shoot a box a month of 6.5 mag it would pay you to reload.

[anyracoon]

RW
PM sent!

[RW Dunn]

Reply inbound

[C.G.]

long time no see C.G., i think i still got your number and starting small will do me good for now.

I think it has been couple of years.
Anyway, if you can't get under Carl's wing PM me or give me a call. Carl would be better, as he's been reloading for years and compare to him I am a novice (and self taught at that).