Newbie to Reloading

[acj415]

Hello, I have bought a reloading kit and hopefully will start to reload soon. I will be reloading 9mm makarov and 7.62x54R. Does anyone have advice on how to do this? Where to go to buy supplies such as bullets etc? Seen people online cast their own bullets for these calibers; is it hard to find lead in the east bay? Any info on reloading is appreciated. Thanks

[stevied]

What kit did you buy? If you buy a reloading book it will walk you through the steps. Buy bullets when starting out instead of trying to cast them.

[Whiterabbit]

call your local gun shops. make the distinction between reloading supplies and reloading equipment. Some sell the gear but no powder, bullets, etc. Some sell the powder, but no equipment. Some sell both.

Might have to drive to find the best deals or even availability.

[chango17]

Depending on how often you shoot and how big ur budget is will determine where to buy ur supplies.. buy local for small amounts and online for bulk.

However before you start cranking out rounds, read your reloading guide, the whole intro. Then go to the pages that contain data about your cartridges and become familiar with the powders used and their properties, also the measurements of the cartridge for example: overall case length, trim length and so on.

Now if you are going to reload large amounts and want to buy bulk, first I suggest you try different bullets and different powders. Find a bullet and powder that works well for ur gun then when u feel confident with those components buy them in bulk. Bulk is usually boxes 500-1000 bullets and powder in bulk is 5-8lbs. So have a few hundred dollars allocated for reloading supplies.

Now if you will only shoot small amounts or dont have the extra funds for buying in bulk, it will cost a little more in the long run but just buy it as needed because it is more convenient for your wallet.

A pound of powder for the 9mm will get you well over 1000 rounds and a pound of powder for the 762 will get you a little over 100 rounds or so. It all depends on the powder you use and the charge you give.

Some tips I would suggest are: label everything, Try to stay organized and DO NOT cut corners because anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Also dont be afraid to ask questions or research questions about reloading. You are learning and questions get you answers. Also if you ask something on here or other forums you will always get that wise reloader that has been doing it for 30 years amd back in his day ... yadi yadi yada... if they give a hard time for asking newb questions ignore them and dont get discouraged. We were all in your position and one point and those of us who haven't forgotten will be more than happy to help out.

Good luck with reloading pal.

You've entered a whole new world within the gun community.

[ElDub1950]

If you don't have a starting point, go to Youtube and search for vids about your reloading press. Then scan through this forum for recommendations of reloading manuals .. there are hundreds of recommendations. Those will give you the steps to do, but more importantly 'why' you do and don't do certain things. There are also lots of reloading groups around that are helpful. You can probably find one close by. If not, there's one in Sacramento .. check the Sacramento subforum.

[russt]

Go buy a book called the ABC'S of reloading. Read it cover to cover. Then come back and ask the questions you need help with.

[delta 1/7]

Read your reloading book .... do your homework before you jump into this blind...

Good luck

[Apex360]

Youtube and a good reloading book are your friends, get to know them well before you start loading. It would be a lot better for you to buy your bullets, rather than trying to cast them.