Reloading....would Like To Start

[flyfshn]

Is it expensive to start? How/where do you learn?

[timsfly]

It's not cheap but a great deal of fun, it is cheaper to reload than to buy over the counter.

But you'll spend a bit getting bullets, powder, primers, and there are lots of other gadgest one

can buy, it isn't as bad as fly tying.

I have a few guns that you can't buy ammo for anymore and I have to reload, but depends on

how much you shoot if it is going to save you money in the long run.

Buy good equipment, I have a RCBS Rock Chucker, with 3 dies and a few other

gadgets it was around 300.00 new, but I'll bet you can get a deal on e-bay or

maybe your local gun shop, and I see decent reloaders in pawn shops from time

to time.

Good luck

[Dutch]

The first thing you need is a good book that explains it all. I think it is called the Reloaders Bible or something like that.

[jdmidwest]

A book is good but someone that can teach you is invaluable. I learned from my uncle when I was a kid. It is definitely a method and procedure type of hobby. To insure quality and safe ammo, you have to go thru alot of steps. Once you get setup with all of the necessities, you can make custom ammo that far exceeds the factory stuff. Like fly tying, there are different levels of reloading. Mass production, precision ammo, or just plinking, you can make it suit your needs. It is a fun hobby.

[catman]

I've done for 10 years, I've got enough loaded ammo to last me until I die probably. I load .45acp, .223, .308, 30-30, 30.06. I picked up most of my stuff like Tim had mentioned second hand, except my dies. For sure get a reloading manual, I have a Serria & a Nosler manual. Once you get set up it's a lot of fun and the best part you can make YOUR gun shoot much better than with over the counter ammo..There are lots of tricks to make that bullet work better in your rifle.

A good used press: $60 or more

Scales new: $85 or more

A mic. to measure cases for length and (over all length) OAL loaded: $25

Dies are around: $30 + or -

Tumbler to clean brass can be had for: $75 or more, you don't really need one but you will be glad when you have on.

Trimmer: $90 or more

Trickler: $15

Debur tool: $10

Above items are a must to reload

Powder in 1 pound containers: $25 each kind, I buy it in bulk to get a better deal

Primers: I buy them by the thousand, but a 100 count will run about $3

Brass: I have picked up most of mine from the local range for free

Bullets: around $25 for a box of 100 in Serria, Nosler is the same but they come in a 50 count

Start up is kind of expensive, but in the long run you will save money and get what you want.

Lead & Powder have went up in the last couple of years, like everything else made with fuel I guess.

Good luck and be sure the first thing you do is read that reloading manual 2 or 3 times and then read it again.

[jdmidwest]

Midway USA reloading is a great place for supplies. Dunns carries some great reloading equipment as well as Cabelas and BASS Pro to some extent. Component pricing has been increasing the last few years and there have been shortages in some material due to war and hoarding for the coming 4 years of a Liberal Democrat leadership.

What are you wanting to load for? Handguns or Rifles?

MIDWAY USA LINK

[brittsnbirds]

What are you wanting to re-load rifle/pistol and or shotgun?

[flyfshn]

Sorry guys, forgot about this after I made the post.....getting old. I would like to reload for my .38, 9mm, 30-30, 7mm mouser and .270. My uncle had his brokers license and reloaded his ammo, but unfortunately he passed away 2 years ago, before i had an interest in shooting.

[RSBreth]

I'm actually working on a "getting started reloading" article for my blog, but I'm not anywhere close to finishing it, so here goes:

I think the .38 Special revolver cartridge is the easiest one to learn reloading. Lots of available bullets, some nice guns to shoot it in, and accurate, too. So since you have one, that's where I'd start.

You could get one of the "Lee-Loaders" like I did when I was a teenager, but they are really slow, and if you take a shine to the whole process you'll outgrow it in a month. Lee-Loader

So I'd get an inexpensive bench mounted press, like a Lee or RCBS basic single stage presses.> RCBS Partner Press<> Lee Basic Press<

These take standards threaded dies for both rifle and pistol die sets. If you start with the .38, I like the Hornady New Demension Die sets because you don't have to lube the cases like you do for old steel dies, make reloading much quicker.> .38/.357 Die set<

Just make sure your empty cases are clean and trimmed to length, and you can load. Other companies carbide dies are good, too, but I like these best.

You'll have to get the correct shell holder for the press, and you'll have to get a new shell holder and die set for each caliber, you'll learn that.

You'll need a seperate priming tool, a powder measure, a deburring tool, some way to trim your cases- (trim die and file or power trimmer) and a good micrometer. Somewhere where you can pay attention and be undisturbed while working to mount that press.

The reloading process is pretty simple. Any good manual will walk you through it. I bought a few books and still buy some more for general reference, but after the "internets" came about you can look up data for almost any load online from the powder manufacturers.

You can buy kits for any popular caliber, but the main thing you need Is a good book like the Lyman pistol and revolver handbook, maybe the library carries this so you can check it out before you buy anything.>

Lyman Handbook<

It sounds more complicated than it is.

[Gatorjet]

Don't be afraid of the Lee brand of reloading equipment. They have everything from the basic single stage presses to multi stage turret presses. I have been using Lee equipment for years. Good quality and reasonable prices. Cabella's at the Mills have a better reloading department than the Bass Pro in St. Charles. There are several good books to get you started, and catalogs from Midway USA, and Graph & Sons are both good places to check out what kind of equipment is out there. I have been reloading, or more properly, handloading, for more than 30 years. My bench has been shut down the last few years because of a basement remodel I did and didn't set it back up yet. I even have bullet casting equipment to pour my own cast bullets. It is a great hobby in itself, and allows you to do more shooting. Be careful, follow recommended loads from loading manuals, and pay close attention to all procedures and you will have a great time.