Getting Started in reloading

[DeepbluePA]

I'm interested in starting reloading. I have never done it before and dont know too much about it.

I have been looking around and I am overwhelmed. Anyone have any suggestions on where to start. I was even considering a hand press to get started.

To start i am looking to do 22.-250 and 7mm-08

thanks

[mauser]

There are a few threads on this board relating directly to your question. I'll check in again when I have more time after I get home from work tonight, by that time you will have either found the related threads by using the search feature, or someone will have directed you toward them.
The first thing you will see emphasized is this; get some books and read them.
After that, the Lee hand press is a real good way to start. I also recommend the Lee Deluxe Rifle die set. Click the 'products' button on this page:
www.leeprecision.com
I'm also an advocate of buying used equipment to save some $$, but you have to be familiar enough to know what you need, what's a good price, and what's junk that isn't worth buying.
I have the RCBS Rockchucker and 2 other bench mounted presses and I use the Lee hand press almost exclusively. If I'm full length sizing several large cases, or if I'm doing a big batch I will use one of the bench mounted presses. Some people will advise you to spend big bucks and go with top of the line stuff right off the bat. I've been reloading for many years and haven't felt the need to break the bank on equipment, but I don't shoot hundreds of rounds every weekend.

[rwilson452]

The Lee "Modern Reloading", Lyman's Metallic Reloading and the ABCs of reloading are good books to start with. The are a couple of stickys on "The Firing Line" Handloading forum that are a good read. To advise you as to what equipment to get depends on several factors. After you have done some reading you will have a better idea of what you want and what questions to ask.

[Xringshooter]

Start with a good reloading book or 5. If I were buying just one book to start I would buy the latest Lyman (I think it's #46). Read it. It will show you the steps to reload cartridges, safety precautions, explain reloading tools, etc. Just about every bullet/powder manufacture has their own book, all are good. They all will basically show (or tell) what would be needed to get started. There are a few basic things you need and after that it is customizing it to fit you needs.

If you look through this thread (Ammunition and Reloading) going back through the posts (possibly up to several weeks ago) you should find several posts basically asking the same thing you asked. There will be a lot of info there.

Have fun reloading, I do and have been doing it for over 30 years.

EDITED FOR MORE INFO: Go to page 4, look for the Post "Beginning Reloading" (Dec 4, 2007) and page 8, look for Post "Reload?worth it?..." (Oct 9, 2007). Lots of good info there.

[knight0334]

I'd avoid a hand press as your starting piece. They can be difficult to manage whe resizing some casings.

A single stage or turret press in my opinion is the best to start with. It is stable, less likely to pinch a finger in, extremely durable, and you can reload both rifle and handgun cartridges with ease.

Just about all the makes have a decent single stage, some of which you can get for less than $100 new. RCBS is an outstanding manufacturer and I'd lean towards them.

No matter what press you get, do NOT skimp on a powder scale. ...and do not measure with scoopers, only use scoopers to fill the pan and get you close. Also, get a recent release load book for powder weights. Another tip, dont go loading at max levels - most rarely perform good and all they do is wear out your gun and waste powder.

[bert304]

I hate to sound like everyone else but get a few books to read first. I would recommend the folowing books: Modern Reloading by Richard Lee, Hornady's reloading manual and one other from another bullet company. A hand press can be diffacult to full size rifle cases I use mine to deprime pistol cases with carbide dies. Get a good single stage press, for starting get Lee's press or the Rockchucker from RCBS or the Hornady press. It depends on your budget, First set you budget and stick to it.
Reloading will be very addicting.
If you like it which you most likely will, you will get more equipment and supplies.

What you might want to consider is a kit if you can afford it Her are a few

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...744&t=11082005

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...997&t=11082005

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...068&t=11082005

I personally use Lee products excet for 3 things My powder scale is a RCBS 505 scale, I have a CH press that my father gave to me, and a Forster trimmer.

Ask as many questions as you can.

[RugerNiner]

I feel that the Lee Anniversary Kit is the best there is for the the beginning Reloader along with their book. Their book is easy to read and easy to follow.

[mardo]

Read the manuals, it can get confusing though. Ask friends or here. Take advice, but only use the advice if it makes sense to you. Follow the above posts, pick a basic press that you like, hopefully you can look at them in person before buying. Don't be in a hurry when loading, go step by step. Remember, quality before quantity.

[mauser]

The best place to start is with learning and understanding. Books are the most recommended item you'll see here. If it's at all possible, get together with someone who is an experienced reloader and get some first hand experience to go along with the reading. While reading books is good, there is likely to be a lot of confusion leading to more questions. That isn't because the books are poorly written or hard to understand, it's because the information and terminology will all be new to you. If you're working with someone, you can get answers instantly instead of having to figure it out on your own, possibly by trial and error. It's like anything else, after you you actually do some of what is in the instructions, then go back and read the same instructions again, some things will make more sense, the light will turn on, and you'll be ready yo advance to the next level of questions. It's a constant learning process, and it's much easier to start learning from someone who has experience than it is to start from scratch on your own.

I had some time to search and sort through some of the reloading threads here on PAFOA and pick out a few that I thought might be pertinent to you. There is a lot to read here, and more if you want to search, but I think these threads should get you pointed in the right direction, answer most of your questions, and maybe get you to ask a few more.
Make sure you have some free time, get yourself a cup of coffee, (or your favorite beverage), get comfortable, and start reading.

Feel free to post any further questions. I know there are lots of guys here who are willing to help.

http://www.pafoa.org/forum/ammunitio...reloading.html (beginner reloading)
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/ammunitio...dangerous.html (Reloading? worth it? dangerous?)
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/ammunitio...ing-links.html (Reloading Links)
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/ammunitio...ping-list.html (Looking to get into reloading - look over my shopping list?)
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/ammunitio...ed-advice.html (Getting started in reloading, need advice)
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/training-...reloading.html (NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading)
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/ammunitio...rst-timer.html (Equipment Advice for a first timer)
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/ammunitio...r-measure.html (Need help with a powder measure)
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/ammunitio...load-help.html (Want to learn how to reload...help.)
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/ammunitio...er-people.html (Would you reload for other people?)
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/ammunitio...reloaders.html (Question for reloaders)
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/ammunitio...t-so-good.html (Reloading Equipment - Good ones you own, and the Not so good...)
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/ammunitio...ch-thread.html (Show your reloading bench thread)

[bdevil73]

I'd like to get into reloading also. I just picked up th Lyman Reloading Handbook 48th edition at Cabela's. They have the Lee Anniversary Kit there for $85. I'm thinking about going back next weekend to pick it up.