Reloading thread for the newbie in me

[TheF00L]

Hey all:

I posted this on the main board under the reloading section but guessed that there would be many from the area who only look at this Centre County board.

I hope to purchase my basic reloading gear in the next month. Any and all input would be welcome. I am going to check both boards but thought that with local information I might get some insight from those I trust.

Thanks in advance all!!

Funny this post would be so prominant(sp). I too have decided to reload. My friend and I both have 45's and we are going to take the plunge.

XRingShooter, we met at Scotia the other week. I saw a post from you discussing the Square Deal B I believe. I am leaning in that direction because we are going to split the cost of the reloading equipment. Of course the 550B looks nice as well. Damn - too many choices.


If there is anything that any/all of you would suggest that we get, in addition to the "standard what comes with the basic package" PLEASE fire away.

The last time I reloaded was when I was.....well let's just say it was a few years ago and it was for shotgun shells.

I am really looking forward to starting this new project!!!

One other question: I believe it was Diputs who suggested a specific type of die that when used I wouldn't need to lube. Does this sound correct? I REALLY COULD HAVE misunderstood so please set me straight.

Thanks all in advance for the help!!! I am going to post this on both the Centre County board as well as this statewide board to catch those locals who might not visit the main board.

Thanks again:

Cork

[ithinkimamedic]

Cork, I have no idea about reloading but I am in the same boat... I want to get into it! I've been picking up brass left and right at the range in anticipation. so tag for info!

[diputs]

That would be a carbide die (they are only maded for straight walled cases). I don't believe most kits come with a poweder trickler, I don't use one for loading pistol calibers but I do for rifle. Also a tumber is great for cleaning the brass you pick up at the range (you can get them pretty cheap from harbor freight).

The kit I started with is similar to this one Lyman Crusher 2 kit it has worked well for me and besides the dies it comes with basically everything you need to get started.

Hope this helps... if you have any specific questions just ask.

[XD45]

I personally am an RCBS man myself, and def. go for a digital scale, i recently got one that you just type in the amount you want, and hit dispense and it goes right out for you so you can be seating the bullet while the next is filling up, a real time saver, but not cheap. Either way i'd say get a digital scale even if its not a self dispensing system. It's hard to kind of sum this question up in just a few sentences, but what i can tell you is that i'm just a PM away.

[Xringshooter]

Cork (and All),

You can see my response on the main board.

There are many ways to go in reloading, a single stage press, a single stage press with rotating turret, and a progressive.

With all you basically need the same types of equipment:

1 Press
2 Reloading Dies
3 Something to clean the cases
4 Something to measure the cases' length (for safety reasons)
5 Something to remover the primer from the cases (part of the die set unless you are reloading Berdan primed cases) {typically European brass}
6 Something to load the primer into the cases (presses have something built in, but most don't use it other than with a progressive press)
7 Something to measure the powder charge
8 Something to weigh the powder charge (Safety, Safety, Safety)
9 Something to get the powder into the cases (built into a progressive)
10 Something to hold your loaded ammo
11 Loading blocks (to hold ammo prior to loading
12 Bullets, Primers, Powder, Cases
13 A good reloading manual (or 2, or 3, or 4, or more LOL) {I probably have 20 or so, updates, specific calibers, etc.}

To All Interested:
If you would like we can set a time (maybe in the evening) for you to come over to my place and I can give you an overview of the reloading process.


Ron

[TheF00L]

To All Interested:
If you would like we can set a time (maybe in the evening) for you to come over to my place and I can give you an overview of the reloading process.
Ron

Thanks so far to all for the replys to date. I for one would like to set a date of convenience to XRINGSHOOTER to get an "eyes and hands on" look at reloading.

I imagine that others might also have an interest like ithinkimamedic. I of course would bring some snacks for the lessons.....

Let's see how many might want an initial lesson as this post goes forward and then try to set a date. I am definitely in no matter who else is interested.

Thanks to XD45, diputs and Xringshooter for you help and answers!!

[arrrrgh15]

If anybody needs brass for .308 and .223 i have brass from federal (match) and blach hills (match) to give away. I also have .45ACP.

I don't reload. I don't have the time or space, but I can't throw this stuff out if there's somebody that would be able to use it.

[XD45]

I'd jump all over that brass for the .223, and .45acp but I have a fairly good stock of loading supplies and dont want to take away from someone in need... but if noone else ponies up i'm always up for more brass!

[ithinkimamedic]

Xring - I'm down for some hands on learning/observing for the reloading, thank you for offering. If cork brings the snacks I guess I'm suck with beer... but beer and reloading dont work so maybe after?

Arrrrgh - If memory serves me correct Agent Ronin reloads 308 though I dont know how his supply of it is. I also know that diputs reloads for 45... I'm sure he will be on later today.

I dont want to be greedy and horde any caliber that I dont plan on reloading anytime soon so I will pass but thank you for the offer!

Oh I think cork was lookin to start reloading the 45 now that I read above... DOH!

[Xringshooter]

arrrgh,

I'll take the .223 brass if you don't want it.

TIME: I'll sorta accept as an excuse, I even have to schedule time for handloading. But when I'm loading everyone knows not to bother me (they don't want me to blow up or burn down the house). They don't care about me, but don't burn down the house, LOL.

SPACE: I would think about. My first reloading bench was 36" wide x 18" deep, located in a very small unused closet (in military housing). I stored my components on shelves underneath and shelves I put up above. Granted, I didn't have much, I only reloaded for 2 weapons, my 30-30 and my 357.

My work/reloading bench now is 72" long, 36" deep and the top is 3 1/2" thick. It will not move easily.


Josh, beer is ok as long as you are not loading and drinking at the same time. For after class, sounds good to me.