Wanting to get started

[clovishound]

I definitely could not afford for Clovispup and I to shoot as much as we do without me reloading. I mainly reload .38 and .357, although there are a couple more I load from time to time.

At nearly $20 a box, it would be a tad pricey. We normally go through 200 rounds of centerfire in a range session. We could shoot a lot more rimfire, and ration the centerfires, but that isn't as much fun. It's also nice to be able to make low recoil target ammo for the revolver. When you start talking about high dollar ammo like 45-70, I couldn't imagine not reloading. To me it is the logical progression for the serious shooter. You can tailor the ammo to your weapon and needs.

My advice is to not be as concerned as much about which brand press to buy, as much as how you are going to go about the process. Just cranking out ammo is a recipe for disaster. You must approach it like flying an airplane. Everything must be done by the numbers with an eye on checks and double checks. It isn't a terribly dangerous hobby, and yes you can safely crank out ammo, but you must have your head in the game, and make safety a priority.

[MapleHill]

I love reloading. I end up getting a new firearm just so I can reload for it. I haven't bought factory ammo in 20yrs. Can't remember ever shooting a deer with anything but my reloads. I load for dozens of rifles and a handful of handguns. I shoot hundreds of rounds a year for the rifles, working loads and just poking holes in paper. The sky is the limit as far as how much you want to spend. You will find you won't "save" money reloading, but rather shoot more for the same cost! Keep it simple to start, single stage press, balance beam scale. 38/357 are about the easiest to start loading on the pistol side. 308 or 30-06 are a couple of the easiest on the rifle side. I started out reading books, before you the internet had everything. I still rely 95% of my information on the manuals. I had a couple people to teach me when I was a kid, so lucked out there. All the info you need is in the books, you can ask questions here or some of the other forums, but always err on the side of caution with internet information. Good Luck

[JEBar]

excellent recommendations from clearly experienced and capable reloaders .... I've been reloading since back in the early '60's and can't imagine having to go to factory ammo .... in addition to what has already been mentioned, I favor starting out with a single stage press, we chose an RCBS Rock Chucker and its still churning out ammo .... for precision, hunting ammo and all bottle neck rifle cartridges we still use the RCBS press .... a couple of years ago we added a Hornady Lock-n-load 5-station progressive press .... we use it for all of our straight wall pistol practice ammo .... when possible I do recommend spending the extra money to purchase carbide dies, not having to lube the casings really is nice ....

[Steve51]

I started out with a Lee Challenger Breech Lock single stage reloading kit. That is what I still use. I did purchase a digital balance and additional powder dispensers. I also highly recommend carbide dies (when available). I have carbide dies for .32 H&R Mag, .38spl. .357 Mag., .44Spl, and .44 Mag. Carbide dies were not available for .44-40 and .45-70 so those cases need to be lubed.

I doubt I have saved much money over the years but my time spent shooting has increased fourfold and much of that time was spent with family and you cannot put a price value on those hours.

My only regret to reloading is - I wish I had started sooner.

[RanchRoper]

Great info guys, thanks.

[1911ly]

The Lee Breach Lock Challenger is a good deal, especially if you go with a complete kit fir reloading. And RCBS sells a complete reloading setup too. The Rock Chucker is a solid press. Either will do for you. Both have great customer service.

I enjoy reloaded as much as I do shooting. Some rounds don't net a lot of savings, but you can gain in accuracy a lot! BTW, I am using the Lee, 2 actually.