Wanting to get started

[PMC]

So since political winds have changed I'm thinking of getting into reloading. Figure supplies might be easy to come by. I would want to reload 45-70 and 45 acp.

I know nothing about reloading. Any good online resources that you guys use? Reloading for dummies books or good DVDs or YouTube channels?

Thanks

[Jdl447]

Get a reloading manual or two. Read read read. Powder manufacturers websites also have tons of reliable info.

[CT_Shooter]

I've been reloading for just about two years; nearly as long as I have been shooting. I didn't know anyone who could advise me or act as a mentor, so I started by reading everything I could find online about the equipment needed for my calibers and best practices for the process. I then selected and bought my equipment (Lee Single stage press -- part of their anniversary kit, which included almost everything I needed) and purchased Hornady's 9th edition reloading manual, which is a great resource with lots of instructional advice and understandable explanations of the science of ballistics. I also watched several dozens of YouTube videos (some better than others, but all helpful). Since then I've added three other reloading manuals to my library, including Lee's, Hodgdons, and Lymans.

I've also screwed up. I once neglected to add powder to a round and produced a squib that was potentially dangerous, but fortunately I could tell something was wrong, so it became a learning experience rather than a disaster. Now, I visually check each case for powder before seating the bullet; each case, every time. Otherwise it's been uneventful and totally rewarding and pleasurable.

I highly recommend it as another, complimentary facet of the shooting sport.

[Travlin]

Try to find someone that lives near you to help you get started and "show you the ropes". Also get at least two good reloading manuals and read read read. I would say THE LYMAN CAST BULLET HANDBOOK should be one of them. Check U-Tube for videos on how to get started and the basics of handloading. Don't be distracted while loading, no TV or phone etc .

[White Squirrel]

Everything CT said plus I have a local gun store (about a mile from my house) whose owner has been reloading for 50 years. He has forgotten more about reloading than I will ever know. Really used him as a sounding board for a lot of questions.

He recommended getting a Dillon 550B. Starting out, I used it like a single-stage and only loaded one cartridge at a time. Once I got more comfortable, I started really using the progressive capabilities. A little more up front cost, but a lot of flexibility for the future.

Started our just reloading .45 ACP, then added 9mm, .357 mag/.38, .40 S&W, and .44 mag/.44.

I hope you decide to get in. Reloading is almost as much fun as shooting.

[MapleHill]

I have been doing it 25yrs. Get a good manual, then another and READ them thru. ABCs of Reloading is another good one. Ask questions, on here isn't a bad place to start. There are a few other sites that are very good as well. Most important...get the books FIRST!!

[1911ly]

I am late to the show, the up thread posts are spot on. Try to find a local reloader to help get you started. Check with your local gun shops. A few of the local ones around here teach reloading classes.

I was lucky enough to have a couple friends that are reloaders. Then I found out one of my cousins was in to it big time! I have only been doing it for about 5-6 years. I heavily got in to it this last spring. I haven't bought a factory load since. You have lots of flexibility with your own hand loads. wanna try a little faster bullet, or a lighter projectile, you can easily do that.

The biggest tips I could give would be to get several reloader manuals and do lots of reading. I'd probably start with a single stage press. Stay within the recommends powder charges. And for sure "never assume you are doing it correctly if there is any doubt about understanding a term or a measurement ask someone". On this forum or another forum. Most gun forums have reloading sections. I have gotten a lot of help by doing it. Let us know when you get started.

[ditchparrot]

For YouTube videos, you might try subscribing to Johnny's Reloading Bench. He produced a 25-video series called A Beginner's Guide to Reloading. He's very thorough (quite a few of the videos run from an hour to 2 hours in length) and also entertaining, as he's sort of sarcastic about a lot of things.

[BigAl52]

PMC
I would be willing to give you a hand anyway I can thru PM email or by phone. I dont claim to know everything but I have been reloading for 40 plus years. I bet I could give you some pointers and at least give you something to think about. Al

[PMC]

Thanks for all the reply guys, BigAl52 you will probably be hearing from me, thanks!

[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.