Greenhorn seeking advice

[Ozarkridgerunner]

Howdy from the Ozarks. I am seeking advice from you experienced reloaders out there. Years ago when my Dad and uncle shot competition trap , we reloaded a ton of shot shells and I helped my uncle do some reloading of rifle and pistol ammo. Lot of water under the bridge since then. I have become interested again since purchasing a .45 LC and awaiting a .45-70. Factory ammo limited and expensive off the shelf I have found , at least in my area. Don't really know where to start on gathering all the components and equipment to start reloading these two calibers. Also figure I need a good reloading manual. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I should clarify I do have several stores and have seen many online retailers where I can purchase bullets,brass,powder,primers. Need advice mainly on the equipment I would need Thanks

[RanchRoper]

The Dillon website is a start, I don't reload but lots on here do. Hang in there and you'll get some info...

[Ozarkridgerunner]

The Dillon website is a start, I don't reload but lots on here do. Hang in there and you'll get some info...

Much obliged Ranch Roper. I will check into it. Just recently found your posts and pictures from Cow Country. Absolutely loved it ! We Ranch down here in Arkansas and I work as a field man for the stockyards down here. Love the life. Nothing quite like seeing the big sky country. Appreciate you sharing your great life out there in the saddle

[Mistered]

Years ago when my Dad and uncle shot competition trap , we reloaded a ton of shot shells and I helped my uncle do some reloading of rifle and pistol ammo.

Having experience, no matter how little is a good thing but I suggest starting with a good manual, and a standard is 'The ABCs Of Reloading' and read it - several times.

Absolutely DO NOT let ANYONE tell you you 'need' a progressive press. If you don't know what a progressive press is take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with what they are and what they are for. In short a progressive is a semi - automated press that is designed to produce extremely high volumes of primarily handgun ammo for high round count shooters such as competitive disciplines as IPSC and IDPA. Bottom line is a progressive press is considerably more specialized, requires different tooling and setup and takes a lot of the 'hands on' away from reloading which is NECESSARY for a beginner to learn and understand.

A lot of guys will suggest starting with a single stage and then "upgrading" to a progressive press later. Chances are, you will never need a progressive. I shoot more than anyone i know and still load all my ammo on a single stage RCBS Rock Chucker but later added a second press, a Bonanza CO-AX (but still single stage) . There are some advantages to having two presses but it is hardly necessary to start with.

I could go into what you need to start with but the most important thing is to study, read the manuals and maybe watch some U-Tube videos but take some of them with a 'Grain of Salt' - and post any questions you may have about something you see that you don't 'understand or agree with.

Reloading is a procedural and repetitive undertaking and requires a certain amount of dedication and commitment to be successful. It's something you want to 'schedule' time to do frequently and not just a few times a year.

Don't feel you need to have EVERYTHING you see to begin with. There are some basics you will need to get started and as you gain experience you can decide on what additional tools or items you may need for the particular procedures you develop - every one has different reloading procedures and certain items or accessories may be right for one but not for another.

For instance one of MY procedures is to deprime & size all my brass BEFORE cleaning as I have gone to the liquid tumbling system and it ensures my primer pockets are sparkling (as well as the rest of the case) . Then I prime and store the brass so I have a ready supply for charging with powder and seating bullets. This works for me but others may do things differently. The rule of thumb is to develop a system and stick with it. Minor corrections and processes might deviate but you want to stick to a basic plan.

OK - enough of my pontification - someone else please jump in any time!

[JEBar]

having loaded shotshells you already have an understanding of the basics ... one of the first decisions I'd recommend making is do you want to start with a single stage or progressive press .... my recommendation would be to try and find some folks near you who reload and spend some time with them .... the more the better .... if you don't know of any hand loaders, local gun shops might be a good source for names .... you can literally spend all you want to spend on equipment .... reading through threads in our reloading area should offer some good info .... much is subjective, Ford vs Chevy type preferences .... both can get you to the store and back but some folks will strongly argue that they one they like is the best and the other isn't worth much at all

[RanchRoper]

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4432

I received a LOT of great advice and comments in this thread here awhile back, these guys know their stuff so have a look.

[220]

My advice would be get a single stage press kit. All reloading equipment manufacturers offer kits that include everything you need to start apart from dies.
Budget will no doubt dictate the choice a bit but in all honesty there isn't a lot between most brands and even the cheapest Lee gear will still turn out ammo as accurate as the more expensive brands.
If you cant pick on brand just pick your favourite colour, red, blue, green or orange.

[Abnermal]

Congratulations on your new hobby. A reloading manual should be your first purchase. When people ask me how difficult it is to handload ammo I tell them"If you can make Hamburger Helper you can handload ammo." Think of your reloading manual as a cookbook. Just follow the recepie.

[Ozarkridgerunner]

Years ago when my Dad and uncle shot competition trap , we reloaded a ton of shot shells and I helped my uncle do some reloading of rifle and pistol ammo.

Having experience, no matter how little is a good thing but I suggest starting with a good manual, and a standard is 'The ABCs Of Reloading' and read it - several times.

Absolutely DO NOT let ANYONE tell you you 'need' a progressive press. If you don't know what a progressive press is take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with what they are and what they are for. In short a progressive is a semi - automated press that is designed to produce extremely high volumes of primarily handgun ammo for high round count shooters such as competitive disciplines as IPSC and IDPA. Bottom line is a progressive press is considerably more specialized, requires different tooling and setup and takes a lot of the 'hands on' away from reloading which is NECESSARY for a beginner to learn and understand.

A lot of guys will suggest starting with a single stage and then "upgrading" to a progressive press later. Chances are, you will never need a progressive. I shoot more than anyone i know and still load all my ammo on a single stage RCBS Rock Chucker but later added a second press, a Bonanza CO-AX (but still single stage) . There are some advantages to having two presses but it is hardly necessary to start with.

I could go into what you need to start with but the most important thing is to study, read the manuals and maybe watch some U-Tube videos but take some of them with a 'Grain of Salt' - and post any questions you may have about something you see that you don't 'understand or agree with.

Reloading is a procedural and repetitive undertaking and requires a certain amount of dedication and commitment to be successful. It's something you want to 'schedule' time to do frequently and not just a few times a year.

Don't feel you need to have EVERYTHING you see to begin with. There are some basics you will need to get started and as you gain experience you can decide on what additional tools or items you may need for the particular procedures you develop - every one has different reloading procedures and certain items or accessories may be right for one but not for another.

For instance one of MY procedures is to deprime & size all my brass BEFORE cleaning as I have gone to the liquid tumbling system and it ensures my primer pockets are sparkling (as well as the rest of the case) . Then I prime and store the brass so I have a ready supply for charging with powder and seating bullets. This works for me but others may do things differently. The rule of thumb is to develop a system and stick with it. Minor corrections and processes might deviate but you want to stick to a basic plan.

OK - enough of my pontification - someone else please jump in any time!

Thank you much sir ! I really appreciate your time for a very detailed and helpful response. I will be heeding your advice and will start with getting the manual you suggested and studying it thoroughly. Great post and thanks again.

[Ozarkridgerunner]

having loaded shotshells you already have an understanding of the basics ... one of the first decisions I'd recommend making is do you want to start with a single stage or progressive press .... my recommendation would be to try and find some folks near you who reload and spend some time with them .... the more the better .... if you don't know of any hand loaders, local gun shops might be a good source for names .... you can literally spend all you want to spend on equipment .... reading through threads in our reloading area should offer some good info .... much is subjective, Ford vs Chevy type preferences .... both can get you to the store and back but some folks will strongly argue that they one they like is the best and the other isn't worth much at all

Thank you sir. I appreciate your input. I think I will start by getting a good manual as Mistered suggested and studying it thoroughly and as you suggested visit with folks who are experienced reloaders.

[Ozarkridgerunner]

Congratulations on your new hobby. A reloading manual should be your first purchase. When people ask me how difficult it is to handload ammo I tell them"If you can make Hamburger Helper you can handload ammo." Think of your reloading manual as a cookbook. Just follow the recepie.

Thank you much. I will make getting a good manual my first priority

[Ozarkridgerunner]

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4432

I received a LOT of great advice and comments in this thread here awhile back, these guys know their stuff so have a look.

Appreciate it much and I sure will. All you folks have been very helpful.

[Mistered]

my recommendation would be to try and find some folks near you who reload and spend some time with them

Great advice - if you can find someone. Back in 'the day ' I was pretty much on my own but a friend and I were getting into it at the same time so we were able to 'bounce' our experiences off one another.
Like anything however there are far too many people who will offer reloading advice - and have never reloaded a round in their life - so be vigilant of those who you may encounter (such as in LGSs, Sporting good stores etc.) and this is why I suggested posting questions about anything that you may hear that seems wrong or incorrect.

[clovishound]

A lot depends on your personal proclivities. Some folks are only comfortable with high end tools. Some only want to get by with the cheapest thing they can get their hands on. Some have to have all the bells and whistles, and others the bare minimum.

I would echo not starting off with a progressive. Too many things going on at once while you are trying to get your head wrapped around the process. A decent single stage, or even a turret is a good press to start out on.

A manual is a good place to start. Don't be intimidated by the big thick book. Most of the book is data tables.

Most folks obsess about the press. It is the heart of the reloading process, but I can tell you from my experience, that powder measuring gives me the most grief. A decent powder measure and accurate scale are a must.

The most important aspect of reloading is your attitude. You must approach it with the idea of doing things by the numbers and not cutting corners on quality control.

And don't forget to get a bullet puller. You WILL need one for those mistakes.

[Ojaileveraction]

A resource that I use is the "One Caliber, One Book" series from Loadbooks USA, each listing a single cartridge with loading data compiled from major bullet and powder manufacturers.
Is great to be able to see load data from multiple sources in one book.

[JEBar]

A resource that I use is the "One Caliber, One Book" series from Loadbooks USA, each listing a single cartridge with loading data compiled from major bullet and powder manufacturers.
Is great to be able to see load data from multiple sources in one book.

I use those as well and they can be very helpful .... what they don't do is give you much info on loading equipment .... you would be well served to take a look at the YouTube video "Reloading Basics (Decisions To Make)" by hickok 45 (link below) .... you can't go wrong with the info he provides


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irC3NuIKDm4

[Ozarkridgerunner]

Thanks again to all you good folks who have replied to this post. Great information and advice and I certainly appreciate it. I feel pretty well armed to progress on.

[.45Steel]

It's been a few years since I was right where you are. I asked advice on forums about which manufacturer, single stage, turret, progressive, ect. I received so much advice that I was really confused. One piece of advise that was repetitious was, get a manual and read it. Well, I had already done that, 3 of them as a matter of fact. I was ready to start buying equipment. Aside from some Fanboys telling what color, I ended buying a single stage kit + some extra necessities because the majority steered me in that direction. I've added 1 more press to my bench since then for a dedicated flare and charge press. I went low budget in case I didn't care for reloading.That didn't happen. I became addicted. It's been a few years..more than I care to admit but one thing has stayed the same. I still use that same equipment and have never felt the need to make more ammo faster. Take your time and never be afraid to ask a "stupid question" There is no such thing. Good Luck to you!

[.45Steel]

It's been a few years since I was right where you are. I asked advice on forums about which manufacturer, single stage, turret, progressive, ect. I received so much advice that I was really confused. One piece of advise that was repetitious was, get a manual and read it. Well, I had already done that, 3 of them as a matter of fact. I was ready to start buying equipment. Aside from some Fanboys telling what color, I ended buying a single stage kit + some extra necessities because the majority steered me in that direction. I've added 1 more press to my bench since then for a dedicated flare and charge press. I went low budget in case I didn't care for reloading.That didn't happen. I became addicted. It's been a few years..more than I care to admit but one thing has stayed the same. I still use that same equipment and have never felt the need to make more ammo faster. I know how much and what is in each and every round. Take your time and never be afraid to ask a "stupid question" There is no such thing. Good Luck to you!

[Mistered]

I still use that same equipment and have never felt the need to make more ammo faster. I know how much and what is in each and every round.

Ditto this. While I have modified some of my processes, techniques etc. I am still loading essentially the way I started. I added a 2nd press later but it was used and given to me. I had actually been considering a 2nd press but it's hardly necessary for starting out.
In all my years of reloading I have determined two reasons one should NEVER consider reloading - purely as a cost saving measure AND out of the 'fear' of 'current events' causing shortages or unavailability of ammo. While the 2nd has been a reality I have read of many who bought up equipment out of a potential 'concern' a couple years ago which did not happen. Funny thing is a LOT of this equipment and supplies have made it to the want ads, unused and at about 50% of what they originally paid and depending on the equipment some of this started out pretty high.
Like I have said before I shoot more than anyone I know and have no problems keeping up with my ammo needs with single stage equipment.