Reloading 357
I would like to start reloading 38 and 357. Can anyone give me an idea of start up costs and the equipment I need. Thanks.
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If you already handload, then you will just need dies and a shell holder. If you are new to handloading, then the BEST route is to get an RCBS Rockchucker Supreme kit, and a set of Either RCBS arbide 357 dies, and a shell holder, or get the Hornady Titanium Nitride dies(lot of people like them better than the carbide. The reason for the Rockchucker Supreme Kit, is it leaves a lot of lattitude for expansion into larger rounds. Handloading can be ADDICTIVE. There are other kits that are less expensive, and will work, but the RCBS brand it top quality, and that includes customer service afterwords.
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Most important, if you haven't hand loaded before, is getting a good book about the subject. You might also do a few internet searches for helpful information. A good source of a broad range of reloading equipment and components is Midway. After you read up on reloading basics you might search Midway's reloading products which will give you a good idea of the range of products available. You need a press, a set of dies (with shell holder), a scale for weighing powder, and a powder trickler. You can buy multi-stage presses and automatic powder measures, etc. etc. but if you're just getting started you can add those later if you decide you want to do a lot of reloading. I've had good luck with RCBS equipment but there are lots of other choices. You should be able to get everything you need to get started in the $125 to $150 range; you can spend a lot more but don't need to. Sometimes you can get a deal on reloading equipment on auction sites but, like anything else, you need to know what you're looking at and the potential downsides when buying on line. Used dies can be inexpensive. . .but can have problems too. If you're going to load more than a few rounds occasionally I'd get a carbide resizing die; dispenses with lubing during full length resizing and is definitely worth the extra cost. 0 -
Your FIRST purchase should be a copy of The ABCs of Reloading. Great introductory book, lot of good information. There IS a reloading forum here on GB, good folks down there that will be glad to offer advice. .38/ .357 is a good caliber to start with. While you CAN speed more money for a progressive or turret press, when you are first starting a single stage press is a good choice. 0 -
I would start with a Lee Turret Press, it gives you the option of doing one stage at a time. After you get comfortable with all the stages of reloading a cartridge, you can use the press as a Turret press and will be able to make a box of fifty rounds in about 15 minutes. Go to www.youtube.com and look at different machines in action and you will get an idea of what is involved in making your own ammo.
Here is a link to a person demonstrating a Lee press:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEzQXtzxhLA0 -
Try to find some used gear. An RCBS press will last forever, so you don't need to feel bad about not having a new one, same with a powder thrower. I use a single stage for .38/.357 along with .380, and it works fine. Granted a turret is faster, but a single stage makes it harder to make a mistake.
You'll also need a scale to verify your charges. With straight walled cartridges you don't have to worry about a case trimmer. A hand primer is nice to have. I wouldn't worry about a powder trickler at this point. Carbide dies are a must. They save time, aren't messy, and the cost difference is negligable. Some people like to polish their brass in a tumbler but it's not required. A good reloading book is a must, I have the Speer & the Hornady. I hear the Lyman is very good but I've never used it.
Powder manufacturers also provide load info in the form of pamphlets or on line. I've also had good luck contacting powder maker's customer service departments for load info.
There's also a great deal of loading info available on line from independant sources, but I would be sure to verify them before I used them.
Reloading is fun, economical, safe, and definately habit forming. Best of luck to you in your reloading endeavors.
GH1[:)]0 -
I started out with the rockchucker and still use it,bought a lyman turret press still use it...that was 30+ years ago.Lee auto-primer,rcbs auto primer tool(not the hand primer),rcbs scales,redding
powder measure,rcbs carbide dies.
11b6r is right get the abc's of reloading,read it then read it again.
I recommend the Lyman reloading book (49th ed)to start,you will end up with several manuals.
Costs depends on if you buy used or new,shop around don't be in a hurry.I started with 357 also and still have some that I loaded when I started.Its fun,componets have went outta sight but are still cost effective if you shoot alot.Just be frugile and take your time.
Always ask questions if you are not sure,I bugged the heck out of my mentor at first and still do.Try amazon for reasonable priced books or gunshows for used.
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If you just want to load 38/357, you only need some empty brass(free after you shoot up a box), a Lee Partner press($25), a set of dies in .357 Magnum(deprime, resize, seat & crimp $30), a pound of powder ($25), a box of primers($3/100 or so), and some bullets that match your recipe($25 or so).
If you want to start smart; get a reloading book and a scale to check your Lee dipper.
If you want to start smart & safe; get the manual, scale, case lube, safety glasses, and someone to walk you through the process.
Basically, you could start reloading for under $150, but that would be a bare bones, no-frills setup that MIGHT be dangerous if you don't pay attention or read the manual.0 -
I too just started out first thing I bought was a few manuals and the ABC's of reloading great book. I then decided on the lee progressive pro 1000 geared to do the 38/357mag because that's what I'm also starting with. My neighbor who's been reloading for 30+ years helping me learn the ropes but lets face it you can only learn so much from reading at least for me, I learn better doing something. He give me enough stuff to reload a 100rds so the cost so far has only been the table/reloading press all around 225.00. So far I still have all my digit's[:p]. But be prepared to spend some money as I have already bought a RCBS single stage press to start rifle loading[:p]. 0 -
Buy a set of 38 special carbide dies. You can load both 38 special and 357 mag with them. You can only load 357 mag with 357 dies. 0 -
I think it's the .357 set that does both, not the 38 spl. BT 0
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