reloading info (newbie)
anyone have any info about reloading manuals? i am going to start reloading in the near future and dont have a clue as to what all equipment would be needed. ive found kits here at gunbroker for sale. But, not sure if all that i need is there. i know ill have to buy dies. I guess what im really looking for is a step by step manual to follow so i dont blow the garage up or the barrel of one of my guns.
any help would be great . Thanks[8]
tmint
any help would be great . Thanks[8]
tmint
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I have several manuals,but like the Lyman the best.IT tells all kinds of loads using all kinds of powders,plus overall lenths,minimum cartridge length,etc etc.Also tells about powder properties,and step by step how-to's on reloading.
I disagree when they say to deprime before tumbling,it just gets media in the primer pocket.
you will need:
press
dies with shell hold
er for each caliber,scale,tumbler and media,dial caliper,loading blocks to stand the cases up in for adding powder,powder mesure or scoops, and a bullet puller for miseaks...yes they do happen.
press can be a single-stage to start with,inexpensive ones like the Lee Challenger will do fine.I've used mine for thousands of rounds. Lyman makes a powder measure you can operate by hand for adding powder to the case.
I like Hornady dies because the bullet depth is so easy to adjust,but cheaper dies by Lee will work too.
Speed is secondary in reloading,so go slow and double check your powder charges with a flashlight before seating the bullets.VERY IMPORTANT!!
I prefer four-die sets as seating and crimping in one operation causes shaving of the bullet.
If you're not confused yet,good.Ask all the questions you want,we all learned sometime,and all made misteaks.
Mort
give CAS a try,it is a hoot!!0 -
tmint, welcome to the forum. Dean Grinnel puts out a very good book
Handloading Basics. For me it is the definitive beginner's book. It has a step by step section. Plus it has a flow that makes for a well rounded learning experiance. Read all you can get your hands on befor you load the first shell. And good luck.
Queeks
You'v gota kill it to grill it0 -
welcome... the rcbs rockchucker master reloading kit is a good starting point. it has almost all needed materials except load manuals. i would suggest getting a few different load manuals for comparison purposes. you can upgrade the kit as you become comfortable with the process. i would shy away from progressive reloaders at this time. read the books, become familiar with the equipment and find someone who reloads and watch and ask questions.
there are a number of people in this forum who can offer good advice.
make sure your reload bench is organized. keep outside interruptions to a minimum and concentrate. above all, when not certain, ask...0 -
Hi. Tmint, Welcome to the "club"
I started with the Lyman reloading books. I say books because I use both their metalic cartridge and shot shell books. They take you through all the basics with lots of pictures, drawing and instuctions. My old Lyman book is dog-eared and worn and the pages are falling out, but I was reading through it just the other night and I bought the book in 1970. After you have been at it for a while, there are web site with lots of additonal loads and stuff. Take you time, follow the instruction and you won't have any trouble. Oh, be prepared to crush some cases or hulls. I have a small box labled FLUBS in my reloading cabinet. This is probable the best site available for question.
Taperloc0 -
Welcome tmint!! You are starting on a fascinating journey!! Reloading is the best pasttime you could choose! After 30 years or so at it, I'm still learning!! The RCBS Master reloading kit will serve you well. As far as manuals go, Lyman, Sierra, Speer, Nosler, Hodgdon, all will give you a good starting point to go from. You can find old versions on the auctions for 1/2 or less the cost of the new ones and unless you are going to be loading some of the new kids on the block,(WSM's, SAUM's,) most of the calibers you would want data on will be included. You have an advantage!! You found GB!! Your questins will be handled by the guys here free of charge other than you being well informed and happy!! Anything else we can do? GHD 0 -
What I have done in the past when I wanted to find out how to do, and It's free, Go to your local Libera, and check out some reloading books 0 -
Welcome tmint. The RCBS master kit is one of the best for the money. It should still come with a manual, mine came with the Speer manual. None the less, there are several good manuals out there to get you started. Above all else, read the books and only practice what they teach. GB members are a wealth of information and most will provide quality answers to the most basic questions. Be safe, take your time and feel free to ask anything you want, we all had to start where you are at now. As you learn the basics to reloading, all of the more advanced stuff will start to make sense. Enjoy the new found hobby, hopefully it will turn in to a lifelong love.
"SOCIETY PREPARES THE CRIME, THE CRIMINAL COMMITS IT"0 -
Tmint
Reloading really is easier than you think.
I like the Lyman book because is has step by step instruction in it for beginners. Also check out the RCBS site and write to them for a catalog. They will send you a book with their products and a fold out of step by step instructions. You do need some basic equipment but can generally find kits fairly inexpensive.
here is a pic of my reloading area.
merc
Living without liberty is not living
www.tacticalauctions.com0 -
Every thing neat,clean and put in a special place!! Now that is a sign of a sick mind. I'm jelious 0 -
Nice set up, merc. Is your trimmer mounted to the side of the bench? How's it work being there? I am pressed for space and might try it. I have a 12'x12' shop that is wall to wall, top to bottom full. BTW, did you get the "no hunting, no firearms" clock from a PETA garage sale?[:p]
"SOCIETY PREPARES THE CRIME, THE CRIMINAL COMMITS IT"0 -
Welcome, tmint! To reiterate what others have said: (1) Lyman manual - first one I had when I started reloading 30 years back and still the first one to which I refer when starting a new project; (2) RCBS equipment - well made, well designed, and backed up with class. Of course I have other manuals and other equipment, but I've *never* regretted investing in these when I was in your shoes and they continue to serve me well.
merc, also welcome! Nice to see some more folks from the Great state of New Hampshire here!!!!!!! This makes three of us by my count.0
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