Reloading help/comments/suggestions-Update
Update- I just purchased a Lee Anniversary kit from here on G.B. My first G.B. purchase. Can't wait to get started.
I've been thinking about getting into reloading. The only experience I have is with reloading shotgun shells. Other than that I know nothing. My questions are. Where/how do I start? Who has good equipment at a reasonable price. What can I expect to save by doing it myself (.223 and .308). Pro's and Con's of doing it myself. How much to get started? How easy is it to screw up and do some damage? I know these are general questions but from my experience here I know you will point me in the right direction. Thank you for your support.
I've been thinking about getting into reloading. The only experience I have is with reloading shotgun shells. Other than that I know nothing. My questions are. Where/how do I start? Who has good equipment at a reasonable price. What can I expect to save by doing it myself (.223 and .308). Pro's and Con's of doing it myself. How much to get started? How easy is it to screw up and do some damage? I know these are general questions but from my experience here I know you will point me in the right direction. Thank you for your support.
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Go over to the reloading forum- You have most of the basics already if you reload for shotgun- See ya there!
http://forums.gunbroker.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=90 -
Step number 1 is to buy a good reloading manual and memorize it so you will know what you are doing and get an idea of what you will need. You will need a couple reloading manuals, a press, dies, scale, lube pad, caliper, trimmer, and a few other minor items at a minimum. Then as you go along you will find other stuff that you will decide you need. And lots of undesturbed time. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by FrancF
Go over to the reloading forum- You have most of the basics already if you reload for shotgun- See ya there!
http://forums.gunbroker.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=9
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I just got started myself, so I'm not extremely experienced, but I think I can answer your questions.
I use the Lee Anniversary kit. We got it for about $100 (your price may vary.) It has ALMOST everything you need: press, auto prime tool, priming tool shellholders, powder scale, powder volume measurer, instruction manual, case trimmer, chamfering tool, primer pocket cleaner, case lube, and a few other odds and ends. My only complaint about it is it didn't include a set of shellholders for the press for decapping/bullet seating. I had to buy that seperate (Midwayusa.com, though most gun shops should have a set for app. 20 bucks.) You should be able to get a whole kit at a gun shop, Cabelas, Sportsmans Warehouse, similar store or online from someone like Midwayusa.com.
Beyond that, your initial expenses will be determined primarily by how many different calibers you want to reload, as you'll have to get a die set for each one. 223 and 308 dies are common and inexpensive, relatively speaking ($20-$50.) I'd recommend getting the RGB or Pacesetter or other die sets from Lee to go with the Lee kit. They cost less and seem to be just as good a quality as the others. I like Midwayusa.com. Good prices, and FAST shipping. RCBS, Redding, Hornady and some other makers produce die sets that all work just fine. Get carbide dies for pistol calibers and stainless steel dies for rifles if price is a consideration.
Get a reloading manual or two (Hornady, Speer, Lee, and other sources all print ones. I, of course, have the Lee manual and it is my primary reference.) Hodgdon.com has an online reloading databank that I hear is pretty good, but I haven't checked it out yet.
As for savings, this is again determined by taste and volume. A primer costs 2-3 cents, and the bullet anywhere from 10-50 (or more) cents depending on caliber, quality, etc. Powder costs for pistols are negligible, a bit more for rifles since they use more powder per shot. At any rate, you can reload for about 1/2-1/3 the cost of buying your ammo new.
Hope this helps!!!0 -
To answer the "How easy is it to screw up and do damage?" question, you will not have any issues if you are careful and follow directions well. The best thing to do is create a "procedure" for how you plan on reloading and do not deviate from it. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by ljwrench
I've been thinking about getting into reloading. The only experience I have is with reloading shotgun shells. Other than that I know nothing. My questions are. Where/how do I start? Who has good equipment at a reasonable price. What can I expect to save by doing it myself (.223 and .308). Pro's and Con's of doing it myself. How much to get started? How easy is it to screw up and do some damage? I know these are general questions but from my experience here I know you will point me in the right direction. Thank you for your support.
The most basic equipment you need (besides bullets/casings/powder/primers):
Single-stage pressSet of dies for your caliberMeasuring scale, for the powder charge
I started reloading a couple years ago - I started with (and still use) a Lee classic cast single stage press, lee dies, and an RCBS 5.0.1 scale. For load information, I referenced the info that Lee supplies with their dies (VERY handy) as well as information off the internet. I did not buy a reloading manual, but it certainly doesn't hurt to buy one if you're unsure of your skills.
After you load about 50 - 100 cartridges, you'll want to look into other equipment, such as a case trimmer, tumbler, calipers, powder measure (faster than a scale), and other bits and bobs that will either improve efficiency or improve the consistency of your cartridges.0 -
Figger out what you want and then go visit Ebay. You will save a LOT of money. I'd suggest you buy one brand, be it Lyman, RCBS or Pacific. I'm using RCBS equipment I bought in the 50s, so I can vouch for its durability.
Be careful and have fun.
Clouder..0
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