about reloading

[j.trevor123]

hello guys, ive been thinking about reloading cause i think it would be fun and save me money over time. I am young and love hunting and will do it for the rest of my life... so i believe reloading would definetely serve me well.. Is it a difficult thing to do?? and tell me what you think about handloading??

[bigdaddytacp]

hello guys, ive been thinking about reloading cause i think it would be fun and save me money over time. I am young and love hunting and will do it for the rest of my life... so i believe reloading would definetely serve me well.. Is it a difficult thing to do?? and tell me what you think about handloading??

..........I don't know about saving money overall because you tend to shoot more when you reload.....BUT you do save a lot of money per shot and it lets you shoot more for the same money and get better at shooting and taylor your ammo to your gun and use.........Handloading isn't really hard but it does require following set procedures for the type case and gun and some are variable per your use and others are mandatory for safety.....get a good manual and then another one......buy good equipment for a start up and you won't regret the money or have to upgrade later......RCBS is a sure bet....the others Redding,Hornady,Forster ect. are also good/great but RCBS is never a bad choice and is the benchmark that most other is measured aganist.......the "kits" are a good startup and save some money......a local reloading buddy is a GREAT help...as a simple "hands on" demonstration is often simple compared to the book or a board post but don't be afraid to come to the board often with ANY question and double check ANY board reccomendation for loads or "tricks of the trade".......enjoy the process and good luck and good shooting-loading safely!!!!

[Mikey]

j.trevor123:  I have been reloading for over 40 years and I think it is an absolutely great way to spend your time, hone your skills and knowledge about the ammunition you shoot and shooting in general, give you a better perspective on the shooting sports, save yourself a few bucks and give you a real sense of accomplishment and achievement when you have successfully filled your freezer or taken home the match trophy with cartridges you have relaoded yourself.  

Bigdaddytacp has given you some great advise.  Please get yourself a couple of reloading manuals - Lyman is one of, if not the best and there are others as well.  Please familiarize yourself with the "safety" section first - this is most important.  Having a friend or other reloader in your neck of the woods who is willing to share insights and knowledge is a wonderful benefit - I still remember and use a few of the 'tricks' my first reloading friend taught me 40 years ago.  

And to again reiterate the advise Bigdaddytacp has given you, do not be afraid to come to this forum or the Reloading for Pistol and Rifle forum to ask for advise or help.  I've never known anyone on these forums not to be willing to assist in these endeavors.  And furthermore, if you want additional reloading data on a particular cartidge or load that you don't see in the manuals you get, one of the regulars to Greaybeard Outdoors has amassed an incredible amount of reloading data that he shares openly with any who ask.  You can find that information on stevespages (and his website is listed in a few of the posts in the reloading forum).  

I sure hope this helps.  Good luck and let us know how it goes for you.  Mikey.

[j.trevor123]

how would i get a reloading manual??

[gunnut69]

I had not bought commercial ammo for 25 years.  I bought a new Hornet and the ammo price scared me!!!  I secon all that's been said..  I won't buy anything any more that's not RCBS made.  They have the best warrantee system I've ever experienced.  If it doesn't work we fix it, FREE!  I damaged an expander ball while pulling a stuck case.  Later bought an old Hornet that demanded a smaller expander ball..  Now I needed 2 expanders.  A call to RCBS and they said 'No Propblem'.  Not only didthey replace the ball I'd negently damaged they shipped a complete expander/decapping stem assembly for the smaller diameter bullets the older hornet wanted(not JUST the expander ball, the whole assembly) and when I asked, they said 'No charge'..  I have not purchased another die set unless it was to trade away since.  You will end up with several reloading manuals and you should.  Buy new manuals as the data changes as powders gradually are altered by the companies.  Also new powders are introduced that may not be in older manuals.  Cross reference the load you are contemplating in more than a single manual and start low & work up on every load..  I will issue one warning though, if you choose to take the reloaders path be warned, it's quite addictive.  After a time you may find yourself shooting so you can reload...  There also a special satisfaction in taking an animal with a load you've work up yourself..  perhaps even with a bullets of your own making...  Start early, it allows you more time to enjoy!!  Welcome!

[longwinters]

I just started reloading last year, at age 46.    I really enjoy it.  I followed the advice I got on the "reloading" forum and bought/read several reloading manuals. If you have a good library around you, they may have some manuals.  Also read all you can on the internet and see what common things reloaders say consistently.   I would suggest the 1st reloading manual you get be the Hornady.  Their illustrations etc... would have been VERY helpful if I would have went there 1st.  I also went with an RCBS kit.  You will have to buy a couple of items (like a trimmer) that is not in the kit, but it is an excellent company and their customer service is fantastic!!  I doubt if you will save much money by reloading because you will shoot an awful lot more.  I figure I have paid for my kit ($200.00 plus) in less than a year while reloading for my 2 sons and myself.  Figure good ammo is about $20.00 a box and it does not take long to make up the difference.  

long

[bigjeepman]

j.trevor123 ....

I have just come over from the Marlin Talk forum that now ceases to exist as Marlin Firearms made a corporate decision to bring an end to this wonderful source of knowledge.

I have recently started reloading myself and I can tell you it is a great way to really become more knowledgeable about firearms, ammunition, ballistics, etc. I have several hobbies including woodburning, building furniture, drawing, shooting, and hunting but I am not so sure that reloading isn't the best time that I have with any of them. I started just like you ... with a simple question.

I started by buying 2 manuals .... Nosler's (because I love to shoot ballistic tips) and Sierra's. Lyman's will be my next one. I then decided to buy a starting kit and was advised to buy Lee's, RCBS, etc. I finally ordered the RCBS RC Supreme Master Reloading Kit from Cabela's as they had it sale priced in their "BARGAIN CAVE" at $219.99! This kit is still on sale as I just checked it for you. A very good price indeed from a company (RCBS) well known for their customer service.

Good luck to you and i hope you find the enjoyment in reloading that so many have.

[Robert]

It is a condensed version, but great data.  Also...Hodgdon has come out with the Annual Manual for 8 bucks. The Speer manual is very handy also, about 20-25 bucks.
  If you buy a manual from a powder company...they only list THIER powders.  Bullet manufacturers list various different powders, and you can substitute a 180 gr Speer bullet for a 180 gr Nosler bullet.  This is the easiest way to start out at first.
Get a book, a scale, a press and a die set for your favorite bullet and you are on your way.  Get the right powder, primers and bullet for what you want to load, and follow the recipe exactlly.  The directions for setting your dies correctly come in every die set.  You will eventually need other stuff, but you can figure that out later.  
Dial caliper
deburring/chamfer tool
primer tray
loading block
brass tumbler, etc.....this list could go on forever, you aint gonna save any money, but you will sure have fun.

[bigjeepman]

Forgot to mention that the RCBS kit I was talking about comes with the Speer Manual #13. I suggest two or three manuals at the minimum  ... a kit can get you started with the necessities at the best price ... a die set and shell holder for your caliber ... powder and primers ... cases and bullets ... and a good work area with nothing to distract you ... and you should be ready to rock and roll.

Good luck!

[Lawdog]

j.trevor123,

You have been given lots of good advice here but I would add one thing.  On all forums you can get good advice on loads.  Most reloaders will give freely information on loads they have worked on BUT use common sense.  If someone gives you a load for your cartridge and it sounds too fast CUT BACK on the posted powder charge.  Starting at least 10% under is a good practice.  Another point is to invest in a locked fire proof cabinet for your powder storage.  Your insurance agent will appreciate you for this.  Remember to think SAFETY and you will be alright.  Lawdog
 

[savageT]

how would i get a reloading manual??

Reloading Manuals are always available on line(search: e-bay "reloading") both new and used.  I also found manuals on the on-line auction sites also.
The usual book sellers will also have the big names like Speer and Lyman.  I went to a local book store here in our mall and was disappointed that they had none on the shelves.  Save your money, do your homework first and look on ebay (I don't have any stock in the company honest!).  Just be aware there are those that will rake you over the coals if you aren't aware of what published prices are for the new books, and cost of shipping.  Cabela's and Midway will send you catalogs if you need some place to start looking. Also, remember that RCBS includes a new Speer Manual with their kits.

Jim