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Post by AdamARM on Jun 9, 2019 1:55:29 GMT -5
Hi,
So I think the natural next step for my hobby is reloading. But:
1. I don't know anyone who reloads who could teach me
2. I am not very handy, or know much about tools (I am sheltered city-boy)
3. I have a very nervous personality (lol).
So, how does someone like myself start to get into re-loading? Is it possible to self-learn enough to safely reload without a mentor?
Are there any presses that come are pretty much fully pre-configured for a caliber? I have a few friends at the range, but they don't reload either. So, any suggestions on how I could start? Or, just let me know if you think I should not even try at this point, as I would likely just blow myself up.
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Post by coldtriggerfinger on Jun 9, 2019 3:58:49 GMT -5
Reloading for enjoyable , safe shooting is very straight forward. It does require attention to detail. And a willingness to obey a few rules of safety. If your good with those things Then you have a mindset that can reload your own ammo. And have fun doing it. There are many good books published that can teach you the steps, provide guidance . And have load data in them . Most of use on this forum have a good size stack or 2 of published reloading manuals. The easiest way to get started is by purchasing a complete reloading kit. That includes a single stage O block press . Also purchase some reloading manuals . Such as the Lee, Hornady, Lyman , Speer or others. Current manuals. Its nice to have a dry , comfortable place to use as a reloading room. Preferably one where children , pets ECT can't ( get into ) your reloading. Its best to not have someone fiddling with your powder scale or die settings ect.
Complete starter kits from Lyman , RCBS, Hornady or Lee will get you going and last for decades if taken care of. And can be used on cartridges from the 25 ACP up to and even beyond the 505 Gibbs.
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edk
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,092
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Post by edk on Jun 9, 2019 6:08:08 GMT -5
1. Highly recommend a starter kit from a quality source such as mentioned above (although Lee powder scales make me nervous). 2. Read the book that comes with the kit from cover to cover and then probably one more from another source as a second perspective. The internet is great for lots of reasons but not this. You need a comprehensive treatise on the matter ranging from internal ballistics to safe, practical assembly. I believe this is an important first step for anyone before loading a single round - especially someone not "handy".
If you are serious about this and proceed as such, yes you can self-teach.
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Post by AxeHandle on Jun 9, 2019 6:52:15 GMT -5
Some people just like that formal structured classroom learning situation. If that is you go to the NRA training website and look for a Metallic Cartridge Reloading class. It is a full day of basic reloading... Go to the web site below, select your course and plug in your information. www.nrainstructors.org/search.aspx
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Post by bula on Jun 9, 2019 7:25:10 GMT -5
I agree with the above replies. A kit and more than one book/manual. Axe, been a NRA member 40 some years and didn't know, have not been to the website and seen that info, offered courses. Thanks ! Will check out. This ole dog needs to fetch that stick.
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bones
.30 Stingray
Posts: 142
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Post by bones on Jun 9, 2019 8:17:41 GMT -5
I am completely self taught in reloading, and am still very much a work in progress. I purchased some manuals and began reading manuals, magazine articles, and soaking in online info every chance I could. While I was studying the process I started gathering my own kit based on what I was reading, and that I thought would fit my needs and long term plan (Rockchucker press, scale, dial calipers, powder funnels, powder/primers/bullets/dies for a couple of calibers.) The instructions that come with the RCBS dies are very detailed, and I referred to those countless times, both before starting and while going through the process itself.
After the first loading session I realized I wanted a separate priming tool to replace the Rockchucker priming system. I really like my Frankford Arsenal priming tool.
At this point, the loading process is nearly as rewarding as the shooting for me.
And take advantage of all the years of knowledge on this board! I'm always amazed by how willing the members here are to help out.
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wgg
.30 Stingray
Posts: 150
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Post by wgg on Jun 9, 2019 8:54:39 GMT -5
What will you be reloading for?
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JM
.375 Atomic
Posts: 2,416
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Post by JM on Jun 9, 2019 9:49:40 GMT -5
I am mostly self taught. I have always been a good at reading & able to retain information fairly well. I began with a Lee loading kit based upon this style of Press: leeprecision.com/breech-lock-hand-press.htmlI did not have a dedicated space for reloading, so I wanted a mobile type of set-up that could be stored in a box. I began with 38 Special/357 Magnum dies. Along with several Loading Manuals, I also picked up a nice RCBS digital powder scale & RCBS hand priming tool. You can do very well with the Lee plastic dipper type powder measures as long as you follow the directions correctly & understand their limitations. The digital scale is a tool that double checks your work. When you begin to add additional equipment, dies, etc, buy the best quality that you are able. If maintained correctly will last your lifetime & then some. I mostly buy RCBS & Redding dies. Eventually I added a better powder measure & an RCBS single stage press. I mounted the press to a 2"x6" board & would clamp the board into a Craftsman work-mate table. When I was done, it would all fold up & store in a closet. Develop a routine to follow with several inspection steps along the way. No short-cuts, no distractions. Producing your own ammunition that can be tailor made to your firearm is very rewarding. Read up, study, ask questions, be safe & have fun. Good luck. PS. Sometimes Lee has "scratch & dent" equipment on sale.
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Post by contender on Jun 9, 2019 13:08:23 GMT -5
I, like so many here also fall into the "self taught" category. I started back in the 1970's,, and over the years,, I've gotten to where I feel comfortable in it. BUT<,, I'M STILL LEARNING!!!!!!!! Buy the books. Hornady, Speer, Nosler, Lyman, etc reloading manuals have instruction in them on the basics. Buy more than one manual. Read the books,, especially the info in the front & back. The stuff in the middle is caliber specific stuff & you'll find the ones you need to pay attention to. Buy more than one manual. A kit is an excellent way to start. And as you learn, you will find more "stuff" to add to it. Buy more than one manual. I often advise anyone starting out to buy top quality equipment,, as you only have to buy it once. And,, if you have to sell,, top equipment holds it's value much better. Buy more than one manual. You asked about a "press coming pretty well configured for a caliber." Yes,, a Dillon Progressive does come that way,, but it's NOT the best choice for a beginner. A beginner needs to study & go slow to understand what they are doing & why. But once you learn how & all,,,, a Dillon is an EXCELLENT set-up. And while it's pretty much set up etc,, it still requires knowledge in how to assemble & set stuff. So,, learn on a single-stage O-type press and you will be just fine. Buy more than one manual.
By now,, you will have seen that we recommend buying the manuals,, and studying. As mentioned,, they will be your guide & bibles. ANd when you discover your need for information, you will find having several will make getting good quality, top level SAFE ammo easy.
Reloading isn't hard,, just requires an understanding of the basics necessary & adhering to safety.
Now,, since you mentioned not knowing anybody who reloads,, I'll ask; Where are you & if you are anywhere near Western NC,, I'll offer to teach you.
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Post by magman on Jun 9, 2019 14:15:14 GMT -5
I've loading for more years than I can remember. I agree by a quality kit. Buy the loading manuals. Don't shy away from the older used manuals for reference on techniques. Also on-line resources such as: RCBS, Hornady, etc have resources there also. Never have gain too much knowledge. Good luck, enjoy the hobby and most of all be safe.
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Post by AdamARM on Jun 9, 2019 16:02:18 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the info. It seems like most people think I can handle it. Good to know. I am looking at a press like this :
Lee Precision challenger kit.
Would something like this be a good place to start for 357 reloads? I am still in the info gathering stage, so I really appreicate the advice everyone gave.
One bummer of reloading is that the range I go to does not allow reloads, the only other ranges that allow reloads are more expensive. But I think I will consider reloading part of the fun, so it should be worth it.
-Adam
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Post by coldtriggerfinger on Jun 9, 2019 17:19:14 GMT -5
Adam; That's a good kit. I love the powder charger and have run over 20 lbs of powder thru mine. I DO NOT LIKE that scale. I have one and couldn't make heads or tails out of it. I learned weighing powder charges on an RCBS 505 . I used a Lyman scale to weigh over 40 lbs of powder or more over about 6 years. I now use a Pacific/Hornady balance beam scale. I VERY MUCH LIKE USING A DIGITAL SCALE TO CHECK LOADED ROUNDS ! Unfortunately an unruly sled dog chewed up my last one. I also very much like Lee reloading dies ! But have and use RCBS, Lyman, Redding, Hornady and Lee reloading dies. One Huge piece of advice !Mandatory! ! ! Max MEANS MAX ! When it comes to powder charges ! And NEVER start with max ! Start with book starting loads and procede with caution. All of this is covered in the reloading manuals.
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Post by wheelguns on Jun 9, 2019 18:04:07 GMT -5
Something that helped me when I started was to buy the exact components listed in the manuals. For instance, if you get a hornady manual, buy hornady bullets. This way you have an exact overall length, and you don’t have to try to figure out too much on your own. This way you can concentrate on the basics without needing to worry about much else.
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Post by deaconkc on Jun 9, 2019 20:33:19 GMT -5
I would recommend the Lee Turret Press kit to start with. You can assemble it without the auto advance feature and use it as a single stage at first to learn the simplest way to start. The turret makes it easy to change calibers later too. And if you later want to add a true progressive, the turret press will still be much more versatile than a single stage. I made the mistake of selling my old 3 hole turret when I added my Dillon 550 and regret it today. If you are wanting to start with just cast bullets, Lee and Lyman manuals are very good.
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Post by AdamARM on Jun 10, 2019 0:27:46 GMT -5
Something that helped me when I started was to buy the exact components listed in the manuals. For instance, if you get a hornady manual, buy hornady bullets. This way you have an exact overall length, and you don’t have to try to figure out too much on your own. This way you can concentrate on the basics without needing to worry about much else. Good tip, does that just refer to the bullets, or would you also recommend hornady brass, primers, etc. Or do you only mean the bullets should match the manual?
-Adam
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