New to Reloading

[sweetlou]

I'm looking into reloading. It seems so confusing, so many different parts that I'm not sure if they are necessary or accessory. If someone could give me the basics as to what I will need to reload. I'll be reloading .300 win mag, .40, .45, 9mm, .308, and 12 ga.
Any advice on equipment or where to get some of this would be very, very much appreciated!

Thanks

[b23]

Since you're in Gig Harbor I would go see Russ Haydon.  Russ owns Russ Haydon's Shooters Supply and Russ is not only very knowledgeable but he is a really nice guy and I'm sure he would gladly help you get lined out.  Also, Shawn Carlock who owns Defensive Edge Custom Rifles has a DVD on reloading that could be very helpful to you as well. 

[lostbackpacker]

Rcbs makes a great starter kit.
Concentrate on one caliber till you get the hang of it. Read the owners manual and follow the guide lines

Press
Dies
Case trimmer
Caliper
Brass
Bullets
Primers.
Reloading trays
Scale
Shell holder
Good sturdy bench
Way to take blems apart
Brass trimmer
Primer pocket cleaner
Manual
Notebook for data collection

Prob more but can't think of others.

[fastdam]

First thing, before anything else, go buy. Hornady or sierra or nosler or whatever is your favorite Reloading Manual and read it cover to cover.

[stevemiller]

Rcbs makes a great starter kit.
Concentrate on one caliber till you get the hang of it. Read the owners manual and follow the guide lines

Press
Dies
Case trimmer
Caliper
Brass
Bullets
Primers.
Reloading trays
Scale
Shell holder
Good sturdy bench
Way to take blems apart
Brass trimmer
Primer pocket cleaner
Manual
Notebook for data collection

Prob more but can't think of others.

YEP very good start right here.  only you will also need the right powder 

[sweetlou]

Thank you, all.
That helps a lot. I will get a hold of Russ, I know right where he is at.
Appreciate the responses!

[lostbackpacker]

Rcbs makes a great starter kit.
Concentrate on one caliber till you get the hang of it. Read the owners manual and follow the guide lines

Press
Dies
Case trimmer
Caliper
Brass
Bullets
Primers.
Reloading trays
Scale
Shell holder
Good sturdy bench
Way to take blems apart
Brass trimmer
Primer pocket cleaner
Manual
Notebook for data collection

Prob more but can't think of others.

YEP very good start right here.  only you will also need the right powder 

knew i forgot something

[jaymark6655]

Will he need two presses?  One for 12 gauge and the other for rifle and pistol?  I don't know so I thought I would ask.

[h20hunter]

Yes....pistol and rifle can be done on the same press....shotshell is a different beast.

[sweetlou]

I wondered about the shotgun press. if there were two needed. I'll stick to my pistol and rifle ammo until I get the hang of it! haha
Thank you for the info

[OnHoPr]

First thing, before anything else, go buy. Hornady or sierra or nosler or whatever is your favorite Reloading Manual and read it cover to cover.

As others have said, you will need quite a bit of implements to do the cartridges that you mentioned. Before buying the books that you will need for your interest first determine the applications that you are intending to do with each loading. Such as for the handguns are they going to be used for self defence, target, or plinking. For the 12ga, are you going to use it for zombies, waterfowl, trap, or just occasional general hunting. Lastly for the rifles, what type of hunter/shooter are you and the types of game and terrain that you most feel comfortable in. The reason why I mention these things are to narrow your perspective on acquiring data so you don't get bogged down with data that doesn't pertain to your whims. There is a lot of good data out there to be absorbed that sway you away from your intended whims. So to begin with get a more generic line of data for your intended uses to begin with.

[sweetlou]

For my pistol its mainly for self defense at the house. As well as just general shooting. as for the 12 ga. its going to be for waterfowl. My rifle is going to be for bear only, and shooting in preparation for bear hunting.
That helps though, I will look into specifying my desired outcome for reloading these calibers.

[BNAElkhntr]

Since you're in Gig Harbor I would go see Russ Haydon.  Russ owns Russ Haydon's Shooters Supply and Russ is not only very knowledgeable but he is a really nice guy and I'm sure he would gladly help you get lined out.  Also, Shawn Carlock who owns Defensive Edge Custom Rifles has a DVD on reloading that could be very helpful to you as well.

Russ Haydon is a Great Guy doing bus with him for over 15 years

[12Gauge]

Do not over look Lee Turret press.  Been using one for 36 years now.

Whatever equipment you get, there is something you should consider and that some components are scarce at the moment.  Powder is one I am referring too.  Primers seems to be coming back; I have not been able to find powder for the last six months.  Certain .308 bullets (bulk 168grains Sierra Match king's), are hard to find as well.

Buy several reloading manuals a read them, then ask questions.

Good luck

[biggfish]

I use a rcbs mark 600 Jr. to load my trap and bird rounds.  I have no space for a mounted cartridge reloader so I bought a Lee hand-all its a lot of extra work but I find it tranquil.  My mark 600 is mounted to a piece of plywood for a base and I use it as a mobile unit since I have no room for a work bench.