Wana start reloading

[pashok23]

Hey guys, where to start? What brand? Saw at Cabelas Hornady package of reloading stuff, but not sure if thats all i need in that package. And i will be reloading .300WM

[h20hunter]

Shoot me a pm. I'm close by and can show you my set up and chat.

[Wolfdog2314]

I was in your shoes a couple months ago. I’d hook up with a buddy who really knows what they’re doin. And/or start researching a bunch online.

Panhandle Precision is what I’m mostly basing my process off of: http://panhandleprecision.com/reloading-process-step-step/

I bought individual tools off of amazon during Black Friday deals. Mostly RCBS stuff.

That’s about as far as I can help! I just got my first brass out of the tumbler all nice and shiny. All learning from here.... good luck!

[h20hunter]

Panhandle   

[Samloffler]

When I started a few years ago I got the Lee turret kit. Its everything you will need, except the scale sucks, so look into something else there. The Lee kit is a good price and has been every bit as accurate as any single stage press. The turret makes it much more convenient than a single stage too.

You'll find after you get the press and basic stuff, you'll end up spending twice as much on all the other crap. Measuring tools, trimming tools, fancier scales and trickelers....

[CAMPMEAT]

I bought the Hornady Lock-N-Load kit. Then added more to be able to really get going. I put close to $1000 into it at first. Dies, powders etc.

[Taco280AI]

Don't do it... it's not going to save you money. In fact, you'll spend a lot more money. And time, lots of time trying to find that perfect load. Then more time trying to find other perfect loads. And more money...

But it's fun

[hughjorgan]

Rcbs rock chucked will have everything you need to get started.  Hornady lock n load will get you started just fine too. Find one of them on sale and go from there

[jnordwell]

Kits are ok but not really necessary. Buy a cheap press spend you money on a scale and some mosc items and your good to go. I’ve reloaded about 100’s of rounds with my clearance bid rcbs partner press.

[pashok23]

Thank you all !!!

[h20hunter]

I have a little different view....get the best you can upfront. I like my forester single stage and my dillon 550. Both will cover all my needs.

[wadu1]

I have a little different view....get the best you can upfront. I like my forester single stage and my dillon 550. Both will cover all my needs.

@pashok23  I would go with h20hunter he will not steer you wrong. Start simple the advance but most of all have fun. FYI I loaded 100 rounds of 9mm today just for fun.

[h20hunter]

Heck.....you buy the dies and we can start soon as you are ready! Load em up, run out to the range at machias, touch a few off. Got any brass? i have cci mag primers and a few lbs of RL26.  Got a bullet in mind?

[Crunchy]

My vote is buy a decent single stage press, and then the accessories you want.  I bought the RCBS kit and never used the scale, or hand primer, and powder thrower.  I can sell you mine since they are still new lol.

[Oh Mah]

I have a little different view....get the best you can upfront. I like my forester single stage and my dillon 550. Both will cover all my needs.

This is great advice,[Plus on the right dies.Buy RCBS or Hornady dies do not buy LEE JUNK. Make sure you buy the right shell holder also for your .300 win. mag. for the same brand die.   

[pashok23]

Heck.....you buy the dies and we can start soon as you are ready! Load em up, run out to the range at machias, touch a few off. Got any brass? i have cci mag primers and a few lbs of RL26.  Got a bullet in mind?

Hehe H2O you are awesome, thanks for  willing to help me out. I do have brass.

[elkaholic123]

I like H-1000 for most of my 300WM loads. What brand/size bullet you thinking?

[h20hunter]

Heck.....you buy the dies and we can start soon as you are ready! Load em up, run out to the range at machias, touch a few off. Got any brass? i have cci mag primers and a few lbs of RL26.  Got a bullet in mind?

Hehe H2O you are awesome, thanks for  willing to help me out. I do have brass.

I enjoy the process. Got a starter bullet picked out?

[Karl Blanchard]

As h20 stated, skip on the kit and shop around to buy quality items right out of the gate.  Stick to rcbs or redding.  Redding hunter series dies are my favorite.  If you shoot enough it will definitely pay for itself.  Personally I very much enjoy the process.  I get up at 0400 just about every morning and do a pot of coffee's worth of reloading before work.  Just shy of 7k rounds of rifle for me this year. Consistency is king when it comes to making accurate and safe boolits.  Quality components and equipment makes that a lot easier. 

Taco made a valid point though.  If you only shoot a box of shells a year, you can buy a pile of ammo for what it would cost you to get set up 

[Karl Blanchard]

I like H-1000 for most of my 300WM loads. What brand/size bullet you thinking?

+1 on h1000 in the WM

[HighlandLofts]

I have the Hornady Lock n Load single stage system. I have two presses & powder measures set up. One for rifle, one for pistol.
I am in Arlington close to the Safeway on Hwy9.
You are welcome to stop on down and check this system out.
I can pick.up a set of 300 win mag dies so you can load some up.
I have been wanting to pick a set up just to have on hand. I also have a bunch of other dies all set up.in a large variety of calibers in there is another you would like to load.

Try are visit as many of the guys you can with different systems to see what you want before investing on one type of system then deciding to go another way.


I like the lock n load single stage system over others because the lock n load are in bushings and swap out in second. The bushings cost about $4 a piece. Money well spent.

[CAMPMEAT]

....................and read about reloading and ask questions if you don't understand something..

[Taco280AI]

Despite my earlier advice, if you get into it buy high quality stuff once and be done.

[jasnt]

I like rcbs and Redding.   Rock chucker press is tough

[Karl Blanchard]

I like rcbs and Redding.   Rock chucker press is tough

  unless it's for a gas gun.  Then I feel like this.....

[jasnt]

[pashok23]

Heck.....you buy the dies and we can start soon as you are ready! Load em up, run out to the range at machias, touch a few off. Got any brass? i have cci mag primers and a few lbs of RL26.  Got a bullet in mind?

Berger, Nosler bullets with higher BC thats what i thinking bullet wise

[Igor]

I have a box of 100 Hornady ELD-X .308 cal I bought but do not need.  They are 178 gr. with a BC of .552.  I'm asking $35. 

https://www.hornady.com/bullets/rifle/30-cal-308-178-gr-eld-x#!/

[jrebel]

Quality does not always mean the most money.  Start with a good single stage press and build from there.  I personally like my RCBS stuff.  If you like the craft then expand from there.  Don't be affraid to buy used....this stuff is tough and last for years.  IMO progressive presses are great but not for precision.  I have two Dillon 550's and load pistol and rifle with them but not my precision rifles. 

Good luck and don't be affraid to ask quesions. 

[pashok23]

I have a box of 100 Hornady ELD-X .308 cal I bought but do not need.  They are 178 gr. with a BC of .552.  I'm asking $35. 

https://www.hornady.com/bullets/rifle/30-cal-308-178-gr-eld-x#!/

Thanks but im looking at G7 BC and thise bullets runs low.

[h20hunter]

Nice. I personally load bergers in a few calibers.

[Igor]

I have a box of 100 Hornady ELD-X .308 cal I bought but do not need.  They are 178 gr. with a BC of .552.  I'm asking $35. 

https://www.hornady.com/bullets/rifle/30-cal-308-178-gr-eld-x#!/

Thanks but im looking at G7 BC and thise bullets runs low.

OK.......don't want to start an argument, but these Hornadys have a higher G1 and G7 BC than either Berger or Nosler.  That's why I bought them in the first place.

[pashok23]

I have a box of 100 Hornady ELD-X .308 cal I bought but do not need.  They are 178 gr. with a BC of .552.  I'm asking $35. 

https://www.hornady.com/bullets/rifle/30-cal-308-178-gr-eld-x#!/

Thanks but im looking at G7 BC and thise bullets runs low.

OK.......don't want to start an argument, but these Hornadys have a higher G1 and G7 BC than either Berger or Nosler.  That's why I bought them in the first place.

Yeah no need for that. Here, G7 is higher.
http://www.bergerbullets.com/products/ammunition/300-winchester-magnum-230gr-berger-hybrid/

[Karl Blanchard]

Nosler's B.C.'s are inflated by about 10% on the ablr.  For a sammi  chamber I'd try the 200gr eldx or the 200gr accubond.

If you wanna tackle the nightmare of finding a solid load with the ablr I've got 190 and 210's you can have. 

[Igor]

I have a box of 100 Hornady ELD-X .308 cal I bought but do not need.  They are 178 gr. with a BC of .552.  I'm asking $35. 

https://www.hornady.com/bullets/rifle/30-cal-308-178-gr-eld-x#!/

Thanks but im looking at G7 BC and thise bullets runs low.

OK.......don't want to start an argument, but these Hornadys have a higher G1 and G7 BC than either Berger or Nosler.  That's why I bought them in the first place.

Yeah no need for that. Here, G7 is higher.
http://www.bergerbullets.com/products/ammunition/300-winchester-magnum-230gr-berger-hybrid/

Yep, the Bergers are 230 gr., and the Noslers are 210 gr.  I offered 180 gr., which is a totally different bullet.  No matter, I sold the Hornadys earlier this evening.  Best of luck with your reloading.

[h20hunter]

Well....sounds like our OP is off to the store to get set up. I tried my best to screw up a case, and did, not getting his decap size die setup properly but once I got that done we got to it. Had to load short compared to chamber measurement due to mag length restrictions but that worked out ok as well. Talked about the equipment,  quirks, did the basics and he has 6 rounds loaded and ready with a basic recipe in hand.

[jasnt]

Well....sounds like our OP is off to the store to get set up. I tried my best to screw up a case, and did, not getting his decap size die setup properly but once I got that done we got to it. Had to load short compared to chamber measurement due to mag length restrictions but that worked out ok as well. Talked about the equipment,  quirks, did the basics and he has 6 rounds loaded and ready with a basic recipe in hand.

Awesome. Look forward to hearing his results. I’m betting he will be happy

[yorketransport]

Every time I hear you guys talk about reloading equipment I feel like I'm just slumming it!

I used my Lee press for more than 12,000 rounds until I broke the handle while forming a wildcat that just wouldn't cooperate. I got a replacement handle and went for a little while longer before I had get a larger press to fit the CheyTac sized cases. I gave the Lee to guy who was just getting started and replaced it with Hornady that I picked up used for $30. I'm still using the same Lyman scale I picked up on Ebay for $15 about 15 years ago after my Lee scale got lost during a move. I still have 13 sets of Lee dies (lots of those were bought used) that are working as well as ever along with 18 sets of RCBS, 12 Hornady dies and a couple of custom sets from Whidden, CH4d and other custom makers. All of them are easily capable of loading .5 MOA or better ammo when used in a capable gun.

Unless you're looking to shoot sub .5 MOA all day every day, you just don't need to spend a ton of money on equipment. Don't think that you need to drop a ton of money to get started. You could load your first 100 rounds of ammo for under $250 including a press, dies and all your components and I bet it would shoot just as well as a $1000 set up. If you've got the spare cash sitting around though buy what you want and be happy. I just spent my money on more guns.

[pashok23]

Thanks again h2O for showing me the process of reloading. Great guy he even hooked me up with 1 pound of h4350 powder. Thanks again

[JimmyHoffa]

Good deal.  You can look around on the auction sites for good deals on equipment.  Occasionally you can still snag a good deal, especially if you need dies for oddball cartridges. 

[pashok23]

Good deal.  You can look around on the auction sites for good deals on equipment.  Occasionally you can still snag a good deal, especially if you need dies for oddball cartridges.

I already got everything i need at Sportman. Thanks