New to reloading. Please advise.

[danjabellza]

Hey folks. First post here. I am looking at getting into reloading. I don’t shoot competition or anything, really just trying to use my brass and maintain some collection of ammo while it gets more scarce. I shoot 9mm, 357/38, 223/5.56, and 6.5creedmoor. Is there a single setup  that I can do the rifle/pistol calibers with just a die swap? What would be a decent, relatively inexpensive setup? What all do I need to really get going? Thanks, and sorry for the noob questions. I’m literally a noob.

[timberfaller]

 

You need a press, scales, dies, for starters.  Tons of books or computer,  most reloading books are on line now.  Of course the bullets,primers and powder to go with your brass.

Lee, RCBS, Lyman are a good start up brands.

If I were to do it all over again(50+ years of stuff),  I'd go L.E. Wilson and a abhor press set up.   You can reload anywhere then, not tied down to a bench!  A bit more money BUT in the long run, well worth it!

Good luck!

[Evil_EdwardO]

I use a turret style press. I have various turrets set up and just have to drop them in for whatever caliber I want to reload. I use it for both rifle and pistol.

[Stein]

I have a Lee cast turret and it is set up for 9mm, .357/.38, 30-06 and .243 all on their own plates.  In addition to the press, dies and turret plates you would need a scale, powder trickler, load data, funnel, reloading block and case prep equipment.   To prep cases, I would get a tumbler, walnut media, trimmer, chamfer/debur tool.  Finally, I would also have a decent digital caliper.

That is probably about the minimum needed for decent reloading both pistol and rifle.  From there, the sky is the limit.

[rainshadow1]

Get a good, brand name, single stage kit with a press and lots of your basic accessories. Then you get dies and a couple other items per caliber. Even if you upgrade in the future, you'll always be happy you have a basic press.

[boneaddict]

The ole RCBS rockchukar I or II has sure been a solid press for many folks

[carpsniperg2]

  I can’t tell you have many rounds have come off mine over the years. Still functions like new. I have a couple presses but my favorite single stage by far.

[Stein]

I wouldn't mind a single stage for a box of rifle shells, but it would drive me mad trying to reload 500 or 1,000 pistol rounds.

[Jingles]

Agre on the walnut media but for finish I'd use the corn cob media, just a personnal preference. Add a pocket reamer if reloading picked up salvaged 223/5.56 brass. And pocket brushes for the deep cleaning of the primer pockets. The turret press is definitely the more convenient way to go but is also the more expensive, a single stage like the RCBS Rock Chucker is what I use, and have loaded over 10K of 5.56, yes takes longer and  involves changing the individual dies between the steps involved to get finished product but it is what I would recommend getting until you know for certain it is something you are going to pursue for the long haul. Even a used press as long as it is in good condition could get you started. This is all strictly my opinion so you can take it or leave it

[Farmer72]

One item not mentioned yet that every reloader is going to need at some point (especially if you are new) is a bullet puller.

If you are ever in my area (Port Orchard) I can show you my set up and maybe help you with some tips.

[wadu1]

First of all "Welcome to the site".
I'm with Stein, I have a Lee cast turret and it is set up for 9mm, 45ACP, .357/.38, 30-06, .308, 6.5X55, 45-70 and 9.3X62 all on different plates. I also run a Dillion Square Deal for 38/357 when I want to crank out a bunch. Keep in mind you won't be saving any money it's just fun and relaxing. Shoot me a PM, I might have some spare gear laying around.

[bmc02]

I'm a newbie reloader as well so my advice is not worth a lot but I've been happy with the hornady lock n load single stage kit I've had a couple years. Haven't used it a lot, mostly just bought it to reload hard to find .32 win special for my model 94. Came with most everything needed to get started. Quick change bushings are nice for swapping dies quickly.

[GUscottie]

The ole RCBS rockchukar I or II has sure been a solid press for many folks

Literally what I use for all of my reloading needs. Is it a bit slow and cumbersome, yes...but does it get the job done, also yes.

[Igor]

I've used a RCBS single-stage press for 35 years, or so.  It is a slow process, but changing the dies for the different calibers is a simple process.  I reload a couple different rifle calibers, as well as .45 ACP, .41 magnum, .44 magnum, .357 magnum.  RCBS dies are usually very easy to find.

In addition to the already mentioned equipment don't forget a case lube pad, and shell holders for the different calibers.   In addition to the walnut media I, too, would recommend corn cob media.  I use a hand-priming tool rather than using the press to seat dies.

Good luck, and have fun.  It is a very rewarding hobby.

[Snakeriver]

Learn to use your calipers, so you know what is your doing during the resizing process. Whiddens click adjuster full length sizing dies are really nice. I really like the forster co ax press.

[Snakeriver]

Hornady head space gauge and bullet comparator are must have tools.

[cooltimber]

Dial micrometer is a must,if it has not been mentioned! Brass trimmer also!

[JJB11B]

You need a press, scales, dies, for starters.  Tons of books or computer,  most reloading books are on line now.  Of course the bullets,primers and powder to go with your brass.

Lee, RCBS, Lyman are a good start up brands.

If I were to do it all over again(50+ years of stuff),  I'd go L.E. Wilson and a abhor press set up.   You can reload anywhere then, not tied down to a bench!  A bit more money BUT in the long run, well worth it!

Good luck!

I agree, not 50 years worth of reloading but lots of thousands of Dollars could have been better spent. I wish I could swap my dies for all my more accurate rifles out for Redding or L.E. Wilson dies.

[Wolfdog2314]

https://averyadventures.com/unknown-munitions-ammo-deconstructed-pt-1-equipment/

I’d give this a listen. I wish I had this info before I had bought some things. There is also a part 2:

https://averyadventures.com/unknown-munitions-ammo-deconstructed-pt-2-the-process/

[jrebel]

The thought of reloading pistol and 556/.223 on a single stage press makes me want to vomit.  If you only shoot a couple hundred rounds a year, I guess you could make it work…..but time is money. 

Dillon 550b for the win.  I use a single stage for my hunting rifles, everything else is done on a Dillon 550. 

The cost difference is not that much more in the whole scheme of things.   

[Jason]

The thought of reloading pistol and 556/.223 on a single stage press makes me want to vomit.  If you only shoot a couple hundred rounds a year, I guess you could make it work…..but time is money. 

Dillon 550b for the win.  I use a single stage for my hunting rifles, everything else is done on a Dillon 550. 

The cost difference is not that much more in the whole scheme of things.

spent many of hours reloading pistol ammo on a single stage and I get light headed every time I remember them days. It worked and worked well if you have nothing else to do but burn time. Rock Chucker for the large rifle stuff and a progressive press for everything else. I have the Hornady AP press for pistol rounds and 223.

[NRA4LIFE]

Johnny, you'd be doing a lot of barfing in my reloading room.  Took 200 raw 223 once fired military cases and prepped them from start to finish this summer, loaded them and took them with the new AR-15 to WI.  Rattled off the whole lot with my dad in a half hour.

Back on topic, I started with an RCBS Rockchucker kit and and some extras and have never looked back, 35 years now I think.  I still use the same setup.  Yes, slower than some, but it is somewhat therapeutic to me. I also may have some spare stuff to sell cheap or give to you.  PM me a reminder if interested, I'll let you know what I got.

[jrebel]

Johnny, you'd be doing a lot of barfing in my reloading room.  Took 200 raw 223 once fired military cases and prepped them from start to finish this summer, loaded them and took them with the new AR-15 to WI.  Rattled off the whole lot with my dad in a half hour.

Back on topic, I started with an RCBS Rockchucker kit and and some extras and have never looked back, 35 years now I think.  I still use the same setup.  Yes, slower than some, but it is somewhat therapeutic to me. I also may have some spare stuff to sell cheap or give to you.  PM me a reminder if interested, I'll let you know what I got.

 

Yes, I think I just threw up in my mouth.   

[jasnt]

I offer my canned response regarding what a new reloader needs to get started (with my recommendations):

First, read lots of books and manuals:

The ABCs of Reloading
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1440213968
Also available on iTunes

The Beginner's Guide to Reloading Ammunition
http://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Guide-Reloading-Ammunition-Apartment/dp/148207379X

Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual
http://www.amazon.com/Lyman-50th-Edition-Reloading-Manual/dp/B01N76GD2F

Lee Precision - Modern Reloading
http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-Modern-Reloading-Format/dp/B000N8OKAU

And watch videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ammosmith/videos?flow=grid&view=0&sort=da

t=58s

And conduct other research:
http://rcbs.com/Resources/Introduction-to-Handloading/Step-by-Step-Reloading.aspx
http://ultimatereloader.com/

Equipment: Start out with a single-stage press. A single-stage press will force you to focus on each step. You should master each step before you attempt to combine them into a single-pull of the lever. Further, turret and progressive presses add complexity and points of failure that single-stage presses don’t have. You will always have a use for a single-stage press on your reloading bench, and you may find that you never need anything more than a single-stage, so get a good one.

The Bare Minimum:

□ Books & manuals (You can never have too many books and manuals)
□ Reloading press* (Single-stage - RCBS Rock Chucker)
□ Scale* (Balance beam scales; pref. Ohaus, RCBS, Lee, etc.)
□ Priming tool* (Rcbs hand primer)
□ Case lube* (Hornady one shot)
□ Funnel*
□ Calipers ($10 eBay Stainless .001")
□ Shell holders (rcbs)
□ Dies (for the specific cartridges you will be loading)
□good accurate chronograph is a must
□ powder trickler

Near Essentials:

□ Bullet puller (Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Impact Bullet Puller)
□ Primer crimp remover (Lyman)
□ Case trimmer (rcbs trim pro)
□ Chamfer/deburring tool*
□ Case headspace gauge (Hornady)
□ If loading .223/308 for AR platforms: Small base sizing die(s).
Note: If you need them, you need them; regardless, highly recommended, particularly if reloading for semi-autos.

Very Nice to Have:

□ Powder measure*
□ Loading block*
□ Plastic cases for your loaded rounds

Other stuff to make your job easier:

□ Hornady Lock-n-Load bushings (adaptable to many presses)
□ Digital powder measure (RCBS Chargemaster; 1500 or Lite)
□ Brass tumbler (Rotary/wet: Cheap - Harbor Freight Dual Drum; Best - Extreme Rebel 17. Once you go wet, you never go back)
- [ ] Hornady aol gage
- [ ] Hornady bto comparator set
* Included with most starter kits (RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Kit)

Note: The RCBS Rock Chucker is probably the best-selling single-stage press ever made. The other tools in the kit are also top quality and, no matter how far you “advance” in the reloading game, you will always be able to use every component in the kit and they will outlive you. It is a little more expensive than some of the other kits but remember that this is a lifetime investment; it is not money wasted but a solid foundation to build on. RCBS customer service is as good as any.

[Jingles]

Depending on high bright you want your polished brass one thing you might want is some Filtz metal polish for when you do your final polish after your resizing, deburring, pocket reaming and cleaning, just before the actual reloading. I use about 2 tablespoons full per load in my vibrating tumbler with 200 pieces of brass. Also going to want a media separator for once done cleaning can get the media out of the brass, most reloading equipment manufacturers have them or can make one using wife's spare plastic collander over a 3 gallon bucket, yea I'm a cheap skate and made my own.