LEARNING TO RELOAD

[Chet43]

I know times are tough for reloaders or so I hear but 1 of my grandsons wants to start researching how to do reloading and wants to start with my help (my $$$$$). Anyway, what is the best way of learning? Are there any good/proper instructions on the proper equipment and how to do it online? Haven't done a search yet here but is there good information on this forum?  How does a beginner know what used stuff is good and what isn't?

I remember before covid I use to see lots of used reloading stuff for sale through various web sites but now I don't see hardly anything anymore, why? Thanks for the help

[carpsniperg2]

https://www.unknownmunitions.com/product/coeur-dalene-28aug2021/

Would be good for y'all if grandpa is paying.

[Platensek-po]

There is a lot of equipment for sale at reasonable prices on this site. I would suggest purchasing a good reloading book or 2 and reading it first. You tube was huge for me when I first started. Pick one of the channels that you like and watch some stuff on it. The initial investment is pretty costly but after that you definitely shoot more. I don’t know where you are located but you could also see if someone near you reloads and can more or less show you what it’s about. Are you wanting to reload for rifles, pistols, shotguns or some combo? Are you reloading for fun and plinking or for better precision? How much time do you have to sit somewhere and work at a bench? These are things to keep in mind. I’m sure others will have more and better advice.

[buckfvr]

If reloading is something you decide to take on, first I'd say this particular time sems to be less than ideal to get started.  Cost, availability of components, and what you actually intend to do as a reloader must be considered.

Not all firearms are worthy of any benefits from reloading.

Id hang out at accurateshooters.com and snipershide.com and read and read and so forth until I had a general idea of what it is I seek as a reloader.  Also read all the loading manuals you can get your hands on.  Id say read for months before you start buying tools, components and gear.

There is some really fine ammo out there for hunters that you may have to do some waiting around to get your hands on some, but for many factory rifles most of this ammo is at least as capable as the rifle.

[GWP]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pXc_o3Sd18o

Good info to help you decide. If you want to learn it and are good with ‘plinking’ rounds, it can be pretty cheap way to get started.
Still though, most rounds will probably end up being at least $.25 each. And that is not including the price of the equipment you start off with.
Where are you located?
Good luck!

[HighlandLofts]

Where are you located?
When I get my shed finished I will be doing reloading classes. .
I will have a
Dillon 550 press,
Dillon 650 press
Hornady AP press
Two single-stage Hornaday Lock n Load presses
Two RCBS RockChucker one set up with the Lock n load adapter
and one with the screw in & out dies
Redding T-7 turret press
Old  Lyman C-press
Three Lee presses.
I have Rcbs & Lyman trimmers
Wet & dry tumblers.
 Dies for over fifty calibers
Hornady & RCBS poefer measures,
Hand priming tool
Lee bench prime tools
Lots of manuals
 You will be able to use a assortment of presses and see what's right for you.

[GWP]

Forgot this one. Another to help you decide.

[Smokeploe]

One of the best things you can get is a Lyman reloading book and read, read and read.  Almost everyone here on the forum reloads. They all have many years experience and knowledge.  But you need a basic start, and a company like Lyman puts out a great basic book to get you started! 
Good luck and remember if you get stuck or don’t understand something them come back and ask your questions, someone or many will help you out.  Keep it simple and you will avoid many problems.

Smokeploe

[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.

[BeerBugler]

Panhandle Precision has some great videos.

[Buckjunkie]

Chet,

If you’re grandson is close by, I would be happy to walk him through the steps on rifle reloading. I don’t do pistol or shotgun anymore, but I still remember a few things to watch out for. I’m located in Buckley.

Where are you located?

I’m the mean time, he should read a reloading manual. Expose him to terminology so he understands what is being said.

Jim

[jjness11]

Panhandle Precision has some great videos.

 

I frequently go back to his videos. He knows his stuff, and it shows in his sons success. With reloading, I have found that a lot of it is getting into it, and upgrading as you go. There is a great used market to buy and sell.

[Skyvalhunter]

Keep the reloading out of the wind!!

[NW SURVEYOR]

Chet,
Like BuckJunkie,
I am available to share what limited (50 years' experience) I have on the subject.
Please understand that I am NOT an expert, but it all seems to work.
He is welcome to contact me via PM any time.
I am in Enumclaw.
Rob.

[Chet43]

Sorry got busy with a couple of projects and forgot to check this thread.....

I live in the Woodinville; Snohomish & Maltby area of Snohomish county

OH and thanks to all that have posted on this thread I'm about half way through reading them right now.

[TVHunts]

Chet,
Like BuckJunkie,
I am available to share what limited (50 years' experience) I have on the subject.
Please understand that I am NOT an expert, but it all seems to work.
He is welcome to contact me via PM any time.
I am in Enumclaw.
Rob.

Perfect place for your grandson to learn.  When I learned from a stranger I took a notebook and wrote down each and every step.  From there it was much easier to adapt my own ways.  Reloading is truly a constant learning craft IMO.  The more you people you talk to and get tips from, the better off you are..

Good Luck