I need help with reloading

[runamuk]

I need some help......I want to learn to reload and do not know what I am doing or even where to start.  So if there is anyone who can explain what I need and how to do this as if you were talking to a 2 yr old  I would seriously appreciate it.

[jdb]

pick a good manual and read it cover to cover.

[Huntbear]

Run,

First thing you will need to do is read everything you can get your hands on in regards to reloading.  Most of the manuals, (and you will end up with a  lot of them   ) cover most of the basics.

You can get starter kits from many places like Cabelas, Sportsmans, etc...- (the Rock Chucker kit) that will give you everything you need except dies (you will need a set for every caliber you load for), and your components (bullets, powder, primers, brass).  Then you get to start experimenting with diff. bullets, and powder, to find what you or your gun likes best.

You will need a very sturdy/strong bench to work on and bolt your press to, as well.

Then be very safe and double check everything you do, so you do not make a "fatal mistake"

There are enough of us on here that reload, that any question you have can be answered, quickly and easily.

Welcome to the club, it is addicting though

[runamuk]

Thanks guys.....hubby has a great bench in the shop that he never uses so    I will get a manual and read it......

I am realizing the standard ammo might not be the best for what I want to do....and I figure reloading for my current gun "might" be cheaper than buying another gun  (for now)....

Which manuals would you suggest for a complete newbie?

[woodswalker]

Runamuck,

I'd start with Lyman's big manual, then look at either Speer or Hornady.  Its a pile of reading..but good for all that.  I'd reccomend several manuals...there are differences in the components used for the tables. 

PM me if you want to borrow some equipment to get started.  Its HIGHLY probable that i have 80% of whats needed.

Watch out...its addicting.

Woods.

Welcome to our addiction...

[littlebuf]

i wish you would have said something yesterday, i reload for all my shooting and i have a pretty nice set up. i personally believe the rcbs rockchucker kit is a great place to start. when i got into it thats what i bought and i had no one to help me learn the ropes, its real beginner friendly and comes with a good manual for the basics and getting started

[Rgrady35]

Lee for me. It's good, and I can afford it.

[yorketransport]

I bought the Lee Aniversary for myself on my 17th birthday. I still have it after loading exactly 9675 rounds (good record keeping is important so that you know this sort random fact about your loads ). While it's not as easy as buying a start up kit, you could mix and match brands and buy all of the equipment seperately. I found that I liked some products from RCBS, Hornady, or Lymman than the Lee equipment. You may save money in the long run by buying the good stuff from the start.

Like some of the others, I taught myself to reload by reading everything I could get my hands on. That works, but if you know anyone who can come help you set up the equipment and walk you through the first couple of loads it's a big help.

I just helped a friend get started loading and I believe that we got him all setup to load his first 100 rounds of .223, including dies, and components, for $275. This was buying the Lee Aniversary kit. The initial setup cost can get pretty high. If you don't shoot that often, it may make more sense to find a reloader near by who will let you use their equipment. Then you would only need to buy the caliber specific components like dies, brass, bullets, powder and primers.

[runamuk]

Thanks everyone found someone nearby who can help me out...yay another new addiction    who's brilliant notion was it for me to quit smoking.....   my new addictions may be healthier but they are getting expensive 

[Gutpile]

Sure wish you were closer, I'd run you through it. It's actually very easy. I've been doing it for about 10 years I guess, the best part is just the improvement in accuracy. When I started I just read every reloading book I could finf and that was it. These days just finding components is a pain in the ars but it's worth it.
 

[Ghost Hunter]

Reloading isn't less expensive.   It's cheaper per shot.

[littlebuf]

Reloading isn't less expensive.   It's cheaper per shot.

absolutely true, dont tell the wife

[Huntbear]

Reloading isn't less expensive.   It's cheaper per shot.

absolutely true, dont tell the wife

Quit telling our secrets,,,,,, 

[runamuk]

Reloading isn't less expensive.   It's cheaper per shot.

absolutely true, dont tell the wife

Quit telling our secrets,,,,,, 

hmmm.... but I am the wife 

[shoot-em-dead]

I bought my re-loader and made up about 350 rounds. Then I landed my job and have been having lots of trouble just finding time to get out and shoot so everything is just sitting there.