where to start for a beginner reloader

[hoosier85]

I am officially new to reloading now. where do i start, its tough because right when something looks good I read 5 bad reviews about the product. Like all the loading manuals. I will only be doing 243 win and 270 win. Should I buy one of those complete starter kits that are on sale or just buy everything separate? hhhhhmmmm where to start.

[grundy53]

i'm in the same boat... 

[Bob33]

The starter kits can be a good deal.  You have to see what is in them.  For example, an accurate powder scale and dispenser comes in very handy. If your kit includes a cheaper one, you'll end up throwing it away and buying a new, better one.  In that case you might have been better off buying the individual components.

As for reloading manuals, the rule of thumb is that you can't have too many.  Try to look up loads in several as a starting point.

If I were starting out, I would buy a good press and build around it.  It's not that complicated.

[testar77]

Start with the book "The ABC's of reloading"  It is about the most informative book out there.  I would recommend getting yourself a Single Stage press to start with, especially if you are only doing rifle.  Most use single stage for rifle anyway, even if they use Progressive or semi Progressive for handgun.  It will force you to learn slowly, rather than jumping in and trying to whip out cartriges.  Most of us reload rifle for accuracy, not just for cost savings.  For sure start with the book I mentioned.

Toby

[gasman]

As for reloading manuals, the rule of thumb is that you can't have too many.  Try to look up loads in several as a starting point.

If I were starting out, I would buy a good press and build around it.  It's not that complicated.

Could not have said it better my self.

I did this (when you buy indavidual pieces, you get what you want, not what is iin teh kit) and I have two manulas that I refer to.

[6x6in6]

I 2nd the reading first and also the single stage press.
Also what Bob said too about what's in the kit vs what's not.
I went for accuracy of loads over production loading.  Spent the money on a good scale, case trimmer and a very good quality dial calipers for example.

Enjoy!!  

[NRA4LIFE]

Buy the RCBS Rockchucker kit.  You will not regret it.  And at least 2 or 3 reloading manuals.  Speer and Hornady are both great manuals.  They've been my bibles for 25 years.

[Skillet]

Buy the RCBS Rockchucker kit.  You will not regret it.  And at least 2 or 3 reloading manuals.  Speer and Hornady are both great manuals.  They've been my bibles for 25 years.

+1

[huntlakewood]

I bought the Lee kit it is pretty reasonable from Cabellas right now. I bought a digital scale witch I perfer.
I use a lee die for my 44 mag and it works great. I have hornidy dies for my 270, 243, 25-06, 308. And I all so agree with others pick a book up first and read about it. It is not the most exciting reading but it will give you a lot of info. Presses is all about your preference. I have put a lot of bullets through my lee press.

[cwuwildcat]

I've got both the RCBS rockchucker kit and a LEE turret press.  I bought the turret press after I started with the RCBS kit.  The RCBS kit is great, and so is the press, but I wanted the turret for another reason.  I hate putting in the sizing/depriming die, making sure its set up correctly, working the brass and then having to unscrew the die and start all over with the seating die, and then the crimping die.  Too much of a hassle for me, and I never trust that the die hasn't adjusted/moved in some way as I was removing it from the press. 

With the Turret press, you can still use it as a single stage press, but because it uses the removable quick change turret that holds all of your dies, when your done with the sizing/depriming die you can just rotate the turret 90 degrees and use the next die already adjusted from the last time you used it.  If you reload multiple calibers, you just get extra quick change turrets and leave each set of dies in them, ready to go the next time you need them.

[carpsniperg2]

Buy the RCBS Rockchucker kit.  You will not regret it.  And at least 2 or 3 reloading manuals.  Speer and Hornady are both great manuals.  They've been my bibles for 25 years.

x2! Very good point to start. i like a elec scale myself. You can add one for around 100.00 and have a killer kit, or just use the beam scale that comes with the kit. I am also a big speer and hornady manual fan, and have multiple of both.

[GWP]

Lots of info on line for load data, but the paper is handy for a quick look up. Get the free manuals and store them when you are done. DO NOT THROW THEM AWAY! Sooner or later you will need the old info for yourself or someone else. Most of the loading books have a pretty good instruction section in them. Even the old Lee load all kit instructions will give you an idea of what to expect. I would guess there is someting on line as well. If you have not loaded before, get with someone and load a box with them. Most reloaders are pretty good about that sort of thing. You will see what it is about, and get a better idea about it. Can't go wrong with a single stage though, they will always be handy at some point. Just to mention it, you will probably end up reloading a larger variety then you think. I was going to do just a couple, and now can do what, 23? Yeah, it starts small...  

[fishnate]

As stated the rockchucker kit is great if you also buy a digi scale.  I use the nosler book.  Most of there so called most accurate loads seem to work great for me.   

[royalbull]

I prefer old school scale over the digital electronic scale, my digital scale varies as much as 1 grain, took a while for me to figure out why my loads were getting worse

[Gutpile]

I hate my digital scale. It loses zero constantly. I prefer the "old school" type myself.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Wow... I could write a book on this topic! 

Not now.. But I'll respond later.

-Steve

[Emptyhanded]

Can't go wrong with RCBS stuff. My set up is probably 35 years old now and is still going strong. All RCBS

[Lincoln4]

I just started reloading last winter/spring.  Seems to me that any of the major names will work.  I went with Lee simply because they were somewhat less expensive than the other name brands.  I got the Lee Classic Turret Kit, which can easily be used as a single stage press.

Been reloading .308, probably .260 and .223 soon.  What a kick in the pants to assemble your first cartridge, close your eyes, say a quick prayer, and press the trigger! 

Get a reloading manual, follow the instruction, and it actually works...  There are also some reloading magazines available, as well as good general info on many firearms websites, including this one...

Have fun,be safe!

[jaymark6655]

I went with the LEE kit.  I like the quick change bushings and I still use the "old school" scale.  After dealing with electronic ones in Chemistry and Physics, I don't think I will ever switch to one.  My first book was the combined one that Cabelas sells for individual calibers, but I quickly bought the LEE Reloading Manual.  It talks about equimpment and many other things dealing with reloading that I may never use.  In the back it has tables for just about anything you could want to reload.

I remember that first cartridge, "Please God don't let me blow up and kill everybody at the range."  I think I still say it everytime I try a new load.

[Jamieb]

Most of my reloading gear is RCBS, I started out with a older 505 scale and rockchucker press, upgraded to the rockchucker supreme so I could load longer cartridges and added a powder thrower, newer scale, one piece at a time. I could have just bought a new kit with all the equipment at once and spent about the same. If you do buy a kit, you'll get most everything you need to start, the speer manual comes with the RCBS kit. Calipers and dies dont come with a kit and you'll need those, a case trimmer can be added later.
I load a lot of ammo on this little bench.

[400out]

Jaime I'm not seeing a digital scale to weigh your cases 

[hoosier85]

Thank you everyone for all the great info. I am pretty sure this is going to be my latest obsession. I think I am just going to buy a kit online get it all set up and go from there. Atleast that way I can grow upwards instead of buying something I don't need. Thank you again

[JackOfAllTrades]

I bought the Hornady kit and like it. You will have to add a lot of tools to any kit you buy. I read a lot about the subject then fell back on working with my uncle who has been reloading for 55 years. What I learned from him in the couple of training sessions couldn't be learned in 20 years of reading. If you have anyone that you can get with to show you the basics it helps a lot. The manuals and directions that come with the dies and presses are not very user friendly. Once you have done a few boxes you will find it's really pretty easy, just time consuming.

I would get the manual  for each brand of bullet you intend to use.

I also recomend learning to load in stages rather than mass producing. I preffer the single stage press, I'm sure there are a lot of people that would dissagree with me though.

Cool! I don't have to write a book! Much great advice here already. Lee, Hornady, Lyman, RCBS all make different levels of 'D' shaped single stage presses. I suggest to all new reloaders that single stage reloading is the way to go. Advice from Jkeen to get with someone for a little hands on/demonstration is great. There is a lot to be gained from the bullet manufacture reloading manuals as each explains something in different words. I have Speer, Sierra, Hornady, Nosler and ABC's of reloading, incuding the the cast bullet manuals. I use them all. I don't just shoot one brand of bullet in all my guns. Advice to use the bullet manufacture manual is spot on. The 'powder' manufactures don't test with multiple bullets, but the bullet manufactures test with multiple powders so you get a better choice of what to use for what bullet you choose. Granted, they don't test with every gun, or sometimes list 'test barrel fixture'.

Yes, the kits give you just barely enough to get started, but they do fall short. Expect to buy many other components. The cheap scales with the kits really don't compare to the RCBS 10-10 (or equivelent).  I don't have a digital scale and won't. Too finicky for me. The Hornady LNL powder measure, the RCBS Uniflo and the Dillon measure are the ones to want. I have been through several presses and have settled on an RCBS Rock Chucker on one bench and a Dillon semi-progressive on the other.  Buying a used setup from someone is one of the most cost effective ways to get into reloading. Few people are capable of ever wearing this equipment out. But if you're willing to look at a used setup, take someone with you that knows what they're looking at.

Reloading can be a great hobbie. Reloading can save you money over time, but don't go into it looking for that. Loading your own ammo allows for custom accuracy talored to your guns. It does allow for cheaper costs to shoot, but ... But, you'll probably end up shooting more. -Hence.. no savings.  More fun though!

-Steve

[Jamieb]

I don't weigh cases or really even sort brass. I load for hunting rifles not bench rest guns.
I've been loading for 25 years, and tried most of the little "tricks" to improve accuracy.
I've come to the conclusion that for a hunting rifle that most are unnecessary.
I PF size, only bumping the shoulders back as much as I have to, leaving a "crush fit" when cambering.
I measure pretty much everything, trimming brass so its ALL a uniform length.
Load development and just experimenting takes me a lot of time but once I have a load figured out then I try to keep things simple, keeping everything the same.
I've got a bunch of factory rifles loaded with customized handloads that are extremely accurate.
Loading and experimenting with loads has become a big part of my shooting hobby but theres some things that I haven't seen enough or even any gain  for the effort.
Things like annealing or turning necks, I do for some cartrides but wont go through that much trouble for most.

[Slenk]

Can't go wrong with RCBS stuff. My set up is probably 35 years old now and is still going strong. All RCBS

RCBS is guarenteed for life. They will even repace or repair stuff bought used.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I've been reloading for more than 40 years, and am still using the single stage RCBS press I bought 35 years ago when I lived too far from my uncle to use his stuff.  I have a couple of old manuals I use for reference, but for load data I prefer to go to the powder manufacturer's website and get the most up to date data that they work up in their labs.  same for bullet makers.  They also give corrections to the data in their manuals that gets misprinted.  I highly recommend going to the websites for the latest load info.  The manuals are good for the how-to info at the front of the book, and old manuals are handy for cartridges that the new books don't list, but beyond that, I don't use them very much any more.  When I'm asked why I reload, I say because It's fun and relaxing.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Can't go wrong with RCBS stuff. My set up is probably 35 years old now and is still going strong. All RCBS

RCBS is guarenteed for life. They will even repace or repair stuff bought used.

RCBS, Dillon, Redding, Synclair reloading... Their customer service is second to none.

[BK]

"ABCs of Reloading"
A whole buttload of reloading manuals, they all are worth having.
As others have stated, for rifle, a single stage press. I will be specific, get a RockChucker. They are as good as any, except the Forster Co-Ax, better than most, and RCBSs warranty is as good as it gets. Mine is pushing 40 years old and it works as well today as it did in '72 when I bought it. If something should go haywire with it a phone call and nothing else will have the part to fix the problem in your hand within days.
Dies, I look in the cabinet above my bench, pretty much every manufacturer is represented, all of them turn out ammunition that shoots better than me. At the moment Hornady has a promotion in which they will give you a box of bullets for each set of dies you buy. Keep an eye on craig's list, sometimes there are very good deals. Ebay, looking at the prices, there is a lot of bad drugs being smoked before people bid.
Scale, gotta have one. A balance beam is the least expensive. RCBS, Dillon, Hornady, stay away from the Lee Safety Scale, it works it's accurate and it is aggravating. The electronic scales are a joy to use, forget the cheap ones.
Case trimmer, Lee makes 'em, they're cheap, they work.
case mouth champhr tool. I've got a RCBS, everyone makes them, you need one.
The stuff you'll be buying will last your lifetime, keep that in mind when you fork over your money.

[CastleRocker]

I love reloading, and most everything already posted applies.  Here are my two cents.  

I do have a digital powder scale/dispenser and although I really like it, I don't trust it.  So I check a lot of charges on one of my old beam scales that I know are dead on.  

I have many, many manuals, and use them all.  It's amazing how they change data as the years go on.  I have a three Sierra manuals and there is a full four grain difference between the max charge in a 7mm Remington Magnum from the earliest one to the latest one I have.  

I have had several case trimmers, and like my old Hornady/Pacific best for hand trimming a few (100 or less) cases at a time.  I like the Giraud for a lot (1000 or more) cases at a whack.

I still have and still use my first single stage press that I've had since I was 16.  I have no idea how many tens of thousands of rounds have been loaded on it, and it is still going strong.  

[cwuwildcat]

Also, dont feel like you've got to have everything match either.  Just because you get an RCBS press, you can still use lee dies, a forster case trimmer, a brand X scale, etc...  Lee dies are a lot less than RCBS, and work the same.

[BlackRidge]

Also, dont feel like you've got to have everything match either.  Just because you get an RCBS press, you can still use lee dies, a forster case trimmer, a brand X scale, etc...  Lee dies are a lot less than RCBS, and work the same.

no kidding!? I had no clue the two were interchangeable

I picked up the Lee anniversary press last year and love it for the larger cal rounds. Gives you a lot of control in the process. It kills me for .223 rounds though (turret-style would have been nice for those). But for around $100 (+$25 per set of dies), its a great starter kit

[Jekemi]

Here's a great site for the beginner or expert handloader. Gavin Gear, founder of The Ultimate Reloader is a very smart guy and his site is real informative. www.ultimatereloader.com. I asked about good reloading manuals awhile back. I tallied up the recommendations and the Sierra manual edged out the others. That's the one I'm buying.

[Huntbear]

Buy as many manuals as you can.  You can also find a lot of the powder company manuals online.  The more reference material you have, the more informed you are, and the better reloader you will become.

[MDGrand]

I JUST started reloading myself. I bought the RCBS kit Wholesale sports. They sell another one at Cabelas, you can see it here:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Reloading/Presses-Dies%7C/pc/104792580/c/104761080/sc/104516280/RCBS-RC-Supreme-Master-Reloading-Kit/728426.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fshooting-reloading-presses-dies%2F_%2FN-1100195%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104516280%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%3BMMcat104792580%3Bcat104761080&WTz_l=SBC;MMcat104792580;cat104761080;cat104516280

The Speer manual is great because it specifically talks about how to adjust the RCBS equipment. If you have not done a walkthrough with someone else that reloads, I would highly suggest that too.. you will get a feel for how the case is resized, the bullet seats, etc.

As far as reloading manuals.. the speer manual is great that comes with this kit. Other than that, I get all the load data from whatever bullet manufacturer I choose right off the internet. I reload mostly Barnes and Berger bullets and both companies will email you loading info or you can even call. Barnes is very friendly and will give you all the info you want right over the phone.