How To Get Started Reloading

[longbowhunter]

I recently bought a S & W .32 HR Mag and it came with reloading dies. I have never been around reloading and was wondering how to get started and what all do i need to get started?
Thanks Mark

[Indecision]

I've never reloaded before, but I've been researching it pretty extensively. From the point I'm at, I would recommend a lee (lower end) or rcbs (higher end) starter kit either a single stage or turret. They have most of the stuff you need to get started. I was originally going to buy a progressive, and I might in the future. But the more I read into it, the more I realised it's something I can do to relax, why rush through it? If you havent' read a book on it, that's also a good place to start. I just read Amazon.com: Abc's Of Reloading: The Definitive... and found it very helpful. It takes you through everything step by step, the pros and cons of different types of systems, has some reloading recipes, all kinds of good stuff.

I'm sure one of the guys that have been doing this forever will debunk a lot of what I just said, but that's where I am from my current research.

[jongo1]

the first thing I would get would be a good manual.they basically walk you through step by step.just my

[zoglog]

i myself am in the beginning stages of starting and there are tons of threads to read through on the subject so i would advise to do that! Indygunworks is the go to man and i have heard he even does classes (im new so dont quote me on that). but indecision is right lee is economical and for the casual reloader should be a good starting point. ive got two books right now and have posted several questions myself....so read read read and welcome to ingo!!!

[triharley]

+1 for reading a manual first if not more than one. Some manuals have little tips on how to tweek something if it doesn't seem to size right or seat right. I would start out small like a lee starter kit. They don't cost much, work very well, and you can get started to see if this is something you will enjoy. Sometimes check around for used equipment. I picked up a used Lee turret and dies and other components for 50 bucks and it worked great for a year until I stared loading more. Than I got lucky and scored a dillon 650 and 550 for $750. I would have not sold my lee except my uncle asked for it so I sold it too him. His first run of 40 s&w he cranked out 150 rounds in an hour. hope this helps.

oh and if you ever have question don't hesitate to ask it here. plenty of experts, well maybe!!

[IndyGunworks]

keep an eye out, i offer free reloading classes from time to time and i am not very far away from you

[42769vette]

double post

[42769vette]

id buy and read books first.

you can learn alot buy searching threads on here. theres alot of good knowlege on this forum

go to indys reloading class.

i would go with a starter kit. i went with a lee but have changed out most of my equipment to rcbs now due to higher quality. it would have been cheaper to go with a rcbs kit in the first place but you live and learn

i went with single stage since i dont do alot of bulk reloading like 9-40-45-223. i do more bolt actions

[Bruenor]

The private range that I shoot at sometimes will offer reloading classes. Personally, I would only learn by being taught from a person that I trust. In my opinion, there's too much that could go wrong.

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

Get a press. Lee presses can be had inexpensively, and will suffice until you decide whether or not reloading is for you. Get a single stage (change the die each time you move onto another step) or a turret (dies are in a turret that you turn by hand, and this saves you time when swapping dies).

Mount the press, and install the resizing/depriming die.

Clean the brass. I don't care how. Just make sure it's clean - doesn't need to shine, but you don't want to scratch up the carbide in the die.

Go through and resize/decap all your brass.

Once this is done, buy a priming tool. Prime each case.

By this time, you should be getting familiar with the tools. Especially if you have a lot of brass!

Order some bullets - the cast bullets from Missouri Bullet Co are good - and a dial caliper. Make a few unprimed dummy rounds for practice, and to set your seating die.

Only then start looking at powders. I'd also go with a powder dipper set to start with - harder to accidentally over charge the case when you're doing it manually. Also look at Trail Boss powder. This is some fluffy stuff made for Cowboy Action shooting. It won't give you high velocity, but it will fill the case to the point that you'll be able to visually confirm the charges.

If you buy the components one step at a time, you'll have the opportunity to get intimately familiar with each step before moving onto the next.

Buy at least two manuals and read them cover to cover.

Josh <><