So you want to reload but you don’t know where to begin (??)

[acyork50]

I like the idea of two single stage presses so I can measure case lengths after expander die, with turret or progressive once the piece of brass is on the merry go round it doesn't come off until it is loaded and crimped. That means it is a little late for measuring with dial calipers until the cartridge is loaded. If you are starting out I would buy the single stage kit, includes the items needed to reload without the fancy stuff, don't worry once you have it down you can always graduate up to the faster action on a progressive.

 

[acyork50]

If you are looking for brass for an expensive brass type, example 7.62X54R expensive brass to buy or 22-250, I would suggest buying factory loads that are boxer primed - single flash hole and reclaim your brass. I have never had any trouble reloading once fired brass from midway or other sources - just inspect the cases - sort out the head stamps for common factory names.

 

[Skroggster]

Heck I have spent HOURS scouring the internet looking for this information. You have just made it a 1 stop shop! Kudo's to you and the wealth of knowledge you have brought to the foresight! Thank You

 

[Colt556]

This is great info. Someday I'd like to be able to start reloasing.

 

[PeacekeeperMX]

Great Post linkpimp. Thanks! I would like contribute a little I've learned about accuracy, although I'm no expert. For accuracy really focus on each round and take your time with each one.

First sort by mfg, Clean, Size & Trim your brass (I think Lapua is the best but others are good as well)
Weigh each case and sort them into groups based on that
Weigh each powder load exactly (this is very important)
Use Sierra Match Kings (again others are good but this is my pick)
When loaded check them on a RCBS Case Master (checks bullet run out)
Pick your best rounds with the least runout. It's amazing the difference this will make. I use the rounds with more runout for general shooting and the ones with the least for the the best accuracy.

Last make minor adjustments to the powder charge to tailor the loads to your rifle. The "accuracy loads" in the Sierra Reloading Manuals is a really good place to start your load development.

Another important thing to remember for accuracy is the most accurate load is usually nowhere near the hottest load for your caliber.

Be careful & Have Fun!

 

[PeacekeeperMX]

 

[Mike_Indy]

Thanks for the information. This is what I needed. Finally bitting the "bullet" and getting started on reloading. Great info for this Newbie

 

[fish75]

Thank you for that post great info and helpful links.

 

[luckyandy20]

safety

is there a big safety issue if i wanted to start reloading?

 

[bod]

wish i had read this before i stared reloading. There is alot of very good info in here that would have saved me alot of time trying to decide what to but and use.​

 

[linkpimp]

Hey first and foremost.. Team you’re more than welcome, I’m glad you found this post helpful.

is there a big safety issue if i wanted to start reloading?

Yes!.. If you do it wrong just once!, you can blow up your gun and even die!.. IMO a strong foundation is a must..

it all starts with books.. then meet up with a local reloader and ask, see how he does it.. Baby steps at first.. You double, tipple check everything. I can not stress this enough.. if you do it wrong you die.. and yes there is wrong in under pressure and over pressure.. you only have a small window to get it right..

+ You now have live powder and primers at your house..

There are many safety issues to be concerned about..

But... if you build yourself a strong foundation and follow advice and the manuals instructions you'll be fine..


It's all a calculated risk Sir..

Me.. I'm 100% positive in my of loads, even the experimental ones for my wild cat rounds.. It all about knowing what your doing before you do it..

Best of luck and please be safe out there..

Link..

 

[rockhopper46038]

+1 for linkpimp. Great info for a newbie considering reloading.

 

[chrisheacock]

This is fantastic, thanks so much for the post.

As the pres is a lifetime investment, I'm torn between two ways of starting my reloading...

1) Buy a Lee turret and start adding to it, eventually upgrading to a nice Dillon if I end up enjoying it as a hobby as much as a cost saver/precision guarantee.

2) Save up front for a Dillon and start off with a top-of-the-line press. (Still adding to it, of course)

A fellow INGOer, whom I work with, said that he never needs to sell his older equipment as he can always find a user for an older turret or even a single stage press.

If anyone has words of wisdom for me above what's already in this thread, I'm all ears!

Thanks again!

 

[HICKMAN]

I started reloading a few months ago and this info has been invaluable!

Don't be afraid to give it a shot fellas, well worth the investment.

 

[ak keep the second]

+1 thanks for the great post!

 

[tv1217]

Edit: NM

 

[BIGE7.62]

LOts of great links ,been reloading only for a short while ,plus you can never have enough info

 

[ayester1]

Thanks for the information. You've given me an excellent place to start. I can see that joining INGO was a good idea!

 

[SSGSAD]

I would like to start but still unsure which press to by I know that I want a press that will mount to a table and single stage would be fine. I am looing to reload 7.62 and in the feature probably .308 Both for accuracy reasons. And places to buy 7.62 brass would be help ful to. Thanks for all the great info.

The web is full of places to buy brass... brass man brass, once fired brass, ect... just type in once fired brass, in your search engine, and wa la, you will be busy for hours looking for brass !!!!!

 

[lwilli]

I am very impressed how you articulated all the information. You have literally saved me hours of research and comparison. In addition, the information you have listed for reloading supplies is invaluable. There is such a wealth of information and experience on this sight a guy could spend hours just absorbing it all.