Brand new re-loader Help!

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bigdipper

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The day has finally come i have the spare money and space and i would love to start reloading. My only problem is that i have no idea what I am doing and not a lot of resources to learn. So I figured what is better then turning to the THR family. Where should i start with the basic gear that i need and are there any recommended resources (besides you lovely people) to turn to when i have no idea what I am doing? As always any information is very much appreciated, thank you all!

Edit: thank you for all the input and as mentioned I forgot to include what I primarily want to reload. I would like to start with rifle .223, 7.62x39, .308, and 30-06. Then if I get the hand of it would also like to do pistol 9mm, .357, 44 mag, and .45.
 
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Reloading is a great hobby and not all that difficult. However, you are working with flammable and explosive components. Attention to detail and knowing what you are doing is a must. All the companies that make loading equipment have manuals that give a complete guide on how to do it. There is also a book called the ABCs of reloading. I would recommend starting there if you can. If you can find someone to help you get started that is better yet. All the companies have kits that come with everything you need to get started. Additional things can be added later. Good luck and make sure you understand every step before you do it.
 
Congrats.
Welcome to the wonderful world of reloading.
Like anything there are lots of options from super cheap to the sky’s the limit. Several months ago I posted what is basically the cheapest setup you can get to get started. Personally, I would t recommend that unless your goal is to say every penny to start.

A better approach is to figure out what you need then get a good basic setup. So if you could let us know how much you shoot and what you’re shooting it would help as someone who shoots a lot is going to need a different setup than someone who shoots a lot less but shoot bench rest.

That said you probably know the basics you need are

Reloading manual(s) - one is the bare minimum two or more are highly recommended
A press - see above as what you select is based on it
Dies
Powder measure
Scale
Calipers
Shell holders
A means to clean you brass
A bullet puller
A shell trimmer if your reloading rifle

Anything else IMHO is an extra and makes things nicer.

FYI, when I started things were really rough for me. I pieced together the basics a little at a time . So I started with a Lee Hand press, then got a set of dies, a powder measure, a scale. I had a set of calipers and I bought the Lee reloading manual. I watch as many YouTube videos and read all I could online, I also ordered the manuals from the powder companies (free) and downloaded the free PDFs. I washed my brass in the sink and let it dry during the week. But that’s a side fun story.

I then bought a Lee Classic Turret and kept adding gear as I went along.

The cool thing is that by piecing together my gear I now have gear that works great for me. It’s not the fanciest nor the most expensive but it works well. I looked for sales and even got a few things used. Oh and I didn’t look for the cheapest but always looked for what I thought was the best value.

Oh and after I got started, I recommended a kit to my brother. So what you get depends on many factors. In his case it was to get him started and to get the basics all at once.

Anyway, let us know a little more and you’ll get some interesting replies.
 
Welcome to the madness. It would help if we know what your calibers and consumption is on making recommendations. Press hardware can run from $<100, to $1000+ very easily.

The best place is start by reading reloading manuals as suggested. Lyman also has a very good manual covering the basics.

#1 thing is be safe. Like already said your working with flammable and explosives making a controlled explosion. Which can be done pretty easy but can also go bad very quickly.
 
I recommend to new shooters to buy the Lee Classic Turret Press (LCT) as their first press. It is an inexpensive press, and is really pretty amazing for what it can do.

You can use it as a single stage to start if you want, and the progress up to the "turret" part as you start feeling comfortable. Also, for some repetitive tasks, it can turn back into a single stage in seconds.

Even if you hate it, at just over $100, you could probably sell it for most of what you paid for it, and you would only be out $25-$30 maybe???
 
Get a manual. Lyman is great. Don't bother with the load data for a zillion cartridges until you are actually ready to make a round. Ignore the folksy crap in the front end of the manual. You don't need to focus on Uncle Bob's epic prairie dog hunt, etc. Just make sure you read and UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY the how to's on reloading before you handle any powder.

Everyone here will tout one tool or another over the others.What you really need is a decent starter kit, understanding that you will, within a year or two, replace most of what you have for other tools of your preference. That is much better than spending $150 on a seating die that doesn't suit you right off the bat because Jimmy or John recommended it as being the "best".
 
My suggestion is to buy a lee Classic cast or Classic turret kit. The scale that comes with it is aggravating but it is functional until you buy another scale, which took me about 18 years. Those two presses and kits are plenty to get you going in the right direction, and are quality presses that will last a lifetime. I would not suggest the other lee presses which are cast aluminum and have more flex, and eventually break. The kits come with Richard Lees book on reloading and it is a good one which goes through the 10-12 steps of reloading and die setup.
 
+1 for the Classic Turret. I bought the kit and wouldn't do that again unless it comes with the auto DRUM powder measure instead of the auto-disk.
Get a cheap digital scale to start - a kinetic bullet puller and a decent micrometer.
There are plenty of setup videos out there and I just noticed Titan Reloading has a list of them for the LCT.
Obviously I have one and even though I also have a Dillon xl650 - I will NEVER sell my LCT for reasons that Doublehelix stated above.
 
Welcome to the madness ... I mean hobby. :D

Buy the bare minimum needed and start slow. No rush, no need for a large output of cash. Don't buy two thirds of what it suggested.
This is very good advice.

What caliber(s) do you intend to start with?
This is important as some presses like Pro 1000 and Pro 4000 are meant for mostly pistol calibers and short rifle calibers (.223/.300 BLK/7.62x39).

Over the decades, I have helped set up many new reloaders "on the cheap" by starting them out on Pro 1000 which is cheapest progressive on the market. BUT I always kept an eye open for good used "O"type single stage presses at gun shows/classified/craigslist (would buy them around $35-$45) and made sure each new reloader was proficient with reloading basics using a single stage press.

If you plan on reloading rifle calibers, I highly recommend starting out with "O" type single stage press, either new or good used. Reloading with a single stage press will teach you the basic principles of reloading and procedure that will help when/if you decide to transition to progressive press.

Many reloaders like Lee Classic Turret press as it can load both pistol and large rifle calibers.

Lee Precision sells various single stage, turret and progressive kits and they are a good value for starting out.
 
If your focus is cranking out hundreds of pistol rounds, then the suggestion for a Lee Turret is a good one. However, if you are primarily a rifleman, you may be better served by a single stage press from any of the major manufacturers (Lee, RCBS, Lyman, or Redding). We need to know more about your requirements.
 
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I echo everything said before me.

I decided to start with progressive press as I am mechanically inclined and I had a long time reloader as a mentor.

I chose the Hornady lock N load for various different reasons but the Dillon is just as good.
If you are going to crank out lots of rounds for competition or the likes you may not be happy with any type of single stage or a turret you have to turn by hand. I experimented with both that friends had and decided it wasn't for me.

Watch lots of videos and talk to as many reloaders as you can, work their press if possible and get a feel for what you like the best, remember its better to buy once and cry once.

This forum is a wealth of information and will help you every step of the way.

Larry A.
 
It will help to know more about your intentions. I join others who suggest a good reloading manual as a starting point. Most of them have a good introductory section that will walk you step-by-step through what you need and the process to reload safely. I like the Lyman Reloading Handbook, currently in its 50th edition. The ABCs of Reloading is also an excellent guide.

Lee makes good quality, comparatively inexpensive reloading equipment. I like the Classic Turret. It's pretty nice to be able to mount multiple dies in a turret and switch between them; I have a separate turret for each cartridge I reload for. But a single-stage press is also a good option. Get a good mechanical scale (RCBS 500 series are good) and a powder trickler. Measure everything carefully!

There really are good videos out there. And ask a lot of questions here. It's a great bunch!
 
The reloading library of wisdom at the top if this forum is a good place to start. There is a lot there to help out a new reloaders.

I highly suggest you try and find a mentor. When someone shows you the ropes it's much easier to understand.

Reloading is not difficult but you must aptly attention to everything you do. Never use data from an unknown person on the internet, use only published well sourced data to be safe. Welcome aboard.
 
Don't be afraid of getting used stuff. Check local listings for people getting out, oft times you can get quite a bit of extra stuff with the basics. I started out with a used RCBS RS2, it was $30. Upon recommendation from several others I bought a new RCBS 5-0-5 scale and Uniflow powder measure. These were pretty expensive but as others have said "buy once, cry once". I have since used a few other powder measures from other companies. Some worked better than others, some were cheaper, some were more expensive. I still have my Uniflow and still use it regularly. Actually I still have and use my original scale, I wish I still had my original press. I sold it when I "upgraded" to the Rock Chucker press. Don't get me wrong, the Rock Chucker is a great press but for doing little bitty 9mm cases it is a bit overkill and a much longer throw than necessary. I purchased another RS2 and still have it. I recently purchased a Lee Classic Turret Press and it is my main press now. I think it is a great press that fits my needs very well.
As other have asked, what are you shooting?? This information will help other help you in recommendations.
Books: All of the reloading books from bullet makers that I have, have complete steps on reloading. I like to have the book from the company that makes the bullets I shoot. I shoot Speer bullets so I have Speer reloading manuals. I also shoot Hornady and yes I have a Hornady reloading manual. If you are a rifle shooter, the Hornady #9 has a great section on bullet seating and what goes on with the cartridge when you pull the trigger, highly recommend it. I have not looked into the new #10 so I don't know if it has this same info or not, I suspect that it does.
 
Another for the Lee classic turret press. Read, research and study before any loading. Get a firm understanding of what your about to do, and NEVER get distracted. I would also start out loading pistol, until you get the swing of it. 223 is much more consuming. Enjoy
 
Really not much to add to all the great advise. Personally I prefer single stage press but then I don't crank out a lot of ammo and I really like the feel of the old Rockchucker, I can feel when when a case is soft, hard or thick or thin in the sizer or expander ball. basically I can feel almost any flaw in any stage of my work on the press handle. I can't speak for what you can spot on a multi stage I have no experience with them. Like KYregular said don't do it distracted, nor tired, nor inebriated, all the things you shouldn't do and drive. BTW you're gonna have fun, it exciting to send those first rounds down range, I've been doing it since the 70's I still enjoy it.
 
Edit: thank you for all the input and as mentioned I forgot to include what I primarily want to reload. I would like to start with rifle .223, 7.62x39, .308, and 30-06. Then if I get the hand of it would also like to do pistol 9mm, .357, 44 mag, and .45.

I would start reloading 9mm or another pistol caliber before jumping into rifle.
 
Many good suggestions above. Just a short 2 years ago I was in the same boat as you are in now. If I could benefit from my mistakes I would have done the following. Decide if I want to reload pistol or rifle first. It really makes a difference. Next figure out how many rounds I would go thru per month or per week if you shoot a lot. Once you have a handle on that your can start looking at what equipment you will need. I'd focus on one caliber and get good at reloading it. Tons to learn. I watched youtube videos until I was blue in the face. Good luck with your quest!
 
The reloading library of wisdom at the top if this forum is a good place to start. There is a lot there to help out a new reloaders.

I highly suggest you try and find a mentor. When someone shows you the ropes it's much easier to understand.

Reloading is not difficult but you must aptly attention to everything you do. Never use data from an unknown person on the internet, use only published well sourced data to be safe. Welcome aboard.

Definitely study the Library of Wisdom! You will find it a treasure of knowledge and experience second to none..
 
Get a reloading manual or 3.

My favorites are "Lyman 50th Reloading Handbook" & "Lee 2nd Edition Manual"

Both of these have a very good "how-to" section as well as a variety of reloading data.
Just kinda gloss over Lee's hyperbole about how GREAT his equipment is.
Some of it's great, some stinks.

Just my 2¢ worth. YMMV
 
bigdipper,

To be successful and at the same time enjoy handloading your own ammo, first thing, you need to have a suitable location to work and then you need a proper bench to work at. The location should be a secure space with good lighting and hopefully climate control. The space will need to accommodate your bench and storage for materials.

The bench doesn't need to be big but it must be sturdy. If you are planning on mounting you press to an available work bench that is roughly 32" high then be prepared to be uncomfortable. The proper bench height may be determined based on it you plan on standing or sitting while loading. It (your bench) doesn't need to be wide, mine is 20" wide and it doesn't have to be long but I think it should be at least 6' long. The bench top should be double thick plywood glued and screwed for no flex. Half of the homemade youtube vids that are designed to "teach" you how to reload feature the "instructor" pulling the handle with one hand while the other hand is holding the press to keep it still. This is bad. Your bench should not move or flex, it should be overkill in it's construction, rock solid.

As far as budget is concerned it is impossible to purchase all of the gear you will need for less than $500.00 Some will argue that they bought such and such Lee kit for I don't know say $150.00 but you will not have everything you need and while the tackle may work OK you will be looking to replace everything in a very short time. You can however save some money at the start by limiting yourself to 1 caliber as it will take a while for you to get an understanding of what it is exactly that you are trying to accomplish. So instead of buying 4 or 5 sets of dies take the money would have spent and direct it towards a quality powder scale and/or powder measure.

Some will say buy inexpensive first because if you don't like reloading then you will lose very little money. Others, myself included, say buy inexpensive gear and greatly increase the chances that you will not like the hobby. Get good stuff at the beginning and it will take you far in the hobby.

Every major handloading manual has a discussion of the safety rules. You must understand the safety rules. As far as how to do the actual reloading get 1 manual and between that and the instructions that come with you press and dies you can set things up to start. Pick a manual, the Lyman or Hornady are good, read the chapter on safety and the how to and then decide what gear to buy.

As I said budget $500.00 More is better and actually an argument can be made that it will cost you $1000.00 Obviously you should be consuming a lot of ammo to justify the cost of getting started. Most hobbies are money losers for those that participate in them, handloading is no exception.

Good luck and it is a fun and rewarding hobby. Be safe.
 
Welcome to the reloading madness! As one or two of the others have pointed out it will be easier to start with a pistol or revolver caliber. Less things in the case prep area to do each time and you will become accomplished faster. Then move on to rifle cartridges as you can by buying the die sets and trimmer equipment. Some rifle ammo is not worth the time at the present to reload (7.62X39) as you can buy loaded ammo for less than component cost. The brass and the bullets are the big expense as they are specific to that cartridge. On 308 and 3006 you can save a good amount over the premium ammo cost when you make it. I find it all fun and it has developed into a serious side hobby itself and I reload 38 different calibers these days.
 
Thomas15,

I’m not sure how you figured it’s impossible to start with a budget of less than $500.

Awhile ago I posted a bare minimal setup that will get someone started that was much less than that. I used current prices and cited sources that anyone could buy from. So all gear was new. I suspect that with some patience someone who got lucky could do better with used gear.

Now don’t get me wrong. I think your intent is well, but I think sometimes we make reloading to be more complicated and lofty than it is. The reality is the most important thing is safety. After that people can make decent ammo with not a lot of fancy gear.

For instance I wouldn’t recommend the Lee loaders that you bang a hammer with. But the reality is all ones needs to start is

A press
Dies
A scale
A set of calipers
A means to clean your brass
Load data

For rifle reloading add a means to cut the brass.

Beyond this everything else is just to make the process nicer, faster and easier.

So you may not like the Lee kits or someone piecing together a bare bones setup, but they work. In fact, I have all of the gear I’ve bought and I use it all. Nothings fancy but it’s all decent. And it includes gear from Lee, Hornaday, RCBS, Lyman and other. I also haven’t totaled it up lately but it’s well under $1000 and probably under your $500 even though I have three presses and dies for three calibers.
 
You can get started for around $150/$200, but if you enjoy it that amount will grow as you add calibers, maybe get a nice trimmer, add a tumbler,.....

We do tend to spend the same amount and just shoot more, but you can save money if you try.
 
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