Cartridges for a handloading beginner?

[CrankyCraig]

Hey guys, got another question. With this whole quarantine going on I'm pretty much stuck at home with nothing better to do but come up with some questions. (Hence why this is my 3rd post in less than a week)

Anyway, for the last couple of years I've been contemplating getting into handloading. I've done my homework, read manuals/shooting handbooks, etc. so I have some pretty decent knowledge on how to at least get started. However, I understand that with all the shortages and everything it may be a little while before I CAN start. I'm just curious as to which cartridges you guys would recommend to start off with. I've heard from countless people that .38 Special is one of (if not) the best "starting" cartridge for newbie handloaders.

. 45ACP

 

[GotHim]

Yes something without much of a bottleneck will be easiest and try to find load data with "case fill %"s (Nosler and some others have it) when choosing a powder. The closer to full (80-95%) the more safe/accurate your load will be...not to mention not being able to DC any cases. Then get it a good habit of weighing/rechecking weights all the time throughout the loading process. Imo there is nothing fast about reloading take your time to do it right. Lastly dont reload at times where kids/grandkids are running rampant or you will have to stop/restart often.

 

[Herman B]

38 Spc is a great starting place. Those dies also do 357M so that will give you some thrill-factor. Unless you're a high volume shooter, I'd not reload 9mm. The retail price, despite the recent price/gouge increase, is still relatively inexpensive. Look at the more expensive, versatile and exciting cartridges...and befitting of your profile pic, you have to go with 10mm!

 

[Jwbfx4]

I started with 45acp. Learned a lot those first few months and still learn something new all the time. Like others have said, any straight wall pistol will be easier to start with. I’ve read a whole lot more than I post on here, but I’ve learned so much just reading. There is some very smart people on here that has a wealth of knowledge that they share.

 

[ShootMeStraight]

Another vote from me for the 38 Special. Although, I myself started with a .357. Same thing, just a little longer, and when I started out, I loaded my .357s "light" anyway.

I did the same thing. Started out with 357 and Trail Boss.

 

[Ironicaintit]

My first loads ever were 30-30. they were super simple and easy to assemble.
the first pistol cartridge I put together was 45acp. That’s another one that seemed to be a piece of cake.

with both, I tried to better the recipes my dad had put together; so I experimented with both and found that my dad had already pretty much found the secrets to each.

It was good experience though, trying to improve upon what was already “known”.
Especially with the 45, you could see different patterns develop, depending on changes made with the cartridge.

which ever direction you decide to run, I recommend using a powder with good case fill, and maybe even one that might be a pain to meter. It gives you good practice with a scale/balance, and a chance to really see how different techniques with the powder dispenser can make a difference in consistency

 

[santacruzdave]

I agree with jmorris. .38 Special would be my choice of the firearms you own. As jmorris points out, loading for a revolver is much simpler than loading for an auto pistol. Simple is good for starting reloaders.