How do I get started on reloading?

[doc2rn]

I have made my own 20g reloads for years when I lived in Kansas then Ohio, but now I am in Florida. I live in town and the only place I know of where I can keep proficient is the indoor gun ranges. So now I will be switching over to shooting my pistols more often. Is there an idiot proof machine, like my shotgun shell maker, for pistol rounds?

I am sure I put this in the wrong area, but I like my mods and old fuff

 

[egd]

Short answer--no.
Like so many other endeavors, reloading really boils down to the mental aspect. You have to always be paying attention to every step.
Some people have an easier time staying alert with one method over another, but it just depends on the individual.

 

[Stripesdude]

Nothing is idiot proof when you're dealing in thousandths of an inch, and measurements of powder that are 1/70,000 of a pound.

 

[g.willikers]

It all depends on the idiot in question.
The best place to start is with a reloading manual.
Not just the kind with load data, but one that really explains reloading metallic cartridges in great detail.
It's quite different than reloading for shotguns.

 

[gamestalker]

Definitely don't smoke when engaged in it, ha, ha.

No, but seriously, metallic reloading requires one to have a number of tools not required for shotshell, and the ability to interpret measurements and weights down to .1 gr and .001".

The most practical and safe approach to reloading is to get your hands on a couple of good instructional reloading books. Read cover to cover until you know and understand what will be on the next page. Data is every where, so a book that contains mostly data is half as important as one that is rich with good instructional material for a brand new reloader. I like Speer and Lyman, and grew up on Speer.

As for the best press for someone approaching reloading for the first time would be a single stage press, IMHO. Always work in batches. In other words, resize in one batch, prime all the cases in one batch, then charge, seat, ect, ect..

A few tips to help you avoid problems.

Verify everything more than once.

Never have more than one powder on the bench, and only the one your working with. In fact this rule applies to all components.

Develop a fail safe approach for every step involved, and you'll avoid serious / catastrophic events. Logging all pertinent information for each load development is critical, IMO. this is very helpful in the verification process.

Never start with max charges, work up from a published minimum charge. And only use reliable published data provided by powder and bullet manufactures.

GS

 

[LiveLife]

Is there an idiot proof machine

No, as you must factor in "User Error"

Even with a single stage press, you can double charge a case if you are not careful as double charge with denser powders won't spill over the case. You could use fluffy powders like Unique or loads that will spill over the case with a double charge to make it more "idiot proof".

Due to concern over double charge, when I started reloading I went with a progressive press with auto index (instead of manual index) as charged cases would rotate with the shell plate to prevent a double charge. Of course, many would cry "complexities" of using a progressive press but if you need higher volume reloading, you need to go progressive.

For many, Lee Classic Turret press is as "idiot proof" as they come as the turret auto index on top of the shell holder to load the round and like the auto index progressive, won't allow you to double charge the case but the load rate is not as high as progressive press. It requires 4 cycles of the ram lever to load one round compared to one for progressive press.

 

[Sunray]

Reloading handgun cartridges is a long way from being rocket science, but buying a copy of The ABC's of Reloading at your local gun shop or Amazon, is the place to start.
Then look into one of the beginner's kits. Partial to RCBS myself(mostly for their warrantee.), but any brand will do. Gives you everything you'll need less dies and shell holder. Comes with a manual, but buy a Lyman book too. More versatile.
Mind you, buying used kit is an option too. For used kit, buy nothing but RCBS. Covered under their warrantee no matter who bought it new.

 

[ReloaderFred]

Move to Oregon and I'll be glad to teach you!

Seriously, buy the Lyman 49th edition Reloading Handbook and start reading the front portion of it. This will give you the basics about components, tools (they lean towards their own products, of course) and the various processes. If you could find a competent mentor, that would make it much easier, but there are a lot of people who just stuff powder, primers and bullets into cases and call it reloading. You need someone who is patient and knowledgeable enough to give you good information and show you how to properly reload. Then they need to watch over your shoulder to make sure you've got a good start.

When I first started reloading 51 years ago, there wasn't anyone to help, so I bought a reloading manual and just dove in. I started on the .30-06, which was what I had at the time, and then later started reloading for handguns as I accrued them. That's how we did it prior to the internet, and most of us are still here and have all our digits.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[cfullgraf]

I have made my own 20g reloads for years when I lived in Kansas then Ohio, but now I am in Florida. I live in town and the only place I know of where I can keep proficient is the indoor gun ranges. So now I will be switching over to shooting my pistols more often. Is there an idiot proof machine, like my shotgun shell maker, for pistol rounds?

I am sure I put this in the wrong area, but I like my mods and old fuff

Check out the sticky, "Reloading Library of Wisdom".

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=649184

Lots of questions will be answered there as well as a wealth of other information.

 

[Walkalong]

Yep, it's not overly hard if you buy a good manual and read it through a few times before jumping in. You will also be prepared to ask better questions here once you've started with that knowledge in hand.

While some people have started on a turret or progressive press, the least complicated and least "idiot proof" is to start with a single stage, then move up to a turret later if you see the need for more production in a lesser amount of time. The single stage press will always come in handy later, and won't be wasted.

I started with a single stage, then moved to a Lee turret, then a Hornady Projector progressive. Many years later I moved to the Hornady LNL press.

Like Fred, I learned before the internet, so I bought a kit that included a manual, read and reread it, then started loading. I had been scouring the reloading section of Guns & Ammo for months before buying the kit.

The net is a wonderful tool, but has its down side as well. The more informed you are before asking questions, the better your questions will be and the better you will be able to sort through the answers.

You're in good hands here though, as we have many very experienced reloaders who are not only willing to help, but very good at doing so as well.

 

[Reloadron]

Is there an idiot proof machine?

No, my boss would ask me to design idiot proof systems for the technicians. My response over 25 years with the same boss never changed. Mike, I can't make it idiot or fool proof because idiots and fools are very ingenious people.

Good and saafe reloading involves little more than developing and following good work habits and being focused on what you are doing. I don't care if you are handloading pistol, rifle, shotgun or whatever, the rules and good work practices remain the same.

Yes, there are tools to help eliminate serious errors like a double charged case but the bottom line is using and always applying sound and safe work habits at the loading bench.

Just My Take
Ron

 

[Rodentman]

Fred, I like this..." and then later started reloading for handguns as I accrued them."

As an accountant I've "accrued" quite a few myself. It's a lot easier than "buying" them.

All seriousness aside, I've been reloading for many years and still learn stuff everyday and think of every batch of loads as requiring the same attention to detail as the first I ever did. Never get complacent figuring you've got it down pat and always keep your guard up. Not to instill fear but the consequences of an error can be severe.

 

[PhilMc]

There is no fool proof answer to your question. I have gone downstairs to reload and found that I just wasn't tuned in mentally to reload. Others have said it very well here so I won't repeat them. When I am not 100% I just will not reload anymore, too easy to make a mistake. I know this to be true since I have proved it to myself. I have pulled my share of rounds that I discovered incorrect.

I started with a single stage press and did a lot of reading and had a good friend come over to show me the basics. That gave me what many call "A license to learn". I have a LNL AP but I find myself going back to the Rock Chucker more and more these days.

Good luck with your reloading journey!

 

[GT1]

If you can read and follow instructions, and realize you don't know everything, it will be fine.
Reloading is not rocket science, but it ain't golf either. (No mulligans.)
Treat it like you or your closest family and friends could get hurt if you don't take it seriously, it is good incentive to do it right, all the time.

If you buy one of the leading manuals and do it exactly as instructed, you won't have any problems.

 

[Ironicaintit]

My dad taught me a bit when i was a teenager. But back then, my attitude sucked and I wasnt really into it. Fast forward to a couple years ago... My interest was there, but i hadnt really done it. So, I read a bunch of books. Complete guide to handloading by Philip B Sharpe, the 45th and 46th addition of the Lyman Handloading Handbook, Speer manual #8, Modern reloading by Richard Lee, 7th edition Hornady handbook, and a ton of stockpiled shotgun news articles. (And lets not forget the invaluable THR archives either) I wanted to understand the theory and hows and whys before I ever began the building of a cartridge.

What makes me kinda sad is that I didnt get into my dads favorite hobby until after he'd passed.

 

[otrman]

Where do you live in SW Florida? If ever up around Tampa would have no problem holding class.

 

[Ironicaintit]

Treat it like you or your closest family and friends could get hurt if you don't take it seriously, it is good incentive to do it right, all the time.

Thats exactly it. I reload knowing that my boy could very well inherit all my handloads. So I deal in quality control, not volume. Keep everything labeled! Document! Thats what seems to build confidence in firing "inherited reloads".
And too, the thought that any bullet I make, may be someday used for a purpose higher than paper punching.