Started loading in the very early '70s. I was fascinated by the concept. Having an engineering background, I researched all the basic steps and finally went out and purchased a new Rockchucker press and a set of 38 Spl dies, an Ohaus scale, the Lee handprimers and a couple of good reloading manuals.
In no short order, I was reloading reliable ammunition. As I acquired more guns, I would buy the appropriate dies. Loads were all worked up carefully watching for signs of pressure etc. I should point out that the first few loads for each caliber used the starting loads listed in the Hornady manuals, then I would fine tune the loads for best accuracy. Finally, in the late '80s, I purchased my first chrono and was able to confirm my loads were pretty close to ideal velocity and performance in my firearms..
I never had anyone that I could ask for assistance and look back and in hindsight at what I had accomplished, I had done the research and developed loads and techniques that have stood me in good stead for over 40 years. I have been lucky in not having ever had one misfire, squib load or Kaboom~~ Says a lot for the quality of the primers and powders etc.
I started with one caliber and finished up loading well over a dozen rifle and pistol calibers.
I still load thousands of rounds each year and all of them are the continuation of the loads I worked up all those years ago.
I love reloading , It enables me to customize loads specifically for my firearms, the economy has allowed me to shoot much more than had I been buying and shooting factory ammo. Last but not least is the pleasure I have derived over the years from reloading.
So do your research and go for it, and if you can find a mentor, use their knowledge, It might save a little bit of the apprehension that every one feels when firing those first few batches of YOUR OWN reloads.
