New Reloader

[Bushido]

OK, so I wana start reloading. I have a .45 ACP, and .300 Win Mag. Not as consired about that .45 as I am about the very expencive .300. So any of you guys, or gals if your out there, have any books or somethin of the sort to get me started. Thanks all.
Brandon

 

[The Bushmaster]

Manual...Get a manual. Read...Read it all. From cover to cover. Questions...After you have read the manual and you still have questions. I bet all of us would be very happy to assist you in any way we can. But you must read a reloading manual. it's the only way. I am 62 and I am still learning, both, from these guys and my manuals. I am not trying to discourage you. On the contrary. I've been there and done that and I had to learn from reading a manual as all of us on this board have. It is indispencable. Pick one from Speer, Hornady, Lee, Lyman or any of the other big names in reloading. Buy two....Read.

 

[Kamicosmos]

Man....we really need to make up a list of Beginning reloading stuff and have it tacked. (i don't mean for this to sound negative, it's just that I seem to answer this question once or twice a week lately.)

Here's what I bought to get started in reloading about 10 years ago:

RCBS Special 5 Reloading Kit

 

[BigSlick]

A great starting point is with the book titled:

ABC's of Reloading

Dean Grinnell (sp) authored the first several but now the same title has a new author, more current information on equipment and pricing.

As a introductory resource, any (that I am aware of) year the book was published will provide a simple, clear, thorough explanation of the basics.

Read this, come back here and ask a few more questions about equipment specifics and you will be MUCH better off than just letting a store salesman, or anyone on the 'net give you advice. Get acquainted with the reloading process, figure out what you want to be the result/benefit and the rest of us can help you dial it in a little.

Reloading is simple in scope, but can be as technical and detailed as you have the time or desire to get into. This being said, each person has a 'favorite' or a good (or bad) experience with a specific piece of equipment or brand.

Some reloaders want the absolute smallest group possible at almost any cost and buy equipment and develop a methodology for that purpose. Others want to cut the cost of range ammo, attain the best hunting load or the best competition load.

If you're like me, the cost savings, ability to develop a load specific to your particular weapon or task, and the sheer enjoyment of reloading are all benefits.

Read a little to get the basics, decide what you want to accomplish and how much money you want to put into it. Then start an equipment list, powder selection and starting load data.

In the long run you won't make as many (financially costly) mistakes as the trial and error method of equipment selection.

Drop us another post and with a progress report or any questions.

Oh yeah... Welcome to reloading... it's addictive as all get out and *almost* as fun as shooting

BigSlick

 

[rick_reno]

Find a friend who will let you watch as he/she reloads.

On that 300 win mag, be careful in bullet selection -that round has a short neck and won't accomodate all the 30 caliber bullets that are available.

 

[trickyasafox]

i second the find a mentor, but if your like me, its tough to find one so i ended up doing it myself. first thing i did was order the lee ann. kit. its a press and a load manual. goes for 20 or so dollars on midway and was really informative. then i bought a speer manual from midway also, and liked the wording of that one a little better. lee was a better introductory book, but i feel the speer did a more complete explanation of the process. after i read em a few times ( the load process for each is only about a 100 -120 pages with big hard cover font, so it goes really quick)

then i ordered some dies, scale, trimmers and etc and got started. it sounds more intimidating then it is, but it is addicting, and with common sense and caution you can find a hobby that is as enjoyable as shooting.

 

[cookiemonster]

I second the manual approach.

I get a manual every time I see one that I don't have...not just for the instructions (there might be a tidbit in there that I haven't learned yet) but also for the load data.

I currently have the following...

Complete Reloading guide for Contenders
Sierra manual
speer manual
nosler manual
hornady manual
PO Ackley's guide to reloading I & II

I also have the downloaded Vihtavouri, IMR, and one or two others that I glance through...you can never have too much load data...for yourself and to help out others with.

The most informative is the two from Ackley...he has deffinate opinions about his craft.

Darrell

 

[halvey]

Man....we really need to make up a list of Beginning reloading stuff and have it tacked. (i don't mean for this to sound negative, it's just that I seem to answer this question once or twice a week lately.)

No kidding. Or use Google.

 

[Bushido]

Thanks all, ill pick up some manuals, and read my dads old reloading book. Id ask him but the old man i buissy. Unlike me who is still a teenager and have more time than i should lol. anyway thanks all ill read and make another post.

 

[Bullet]

Quote:
Man....we really need to make up a list of Beginning reloading stuff and have it tacked. (i don't mean for this to sound negative, it's just that I seem to answer this question once or twice a week lately.)

Sounds like a good idea to me.