I'm looking into getting some reloading, mainly for 9,45,223, and 380. I need a good website or book to learn do's and dont's. what am I looking at as far a cost? Thanks
-
-
im lookign to get into reloading as well, ive been lookign up vids on youtube and manufacteurs and also quite a bit of info on here. -
A lot!
It takes a lot of money to get started buying decent equipment. For your calibers there you'd probably want a progressive press because those are more considered bulk making ammo and not match grade rifle ammo. If you want to try to do match grade rifle ammo a single stage press is best. If I was you I would look into the hornady progressive press and RCBS carbide die sets. Then it's be a good idea to have case length gauges for all to check alll your brass to make sure they are in the right uniformity dimensions. You will also probably need a separate swag kit for the 223 because there is a lot of 223 brass that has crimped in primers which you will have to remove the crimp. I'd guess around $1000 to get the minimum set up good enough to kick out some ammo going this route.Comment
-
You can watch videos on you tube to get an idea of what is going on. It;s pretty easy to pick up on reloading bulk ammo. Precision ammo is another ball game. Just make sure to buy a reloading manuel that has all your calibers in there to reference for powder charges and bullet weights. After that, just post your questions on here, I am sure there are a few that will help you out. It;s not rocket science.Comment
-
WHat I did to get started was buy an old man out of everything for $400, read the manuals, asked questions online then went to town. Be careful, it's very addicting...Comment
-
I reload for my guns and I picked it up easy from a buddy
I've got under 350$ in my setup and can reload for five calibers right now. U can spend tons but I would look at a good single press rcbs loader kit
Then u can buy the individual die sets for what u r loading
It's pretty dummy proof once u get the basics down
Definitely worth the $, as it's fun and very rewarding once u get the right load worked up!
Good luck!Comment
-
I would be doing bulk reloads not for precision, except maybe some 30-06. Good info here, thanks for it!Comment
-
Get you a good progressive press. RCBS pro 2000 or Dillion 550b are your best bet. I'd also look into the Hornady AP. I've had a Lee Loadmaster (about to upgrade when the funds come in) and had a Dillion 550b. There were some features the 550 lacked that I wish it had, but is still an awesome press. I wish I still had it but I had some un-expected bills come up right after I got it and was forced to sell it. But, I digress. The RCBS Pro 2000 will be my next press. I've researched for a while and this is the one I need.
If you can't afford a progressive at least get a turret. For bulk loading you'll be 10x faster with even a turret over a single stage. Look no further than RCBS. If you can afford it, go progressive and never look back.
Your press is the foundation of your setup. DO NOT skimp on this. Buy quality. My Rockchucker is from the 80s and still super smooth! Plus RCBS has a LIFETIME TRANSFERABLE NO BS warranty. Call them and tell them what the problem is and they ask you were to ship the parts. No questions asked. Excellent warranty and customer service. I'm a big fan of RCBS.
Get a good manual or two for a quick handy resource. (I don't use them for data anymore, but more on that later) GET CARBIDE DIES. they last longer and don't require case lube. RCBS makes a good die, I also reccomend the Lee Factory Crimp Die for your pistol loads.
Get a digital scale, a micrometer, a bullet puller, a powder throw is handy, as is a hand primer (the last two you really don't need if you go progressive, but I still like having them.) Case trimmers and case length guages are nice to have too. especially if you do precision rifle.
A sonic cleaner and tumbler is nice for cleaning your brass.
Mount your press on a SOLID bench. you don't want any wiggle or give in it.
For my load data I use powder manufaturers websites as this has more data and more bullet/powder combonations, and the most up to date information. IMR/Winchester/Hodgdon is the best/ easiest to use center so I buy their powders more often than not. They have powders for most anything you need. I printed off the pages fopr the cartdidges I use and keep it for reference in a binder.
When you get setup, PM me and I'll give you a few bullet/powder combos that work good for me. I have loads worked up for each of those calibers.
Start saving your brass now. it goes quick. If you need to buy some, I can get you dirty range brass or fully processed brass (cleaned, sized, & de-primed) cheaper than finding it online.
If you have any questions shoot me a PM. I reload a ton of pistol and I'd be more than happy to help you out if you need me.
It's also nice to have a single stage for your precision loads or if your main one goes down. I have a RCBS Rockchucker and Partner. I relaod mostly bulk pistol and .223 but I do like making hunting and precision loads. And that is where the Rockchuker shines.
IkeComment
-
I had a dillion 550b and its a great loader. I loaded 45 ammo on it and could knock out a few hundred in an hour. Its not real hard to do bulk ammo like stated above. The manual I used was the hornady manual. It has a ton of different calibers and grains for each round.Comment
-
you think you will only be doing bulk reloads..........its addicting having control of the quality of ammo you produce. Eventually you will chase the precision bug.Originally posted by Saltwater Buck View Post
Comment
-
Man that's awesome! Although you might regret about the PM's.......I'll try not to bother you too much. LolOriginally posted by BigTex.308 View PostComment
-
Ya know, that's usually the way it goes for me, I alway jump in with both feet.Originally posted by scissorhands View Postyou think you will only be doing bulk reloads..........its addicting having control of the quality of ammo you produce. Eventually you will chase the precision bug.Comment
-
I just got my handloading set-up a few months ago. I'll give you a run down on what I bought and what I have added( including consumables). This is just for my caliber of .308Originally posted by Saltwater Buck View Post
RCBS rockchucker supreme kit ( kit came with the basics) $350
RCBS FL die $30ish
RCBS neck sizing die $20
Hornady case trimmer $80
Bullet puller $25
hornady headspace guage $10
Hornady comparater $35
Lyman primer tools (3) $50-60
brass could be free but figure $40 for 100 on the cheap end.
calipers $30 gotta measure!
Hornady ultra sonic cleaner $70 got it on sale
200 bullets $70 By sunday I will have shot 200 hand loads in 1 1/2 months. you definitly shoot more when you hand load.
3-4 lbs of various powder $ 25-35 each
primers $5 per hundred
I think thats about it.. close to $750. Its not cheap to get into, but its well worth the cost if you are a do-it-yourselfer!Comment
-
If you have the coin I would recommend the Dillon progressive. I use a lyman turret press, I've had it for 20 years now. My reloading has been off and on depending on where I was stationed at the time. I've been looking at the Hornady turret presses, You have a different top plate that you change out for each caliber that you have. If you are on a budget you can get started with the basics. Things you have to have are a scale (does not have to be electronic), a caliper, case trimmer, The kit should come with at least a press and a powder measure (probably more). Then the dies for your caliber. The little items are case lube and pad, loading trays, maybe a powder trickler and a small funnel. Buy the book and decide what bullets you want to load before you start buying powder.
DO NOT LOAD IN EXCESS OF THE MAXIMUM CHARGES IN WHATEVER BOOK YOU USE.
Hot loads will do nothing but cause damage to your gun and maybe you too. I went for years without a tumbler, just bought one last year in fact.
You can also shoot me a PM if you have any questions. It is fun and very satisfying to make our own. Good luck and be safe.Comment
Comment