Want to start reloading. Now what?

[SouthTX1911]

I really want to get into reloading mostly because I inherited a custom Sako in 300Hoffman Magnum. Me and a BUNCH of other people who know a lot about reloading can't find one dang thing about this round and no one but me has the dies and I'm useless not having any equipment or know how. I do know that it is a sharp shouldered 300 H&H Mag. Went out of production in 1926 and back then they were using Cordite instead of powder. I know for a fact I can use normal 300H&H load data. Like I said, I have the rifle, dies, found some brass through Quality Cartridge and have primers and some hotcore bullets.

I'm looking at the Hornady Lock and Load kit that's at academy. Is that all I will need since I have the dies and brass?? I would also get some 300bo, 22-250, 7mm-08 and maybe 300Win Mag dies to start reloading in the future.

Some help in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

A few pics for those curious.





Left to right
300 Hoffman, 300 H&H, 300 Weatherby


300Hoffman

[LWD]

That is really cool. Neat cartridge and beautiful gun.

Before you buy a bunch of reloading gear, I'd recommend you read several reloading manuals. All of them have good information about the process. The Lyman manual has information for many different bullets from many different manufacturers. I also have the current manuals from all the major bullet manufacturers. But I'm a nerd. The Lee manual is okay, but I don't use it. Also look for Cartridges of the World. It's a great information source about non-standard cartridges. Any Shot You Want is a great book if you can find it for a decent price. Sierra and Hornady make some reloading videos that are well worth the read.

When you go to buy equipment keep it simple. Buy a quality single stage press and go from there. Buy good stuff and it will last a lifetime. I prefer RCBS, Redding, and Lyman gear. I do recommend an electronic scale over a mechanical one. Today, they're high quality and much easier to use.

LWD

[dustoffer]

Get the books first and read, read, read, and then ask questions--lots of knowledgeable folks here to help. As far as equipment goes, I prefer RCBS due to outstanding customer service for anything but the dies and I prefer Redding dies.

[aggie_archer]

RCBS rock chucked package is a great kit to get going. Still will need to add a few items to the package to get going but it's quality stuff and I have loaded thousands of rounds from it with zero problems.

On another note the RCBS warranty is great! I have had to use it a few times (all my fault, and they knew that) and they still got me fixed up no questions asked.

[J McCoy]

I wouldn't buy a package kit as it has alot of components you will end up not using because of upgrading.

I'd recommend a turret style or single stage press. (RCBS, Hornady, or Lymann)
Get an RCBS Chargemaster for powder(they are pricey but save you tons of time reloading and are accurate)

You can use a vibratory tumbler for case cleaning but I'd recommend stainless steel media. Works faster. (Also a more costly initial investment)

You'll end up spending 400-1500 dollars before its all said and done.

Really depends on how much you plan on shooting as to wither its a worthy investment.

You might consider something like dallascustomreloads.com as a viable option if you're a low volume shooter. He'll take your gun, work up a load, and give you custom batch ammo for your rifle.

I also believe you can contact one of the major die manufactures and send them a loaded round. They will make custom dies for you.

[SouthTX1911]

Awesome info guys. Ill check out an RCBS kit. My dies were made by RCBS so seems like a good idea

[LWD]

I dropped a grand on my first reloading equipment purchase. But with centerfire ammo prices where they are, you can recoup that cost pretty quickly if you shoot much.

RCBS warranty and customer service is top notch.

LWD

[SouthTX1911]

Looking at the RCBS kit. What else would I NEED, say to just get started on my Hoffman ammo?

[LWD]

Are you looking at this one: RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Single Stage Press Kit http://www.midwayusa.com/product/937...tage-press-kit

?

[dphillips62]

the ABC's of reloading is a great book to start off with. If you buy a kit you will get things with it that are a waste IMO you are better off buying it by the piece and getting what you want and need the first time. Ive wasted bunches of money on **** I've hardly ever used over the many years. Redding RCBS are great presses

[DRT]

Honestly, if you only have one rifle to consider, I would see if I could find a factory round that shot well in it first. Most good rifles will shoot factory ammo well and the selections out there are so much better than twenty years ago. Most guys don't send enough rounds down range to make reloading worth while financially. If you shoot competition, shoot a lot of calibers at the range frequently or just have nothing better to do with your time then go for it. But the cost of the components and the time it takes isn't worth it to a guy who shoots a box or two out of his deer rifle each year.

[boomer453]

other than the kit all you'd need is the shell holders (holds the shell in the press and in the priming tool), a set of digital calipers and it would probably be a good idea to get a case trimmer.

if your going to try multiple bullets i'd add a set of comparator gauges for the caliper.