Good time as any...

[legobuff]

To learn and start to reload... as such I’ve read through the pinned posts. I’ve ordered the 10th Hornady and the Lyman Reloading manuals. Now I’ve a week wait for them to arrive... is there anything I should do before they arrive, or just chill wait and then read?

 

[goosed]

What are your primary reloading goals?

Any specific type of press/equipment interest you?

Budget?

 

[legobuff]

I’m too new to know what a reasonable budget would be. That said I’d prefer to pay once cry once. Right now looking to learn and in my ignorance thinking of starting with 223, 9mm, and 300prc. But ¯\_(ツ)_/¯, hence the reading the pinned and taking the advice to read a manual before looking at equipment. I’ve time before the manuals arrive so I’ve time to research if you have recommendations I’m game

 

[goosed]

I don't generally push any specific equipment or brands, but rather general equipment lists. To me, most of reloading tools work so well it all comes down to personal preference to achieve the outcome you desire. I would rather have you choose the items that best fit you rather than push you to buy the ones that fit my style best.


Basic list of tools:

• Reloading press
• Powder System and scale
• Brass Trimmer
• Brass prep tools/multi-tool
• Brass Tumbler & media
• Dies (for each cartridge)
• Loading Block
• Shell holders
• Bullet Puller
• Calipers

Things to consider/research:

• Priming and depriming on vs off the press
• Wet vs dry tumbling. Media types
• Press type single stage vs turret vs progressive
• Micrometer vs standard dies
• Full length vs shoulder sizing (Recommend full length on rifle brass every time starting out)
• Bushings and Lock collars (don't need, but they make life a lot easier when swapping dies)
• Tools for measuring COAL and OAL

Once you can answer each line above you're likely ready to put together your setup.

Actually some of the kits available now are a pretty good jump off point, but if you're the 'buy once, cry once' type you can find higher quality components piecing a kit together with items that suit your specific style/desires.

The one word of general wisdom that I don't agree with that you will likely see several times is the idea that new shooters need to start on a single stage press vs a turret or progressive. It's complete hog wash. They are are all great options to start out on as long as you take your time.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

Read up on the calibers you want to reload for and start searching for components, mainly powders as some of them are kinda scarce right now.

 

[ThreeBravo]

I spent countless hours on youtube watching how to videos to research different presses, loading methods, case prep etc. I can say that loading for 223 and 9mm is pretty easy as there is a ton of info on it and lots of components, I've never loaded 300 prc so can't say anything about that.

 

[supercorndogs]

The process for reloading 223 and 300PRC are the same. The components are different.

 

[legobuff]

By chance anyone near Omaha and willing to mentor? I realize I have much learning to come, and I'll be reading/watching a whole heck of a lot... I know I can learn and I am willing to put in the time, but if I could find a nearby mentor to "show one" before I "do one", that would be ideal.

 

[mtnhunter22]

Panhandle precision video series on YouTube has a wealth of info on reloading and his whole process. I’ve been reloading for several years and still go back to them every now and then to refresh on my process.

 

[jetracer013]

I've been reloading pistol for a long time and have begun reloading rifle in the past couple of years. The best purchase I made was an expensive (to me) Mitutoyo digital Micrometer. It makes a world of difference when you have confidence in your measurements.

I also buy the headspace guage and bullet comparator before anything else. It gives me time to measure my old cases and get more familiar with my brass before I start gathering components.

The sticky's on here were the best resource I've found. I read them many times and, took parts of all of them, to form my process.

 

[RLinNH]

Another total noob here as well in the Hand Loading arena. I have been kicking tires for 3-4 years, and finally brought a vice and a few items home yesterday. I purchased a Dillon RL 550C. Looking forward to continue researching before I start loading. One of my mpost basic questions right now would be, which loading manual? I have been looking for the Sierra 5th edition, but no dice. I have started my search for one, and damn there are a lot. Which one would the more experienced Hand Loaders here recommend? I will be loading 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 BO, 5.56, .45, and 9mm,,,

 

[Rocketmandb]

Right now looking to learn and in my ignorance thinking of starting with 223, 9mm, and 300prc.

Start looking for powder for your 300 PRC now. I use Reloder 26 in mine, but it's very hard to come by. H1000 is another popular choice, but also hard to get sometimes. Get some (a few pounds minimum - and better to get an 8 lb jug) of either one so you have it.

 

[goosed]

Another total noob here as well in the Hand Loading arena. I have been kicking tires for 3-4 years, and finally brought a vice and a few items home yesterday. I purchased a Dillon RL 550C. Looking forward to continue researching before I start loading. One of my mpost basic questions right now would be, which loading manual? I have been looking for the Sierra 5th edition, but no dice. I have started my search for one, and damn there are a lot. Which one would the more experienced Hand Loaders here recommend? I will be loading 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 BO, 5.56, .45, and 9mm,,,

Sierra 5th is a good one and probably my favorite. I really like the layout and the fact it lays flat.

The Lyman 50th manual is pretty good too. It takes a more of an entertaining approach with included articles. The 'most accurate' recommendations aren't really that accurate, but really more of a start here point for beginners more than anything.

The Hornady manual has a lot of indepth info on their bullets. I have the 9th, but you really want the 10th now as it has the ELD and ELD-X bullets.

The Lee 2nd is good for handgun reloading, but the rifle section is disappointing.

There are lots of other manuals, but those are the ones I own and use.

 

[goosed]

Forgot to mention, the current Sierra book is the 6th edition which I believe has their game changer bullets.

For the people that prefer everything on their phones Sierra, Hornady and Hodgdon all have reloading apps. Never tried any myself

 

[Sirshredalot]

I can recommend a few of things.

Get two or more calipers and (if going digital) scales. One to check the other.
Youll eventually find a use for all of them...i leave one set of calipers dedicated to a comparator.

Simplify things....only one bullet weight with one powder at first.

Take notes! Record your success and failure....itll pay off in the long run.
Dedicate a notebook or, as the the more tech savy might suggest, an accel spreadsheet, to your loads.

Save your targets and learn how to shoot! Practice the same way each time with proper technique so you're not questioning the load or the equipment.

Get a chronograph...theyre cheap these days and give loads of valuable info. Lots of tips to be recommended on this.

Dies and presses dont really matter as much as some people say...stay away from aluminum.

Your budget dictates most of this...i started reloading on a progressive press and dont regret it, but a single stage is worth its weight.

Shred

 

[Kadams1563]

Spend time to find a Mentor. This is what helped me a lot.

a friend showed me what to buy and what. It to buy. Invest into good equipment the first time or you will buy It twice.

loading 9mm and .223 I would get a progressive (Dillon 650-750) then loading precision rifle get a single stage.

I load 9mm and .223 on a Dillon 650. I cal load700-800 rounds an hour pretty easily. I use a Forster co-ax for precision rifle.

 

[atakawow]

It's never too late but you would have been in a much better spot starting out a couple of months ago.

Due to the current event (and an election around the corner) components are pretty scarce due to all the panic buying. My advise is to start shopping around for components now while you still can.

 

[PAYDIRT]

Panhandle precision video series on YouTube has a wealth of info on reloading and his whole process. I’ve been reloading for several years and still go back to them every now and then to refresh on my process.

He has a fantastic YouTube channel. Great info and awesome shooting footage.

 

[Slab74]

I started reloading about 2 years ago. Start by reading everything you can from reliable sources. I had my manuals for a few months and read them each, at least twice, before I even started. Go slow and make dummy rounds first for each caliber. The number one thing is start low and slow. Every gun is different and safe book loads can be hot in some guns. Don’t chase speed until you have enough time at the press. Read about internal Ballistics. This helped me understand more about reloading than any other topic. Be safe and have fun.

 

[Gustav7]

Another total noob here as well in the Hand Loading arena. I have been kicking tires for 3-4 years, and finally brought a vice and a few items home yesterday. I purchased a Dillon RL 550C. Looking forward to continue researching before I start loading. One of my mpost basic questions right now would be, which loading manual? I have been looking for the Sierra 5th edition, but no dice. I have started my search for one, and damn there are a lot. Which one would the more experienced Hand Loaders here recommend? I will be loading 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 BO, 5.56, .45, and 9mm,,,

I load on Dillon 550 as well, and I also have a Lyman Turret press. I'd be more than willing to do a video/facetime chat if you want. I can go over my different toolhead setups, do's and don'ts of the Dillon press, things to watch out for, things that come loose that will mess up your process, etc.

PM me if you can't find anyone in person to help out.

As far as manuals. I only have one, the Lyman 49th edition. THeres a WEALTH of knowledge in the front of the book I read twice over when I got it (9 years ago). The Lyman 50th is out, and I'd recommend that as well as maybe the Hornady or Sierra manuals.

 

[Gustav7]

By chance anyone near Omaha and willing to mentor? I realize I have much learning to come, and I'll be reading/watching a whole heck of a lot... I know I can learn and I am willing to put in the time, but if I could find a nearby mentor to "show one" before I "do one", that would be ideal.

Same for you OP... more than willing to do a video chat to show you my setups and how I run .223 and 9mm. If you can't find someone local just shoot me a PM

 

[legobuff]

Same for you OP... more than willing to do a video chat to show you my setups and how I run .223 and 9mm. If you can't find someone local just shoot me a PM

Appreciate that @Gustav7 I'll will take you up on the offer after I receive and read through the manuals so that I can ask somewhat intelligent questions.

 

[Gustav7]

Appreciate that @Gustav7 I'll will take you up on the offer after I receive and read through the manuals so that I can ask somewhat intelligent questions.

Thats a good plan. Read through it completely, write down any and all questions you have, then get a hold of me on here. ENjoy

 

[RLinNH]

I load on Dillon 550 as well, and I also have a Lyman Turret press. I'd be more than willing to do a video/facetime chat if you want. I can go over my different toolhead setups, do's and don'ts of the Dillon press, things to watch out for, things that come loose that will mess up your process, etc.

PM me if you can't find anyone in person to help out.

As far as manuals. I only have one, the Lyman 49th edition. THeres a WEALTH of knowledge in the front of the book I read twice over when I got it (9 years ago). The Lyman 50th is out, and I'd recommend that as well as maybe the Hornady or Sierra manuals.

Gustav,

First and foremost, thank you for the very generous offer. Currently, I have the Hornady manual on order and will be ordering the Lyman manual today. I am waiting for the 6th edition Barnes Manual to some out. The gentleman that sold me the press has invited me to check his press out in his reloading area. I am meeting up with him tomorrow. I plan on video'ing as much information as I can from him. I will be in touch shortly as I have many questions. Once again, thank you!!!

 

[Gustav7]

Gustav,

First and foremost, thank you for the very generous offer. Currently, I have the Hornady manual on order and will be ordering the Lyman manual today. I am waiting for the 6th edition Barnes Manual to some out. The gentleman that sold me the press has invited me to check his press out in his reloading area. I am meeting up with him tomorrow. I plan on video'ing as much information as I can from him. I will be in touch shortly as I have many questions. Once again, thank you!!!

No problem man. I TRULY wish I had had someone help show me when I first started. I didn't really get on forums back then, as I was not into computers as I am now (or society in general), and I didn't know anyone around me that reloaded.

Having someone help with the little stuff and connect the dots can be such a time saver and bring a little relief to a new comer. ONce you meet up with him, write down any questions and shoot me a PM. Theres a million ways to do things, and the way he does things may not quite fit what you're trying to do...or simply you would prefer to do it a different way but want to go about it the right way. I cannot stress enough how PERSONAL PREFERENCE plays a massive role in this reloading game. However, you still want to do it safely and effectively.

Hit me up after your first couple lessons. Have fun and good luck....its addictive lol

 

[steve123]

Here's some tips.

Use a bright flashlight to inspect the powder fill in each cartridge case when they are still in the loading block because you might have missed one by accident, or even a whole row of them.

I use Satern powder funnels because they ride on the neck of the case and stay there til you lift it off. It's much more handy that having to hold a funnel on while charging a case.

Imperial die wax. I haven't had a stuck case since I started using this stuff. Well except for having a bad size die that was obviously the problem.

I much prefer the powered case prep tools, saves fingers from cramping so much.

Wet tumbling is controversial but overall I still prefer it BUT ALSO I don't get hung up on doing it every cycle. When I've fired brass 3-4 times then I wet tumble it and trim if need be.

NECO dry case media lube in necks after wet tumbling.

Cheap Lee powder measure, then weigh charges. I use a Scott Parker tuned beam scale which has been more reliable and more accurate than the older E scales I used to use.

After having problems with 3 different brand hand primers I said screw it and use my Dillion 550 progressive press instead to seat primers. At a loss on which other primer system to advise?!

Not a bad idea to have both an inertia bullet puller and a press mounted collet bullet puller. Occasions arise when one suits better.

Don't "FORCE" anything! A lot of reloading has to do with feel, if something seems wrong stop right then and see why.

ETA, try to stay with temperature insensitive powders. Typically ball type powders can be thrown from the powder measure but they can be very temp sensitive.

If I think of more things that could help I'll edit this post.

 

[HornDog87]

Depending on the powder I want to use, I normally just look on the manufacturers website for their load data and it'll give me the options on primers, bullets, col, etc.
Like one of the gents said, a Lot of YouTube on set up and that will go a very long way.

Semper fi
Horner

 

[hengehold]

I don't generally push any specific equipment or brands, but rather general equipment lists. To me, most of reloading tools work so well it all comes down to personal preference to achieve the outcome you desire. I would rather have you choose the items that best fit you rather than push you to buy the ones that fit my style best.


Basic list of tools:

• Reloading press
• Powder System and scale
• Brass Trimmer
• Brass prep tools/multi-tool
• Brass Tumbler & media
• Dies (for each cartridge)
• Loading Block
• Shell holders
• Bullet Puller
• Calipers

Things to consider/research:

• Priming and depriming on vs off the press
• Wet vs dry tumbling. Media types
• Press type single stage vs turret vs progressive
• Micrometer vs standard dies
• Full length vs shoulder sizing (Recommend full length on rifle brass every time starting out)
• Bushings and Lock collars (don't need, but they make life a lot easier when swapping dies)
• Tools for measuring COAL and OAL

Once you can answer each line above you're likely ready to put together your setup.

Actually some of the kits available now are a pretty good jump off point, but if you're the 'buy once, cry once' type you can find higher quality components piecing a kit together with items that suit your specific style/desires.

The one word of general wisdom that I don't agree with that you will likely see several times is the idea that new shooters need to start on a single stage press vs a turret or progressive. It's complete hog wash. They are are all great options to start out on as long as you take your time.

this is great advice.

After 17 years of reloading for competitive rifle shooting I will have to say that a single stage press or a turret press will be great for starting. The nice thing about starting with a single stage press is that you have to set up your dies many times through the loading process. For example, set up a die for the brass sizing, then set up a die for bullet seating. This allows/forces you to get many sets/reps throughout the loading process and practice these new skills.

I started with a reloading kit that included All of the tools to get started. It was relatively inexpensive and I found it helpful to get my feet wet.

A mentor is a great idea, I had a few over the years that I met at shooting matches. They were local and experienced, exactly what I needed.
Good luck!

 

[legobuff]

So after trying to procure reloading items... Good time as any, well, maybe not so much. Anyway, my manuals have arrived, I've read through them a couple times. I've order equipment and components and picked up components locally as well... at least what I could find. Plan is to get an area cleaned up and ready for it all to live this weekend, as well as put together and to try an initial small set of rounds... assuming deliveries get here before the weekend ends.