I was given a basic setup... Need advice

[spoon063]

So, i was given this stuff for free... i built a bench today and layed everything out. I've never hand-loaded before and will be researching alot more before i start. I just want to know what else i need or is recommended for my set-up. i also have a tumbler not pictured. (i know this isnt ideal by any means, but i can't beat free).

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my bad on crappy cell pics

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

What I'd like to see is several handloading manuals, more than one, at least. I use the Nosler and the Sierra rifle reloading manuals. I would read them cover to cover a few times before I began making ammo. They will give you some understanding and some perspective into the process, the warnings, and the goals.

Next, I would find someone who does this regularly and establish a mentoring relationship.

Also, I would do precisely what you just did. If you don't know, ask. Here's a good place for that.

Greg

 

[Country]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

Mate you have done well to get all that stuff for free.
Did you get the rifle also?
You have all you need to start loading as far as I can see.
Except load data as Greg points out.
It is hard to know what is in the die box's so you may also need a chamfer tool and primer pocket cleaners but I bet it's there someplace.
Buy a good book on how to reload . Sinclairs had a good one years ago but it may not be available anymore.

 

[bohem]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

The best explanation of the process I've found to be in Lyman's reloading manual.

Where are you located? There's a fair chance that a local Hide member is around and they've been pretty willing to help people learn. You can always ask here as well when you have more questions.

Definitely read the manuals at least twice. Take notes, treat it like an online course for school.

This is a good place to get info from, there's lots to learn here, you got a great deal on all that stuff, some little tools you still need like a chamfer/deburr tool and a primer pocket cleaner. Other than that, you certainly "done good"

 

[SoulCapacitor]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

I agree the Lyman's manual is a good one. I'm just starting out in reloading as well. Still waiting for my reloading supplies in the mail. Check out some videos on youtube for referencing and get the latest reloading manual. Also check their website to see if they posted any corrections for their manual.

 

[Topstrap]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

Good deal on the reloading equipment, other than a few odds and ends like the others mentioned you are on your way.

Just from the way your bench looks you like to do things right and not slap things together so with a bit of studying some reloading books and possibly getting a mentor to give you a couple hours of hands on help you'll be doing fine.

It's not rocket science to handload some quality reloads but care is always needed to do things in the proper order and check each step you go thru while preparing and loading your case. Even basic equipment like you have will give you quality reloads that will perform fine for long range shooting.

It's pretty satisfying to roll your own and then use it to hit that far away target reliably each time you squeeze the trigger. As you progress you can gradually add to your equipment line but it's not necessary to spend big bucks to shoot well.

A couple reloading blocks to hold your cases might be next on your list and a dial caliper to check for case length along with a few different reloading manuals.

Have fun, be safe and enjoy....

Topstrap

 

[shoots100]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

Nice bench,but you'll need to put some type of laminate or other type of thin cover on top of the wood.The wood will start to chip around the edges and it'll also protect the wood from any spillage of oils or other liquids.I have most of my reloading equipment attached to 2x4's or 2x6's(except my 50bmg press) and clamp them in place when I need to load with them.That'll give you the ability to arrange your components where you want them and free your bench top of clutter if you need the work space.They also have digital powder scales that are fairly cheap and use the beam scale as a back up.Another suggestion would be a fireproof powder and primer storage box.Once you get started with reloading some rounds,you'll find out what you'll need pretty quickly to make it run smoothly.Then you'll need to build a reloading room!! Good luck,
STEVE

 

[spoon063]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

Hey, thanks for the replies guys.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Next, I would find someone who does this regularly and establish a mentoring relationship.

Greg </div></div>
im in upstate NY right now, i found one guy (i wont mention names or what shop he runs), but he didnt seem like the most understanding and/or patient guy...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Country</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mate you have done well to get all that stuff for free.
Did you get the rifle also?

Except load data as Greg points out.
</div></div>
I wish i didnt have to pay for the rifle... as far as the load data, is that stuff in the books or from powder manufacturers ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Topstrap</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
A couple reloading blocks to hold your cases might be next on your list and a dial caliper to check for case length along with a few different reloading manuals.

Topstrap </div></div>

I do have a caliper, fortunately i hold the sense of knowing how to use it

what im really kind of nervous about is powder choices/ burn rates/ etc...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoots100</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice bench,but you'll need to put some type of laminate or other type of thin cover on top of the wood.The wood will start to chip around the edges and it'll also protect the wood from any spillage of oils or other liquids.I have most of my reloading equipment attached to 2x4's or 2x6's(except my 50bmg press) and clamp them in place when I need to load with them.That'll give you the ability to arrange your components where you want them and free your bench top of clutter if you need the work space...STEVE </div></div>

Thanks! thats a good idea as well, being that i was kind of hesitant to start drilling holes in it the second i finished it

 

[Topstrap]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

If you mention what you are shooting there will be lots of info from shooters on here that have pet loads but always safe to check a reloading manual first before using any of them.

Lyman is a good one to start with, Hornady has a nice 2 book set. Sierra is another. They will be your Bible for reloading and are well worth what they cost. Ya might even find some used ones on here a year or two old but they will still have all the info you need.

A piece of laminate like someone else mentioned would be good to have a nice surface to work on and make cleanups easier. You'd prob be better off asking questions here/reading books and reloading manuals than have someone show you that would not be willing to take the few hours to help you get started in reloading. If ya can't take the time to show someone the right way to do it and make sure they understand why they are doing a certain procedure then it's better to not have them show you at all and be befuddled when he leaves.

Topstrap

 

[spoon063]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

well my primary intentions with this are for my .308, out of my 22" savage 10fcp... i figure down the road i'd tackle some other brass i have saved up, but for now i'd like to just focus on that. i still have alot to learn in markmanship as well as some mods to the rifle itself, but right now i just want to focus on consistency and reliability.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

OK, Upstate. I live in Yates County, but right now I'm Snowbirding in Orlando FL. We have a club in Odessa (just East and slightly South of Watkins Glen), and we have a serious group of shooters and handloaders associated with it. Is this anywhere near you?

Greg

 

[sniperdude]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

if you have a boarders or barns and noble book store they might have the book "the abc's of reloading" 8th edition by bill chevalier. Its about 24 bucks. A well stocked gun store usually has books on reloading. Lots of diff reading on this. If you buy stuff from sinclair intl. there staff is really helpfull

 

[spoon063]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK, Upstate. I live in Yates County, but right now I'm Snowbirding in Orlando FL. We have a club in Odessa (just East and slightly South of Watkins Glen), and we have a serious group of shooters and handloaders associated with it. Is this anywhere near you?

Greg </div></div>

yes,i'm actually in broome county. watkins glen is about ummm 45 minutes (give or take) from me.

 

[Winchester 69]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

You are in need of a Sinclair catalog.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: I was given a basic setup... Need advice

OK, watch the Tactical Competitions Forum for STP's announcements about the FV200 Fun Comps, twice monthly, when the snow hasn't driven us off the range. I expect he'll pick back up with them in another month or two, I expect to be back up from Florida and active again by around May Day.

Greg