So we have alot of new members here. That, along with a shortage of ammo and components seems to have provided even more confusion.
Here are a few thoughts to keep you guys safe and having fun(and to keep you from getting flamed or feeling silly)
1. Get a paper manual and read it. Keep it, love it. Now get a second manual. Keep it read it, love it.
2. Each manual, and online data will have a little bit different information. No one manual is all knowing! Reloading is a game of variables and thats why there is so much variable information.
3. Read alot (reputable sources only)
4. Take notes and document. Seriously!
5. Don't chase new and flashy. Put time into basics. Pick a system and refine it. Be honest about your results and capabilities.
6. If your new start with basic caliber clambering (not magnums, elr calibers, or wildcats)
7. Start with a single stage press.
8. Once you develop a load get enough of the same components that suit your style of loading. Buying mixed once fired brass even same manufacturer from 10 different guys can be be problematic.
9. Remeber you are loading for your rifle...... they are all different. I can't even think of the myriad of ways and different things that need to be considered and warnings on this one.
10. Even the old school Lee cheap press can make good ammo!
11. Double check and then check it again.
12. There are substitutions for most components but be safe. Back down charges and work up, read!
13.before asking a myriad of questions take the time to read the sticky's multiple times. Read back through the last 2 years worth of posts. Seriously!!!!!!!
14. Read, learn, document, double triple quadruple check, ask definitive questions, start simple and slow, don't play mad scientist!
15. When you buy your manuals x2. Order comparators and calipers. Spend time learning to measure consistently and learning that there are variables and what they are.
16. Learn the language, OAL, BTO, Grains, etc.....
17. No ones measurements on anything are exactly the same same. They are points of reference
18. Start at number 1 and do it all again.
Hope this helps a little
ETA: IF you cant shoot tiny groups with your ammo. It may be you or the gun. To have a new shooter that is inconsistent (not a bad thing!) Try to develop loads that shoot tiny groups is not reasonable.
Quality components and the correct components for the job make it more attainable. Example ( and this is not to flame anyone) bulk fmj bullets are not TYPICALLY as accurate or other designs.
If you are trying to load to BR comp sized groups take a step back. It can be done but too many people and guns aren't capable of it.
Loaing isn't necessarily cheaper or the best option for many new people. Especially starting out new to shooting.
Here are a few thoughts to keep you guys safe and having fun(and to keep you from getting flamed or feeling silly)
1. Get a paper manual and read it. Keep it, love it. Now get a second manual. Keep it read it, love it.
2. Each manual, and online data will have a little bit different information. No one manual is all knowing! Reloading is a game of variables and thats why there is so much variable information.
3. Read alot (reputable sources only)
4. Take notes and document. Seriously!
5. Don't chase new and flashy. Put time into basics. Pick a system and refine it. Be honest about your results and capabilities.
6. If your new start with basic caliber clambering (not magnums, elr calibers, or wildcats)
7. Start with a single stage press.
8. Once you develop a load get enough of the same components that suit your style of loading. Buying mixed once fired brass even same manufacturer from 10 different guys can be be problematic.
9. Remeber you are loading for your rifle...... they are all different. I can't even think of the myriad of ways and different things that need to be considered and warnings on this one.
10. Even the old school Lee cheap press can make good ammo!
11. Double check and then check it again.
12. There are substitutions for most components but be safe. Back down charges and work up, read!
13.before asking a myriad of questions take the time to read the sticky's multiple times. Read back through the last 2 years worth of posts. Seriously!!!!!!!
14. Read, learn, document, double triple quadruple check, ask definitive questions, start simple and slow, don't play mad scientist!
15. When you buy your manuals x2. Order comparators and calipers. Spend time learning to measure consistently and learning that there are variables and what they are.
16. Learn the language, OAL, BTO, Grains, etc.....
17. No ones measurements on anything are exactly the same same. They are points of reference
18. Start at number 1 and do it all again.
Hope this helps a little
ETA: IF you cant shoot tiny groups with your ammo. It may be you or the gun. To have a new shooter that is inconsistent (not a bad thing!) Try to develop loads that shoot tiny groups is not reasonable.
Quality components and the correct components for the job make it more attainable. Example ( and this is not to flame anyone) bulk fmj bullets are not TYPICALLY as accurate or other designs.
If you are trying to load to BR comp sized groups take a step back. It can be done but too many people and guns aren't capable of it.
Loaing isn't necessarily cheaper or the best option for many new people. Especially starting out new to shooting.
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