Log in

View Full Version : New to Reloading



EvolvingTactical
12-16-2014, 00:10
Hey Guys,
So I have been interested in reloading for some time now and was surprised to get a Lee Pro 1000 Progressive reloading press from my parents for my 19th B-day. Anyways I was wondering what basic stuff I should get that is reasonably priced. I know I need a case tumbler and scale, and a good reloading book. Any suggestions or recommendations?
Thanks.

cstone
12-16-2014, 00:34
ABC's of Reloading is a good starter book.

Keep an eye out here because reloading stuff comes up for sale fairly frequently.

Shoot Indoors, the new indoor range in Broomfield is hosting reloading classes: https://www-152d.bookeo.com/bookeo/b_shootindoors_start.html?ctlsrc=1418711532573&src=02n

Read through the reloading threads here and ask lots of questions.

What have you chosen as your first caliber for reloading?

eneranch
12-16-2014, 07:19
A good set of Calipers & a Chronograph ; oh yeah, a second job to feed the habit [ROFL2]

Great-Kazoo
12-16-2014, 09:35
A good set of Calipers & a Chronograph ; oh yeah, a second job to feed the habit [ROFL2]

Amen to that, OR being fast enough to post an I'LL TAKE IT! when components and accessories go up for sale.
Knowing what powders you can use for the round you reload for. if you cannot find powder A there's B or C, that will work for range application.

Irving
12-16-2014, 10:01
I recently made a list on my phone of powders to look out for. I see stuff at the stores, but can never remember what is good to go. Having a list is helpful.

EvolvingTactical
12-16-2014, 12:44
I have decided to start reloading 40S&w then eventually reload 223rem for my AR. Thanks.

Irving
12-16-2014, 12:50
Have you read my 40 S&W reloading thread in the reloading section yet? There should be some advice in there to help you out. I know it certainly helped me.

cstone
12-16-2014, 18:13
.40 S&W is a good starter caliber. .38 Spl is another easy caliber with lots of options.

.223, or any bottle necked rifle cartridge adds another dimension to case prep. It isn't hard, but will take you longer as there are more steps involved.

Do you know anyone near you who reloads?

IMO, money and equipment seem to have an inverse relationship with time and effort to reload. The more money you spend on equipment, the faster you can process brass and reload. The less money you spend on equipment usually means that you will need to spend more time working on each step in the process. Take a look at this thread: https://www.ar-15.co/threads/9330-Lets-see-your-reloading-bench-room?referrerid=3409

Enjoy the hobby. In some ways, reloading is as much fun as shooting.

Be methodical. Be consistent. Be safe.

Great-Kazoo
12-16-2014, 19:31
Be methodical. Be consistent. Be safe.

and..............Be ready to BUY . The deals are out there on new & used presses.

MED
12-18-2014, 14:46
Loading rifle is far more involved than pistol.

When you get to 223, this trimmer (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/997722/little-crow-gunworks-worlds-finest-trimmer-223-remington) is expensive, but it is a huge time saver with 223.

cstone
12-18-2014, 14:54
There are many good trimmers out there, and again, money will buy you convenience. If you happen to trim a lot of brass, either the Dillon trimmer on the press or a Giraud, IMO are at the top of the convenience (and price) list. They are not necessary, but most trimmers will get tiresome pretty quickly after a few hundred cases.

Another drill mounted trimmer besides the Little Crow is Giraud's Tri-Way trimmer http://www.giraudtool.com/Tri%20Way%20Trimmer.htm

My advice would be to stick with .40 S&W till you get comfortable. There are people who will process rifle brass for you for a fee. Depending on your needs, that may be the best route.

Alpha2
12-20-2014, 10:03
Don't think you'll save money by going cheap. Buying two will always be more expensive than just buying the one you will eventually have anyway. I wish I'd learned that earlier. Now I have two of most things, a cheap one that I don't use anymore, and the good one I finally bought.

Zombie Steve
12-21-2014, 01:03
Read, read, read....

Hope this helps...

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1343188


PM me if you have any sticking points.