Getting started

[mcantar18c]

Ammo is expensive. I'm a cheapazz. Time to get into reloading.
I checked out the links sticky at the top of this forum but all I saw there is suppliers and other technical info.
My knowledge of reloading is... pretty much nonexistent. Anybody have any "getting started"/"how to" stuff I can check out?

[Jherexx]

Go to the RCBS website http://www.rcbs.com/, they have a pretty good tutorial on step-by-step roloading, plus other resources. For load data, go to the powder manufacturer websites like Hogdon and Alliant. That should get you started.

[mcantar18c]

I'll check that out, thanks.

[mcantar18c]

Ok so I checked out that step-by-step and I see what all is involved... its a lot simpler than I thought.
I also checked out their reloading kits and found a few different types.
What's the difference between single stage, turret, and progressive presses? I'm sure there's a cost difference but is one type better than the other?

[SAnd]

Reloading, think of it like a math test where if you get the answer wrong you lose a hand.

I don't remember where I picked that up. It may have been here.

Reloading is like a lot of things. Don't let it intimidate you but respect it.

Have Fun (and Be Careful)

[mcantar18c]

So I've spent the past hour or so watching videos on youtube and familiarizing myself with components and such. I came across this one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzsZsn-DurY
...and he's doing most of the work with hand tools.
I like the idea of how convenient (what I assume is) a progressive press is (one video had a big blue press that seated primers, loaded the powder charge, and seated the bullet in 4 stages at the same time), but I think the tools shown in that video would be a good way to get into reloading until I have the cash to put towards a nice press.
Anybody do it the way the guy in the video does? Where did you get your tools and such?

[SA Friday]

Rekoading by non mounted press is sssslllllllooooooowwwwwwwww. Sure you want to load 50 rounds of 45 acp a month, go for it

For you, I recommend a turret press or a single stage press to learn with. Hjand presses are primarily made for bench rest shooters developing loads while at the range. Great idea, but not well thought out. Benchrest shooter typically get hyper anal about their reloading prep and measurements. Hard to do that at the range.

[mcantar18c]

I knew it was slow but I guess its slower than I thought.
I'll go take a look at Lee reloading stuff. Thanks.

[mcantar18c]

I think a turret press is the best option for me, seems like a good compromise between convenience/speed and cost.... I'll be reloading multiple calibers (.44mag, .45ACP, 50AE, .30-30, .308, 8mm mag) and from what I can tell a turret press is a little more convenient for multiple calibers.
This one looks nice: https://leeprecision.com/xcart/Delux...Press-Kit.html

[gnihcraes]

Each person is on their own, but I started with the Lee O press single stage, upgraded to the Lee Turret press and was frustrated to never end with their equipment. Got out of reloading for a few years for various reasons, time, and equipment costs. I eventually got back in it when I purchased a used RCBS Rockchucker, this used press was so much better to work with than the new Lee equipment. I would take others suggestions on buying something a little better to initially start out with so you have no equipment issues. Lee has the Classic Cast, which looks to be a lot better than the original Challenger one, the Pro 1000 might be ok, but have never used that one.

RCBS, Dillon and possibly the Hornady equipment.

It is like buying a $10 mountain bike at the pawn shop and trying to go ride some trails in the mountains, get better equipment or you'll regret it. The reloading presses and dies usually bring 50% and better on your money invested if you have to sell it because you didn't like reloading.