Reloading for the beginner

[Oldbloke]

How to get started without a lot of cost is often asked. This is my suggestion but it is “horses for courses”
Google RCBS-Introduction-To-Handloading to down load some basic instructions in the form of a pdf manual

Loading data is available at the ADI web site. Here http://www.adi-powders.com.au/

What you need to start.

You could use a Lee Classic Hand loader but most use a press. Lee re-loading kits are very popular. (There are plenty of others)

But if you want to built up your own gear as you need it here is some help/guidence. Best to buy a Reloading Manual but the one above will get you started. Some can be down loaded for free off the www if you search.

YOU WILL NEED

Sturdy bench.
O frame (prefered ) or C press. There are many brands to choose from.
7/8” dies. Lee makes RGB dies. These are FLS only but do the job for most. Neck size are also popular.
Scales-I prefer Beam Balance but many use digital scales.
Reloading blocks, buy or make.
Priming. A method of priming cases. Some presses come with these. The Lee classic loader relies on using a punch believe it or not. Hand primers are very popular.
Powder dippers, buy or make. A cut off case makes a good dipper.Just add a handle.
Trickler. But can just use an empty case to trickle powder into scale pan, or even a tea spood to start
Powder funnel

OPTIONAL OR GET LATER
Case Trimmer. You wont need this till cases have been loaded a few times.
Vernier Calipers
De-burrer. But a sharp pocket knife and very fine file will do the job, but pretty slow.
Primer pocket cleaner comes in handy. Buy or make.
Powder thrower. Lee are very popular. Next step up on dippers.
Case cleaning equipment but this is certainly optional.

MATERIALS
Empty cases
Powder
Primers
Projectiles
Case lube buy or DIY
Steel wool

[SCJ429]

Some case lube for sizing and a pack of fine steel wool to clean up the necks would also be handy.

[Oldbloke]

Some case lube for sizing and a pack of fine steel wool to clean up the necks would also be handy.

Added. Just put not remembering to include case lube to old age. Lol

[Blr243]

In my early twenties I was building a pergola for a semi retired bloke and somehow the guns topic came up so he showed me all his stuff in his garage and reloading equipment I must have showed some interest and before u know he got lube on a case and it’s in the press and he showed me how io size a case ...and how to use a lee hand primer too. that’s the only hands on education I ever had. Thank you Geoff Blakely If u are still kickin ..... Everything else I have learned from magazines, books or internet or forums ....so 25 years later I have never had a case stuck in a die or blown up half my face so must be doing something right

[Oldbloke]

Yeh it isnt hard. What frustrates me is people just want to dip their toe in and ask the question. Next thing experienced reloaders are recomending the beginner spend $1200 on shet he doesnt need.

You can easily start small and if you decide to your keen" just buy or make gear as the need arrises.

Obviously kits are available also.

[JimTom]

Mate I started with a second hand Simplex master O press, second hand powder thrower, and verniers, all of which I still use today. Admittedly I purchased some other stuff along the way and in some cases got a bit fancy with RCBS chargemaster. Totally agree though, don’t need top end gear to reload successfully.

[Bruiser64]

I agree you can easily get into reloading without bankrupting yourself. The. Lee Breech Lock kit is pretty hard to go past. Having said that I bought a bunch of reloading gear and an SL240 Blitz handheld spotlight second hand off a bloke at work for a couple of hundred bucks. Since then have added some bits and pieces. But none of those things I added were essential. I enjoy reloading. In fact I have never bought any factory ammo for my 204. My handloads have accounted for quite a few foxes. So they seem ok.

[Ziege]

Ive seen my fair share of Lee presses thanks to my old boy and his brothers and cousins, enough to make me never want to go near them again, their dies on the other hand aren't too shabby, I have a set of them for my 300win and they work great and not at all shabby for $60.

I can confidently say +1 for rcbs dies and single Stages as well as hornady lock n load presses and also don't mind their dies however I find they need thorough case lubing and graphite to avoid sticking on longer cases (30-06 etc), but yeah no experience with Lyman or any of the multiprocess ones, but yeah... My 5c

[Ziege]

Yeh it isnt hard. What frustrates me is people just want to dip their toe in and ask the question. Next thing experienced reloaders are recomending the beginner spend $1200 on shet he doesnt need.

You can easily start small and if you decide to your keen" just buy or make gear as the need arrises.

Obviously kits are available also.

I'm a bit inclined to push people towards at least mid range stuff, example I can give is an elaboration on my distaste of cheap Lee presses; I tend to find they are horrendously cheap in their construction, haven't seen one yet that hasn't had a broken handle as the aluminium they use is nothing short of pewter. Another qualm is that they are loose and rattly, nothing like my lock n load press that are steel and has nice tolerance, being smooth and robust and not at all rattly.

Cheap dies can be an arse ache from anecdotal evidence from friends but I'm not having any dramas with my 2nd hand Redding 223 dies and my Lee 300win dies.

Powder throwers I use Hornady again but the old man uses one of Lee premium ones. Both work accurately.

Case trimmers..... I have a Hornady one that doesn't gauge right.... So bought an rcbs that works better.

[wanneroo]

I didn't know how far I was going to take reloading and didn't have a big budget at the time so I started with a Lee Hand Press for $30 and a $20 Lee Perfect Powder measure and a few others things to load 9mm. Over time I found as I enjoyed it so much and it saved money and allowed me to custom make the ammo I wanted, I expanded my range of tools.

Each of the main manufacturers has really good stuff they make and crap they make as well. Each of the big manufacturers has frustrated me at some point due to their lack of quality in something.

[Bruiser64]

re: Lee presses. Each to their own. I have loaded a lot of 204 and 243 ammo with mine quite satisfactorily. Nothing has broken. In my experience it works fine for what I do. Based upon my experience with it, I have no hesitation in recommending one to a beginner. So there you go. Confusion already. Two opposing opinions on one brand of press. The good thing is, you have a warranty if you buy new. So you dont have too much to lose going either wat.

[Ziege]

Maybe, but I simply wouldn't put myself through the arse ache, especially loading longer bottleneck cases just go get a decent press made of steel.

[John]

I first started with a second hand super simplex press dies scales and a thrower I got for $30 or $40
I used it for many years until I upgraded bit by bit to half a shed full of stuff you really don’t need we all love shiny new things.
The question is does new shiny gear make you shoot better answer is no for those starting out my advice is to take your time work out loads that work and ask questions if your not sure There’s many experienced people here I’m sure will help anyone best they can.
And it’s a great thing in times like where experiencing now to fill in the day with something interesting to do.

[Oldbloke]

So, I started with a Lee Classic loader.
Later I retired that and bought a new Simplex master O frame press with dies about 35 yrs ago. (There were no cheap O frame presses back in those days) Still using the same press and 30-06 dies.
Have DIY some gear and bought some both new and used. Its amazing what you can do with very little.

Has the gear paid for its self in savings? Probably but would have taken a long time given the amount of ammo I shoot. But to me the benefit has been consistant accurate ammo and the satisfaction & enjoyment I get.

[Sergeant Hartman]

Yep i agree, i see it to often someone comes up, asking i am just starting, don't know if i will like it recommend me a cheap setup.

Correct answer is Lee.... ok debatable

But many come and say, you need a Dillon 650..... buy once cry once.

seriously???

[Oldbloke]

Yep i agree, i see it to often someone comes up, asking i am just starting, don't know if i will like it recommend me a cheap setup.

Correct answer is Lee.... ok debatable

But many come and say, you need a Dillon 650..... buy once cry once.

seriously???

Strongly agree. Statements like that simply discourage potential new reloaders. Unless you have money to burn a more conservative, cost effective option is whats required.

[Ziege]

Yeah I would only advise a beginner to get a single stage (albeit solid) press, too much fiddling around and margin for error Otherwise, good balance scales, and a half decent thrower, Lee FL dies and collet dies if they wish (or some other bargain), gas torch for annealing (use a camp stove if nothing else around), decent grease pad unless using dry lube, rest can be improvised or substituted

[TassieTiger]

Annealing for a beginner?

[JimTom]

Annealing for a beginner?

The only time I have annealed is when I was converting 222 brass into 300AAC. Typically I don’t bother. I figure the brass I buy has been annealed during production.
Just out of curiosity though, does anyone have an idea on what sort of an increase in brass life it will afford you. I appreciate there are a lot of variable, ie, initial quality of brass, calibre etc.
Interested in hearing people’s thoughts. Sorry slightly off thread too.

[marksman]

l know blokes who anneal after every shot because they want everything to be the exact same every time they shoot, very micro
you will get better case life by annealing no doubt about it
myself some cases l anneal for would not last 1 shot if l didn't anneal (wildcats) yet some get done only when prepping them at the start
some of my cases are shot 20 plus times and are retired when a few primer pockets start getting loose
l can tell when the necks are starting to harden up by feel when seating and by dial on my arbor press
l do not see it a job for the beginner but we all have to start somewhere and should not be scared to try if you do your research and listen to those who know
the most important thing l say to any beginner who asks what to do is to have a look at the person who is giving advice's target to see if they are talkers or walkers

[Oldbloke]

Mmm, I think annealing should really be another thread. Feel free to start one. The intent of this thread was to provide advise on how to get into reloading in a cost effective way.

For many they just want to "suck it and see" so not interested in high cost gear or the more technical stuff.

[marksman]

The intent of this thread was to provide advise on how to get into reloading in a cost effective way. .

ok then with all due respect and IMHO

the most cost effective way l know of to get into reloading is to check the targets of the person who is giving advice on what you need and brand name
as well as the how to do it or if you should or should not be doing something
it sorts out the talkers from the walkers for the new guy and will save him heaps on stuff someone swears by that he needs or has to do

you wont end up like me and have a shed full of stuff that did not do the job good enough for the precision l wanted
the degree of precision you are after will determine what is best for your needs not the amount of time you have had on the bench

as far as equipment goes a lee classic cast press with a lee collet die set would be what l would recommend anyone who is not going to neck turn

are there any new to reloading guys that want to ask a question about beginning to reload in a cost effective way here

[Bruiser64]

Like anything, it is important to ascertain what the individual is trying to achieve when it comes to reloading. Just because someone is new to reloading doesn’t mean they are new to shooting. So the clearer the new reloader is about the type of shooting they intend to do with their reloads, the more likely they can be given appropriate advice. The trouble when you first start with any new pursuit, is you don't have any frame of reference. My main aim with reloading is to produce hunting ammo economically.

[TassieTiger]

The trouble again with the question - you don’t know, what you don’t know so therefore - cannot really ask the appropriate question.

[Oldbloke]

Like anything, it is important to ascertain what the individual is trying to achieve when it comes to reloading. Just because someone is new to reloading doesn’t mean they are new to shooting. So the clearer the new reloader is about the type of shooting they intend to do with their reloads, the more likely they can be given appropriate advice. The trouble when you first start with any new pursuit, is you don't have any frame of reference. My main aim with reloading is to produce hunting ammo economically.

True. And as mentioned, a mentor would help a lot.

[Bruiser64]

The trouble again with the question - you don’t know, what you don’t know so therefore - cannot really ask the appropriate question.

True. So, my advice to a new reloader is to try and pair up with someone who is already reloading and pick their brains. There are some pretty good books on reloading and Hornady has some good reloading video tutorials as well. Also it would be prudent to ask what your reloading mentor considers important for them when reloading. For a person like myself I do it to save money, to produce safe reloads, with sufficient accuracy for the shooting I mainly do (shooting under spotlight at less than 200 metres). Someone else may be target shooting at 500 plus metres. So very fine accuracy and consistency are likely to be much higher priorities. Context is everything.

[JimTom]

l know blokes who anneal after every shot because they want everything to be the exact same every time they shoot, very micro
you will get better case life by annealing no doubt about it
myself some cases l anneal for would not last 1 shot if l didn't anneal (wildcats) yet some get done only when prepping them at the start
some of my cases are shot 20 plus times and are retired when a few primer pockets start getting loose
l can tell when the necks are starting to harden up by feel when seating and by dial on my arbor press
l do not see it a job for the beginner but we all have to start somewhere and should not be scared to try if you do your research and listen to those who know
the most important thing l say to any beginner who asks what to do is to have a look at the person who is giving advice's target to see if they are talkers or walkers

Thanks for the reply mate. Appreciate your input. My apologies Oldbloke for hijacking your thread.

[TassieTiger]

Up until about 5 years ago - in my world - a bullet was a bullet...difference in prices, was for brand name only and reloads were something dangerous, that old mad bastard down the road did and everyone was waiting for him to blow himself up.
Once I dipped a toe - I had a lot more questions than answers...and between a local friend and a few good ppl on here, ive waded to where I can get by and have confidence in my ability to replicate a load successfully - but thinking back to being a complete newbie? It can be very overwhelming...even the language can be confusing...

[Oldbloke]

To give beginners an idea of current reloading costs I ran some calcs in an xls sheet I have. NOTE: The costs I punched in were from memory and obviously if you bulk buy you can do better. But should serve as a guide.

223 Sample.JPG (68.33 KiB) Viewed 9572 times

30-06 Example.JPG (68.36 KiB) Viewed 9572 times

[Diamond Jim]

I began loading in the '70s with a Lee Classic loader in 20G shotgun. I moved on to a shared Super Simplex loading .22Hornet for years before adding a pistol calibre when I started IPSC. I eventually bought a Lee Pro 1000 off eBay for about $120 then a second Pro 1000 for about the same (the Pro 1000 can also be used for some rifle calibres, I use mine with a dedicated turret for rifle after removing the spiral rod that advances the shell plate), then a Lee Load-All for shotgun then a cheap Chinese O-frame press for $90 new on eBay that I use for longer cases and other jobs.
I load 7 calibres/gauges. I also have a Lee Classic kit for .one of my rifles and it did the job for a long time.
I have a lot of other bits and pieces - scales, de-burrers, powder throwers, powder trickler... but I didn't buy it all at once. it's been collected as I needed it over 45 years.
Buy the basics and add as you require - it hurts a lot less if you decide reloading isn't for you