The reloading begins...

[aaronjo]

Hornady reloading kit, check.
Sako .223 brass, check.
Nosler 55gr ballistic tips, check.
Federal primers, check.
ADI 2206H, check.
Read up and watched as many videos as possible, check.

Now it begins and to be honest I'm a little scared....

Any last bits of advice before I start?

Tikka .223 Varmint in 1/8 twist.

[Noisydad]

Resize the brass. Fit primers. Weigh powder and tip it in the cases. Fit bullets. Shoot. Enjoy!

[Strikey]

Read the instructions for setting up your dies before you start, have you got some case lube, it can be a bugger removing stuck cases from FLS dies and something that I always recommend for a newbie to reloading is get a copy of Nick Harvey's reloading manual, after all that enjoy your new hobby

[sandgroperbill]

take it slow and pay attention and she'll be right

[sandgroperbill]

oh, and buy calipers to measure lengths

[David Brown]

Not sure what the load data is like for the accubond in 55gn, but the Siera soft point BT's that I have been using work really well at 26GN of 2206H. Thats MAX and no more!

The funny thing is depending on which data you look at you get a max amount that is different. Confusing hey. So my load came from an RAAF explosives guy who loads all manner of things. So be careful just ramping up, but you might find that works well for you, or maybe a bit less. The ammo I am making is really accurate too, far better than me! And I just have a RAR in 223.

Have fun and take it slowly to start with.

[aaronjo]

A bit more involved than I thought but it could just be me getting used to the whole process. Made up 2 batches of 12, looking forward to the next range day to test them out and go forward from there.

[Supporter]

Now it begins and to be honest I'm a little scared....

Any last bits of advice before I start?

Ha ha.

Honestly mate, don't worry.

Safe reloading is not hard to do. You've said you've done plenty of reading etc. so you're in a good position to start (and you have already ). Just double check you read the load data right and pay attention, don't be watching a moving and talking with the mrs the first time you reload

If in doubt or if something goes sidewards ask before you push on with 100 rounds.

At the end if you've got a cartridge with the right amount of powder in it, the bullet is seated to the right depth and you haven't squashed any brass you did it right.

[zobster]

you forgot the tumbler, or are you not planning to tumble?

[Supporter]

Saving money, going to lick the brass clean

[aaronjo]

Saving money, going to lick the brass clean

Eeww...!

Nah, I got a Hornady dry tumbler. Been so busy I havent even tried the loads I've made yet, need to head to the range...

[Herdsman]

Mmmmm, delicious carbon fouling

[Baronvonrort]

Mmmmm, delicious carbon fouling

It's called Carbonara.

[aaronjo]

Mmmmm, delicious carbon fouling

It's called Carbonara.

That is GOLD!

[sarki]

Sprinkle of smokeless powder and a splash of solvent for seasoning