I'm clueless when it comes to reloading...

Jack45 · December 31, 2009, 10:22 PM

I want to have a reloading gig but I know nothing about it. I don't even know where to start. Could you all direct me to some reliable FAQs so I can learn?

NCMountain · December 31, 2009, 10:42 PM

find someone in your area that would not mind having you over to show you the basics. How do you do this you might say? You go to your local gun shop or range and leave a request if they don't mind and maybe someone will show you the how to get started intro.

Me.....I read and researched online and chose my press and manuals. Then from there I read the manuals over and over then bought my supplies.

bangbangshootshoot · December 31, 2009, 10:46 PM

Jack, go to this thread already in progress:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=391194

Winterhawk56 · January 1, 2010, 01:03 AM

Welcome to TFL and reloading.

I started back in 1979 with a reloading manual (Speer) and read it. then found a couple of friends to show me the ropes. The rest is history so to speak!

BBSS gave you a good locations to start but I suggest buying a reloading book on how to and a reloading manual from anyone of the main manufactures like Speer, Hornady, Nosler, Barnes or Sierra. They talk extensively in the books.

Ask questions in the RL section of TFL and most anyone will help!

Welcome aboard!

Bruin-Hockey · January 1, 2010, 01:45 AM

For the New Reloader: Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST

Look at the top of the page and read this post added by the Staff of TFL Forums. I - like you - am new to this end of the sport. This is a very well written post and gives good common sense directions. I ordered the first book from Amazon and had it in two days - now I feel like I am on the right path.

zxcvbob · January 1, 2010, 02:17 AM

I started reloading about 5 or 6 years ago with a just copy of Lyman's 48th. (they are up to 49 or 50 now) The first 4 or 5 chapters is the good part; before you get to the recipes.

Hook686 · January 1, 2010, 02:25 AM

The current Lyman Reloading Manual is a good starting point to learn this hobby. I suggest you get one and read the first few chapters more than once.

Headgear · January 1, 2010, 07:01 AM

Jack45,

I'm surprised no one said it yet, "get a copy of the ABC's of reloading". It's probably the best thing to read before starting. And you do know that what you are starting is an addiction, right?

Good luck, be safe!

sundog · January 1, 2010, 09:10 AM

Find a certified NRA Reloading Instructor and take the course.

johnjohn · January 1, 2010, 12:29 PM

Folks starting today have a definite advantage. I got started about 15 years ago no one I knew reloaded no internet no nothing but reloading manuals. You read a lot and over and over. Down in this part of the country reloading was kinda' like voodoo or black magic. Shoulda' stayed like that 'cause almost all range brass was once fired!

Don P · January 1, 2010, 07:37 PM

Sticky's at the top of this forum will be a good start. Three books to start, ABC's of reloading, Lee's reloading book, and Lymann's reloading book.

ZeSpectre · January 1, 2010, 07:42 PM

Link to the sticky
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=230171

READ IT!

Buy the "ABC's of reloading". Read it all the way through. Write down your questions (no matter how stupid they seem). Read again. If your questions aren't answered then come back here and ask away.

I haven't been reloading too long myself and had tons of questions, heck some still come up here and there.

No matter what, DON'T BE IN A HURRY. Reloading isn't that tough, but safety is THE most important thing and you MUST be careful because physics doesn't care if you are a nice guy, it only cares if you are careful and attentive to what you are doing.

Welcome to the club.

schmitey · January 2, 2010, 06:36 AM

One thing I've learned is that not all reloading manuals are the same! Like winterfresh I also have a 1979 Speer manual and that thing not only has ballistics tables but also about 100 pages of instructions and troubleshooting procedures.

I recently acquired the 7th Edition Hornady manual and was sadly disappointed! Anyone trying to learn reloading from their pathetic 'instructions' is in for a world of confusion. I can't speak for any of the other brands out there. The Hornady manual is great for load data but you need more instruction than it can provide IMO...

I second trying to find a local reloading expert if at all possible. Just hang out at a range, if you see anyone picking up brass ask them if they reload and go from there!

December 31, 2009, 10:22 PM	#1
Jack45 Junior member Join Date: December 12, 2009 Posts: 17	I'm clueless when it comes to reloading... I want to have a reloading gig but I know nothing about it. I don't even know where to start. Could you all direct me to some reliable FAQs so I can learn?

December 31, 2009, 10:42 PM	#2
NCMountain Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2009 Location: western, NC Posts: 121	The best way is to.......... find someone in your area that would not mind having you over to show you the basics. How do you do this you might say? You go to your local gun shop or range and leave a request if they don't mind and maybe someone will show you the how to get started intro. Me.....I read and researched online and chose my press and manuals. Then from there I read the manuals over and over then bought my supplies. __________________ Ruger GP100 4" SS; Ruger LCP; http://ncmountaingunner.blogspot.com/

December 31, 2009, 10:46 PM	#3
bangbangshootshoot Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 231	Jack, go to this thread already in progress: http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=391194 __________________ All you need for happiness is a good gun, a good horse, and a good wife. -Daniel Boone

January 1, 2010, 02:17 AM	#6
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	I started reloading about 5 or 6 years ago with a just copy of Lyman's 48th. (they are up to 49 or 50 now) The first 4 or 5 chapters is the good part; before you get to the recipes. __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth

January 1, 2010, 02:25 AM	#7
Hook686 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2005 Location: USA The Great State of California Posts: 2,090	The current Lyman Reloading Manual is a good starting point to learn this hobby. I suggest you get one and read the first few chapters more than once. __________________ Hook686 When the number of people in institutions reaches 51%, we change sides.

January 1, 2010, 01:03 AM	#4
Winterhawk56 Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 228	Welcome to TFL and reloading. I started back in 1979 with a reloading manual (Speer) and read it. then found a couple of friends to show me the ropes. The rest is history so to speak! BBSS gave you a good locations to start but I suggest buying a reloading book on how to and a reloading manual from anyone of the main manufactures like Speer, Hornady, Nosler, Barnes or Sierra. They talk extensively in the books. Ask questions in the RL section of TFL and most anyone will help! Welcome aboard!

January 1, 2010, 01:45 AM	#5
Bruin-Hockey Junior Member Join Date: September 27, 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 8	For the New Reloader: Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST Look at the top of the page and read this post added by the Staff of TFL Forums. I - like you - am new to this end of the sport. This is a very well written post and gives good common sense directions. I ordered the first book from Amazon and had it in two days - now I feel like I am on the right path.

January 1, 2010, 07:01 AM	#8
Headgear Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2008 Location: Southeast, IN Posts: 123	Jack45, I'm surprised no one said it yet, "get a copy of the ABC's of reloading". It's probably the best thing to read before starting. And you do know that what you are starting is an addiction, right? Good luck, be safe!

January 1, 2010, 09:10 AM	#9
sundog Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 1999 Location: Green Country, OK Posts: 782	Find a certified NRA Reloading Instructor and take the course. __________________ safety first

January 1, 2010, 12:29 PM	#10
johnjohn Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2009 Location: Baton Rouge La. Posts: 122	Folks starting today have a definite advantage. I got started about 15 years ago no one I knew reloaded no internet no nothing but reloading manuals. You read a lot and over and over. Down in this part of the country reloading was kinda' like voodoo or black magic. Shoulda' stayed like that 'cause almost all range brass was once fired!

January 1, 2010, 07:37 PM	#11
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	Sticky's at the top of this forum will be a good start. Three books to start, ABC's of reloading, Lee's reloading book, and Lymann's reloading book. __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

January 1, 2010, 07:42 PM	#12
ZeSpectre Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Shenandoah Valley Posts: 3,276	Link to the sticky http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=230171 READ IT! Buy the "ABC's of reloading". Read it all the way through. Write down your questions (no matter how stupid they seem). Read again. If your questions aren't answered then come back here and ask away. I haven't been reloading too long myself and had tons of questions, heck some still come up here and there. No matter what, DON'T BE IN A HURRY. Reloading isn't that tough, but safety is THE most important thing and you MUST be careful because physics doesn't care if you are a nice guy, it only cares if you are careful and attentive to what you are doing. Welcome to the club. __________________ "The dogs may bark but the caravan moves on"

January 2, 2010, 06:36 AM	#13
schmitey Junior Member Join Date: January 2, 2010 Posts: 6	One thing I've learned is that not all reloading manuals are the same! Like winterfresh I also have a 1979 Speer manual and that thing not only has ballistics tables but also about 100 pages of instructions and troubleshooting procedures. I recently acquired the 7th Edition Hornady manual and was sadly disappointed! Anyone trying to learn reloading from their pathetic 'instructions' is in for a world of confusion. I can't speak for any of the other brands out there. The Hornady manual is great for load data but you need more instruction than it can provide IMO... I second trying to find a local reloading expert if at all possible. Just hang out at a range, if you see anyone picking up brass ask them if they reload and go from there!