Beginners guide to reloading.

BigTex308 · May 27, 2013, 04:43 PM

Hey yall. I'm about to start work on a YouTube series of the basics of reloading.

I'm looking for advice on what all I should include. There's a lot of information to go over so it'll be quite a few videos.

I just don't want to leave anything out.

First episode will be equipment selection and why reload.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

Ike

m&p45acp10+1 · May 27, 2013, 05:06 PM

Start with suggesting reading the first of a manual like Lyman 49th or such before buying any equipment, or supplies. Then they should read it again before taking the equipment out of the box. I know it may sound anal. It prevents a lot of headaches for the novice if they do so. It also shows one that they had the determination to get it right from the get go.

mmb713 · May 27, 2013, 07:16 PM

+1 on reading a good manual. The Speer manual came with my RCBS kit and I read that first and it walked me through every step including how to adjust the dies, component selection and of course data. I had no one to show me how to reload and that manual got me started. I still have two eyes and ten fingers and no damaged guns so I guess I did ok. A good kit and a set of dies is probably the best way to get started with equipment. If one just wants to piece together tools to get started the must have, IMO, are a single-stage press, scale, dies and shell holder, powder dispenser, hand priming tool, dial caliper, loading block, ammo boxes and if loading for rifle a lube pad and lube. And components of course. Good luck finding them right now to get started...

dmazur · May 27, 2013, 07:48 PM

You might consider covering "fit" of equipment to the reloader's needs, and explain various types of reloading.

Then do one on single stage press use, batch mode, pistol.

Introduce headspace and trimming and show single stage, batch mode, bottleneck rifle.

Then show progressive press use, pistol.

It is a very broad field to cover...

Good luck.

velillen · May 27, 2013, 11:13 PM

Keep the videos short by breaking them up. There's nothing more annoying to me than having a 45 minute video that covers tons of things. id rather have a 5 minute video that just covers one topic.

Other than that id break it up into something along the lines of

-THe basics which you talk about the types of presses, equipment needed, manuals, pretty much just what one needs to get into reloading.

-Component Selection. Not one people seem to cover. But talk about the benifits of using lead vs FMJ vs plated bullets. Talk about powder choices (ie why does a 44mag like different powder than a 9mm). Explain the "recipes" and proper way to use them (building up, ect)

-Pistol Case prep. Be a short one but quick video on the depriming, resizing, proper bell amount, and priming. Make notes that depending on the press these can be preformed as you reload

-Pistol loading. Ties in the last two videos to actually make ammo. Show EVERYTHING. Dont have the damn powder thrower actually set. Nothing annoys me more when people explain reloading and have things already set. Show the zeroing of the scale, adjusting powder throw, ect. Then how to actually setup the dies. Like from here they are in the packaging to screwing them into the press.

Rifle Case Prep. Bit longer than the pistol one. Explain trimming (and why), swaging primer pockets (if needed), lubing cases, sizing, tumbling lube off, ect.

-Rifle Loading - Do the same as the pistol but with a rifle round obviously.

-A "warning signs" video. Might be hard to get everything but people always talk about watch for flattened primers or watch this and that when building a load up. Would be nice ot have a video that shows what those things look like.

Anyways theres what id like to see

BigTex308 · May 27, 2013, 11:17 PM

Thanks for all the replies so far! There is so much to cover! Gonna be a lot of videos lol. I definatley agree with keeping it short. I hate a 45min video.

Keep the suggestions coming! Great stuff so far.

Ike

spacecoast · May 28, 2013, 09:09 AM

While reading a manual is one way to educate yourself, there are a number of other ways to do it, such as reading the instruction sheets that come with your dies, watching Youtube videos, reading how-tos and sticky messages on The Firing Line, reading manufacturers' web sites, etc. I've been reloading for 3-1/2 years and don't even have a manual, they're really not necessary if you utilize the other sources available, compile a database of load data suitable to what you are doing and apply some caution and common sense.

You might do a "resources" video describing and/or listing the various online and paper sources and how important it is to do your research before making major purchases. I would also suggest that you mention that it's not necessary to spend $500-$1K to get into reloading, and that the latest and greatest progressive press is not (and may never be) the best reloading tool until you get your feet wet and understand the basics.

Real Gun · May 28, 2013, 09:18 AM

Make a list of terminology peculiar and essential to reloading and cover the meaning of each, including close up pictures, where applicable. Putting each term in context is a big education right there.

BigD_in_FL · May 28, 2013, 10:19 AM

What about shotgun? And the differences in equipment and components?

mmb713 · May 29, 2013, 12:29 AM

Quote:

While reading a manual is one way to educate yourself, there are a number of other ways to do it, such as reading the instruction sheets that come with your dies, watching Youtube videos, reading how-tos and sticky messages on The Firing Line, reading manufacturers' web sites, etc. I've been reloading for 3-1/2 years and don't even have a manual, they're really not necessary if you utilize the other sources available, compile a database of load data suitable to what you are doing and apply some caution and common sense.

Ah, yes. Using the unassailable veracity of internet wisdom to assemble handloads instead of a published manual. What could possibly go wrong?

Real Gun · May 29, 2013, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Ah, yes. Using the unassailable veracity of internet wisdom to assemble handloads instead of a published manual. What could possibly go wrong?

I seem to be getting advice that the manuals are worthless too.

BigTex308 · May 29, 2013, 08:31 AM

Definitely need a good manual. I get most of my load data from.hodgdons website but a good manual is a must especially for beginners. All it takes is one piece of bad information from some idiot on the internet and that guy that just stared reloading blows up his face.

There's a wealth of great information on the net but there's bad stuff too. If somebody doesn't know better the results can be catastrophic.

Great ideas so far! Thanks for all the replies

Ike

David Bachelder · May 29, 2013, 09:53 AM

Safety.

Nuff said.

spacecoast · May 29, 2013, 10:30 AM

Manual are subject to misprints, and once they are out in public they can't usually be corrected, unlike a web site. A powder manufacturer's web site is a good source for load data, but I would never try a new load without bouncing it against what I know about other loads of similar weight, etc. Like I said, a little common sense is also necessary.

er775 · May 29, 2013, 12:25 PM

cover headspacing!!! when I was first starting out that was the one topic I had the hardest time trying to find info on,,,everywhere i looked it was the same explanation but worded in ways that was somewhat confusing, a video with a basic explanation of what headspacing is,its importance and how to check it would benefit alot of people, theres tons of how to videos out there especially on youtube but they are all about the same things,,make some vids that details some other aspects of reloading that the majority of other guys dont touch base on

velillen · May 29, 2013, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigTex308

Definitely need a good manual. I get most of my load data from.hodgdons website but a good manual is a must especially for beginners. All it takes is one piece of bad information from some idiot on the internet and that guy that just stared reloading blows up his face.

There's a wealth of great information on the net but there's bad stuff too. If somebody doesn't know better the results can be catastrophic.

Great ideas so far! Thanks for all the replies

Ike

I agree a manual is a must and I have three. But as stated they can be wrong. I got the hornady just for 300 blackout data and the book had errors such as wrong trim length. Double checking on the internet is a nice triple check.

Watching a video is also nice to actually see. Like crimping you can show from a super light crimp up to way to heavy. Vs a book you just read about it and don't see it

BigTex308 · May 29, 2013, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velillen

I agree a manual is a must and I have three. But as stated they can be wrong. I got the hornady just for 300 blackout data and the book had errors such as wrong trim length. Double checking on the internet is a nice triple check.

Watching a video is also nice to actually see. Like crimping you can show from a super light crimp up to way to heavy. Vs a book you just read about it and don't see it

I have the Lyman Speer and Lee. As a general rule of thumb I cross check all data with 1-2 other sources. Either another manual and/or the powder manufacturers data online. Just to make sure

Ike

Silver00LT · May 29, 2013, 03:45 PM

I just started my "Reloading on a Budget" series...take your time and put as much resource into it as possible.

Just go about it how you would teach someone in person. Add a disclaimer to void you of any potential threats of a civil suit, and have fun.

Remember, simple, short & sweet is what gets views. If you monetize make sure you understand the rules and regulations on what can be in your videos.

BigTex308 · May 29, 2013, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver00LT

I just started my "Reloading on a Budget" series...take your time and put as much resource into it as possible.

Just go about it how you would teach someone in person. Add a disclaimer to void you of any potential threats of a civil suit, and have fun.

Remember, simple, short & sweet is what gets views. If you monetize make sure you understand the rules and regulations on what can be in your videos.

Thanks! I figure if I'm going to do it I'm going to do it right. There's do much mis information out there I want to give the best I can.

Been compiling ideas for about a month now. Probably going to start filming this weekend

Ike

Lost Sheep · May 29, 2013, 05:26 PM

Ike (BigTex308),

There are so many videos out there, some even are serialized to present a continuum of information, so I wondered what possibly you could bring to the collection that was new. Finally, I have an dea to share.

I don't know how much experience you have reloading, but from scanning through your other posts, I see that you have some.

Here is my idea (in two versions)

If you were a rank beginner, you record yourself as you learn/discover the basics and it would be a guide of how to learn for other beginners.

If you are an expert (and so as not to overwhelm your video audience) you could enlist the aid of a rank beginner and show how you mentored your protege (and, by extension, your viewers).

Either of these approaches, I think, would give a novice viewing your recordings an accessible experience to which he/she could relate. And relate to in a way that no other YouTube videos I have seen enables.

Just a thought. Good luck in your project.

Lost Sheep

May 27, 2013, 04:43 PM	#1
BigTex308 Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 259	Beginners guide to reloading. Hey yall. I'm about to start work on a YouTube series of the basics of reloading. I'm looking for advice on what all I should include. There's a lot of information to go over so it'll be quite a few videos. I just don't want to leave anything out. First episode will be equipment selection and why reload. Any help is appreciated. Thanks! Ike

May 27, 2013, 05:06 PM	#2
m&p45acp10+1 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,947	Start with suggesting reading the first of a manual like Lyman 49th or such before buying any equipment, or supplies. Then they should read it again before taking the equipment out of the box. I know it may sound anal. It prevents a lot of headaches for the novice if they do so. It also shows one that they had the determination to get it right from the get go. __________________ No matter how many times you do it and nothing happens it only takes something going wrong one time to kill you.

May 29, 2013, 08:31 AM	#12
BigTex308 Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 259	Re: Beginners guide to reloading. Definitely need a good manual. I get most of my load data from.hodgdons website but a good manual is a must especially for beginners. All it takes is one piece of bad information from some idiot on the internet and that guy that just stared reloading blows up his face. There's a wealth of great information on the net but there's bad stuff too. If somebody doesn't know better the results can be catastrophic. Great ideas so far! Thanks for all the replies Ike

May 29, 2013, 09:53 AM	#13
David Bachelder Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2011 Location: Trinity, Texas Posts: 637	Safety. Nuff said. __________________ David Bachelder Trinity, Texas I load, 9mm Luger, 38 and 40 S&W, 38 Special, 357Magnum, 45ACP, 45 Colt, 223, 300 AAC, 243 and 30-06

May 29, 2013, 05:26 PM	#20
Lost Sheep Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2009 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 3,341	Got hold of a beginner Ike (BigTex308), There are so many videos out there, some even are serialized to present a continuum of information, so I wondered what possibly you could bring to the collection that was new. Finally, I have an dea to share. I don't know how much experience you have reloading, but from scanning through your other posts, I see that you have some. Here is my idea (in two versions) If you were a rank beginner, you record yourself as you learn/discover the basics and it would be a guide of how to learn for other beginners. If you are an expert (and so as not to overwhelm your video audience) you could enlist the aid of a rank beginner and show how you mentored your protege (and, by extension, your viewers). Either of these approaches, I think, would give a novice viewing your recordings an accessible experience to which he/she could relate. And relate to in a way that no other YouTube videos I have seen enables. Just a thought. Good luck in your project. Lost Sheep

May 27, 2013, 07:16 PM	#3
mmb713 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2011 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 421	+1 on reading a good manual. The Speer manual came with my RCBS kit and I read that first and it walked me through every step including how to adjust the dies, component selection and of course data. I had no one to show me how to reload and that manual got me started. I still have two eyes and ten fingers and no damaged guns so I guess I did ok. A good kit and a set of dies is probably the best way to get started with equipment. If one just wants to piece together tools to get started the must have, IMO, are a single-stage press, scale, dies and shell holder, powder dispenser, hand priming tool, dial caliper, loading block, ammo boxes and if loading for rifle a lube pad and lube. And components of course. Good luck finding them right now to get started...

May 27, 2013, 07:48 PM	#4
dmazur Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2007 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 1,310	You might consider covering "fit" of equipment to the reloader's needs, and explain various types of reloading. Then do one on single stage press use, batch mode, pistol. Introduce headspace and trimming and show single stage, batch mode, bottleneck rifle. Then show progressive press use, pistol. It is a very broad field to cover... Good luck.

May 27, 2013, 11:13 PM	#5
velillen Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 93	Keep the videos short by breaking them up. There's nothing more annoying to me than having a 45 minute video that covers tons of things. id rather have a 5 minute video that just covers one topic. Other than that id break it up into something along the lines of -THe basics which you talk about the types of presses, equipment needed, manuals, pretty much just what one needs to get into reloading. -Component Selection. Not one people seem to cover. But talk about the benifits of using lead vs FMJ vs plated bullets. Talk about powder choices (ie why does a 44mag like different powder than a 9mm). Explain the "recipes" and proper way to use them (building up, ect) -Pistol Case prep. Be a short one but quick video on the depriming, resizing, proper bell amount, and priming. Make notes that depending on the press these can be preformed as you reload -Pistol loading. Ties in the last two videos to actually make ammo. Show EVERYTHING. Dont have the damn powder thrower actually set. Nothing annoys me more when people explain reloading and have things already set. Show the zeroing of the scale, adjusting powder throw, ect. Then how to actually setup the dies. Like from here they are in the packaging to screwing them into the press. Rifle Case Prep. Bit longer than the pistol one. Explain trimming (and why), swaging primer pockets (if needed), lubing cases, sizing, tumbling lube off, ect. -Rifle Loading - Do the same as the pistol but with a rifle round obviously. -A "warning signs" video. Might be hard to get everything but people always talk about watch for flattened primers or watch this and that when building a load up. Would be nice ot have a video that shows what those things look like. Anyways theres what id like to see

May 27, 2013, 11:17 PM	#6
BigTex308 Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 259	Thanks for all the replies so far! There is so much to cover! Gonna be a lot of videos lol. I definatley agree with keeping it short. I hate a 45min video. Keep the suggestions coming! Great stuff so far. Ike

May 28, 2013, 09:09 AM	#7
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	While reading a manual is one way to educate yourself, there are a number of other ways to do it, such as reading the instruction sheets that come with your dies, watching Youtube videos, reading how-tos and sticky messages on The Firing Line, reading manufacturers' web sites, etc. I've been reloading for 3-1/2 years and don't even have a manual, they're really not necessary if you utilize the other sources available, compile a database of load data suitable to what you are doing and apply some caution and common sense. You might do a "resources" video describing and/or listing the various online and paper sources and how important it is to do your research before making major purchases. I would also suggest that you mention that it's not necessary to spend $500-$1K to get into reloading, and that the latest and greatest progressive press is not (and may never be) the best reloading tool until you get your feet wet and understand the basics.

May 28, 2013, 09:18 AM	#8
Real Gun Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: SC Posts: 2,743	Make a list of terminology peculiar and essential to reloading and cover the meaning of each, including close up pictures, where applicable. Putting each term in context is a big education right there.

May 28, 2013, 10:19 AM	#9
BigD_in_FL Junior member Join Date: December 20, 2012 Location: The "Gunshine State" Posts: 1,981	What about shotgun? And the differences in equipment and components?

May 29, 2013, 10:30 AM	#14
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	Manual are subject to misprints, and once they are out in public they can't usually be corrected, unlike a web site. A powder manufacturer's web site is a good source for load data, but I would never try a new load without bouncing it against what I know about other loads of similar weight, etc. Like I said, a little common sense is also necessary.

May 29, 2013, 12:25 PM	#15
er775 Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2011 Posts: 129	cover headspacing!!! when I was first starting out that was the one topic I had the hardest time trying to find info on,,,everywhere i looked it was the same explanation but worded in ways that was somewhat confusing, a video with a basic explanation of what headspacing is,its importance and how to check it would benefit alot of people, theres tons of how to videos out there especially on youtube but they are all about the same things,,make some vids that details some other aspects of reloading that the majority of other guys dont touch base on

May 29, 2013, 03:45 PM	#18
Silver00LT Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 286	I just started my "Reloading on a Budget" series...take your time and put as much resource into it as possible. Just go about it how you would teach someone in person. Add a disclaimer to void you of any potential threats of a civil suit, and have fun. Remember, simple, short & sweet is what gets views. If you monetize make sure you understand the rules and regulations on what can be in your videos.