Time to start reloading-where to start...

TGDKY · June 15, 2011, 10:37 PM

I have a nice area setup- and I'm ready to take on reloading. I shoot seldom but I want custom loads. What's the best route to go? I would like to start with the basics. Press, scale, etc... Thank you all!!!

Ideal Tool · June 15, 2011, 11:04 PM

Hello, TGDKY. Glad to hear your taking the plunge! Need a bit more info though..what cal.? rifles, pistol,revolver, or shotgun?

Woodencardboard · June 15, 2011, 11:39 PM

I started by reading the ABC's of reloading cover to cover. Then decide what caliber you want to reload. Then buy one of the many beginners kits such as the rcbs master reloader kit. You'll find you want and need other things (tumbler, trimmer, etc) IMO that's a good place to start. It's a wonderful hobby I like reloading almost as much as I like shooting. Hope you enjoy it as much as the rest of us.

TGDKY · June 16, 2011, 05:37 AM

I will be loading for rifles, mainly. My first challenge will be 3006 cases- expanded to accept a .312 bullet. Thanks for all your help!!

TGDKY · June 16, 2011, 06:53 AM

LEE 50Th Anniversary Breech Lock Reloading Kit 90050- how does everyone feel about this? I think its a great deal for a beginner

Cruz5350 · June 16, 2011, 07:35 AM

I just picked up the RCBS Rock Chucker kit and I couldn't be more pleased with it.

capreppy · June 16, 2011, 07:37 AM

"LEE 50Th Anniversary Breech Lock Reloading Kit 90050- how does everyone feel about this? I think its a great deal for a beginner"

I bought this kit from Cabela's for $89.00 to supplement my Hornady LnL AP.

This is a very good kit for someone just getting started.

My only complaint is the spent primer catcher can be hit and miss. FOR ME, it is more miss than hit. Others are able to make it work, but it has been a challenge for me. The Lee press is primarly used for decapping brass that I don't have a Hornady AP Shellplate for. It is also used for sizing and bullet seating for my hunting loads.

Otherwise I like the press. The kit comes with the basics. Eventually you will replace the scale and probably the powder measure. I've not used the powder measure as I individually weigh all of my hunting rifle loads. Plus the powders I use for my hunting rifle won't measure for crap. All of my other loads are done on the Hornady.

The scale, although a little challenging to use initially, is VERY accurate. Again, when you have some additional funds, I would upgrade it. The Dillon Eliminator is a very good scale (copy of the RCBS 5-0-5 scale, but $40 to $50 cheaper).

serf 'rett · June 16, 2011, 08:07 AM

+1 on The ABCs of Reloading.

IMO, the starting place for reloading is not a reloading kit or cartridge components, but it's education. You can get a good simple overview from the sticky post at the upper part of this reloading page. You will need reloading manuals. If you study The ABCs of Reloading, the sticky and at least one manual, you will gain a better understanding of reloading equipment, material and processes.

Are you only going to reload for a single rifle? A single stage press is likely the best choice for low volume; however, if you will be reloading to feed a brace of pistols, then you may want to consider a turret or progressive. You haven't given us much information, so it's difficult to point you a direction which helps you not to waste dollars on unneeded items.

I think, the question of where to start is best answered by saying do your homework. Read about and study the process then, once you have a basic grasp of reloading, it would be great if you could find someone near you who reloads and ask them questions. If you’re one of those people who don’t read or need directions, then I strongly advise you not to reload. Reloading is a very precise process and a lack of attention can result in weapon destruction, injury or death. It is not for everyone. But if you do your homework, you will have a better idea of what you will need for what you intend and will find that reloading can be very enjoyable.

serf 'rett · June 16, 2011, 08:19 AM

+1 on the RCBS Rock Chucker kit.

I've been very pleased with this kit. High quality press, scale, powder measure, hand primer.

Sevens · June 16, 2011, 08:27 AM

Don't do the Lee Breech Lock Challenger kit.

It's not a horrible press, but it's absolutely at the far, low end of all single stage presses. It's not nearly as durable as many other options. If all you wanted to do was .38 Special, it would work fairly well.

Get in to bottle neck rifle rounds that require a lot more force on resizing and now you will need strength. You need strength for long-term durability and you will need strength to resist frame flex.

Look at the Lee Classic Cast or better yet, the Lee Classic Turret press. For the money they cost, these two presses are the steals in the industry. The Classic Cast is every bit as good as the Rock Chucker and it's more versatile, and costs less. Made in the USA.

jmortimer · June 16, 2011, 09:34 AM

I would get Lyman's 49th and Modern Reloading by Richard Lee and start building your set-up around a Lee Precision Classic Turret. Midway USA used to sell ABCs of reloading and it was lower rated than either Modern Reloading - most popular- and Lyman's 49th. I use powder manufacturers sites for load data.

AllenJ · June 16, 2011, 09:37 AM

+2 on The ABC's of Reloading

+2 on RCBS Rock Chucker kit

Read all you can on reloading. Most reloading manuals have good sections on the basics but the ABCs of Reloading gets in depth and has great information.

I have owned my Rock Chucker kit for over 30 years now and every piece of it is still going strong.

TGDKY · June 16, 2011, 11:24 AM

I found a single stage herters press that takes standard 7/8" dies. I can get it for a steal. Its older but appears to be built like a tank.

Edward429451 · June 16, 2011, 11:53 AM

That Herters press should be fine. If not then don't take any chances and just get the RCBS Rockchucker and be done with it.

Twinsig · June 16, 2011, 12:03 PM

+1 on Lee Anniv kit to get started

Don H · June 16, 2011, 12:23 PM

Have you read the stickie at the top of this forum? http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230171

mikld · June 16, 2011, 12:52 PM

In the late 70s I did a lot of reading and then bought a Lee Loader in 38 Special. I learned a lot using that tool, but I'm not suggesting one as a starter; too slow for many (I still use one occationally, when I feel "retro"). Any single stage press by any of the standard manufacturers will do fine (Lee, RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, etc.). Don't forget to look at used equipment, I saw a Pacific press on ebay yesterday for less than $25.00. I personally don't like "kits" as I prefer to research and purchase each piece of equipment as I need it (my bench is two shades of red, green, orange, and black) and there are a lot of tools available to use when reloading that aren't dedicated reloading tools. But first; ABCs of Reloading, Lyman's 49th Edition Reloading Handbook. Buy 'em, read 'em and you will have an idea of what equipment suits your reloading needs.

Ideal Tool · June 16, 2011, 06:42 PM

Hello, TGDKY. You mentioned reloading for .30-06 & neck expanding to .312.
Why this dimension? Are you planning on shooting cast bullets? or is bore oversize..that sounds kind of large for an 06'. Now if we were talking about the old .30 US..AKA .30-40 Krag..those tubes varied quite a bit..mine is .310".
just curious. Thanks.

William T. Watts · June 16, 2011, 07:15 PM

I agree with Cruz5350 a rockchucker kit is a good press to start with, it will last a lifetime if you keep it cleaned and oiled. The ABC'S of reloading is another good product, buy quality dies like RCBS, Hornady, Lyman etc, I'm using most of my original dies and the RCBS 505 scale I purchased 30 or more years ago! William

TGDKY · June 16, 2011, 07:58 PM

Ideal tool- I'm reloading for an ariska 99 converted to 3006- 7.7mm originally- so ill try a .312 in a 3006 case.

William T. Watts · June 16, 2011, 08:14 PM

A custom set of dies for your rifle may be in order, otherwise you may have a problem with your necks cracking because of reducing and over expanding the neck of a 30/06 case for a .312 bullet. Standard 30/06 dies aren't going to do what you want, you may have to neck size only. With little to no experience I hope you can find someone to give a little hands on help. It would be be better to start out with a standard caliber before you jump off into a project like your talking about. William

Clifford L. Hughes · June 17, 2011, 06:06 PM

Tgdky:

Don't buy a Herter's press, modern shell holders won't fit it without an adapter. I beg of you not to skimp when you purchase a press. Any of the major brands are fine, Hornady and RCBS, among others, are first class equipment. My preference is the RCBS starter kit. About 1964 I was using a Pacific Delux Pro O that consatntly seated the primers up side down. Consequently, I purchased a RCBS Rock Chucker and I've been using it ever since.

Semper Fi.

Gunnery sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired

TGDKY · June 18, 2011, 09:33 AM

Ok I definately won't go with a herters press. How does everyone feel about a lyman m5 scale?

buck460XVR · June 18, 2011, 10:47 AM

The Rockchukker kit has everything you need to start reloading other than dies, components and a caliper. The tools within it are all quality and most reloaders will never need a better scale, powder measure or press. For loading bottle neck rifle cases you will also need a trimmer.

Shootest · June 18, 2011, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Ok I definately won't go with a herters press. How does everyone feel about a lyman m5 scale?

The Dillon balance beam scale cost about the same but is far more reliable than the Lyman. It is every bit as good as and cost less than the RCBS.

June 15, 2011, 10:37 PM	#1
TGDKY Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Posts: 135	Time to start reloading-where to start... I have a nice area setup- and I'm ready to take on reloading. I shoot seldom but I want custom loads. What's the best route to go? I would like to start with the basics. Press, scale, etc... Thank you all!!! __________________ ‘‘To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them...’’ “An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.”

June 16, 2011, 05:37 AM	#4
TGDKY Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Posts: 135	I will be loading for rifles, mainly. My first challenge will be 3006 cases- expanded to accept a .312 bullet. Thanks for all your help!! __________________ ‘‘To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them...’’ “An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.”

June 16, 2011, 06:53 AM	#5
TGDKY Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Posts: 135	LEE 50Th Anniversary Breech Lock Reloading Kit 90050- how does everyone feel about this? I think its a great deal for a beginner __________________ ‘‘To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them...’’ “An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.”

June 16, 2011, 08:07 AM	#8
serf 'rett Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2009 Location: Stuttgart, AR Posts: 1,569	+1 on The ABCs of Reloading. IMO, the starting place for reloading is not a reloading kit or cartridge components, but it's education. You can get a good simple overview from the sticky post at the upper part of this reloading page. You will need reloading manuals. If you study The ABCs of Reloading, the sticky and at least one manual, you will gain a better understanding of reloading equipment, material and processes. Are you only going to reload for a single rifle? A single stage press is likely the best choice for low volume; however, if you will be reloading to feed a brace of pistols, then you may want to consider a turret or progressive. You haven't given us much information, so it's difficult to point you a direction which helps you not to waste dollars on unneeded items. I think, the question of where to start is best answered by saying do your homework. Read about and study the process then, once you have a basic grasp of reloading, it would be great if you could find someone near you who reloads and ask them questions. If you’re one of those people who don’t read or need directions, then I strongly advise you not to reload. Reloading is a very precise process and a lack of attention can result in weapon destruction, injury or death. It is not for everyone. But if you do your homework, you will have a better idea of what you will need for what you intend and will find that reloading can be very enjoyable. __________________ A lack of planning on your part does not necessarily constitute an emergency on my part.

June 16, 2011, 08:19 AM	#9
serf 'rett Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2009 Location: Stuttgart, AR Posts: 1,569	+1 on the RCBS Rock Chucker kit. I've been very pleased with this kit. High quality press, scale, powder measure, hand primer. __________________ A lack of planning on your part does not necessarily constitute an emergency on my part.

June 15, 2011, 11:04 PM	#2
Ideal Tool Junior member Join Date: October 6, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,080	Hello, TGDKY. Glad to hear your taking the plunge! Need a bit more info though..what cal.? rifles, pistol,revolver, or shotgun?

June 15, 2011, 11:39 PM	#3
Woodencardboard Member Join Date: June 15, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 46	I started by reading the ABC's of reloading cover to cover. Then decide what caliber you want to reload. Then buy one of the many beginners kits such as the rcbs master reloader kit. You'll find you want and need other things (tumbler, trimmer, etc) IMO that's a good place to start. It's a wonderful hobby I like reloading almost as much as I like shooting. Hope you enjoy it as much as the rest of us.

June 16, 2011, 07:35 AM	#6
Cruz5350 Member Join Date: October 28, 2010 Posts: 63	I just picked up the RCBS Rock Chucker kit and I couldn't be more pleased with it.

June 16, 2011, 07:37 AM	#7
capreppy Member Join Date: February 5, 2011 Location: North Fort Worth, TX (Saginaw) Posts: 44	"LEE 50Th Anniversary Breech Lock Reloading Kit 90050- how does everyone feel about this? I think its a great deal for a beginner" I bought this kit from Cabela's for $89.00 to supplement my Hornady LnL AP. This is a very good kit for someone just getting started. My only complaint is the spent primer catcher can be hit and miss. FOR ME, it is more miss than hit. Others are able to make it work, but it has been a challenge for me. The Lee press is primarly used for decapping brass that I don't have a Hornady AP Shellplate for. It is also used for sizing and bullet seating for my hunting loads. Otherwise I like the press. The kit comes with the basics. Eventually you will replace the scale and probably the powder measure. I've not used the powder measure as I individually weigh all of my hunting rifle loads. Plus the powders I use for my hunting rifle won't measure for crap. All of my other loads are done on the Hornady. The scale, although a little challenging to use initially, is VERY accurate. Again, when you have some additional funds, I would upgrade it. The Dillon Eliminator is a very good scale (copy of the RCBS 5-0-5 scale, but $40 to $50 cheaper).

June 16, 2011, 08:27 AM	#10
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Don't do the Lee Breech Lock Challenger kit. It's not a horrible press, but it's absolutely at the far, low end of all single stage presses. It's not nearly as durable as many other options. If all you wanted to do was .38 Special, it would work fairly well. Get in to bottle neck rifle rounds that require a lot more force on resizing and now you will need strength. You need strength for long-term durability and you will need strength to resist frame flex. Look at the Lee Classic Cast or better yet, the Lee Classic Turret press. For the money they cost, these two presses are the steals in the industry. The Classic Cast is every bit as good as the Rock Chucker and it's more versatile, and costs less. Made in the USA. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

June 16, 2011, 09:34 AM	#11
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	I would get Lyman's 49th and Modern Reloading by Richard Lee and start building your set-up around a Lee Precision Classic Turret. Midway USA used to sell ABCs of reloading and it was lower rated than either Modern Reloading - most popular- and Lyman's 49th. I use powder manufacturers sites for load data.

June 16, 2011, 09:37 AM	#12
AllenJ Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,766	+2 on The ABC's of Reloading +2 on RCBS Rock Chucker kit Read all you can on reloading. Most reloading manuals have good sections on the basics but the ABCs of Reloading gets in depth and has great information. I have owned my Rock Chucker kit for over 30 years now and every piece of it is still going strong.

June 16, 2011, 11:24 AM	#13
TGDKY Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Posts: 135	I found a single stage herters press that takes standard 7/8" dies. I can get it for a steal. Its older but appears to be built like a tank. __________________ ‘‘To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them...’’ “An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.”

June 16, 2011, 11:53 AM	#14
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	That Herters press should be fine. If not then don't take any chances and just get the RCBS Rockchucker and be done with it.

June 16, 2011, 12:03 PM	#15
Twinsig Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Location: East Alabama Posts: 235	+1 on Lee Anniv kit to get started __________________ I also have Fire Extinguishers, hope I never need those either.

June 16, 2011, 12:23 PM	#16
Don H Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2000 Location: SLC,Utah Posts: 2,704	Have you read the stickie at the top of this forum? http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230171 __________________ Don http://www.utahconcealedcarry.com/forum/

June 16, 2011, 12:52 PM	#17
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	In the late 70s I did a lot of reading and then bought a Lee Loader in 38 Special. I learned a lot using that tool, but I'm not suggesting one as a starter; too slow for many (I still use one occationally, when I feel "retro"). Any single stage press by any of the standard manufacturers will do fine (Lee, RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, etc.). Don't forget to look at used equipment, I saw a Pacific press on ebay yesterday for less than $25.00. I personally don't like "kits" as I prefer to research and purchase each piece of equipment as I need it (my bench is two shades of red, green, orange, and black) and there are a lot of tools available to use when reloading that aren't dedicated reloading tools. But first; ABCs of Reloading, Lyman's 49th Edition Reloading Handbook. Buy 'em, read 'em and you will have an idea of what equipment suits your reloading needs. __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

June 16, 2011, 06:42 PM	#18
Ideal Tool Junior member Join Date: October 6, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,080	Hello, TGDKY. You mentioned reloading for .30-06 & neck expanding to .312. Why this dimension? Are you planning on shooting cast bullets? or is bore oversize..that sounds kind of large for an 06'. Now if we were talking about the old .30 US..AKA .30-40 Krag..those tubes varied quite a bit..mine is .310". just curious. Thanks.

June 16, 2011, 07:15 PM	#19
William T. Watts Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2010 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 1,074	I agree with Cruz5350 a rockchucker kit is a good press to start with, it will last a lifetime if you keep it cleaned and oiled. The ABC'S of reloading is another good product, buy quality dies like RCBS, Hornady, Lyman etc, I'm using most of my original dies and the RCBS 505 scale I purchased 30 or more years ago! William

June 16, 2011, 07:58 PM	#20
TGDKY Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Posts: 135	Ideal tool- I'm reloading for an ariska 99 converted to 3006- 7.7mm originally- so ill try a .312 in a 3006 case. __________________ ‘‘To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them...’’ “An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.”

June 16, 2011, 08:14 PM	#21
William T. Watts Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2010 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 1,074	A custom set of dies for your rifle may be in order, otherwise you may have a problem with your necks cracking because of reducing and over expanding the neck of a 30/06 case for a .312 bullet. Standard 30/06 dies aren't going to do what you want, you may have to neck size only. With little to no experience I hope you can find someone to give a little hands on help. It would be be better to start out with a standard caliber before you jump off into a project like your talking about. William

June 17, 2011, 06:06 PM	#22
Clifford L. Hughes Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2011 Location: Southern Californis Posts: 795	Tgdky: Don't buy a Herter's press, modern shell holders won't fit it without an adapter. I beg of you not to skimp when you purchase a press. Any of the major brands are fine, Hornady and RCBS, among others, are first class equipment. My preference is the RCBS starter kit. About 1964 I was using a Pacific Delux Pro O that consatntly seated the primers up side down. Consequently, I purchased a RCBS Rock Chucker and I've been using it ever since. Semper Fi. Gunnery sergeant Clifford L. Hughes USMC Retired

June 18, 2011, 09:33 AM	#23
TGDKY Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Posts: 135	Ok I definately won't go with a herters press. How does everyone feel about a lyman m5 scale? __________________ ‘‘To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them...’’ “An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.”

June 18, 2011, 10:47 AM	#24
buck460XVR Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Posts: 4,342	The Rockchukker kit has everything you need to start reloading other than dies, components and a caliper. The tools within it are all quality and most reloaders will never need a better scale, powder measure or press. For loading bottle neck rifle cases you will also need a trimmer.