Beginning Reloading?

dla888 · April 14, 2010, 12:00 AM

I want the wise sages on this site to give me some advice.
I'm considering the possibility of reloading. I know the basics, but I've never done it. I'd like to reload .223 brass. Can you guys suggest any books or reloading rigs that work really good for you?

Many thanks

impactco · April 14, 2010, 12:02 AM

Step 1 - read this before you buy anything else:

http://www.amazon.com/Abcs-Reloading...1221339&sr=8-1

dla888 · April 14, 2010, 12:15 AM

Thanks man! This should get me off to a good start.

10-96 · April 14, 2010, 12:39 AM

Pick up a copy of, say, Lyman 49th Edition and then a copy of, say, Hornady Reloading manual. It may sound silly, but once you've been at it a while you'll appreciate the advice of referencing two different sources. The front chapters of each book has very detailed information regarding the processes, steps, cautions, tips, etc that are all corner stones for safe, productive, and enjoyable reloading.

jhansman · April 15, 2010, 12:04 AM

I started with the Lee Anniversary kit. It was affordable and did everything I needed to learn. If your start off with a single-stage setup, you become intimately acquainted with every step of the process. From there you can decide if a turret or progressive is for you.

Sevens · April 15, 2010, 07:31 AM

I don't think it makes sense to go from a single stage to a turret. I think it makes much more sense to start with a turret press.

I use a single stage and it's worked perfectly for 20+ years for me, and though I still recommend that new folks start with a turret press, I don't think it's worth the upgrade from single stage for myself.

Krieger9 · April 15, 2010, 09:56 AM

Just so you know, reloading .223 is a fair amount of work. I think most rifle rounds are but to me the smaller .223 seems to just be a little mroe painful.

Really though this is also enhanced by just how many rounds I shoot since I shoot from an AR.

I find it well worth it as I save a load of money, but it takes a whole lot of time to save that money.

Accuracy kicks ass though.

TXGunNut · April 15, 2010, 10:06 PM

Welcome to the asylum! Please read the stickies and the intro section of at least one manual. Equipment choices will be dictated by the type reloading you wish to do. A Lee handloader and a small box of additional tools may meet your needs. You may be happy with no less than a big loading bench loaded with presses, dies, scales, punches, trimmers and sizers with a bullet casting facility on the workshop. There are many levels in between. It's your decision. Figure out where you're going, someone here has been there and will help show you the way. Have fun, be safe!

April 14, 2010, 12:00 AM	#1
dla888 Junior member Join Date: April 11, 2010 Posts: 25	Beginning Reloading? I want the wise sages on this site to give me some advice. I'm considering the possibility of reloading. I know the basics, but I've never done it. I'd like to reload .223 brass. Can you guys suggest any books or reloading rigs that work really good for you? Many thanks

April 14, 2010, 12:39 AM	#4
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	Pick up a copy of, say, Lyman 49th Edition and then a copy of, say, Hornady Reloading manual. It may sound silly, but once you've been at it a while you'll appreciate the advice of referencing two different sources. The front chapters of each book has very detailed information regarding the processes, steps, cautions, tips, etc that are all corner stones for safe, productive, and enjoyable reloading. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

April 15, 2010, 12:04 AM	#5
jhansman Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2007 Posts: 680	I started with the Lee Anniversary kit. It was affordable and did everything I needed to learn. If your start off with a single-stage setup, you become intimately acquainted with every step of the process. From there you can decide if a turret or progressive is for you. __________________ Blessed is the man who has nothing to say, and cannot be compelled to say it.

April 15, 2010, 07:31 AM	#6
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I don't think it makes sense to go from a single stage to a turret. I think it makes much more sense to start with a turret press. I use a single stage and it's worked perfectly for 20+ years for me, and though I still recommend that new folks start with a turret press, I don't think it's worth the upgrade from single stage for myself. __________________ *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.

April 15, 2010, 09:56 AM	#7
Krieger9 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2009 Location: Howell Michigan Posts: 130	Reloading .223 Just so you know, reloading .223 is a fair amount of work. I think most rifle rounds are but to me the smaller .223 seems to just be a little mroe painful. Really though this is also enhanced by just how many rounds I shoot since I shoot from an AR. I find it well worth it as I save a load of money, but it takes a whole lot of time to save that money. Accuracy kicks ass though.

April 14, 2010, 12:02 AM	#2
impactco Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Posts: 102	Step 1 - read this before you buy anything else: http://www.amazon.com/Abcs-Reloading...1221339&sr=8-1

April 14, 2010, 12:15 AM	#3
dla888 Junior member Join Date: April 11, 2010 Posts: 25	Thanks man! This should get me off to a good start.

April 15, 2010, 10:06 PM	#8
TXGunNut Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: If you have to ask... Posts: 2,860	Welcome to the asylum! Please read the stickies and the intro section of at least one manual. Equipment choices will be dictated by the type reloading you wish to do. A Lee handloader and a small box of additional tools may meet your needs. You may be happy with no less than a big loading bench loaded with presses, dies, scales, punches, trimmers and sizers with a bullet casting facility on the workshop. There are many levels in between. It's your decision. Figure out where you're going, someone here has been there and will help show you the way. Have fun, be safe! __________________ Life Member NRA, TSRA Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call Lonesome Dove My favorite recipes start out with a handful of used wheelweights.