Question from noob

Shadyeyekill · December 25, 2006, 11:17 PM

how does a person go about learning how to handload? i have asked around at the gun shop by my house and a few guys give me a little info but nothing that i could say would get me started. any info you guys are willing to share is greatly appreciated.

dahermit · December 25, 2006, 11:50 PM

All of the handloading manuals have a section in the very front of thier books on how to reload. Lyman's current manual and Lee's come to mind as good examples for those new to the art.
I grew up dirt poor and started with Lee's very simple beginner's hand tools and gradully advanced to more sophistocated equipment; so you do not need to drop a bundle to get started.
The basic steps are:
1) Remove the fired primer.
2) Re-size the case so it will hold a bullet.
3) Insert a new primer in the primer pocket.
4) Charge the case with the appropriate powder as per the manual.
5) Insert a bullet into the case.

The manual will have pictures and make it simple enough that anyone can learn how to do it.

Welcome to handloading.
Regards,
dahermit

Ares45 · December 26, 2006, 12:06 AM

Do yourself a favor and get a copy of "The ABC's of Reloading". It is NOT a load manual, you'll still need to get one or two of those eventually. The ABC's is basically "reloading for dummies". I discusses components, equipment, and method in plain easy to understand english. After you read it the load manuals will make sense and you'll know what equipment you need. Then you're off to the races...

Shadyeyekill · December 26, 2006, 12:32 AM

thanks guys I appreciate yall giving me something to start with.

rn22723 · December 26, 2006, 12:41 AM

Your first step is buying the best reference book or what I call Reloading for Dummies or The ABC's of Reloading from Krause Publications.

There are several great reloading manuals of the real kind not the freebee ones! Paperback manuals are good for cross referencing data, at times. For meaty manuals a person can not go wrong with the Lyman48th and Sierra. One must always look at the loads when you compare data. Especially in larger calibers as some data might be using different brass from yours. Case in point Hodgdon used WW brass to work up loads with, whereas Sierra used Fed cases in their 308 Winchester loading information.

Press - Single Stage or Turret presses are the best way to learn before advancing to any kind of progressive press. You will always have need for a single stage press. Redding and RCBS are good sources of all kinds of presses. RCBS Rockchucker Supreme for a single stage and Redding T7 for a turret press are basically the gold standard for press types.

Dies - I like Redding Dies, and I would get the carbide expander ball upgrade for bottle neck rifle cases. Dillon makes carbide rifle sizer dies, but you still need to use case lube and make sure you lube the inside of the case neck, too. I would just stick with regular dies for rifle cartridges. Dillon makes die sets specifically for their press so to speak, meaning that it does not come with a case mouth belling die; Redding makes a set of dies for progressive presses, too. I like Forster competition seaters, and they can be had as an individual item. Dies are pretty much threaded universally, except for Lyman 310 dies, and Dillon dies for the Square Deal N. Accuracy nuts will use hand dies, and they require an arbor press be used.

Shell holders (if the die set doesn't have them like Lee) or the appropriate shell plate for the progressive press. Remember that many shell holders work for more then one cartridge. I would do some home work, especially if you get a Dillon. Some cartridge conversions might only require you to get powder funnel for the new cartridge.

A tumbler will be a good investment, as clean cases will not harm you dies. There are vibratory and rotary tumblers out there. I like corn cob media treated with some Iosso case polish. You can get walnut in bulk at Petco or Pet Smart. Bulk corn cob grit is a great way to reduce the cost of commercially supplied media, because you pay through the nose for the treated media from other vendors.

MTM makes great loading block tray that handles most cartridges.

Case Lube is great for both conventional dies, and to treat your brass used in a progressive press even with carbide dies. That extra lubricity makes the cycling of the press a tad slicker! Dillon spray lube works well for shake and bake application. I like Imperial Die Wax for rifle cartridges when FL sizing.

Case Neck Brush to clean bottleneck rifle cases

Dial Calipers

Case Trimmer (Lee works, but Possum Hollow is better, Wilson makes the best hand powered Lathe trimmer, and Giraud is the best powered Trimmer)

Deburring/Chamfering Tool

Primer Pocket Cleaner and uniformer

Primer Flip Tray is needed for loading pick up tubes for some primer systems like the Dillon.

Priming Tool (I like the RCBS (now even better with universal shell holder, but Sinclair makes the best)

Powder Scale - remember that is always better to have a mechanical scale as a back up to any electronic scale.

Powder Funnel kit with drop tubes especially if you intend to use powders like Varget.

Powder Trickler (used to tweak powder charges )

Powder Measure (nice for faster powder charges it does require a bit of learning curve to get consistent powder charges sort of rhythm thing) standard with progressive presses, but the RCBS Uniflow is nice! Redding makes a better one, and Harrell is the gold standard!

Hammer Type Bullet Puller (for taking down the boo boo's)

Ammo boxes and labels

A notebook for recording your results! Saves covering the same ground twice!

A chronograph is great when working up loads, but is more a luxury in the beginning.

skeeter1 · December 26, 2006, 12:49 AM

The "ABCs of reloading" is a good starting point. You might also want to look here:

http://www.reloadammo.com/

Scroll to the bottom, and there's plenty of good info. Best of all, it's free.

Gbro · December 26, 2006, 12:57 AM

The NRA has a reloading course. http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/find.aspYou could check with them depending on where you reside. Self learning is very good, but take a course or buddy up, there are so many things to watch for, and be aware of. I have been enjoying reloading for over 30 years and still learn something every now and then. Did the other posts include safety glasses?

Don't let all this scare you off, you don't have to have everything to start truning out shootable fodder.

Good luck
Gbro

inkie · December 26, 2006, 02:27 AM

All of the posts are correct in recommending the reloading manuals but, as Gbro writes the NRA has an excellent Reloading course. Contact the NRA and see if there are any Certified Instructors in your area that gives the course. I happen to be one and I offer hands on instruction during the course which many newbies appreciate. And I am sure other instructors do the same..

JoeHatley · December 26, 2006, 12:18 PM

Most manufactures have some pretty good video info on their web sites.

Here are a couple to get you started.

http://rcbs.com/default.asp?menu=1&s1=9

http://leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/video.html

Good Luck...

Joe

viper1216 · December 27, 2006, 11:55 AM

+3 on the ABC's of reloading. I also am new to the hobby. I read that book cover to cover twice...also when I ordered my equipment I got Lee's new reloading manual which covers a lot of the basics again. I found it extremely helpful that I have all Lee equipment because he covers all the equipment in his book. Obviously good for sales also but it was easier when they explained certain steps directly related to a specific product. Plus Lee has a ton of reloading videos on their website which was posted above. Those helped greatly also. The biggest help has been this forum. The folks here have a truckload of knowledge!!!

Buckythebrewer · December 27, 2006, 02:51 PM

I have both Lee books(If you own 2nd edition,Dont bother with 1st),And Lyman 47th edition.If I had more money I would get the ABC's book(so I could learn to read and write)and then If I had more money left over I would get the book The ABC's of reloading book.

IF I had money I would own all the reloading books I could get My hands On.You can never have enough information to learn from.
And I agree with viper1216,on the lee stuff.If you want to save money but still have everything you need ,you will do fine with Lee products.I have had almost everything I need through the years and spent very little..Every book is going to help especially if you read through over and over from time to time.

Thirties · December 27, 2006, 05:14 PM

Go to amazon.com an get a used copy of this book. It was published in 1981 but all info is still relevant. There is some material in here that is not available in current loading books, such as light and ultra light loads. The author is William C. Davis, Jr.

Note: the newer NRA reloading book is not worth reading.

.

jsflagstad · December 28, 2006, 11:31 AM

I just bought the Lee 2nd edition book and have found it to be very good and a very good value at like $12. There is a lot explained in there in nearly every aspect of reloading.

Many people think that he (Richard Lee) wrote the book to promote and showcase his own products, but it is a great collection of good information on the products and the thought that went into developing them. Also it puts to rest a lot of unnecessary badmouthing of some Lee products with some good thought and some good points. Then you can use your own judgement when purchasing equipment knowing you are well informed on the Lee stuff by the manufacturer. I only say this because early on, I found myself not wanting to admit that I was buying some Lee products because there were so many people that would bad mouth them. What I found was that none of the Lee products ever let me down when used properly, and some of the product are IMHO the best in the industry for function and value (Hand Primer comes to mind). My new Lee Loadmaster should be delivered today, so I should have more opinions shortly on that.

I would start with this book, and maybe one of the starter kits from Lee, RCBS, or Hornady. Really they all make good stuff, it just depends on what your budget is. Don't let anyone tell you that the Lee stuff is junk, because if they say that IMHO they are basing there opinion on price or a failure due to not carefully reading directions while using a Lee product.

Most importantly, never be in a hurry, be safe and have fun!

JSF

December 25, 2006, 11:17 PM	#1
Shadyeyekill Junior Member Join Date: September 4, 2006 Location: La Posts: 3	Question from noob how does a person go about learning how to handload? i have asked around at the gun shop by my house and a few guys give me a little info but nothing that i could say would get me started. any info you guys are willing to share is greatly appreciated.

December 25, 2006, 11:50 PM	#2
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	How to learn. All of the handloading manuals have a section in the very front of thier books on how to reload. Lyman's current manual and Lee's come to mind as good examples for those new to the art. I grew up dirt poor and started with Lee's very simple beginner's hand tools and gradully advanced to more sophistocated equipment; so you do not need to drop a bundle to get started. The basic steps are: 1) Remove the fired primer. 2) Re-size the case so it will hold a bullet. 3) Insert a new primer in the primer pocket. 4) Charge the case with the appropriate powder as per the manual. 5) Insert a bullet into the case. The manual will have pictures and make it simple enough that anyone can learn how to do it. Welcome to handloading. Regards, dahermit Last edited by dahermit; December 25, 2006 at 11:52 PM. Reason: errors.

December 26, 2006, 02:27 AM	#8
inkie Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2006 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 137	Learn Reloading All of the posts are correct in recommending the reloading manuals but, as Gbro writes the NRA has an excellent Reloading course. Contact the NRA and see if there are any Certified Instructors in your area that gives the course. I happen to be one and I offer hands on instruction during the course which many newbies appreciate. And I am sure other instructors do the same..

December 28, 2006, 11:31 AM	#13
jsflagstad Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2005 Location: Up Nort Posts: 419	I Like the Lee book I just bought the Lee 2nd edition book and have found it to be very good and a very good value at like $12. There is a lot explained in there in nearly every aspect of reloading. Many people think that he (Richard Lee) wrote the book to promote and showcase his own products, but it is a great collection of good information on the products and the thought that went into developing them. Also it puts to rest a lot of unnecessary badmouthing of some Lee products with some good thought and some good points. Then you can use your own judgement when purchasing equipment knowing you are well informed on the Lee stuff by the manufacturer. I only say this because early on, I found myself not wanting to admit that I was buying some Lee products because there were so many people that would bad mouth them. What I found was that none of the Lee products ever let me down when used properly, and some of the product are IMHO the best in the industry for function and value (Hand Primer comes to mind). My new Lee Loadmaster should be delivered today, so I should have more opinions shortly on that. I would start with this book, and maybe one of the starter kits from Lee, RCBS, or Hornady. Really they all make good stuff, it just depends on what your budget is. Don't let anyone tell you that the Lee stuff is junk, because if they say that IMHO they are basing there opinion on price or a failure due to not carefully reading directions while using a Lee product. Most importantly, never be in a hurry, be safe and have fun! JSF

December 26, 2006, 12:06 AM	#3
Ares45 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2005 Posts: 211	Do yourself a favor and get a copy of "The ABC's of Reloading". It is NOT a load manual, you'll still need to get one or two of those eventually. The ABC's is basically "reloading for dummies". I discusses components, equipment, and method in plain easy to understand english. After you read it the load manuals will make sense and you'll know what equipment you need. Then you're off to the races...

December 26, 2006, 12:32 AM	#4
Shadyeyekill Junior Member Join Date: September 4, 2006 Location: La Posts: 3	thanks guys I appreciate yall giving me something to start with.

December 26, 2006, 12:41 AM	#5
rn22723 Junior member Join Date: December 10, 2001 Location: Burbs of Minneapolis Posts: 676	Your first step is buying the best reference book or what I call Reloading for Dummies or The ABC's of Reloading from Krause Publications. There are several great reloading manuals of the real kind not the freebee ones! Paperback manuals are good for cross referencing data, at times. For meaty manuals a person can not go wrong with the Lyman48th and Sierra. One must always look at the loads when you compare data. Especially in larger calibers as some data might be using different brass from yours. Case in point Hodgdon used WW brass to work up loads with, whereas Sierra used Fed cases in their 308 Winchester loading information. Press - Single Stage or Turret presses are the best way to learn before advancing to any kind of progressive press. You will always have need for a single stage press. Redding and RCBS are good sources of all kinds of presses. RCBS Rockchucker Supreme for a single stage and Redding T7 for a turret press are basically the gold standard for press types. Dies - I like Redding Dies, and I would get the carbide expander ball upgrade for bottle neck rifle cases. Dillon makes carbide rifle sizer dies, but you still need to use case lube and make sure you lube the inside of the case neck, too. I would just stick with regular dies for rifle cartridges. Dillon makes die sets specifically for their press so to speak, meaning that it does not come with a case mouth belling die; Redding makes a set of dies for progressive presses, too. I like Forster competition seaters, and they can be had as an individual item. Dies are pretty much threaded universally, except for Lyman 310 dies, and Dillon dies for the Square Deal N. Accuracy nuts will use hand dies, and they require an arbor press be used. Shell holders (if the die set doesn't have them like Lee) or the appropriate shell plate for the progressive press. Remember that many shell holders work for more then one cartridge. I would do some home work, especially if you get a Dillon. Some cartridge conversions might only require you to get powder funnel for the new cartridge. A tumbler will be a good investment, as clean cases will not harm you dies. There are vibratory and rotary tumblers out there. I like corn cob media treated with some Iosso case polish. You can get walnut in bulk at Petco or Pet Smart. Bulk corn cob grit is a great way to reduce the cost of commercially supplied media, because you pay through the nose for the treated media from other vendors. MTM makes great loading block tray that handles most cartridges. Case Lube is great for both conventional dies, and to treat your brass used in a progressive press even with carbide dies. That extra lubricity makes the cycling of the press a tad slicker! Dillon spray lube works well for shake and bake application. I like Imperial Die Wax for rifle cartridges when FL sizing. Case Neck Brush to clean bottleneck rifle cases Dial Calipers Case Trimmer (Lee works, but Possum Hollow is better, Wilson makes the best hand powered Lathe trimmer, and Giraud is the best powered Trimmer) Deburring/Chamfering Tool Primer Pocket Cleaner and uniformer Primer Flip Tray is needed for loading pick up tubes for some primer systems like the Dillon. Priming Tool (I like the RCBS (now even better with universal shell holder, but Sinclair makes the best) Powder Scale - remember that is always better to have a mechanical scale as a back up to any electronic scale. Powder Funnel kit with drop tubes especially if you intend to use powders like Varget. Powder Trickler (used to tweak powder charges ) Powder Measure (nice for faster powder charges it does require a bit of learning curve to get consistent powder charges sort of rhythm thing) standard with progressive presses, but the RCBS Uniflow is nice! Redding makes a better one, and Harrell is the gold standard! Hammer Type Bullet Puller (for taking down the boo boo's) Ammo boxes and labels A notebook for recording your results! Saves covering the same ground twice! A chronograph is great when working up loads, but is more a luxury in the beginning.

December 26, 2006, 12:49 AM	#6
skeeter1 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2006 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 3,403	The "ABCs of reloading" is a good starting point. You might also want to look here: http://www.reloadammo.com/ Scroll to the bottom, and there's plenty of good info. Best of all, it's free.

December 26, 2006, 12:57 AM	#7
Gbro Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,084	The NRA has a reloading course. http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/find.aspYou could check with them depending on where you reside. Self learning is very good, but take a course or buddy up, there are so many things to watch for, and be aware of. I have been enjoying reloading for over 30 years and still learn something every now and then. Did the other posts include safety glasses? Don't let all this scare you off, you don't have to have everything to start truning out shootable fodder. Good luck Gbro

December 26, 2006, 12:18 PM	#9
JoeHatley Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 1999 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,135	Most manufactures have some pretty good video info on their web sites. Here are a couple to get you started. http://rcbs.com/default.asp?menu=1&s1=9 http://leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/video.html Good Luck... Joe

December 27, 2006, 11:55 AM	#10
viper1216 Member Join Date: January 25, 2006 Location: Rhode ISland Posts: 73	+3 on the ABC's of reloading. I also am new to the hobby. I read that book cover to cover twice...also when I ordered my equipment I got Lee's new reloading manual which covers a lot of the basics again. I found it extremely helpful that I have all Lee equipment because he covers all the equipment in his book. Obviously good for sales also but it was easier when they explained certain steps directly related to a specific product. Plus Lee has a ton of reloading videos on their website which was posted above. Those helped greatly also. The biggest help has been this forum. The folks here have a truckload of knowledge!!!

December 27, 2006, 02:51 PM	#11
Buckythebrewer Junior member Join Date: April 15, 2006 Location: Jefferson, ME Posts: 700	I have both Lee books(If you own 2nd edition,Dont bother with 1st),And Lyman 47th edition.If I had more money I would get the ABC's book(so I could learn to read and write)and then If I had more money left over I would get the book The ABC's of reloading book. IF I had money I would own all the reloading books I could get My hands On.You can never have enough information to learn from. And I agree with viper1216,on the lee stuff.If you want to save money but still have everything you need ,you will do fine with Lee products.I have had almost everything I need through the years and spent very little..Every book is going to help especially if you read through over and over from time to time.

December 27, 2006, 05:14 PM	#12
Thirties Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2001 Location: Where the Red Sox meet the Black Bears Posts: 561	Go to amazon.com an get a used copy of this book. It was published in 1981 but all info is still relevant. There is some material in here that is not available in current loading books, such as light and ultra light loads. The author is William C. Davis, Jr. Note: the newer NRA reloading book is not worth reading. .