Reloading -- Getting Started, Need Guidance
- Thread starter PawPaw
- Start date
jackieschmidt
Gold $$ Contributor
All of the major Reloading Manufacturers produce kits that will allow you to get started with very little hassle. Here is an example from the RCBS web site.
You buy the die sets for each cartridge you will be loading separately.
You buy the die sets for each cartridge you will be loading separately.
Welcome Paw Paw. I will echo Jackie on this one. Very easy to get started with a kit from whoever. I personally started with RCBS and have been really pleased with all of their products. Most kits come with a reloading manual as well which generally has a very good instructional section in them. Also, Youtube is a good source for information and instruction on the topic. There is also a dedicated Reloading Forum on this site for questions. Very informational with the search function.
Welcome to the rabbit hole!
As Jackieschmidt said, most manufacturers have starter kits. While RCBS does make good products, there is nothing wrong with Lee, Hornady, Lyman kits either.
And those kits may save you some money towards buying bullets, primers, powder, dies.
If your planning on doing any pistol reloading also, i'd recommend the Lee 4 hole turret.
It's the first press i bought, and the one i still use for almost everything.
I bought a single stage for heavy duty forming (which hopefully you won't get into for a while).
As Jackieschmidt said, most manufacturers have starter kits. While RCBS does make good products, there is nothing wrong with Lee, Hornady, Lyman kits either.
And those kits may save you some money towards buying bullets, primers, powder, dies.
If your planning on doing any pistol reloading also, i'd recommend the Lee 4 hole turret.
It's the first press i bought, and the one i still use for almost everything.
I bought a single stage for heavy duty forming (which hopefully you won't get into for a while).
And it’s a deep hole!
Besides the kit you will also need calipers, headspace and bullet comparators, and a case trimmer.
TheOtherZilla
Pull my finger
Can't go wrong with this:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T9YKW60/?tag=accuratescom-20
And here's a selection of various kits here:https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/dept/reloading/reloading-presses/press-kits
And here's a selection of various kits here:https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/dept/reloading/reloading-presses/press-kits
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
I'm gonna skip right over the other equipment you'll need, and say that your most important item might be a good Reloading Manual. -- I'd say Lyman #49, unless they've moved up to 50 by now.
There is a lot of info in the google machine, and right here on this forum, but it's nice to have actual Reloading Scripture in your two hands when it comes to checking what five different guys have suggested in various ways. jd
There is a lot of info in the google machine, and right here on this forum, but it's nice to have actual Reloading Scripture in your two hands when it comes to checking what five different guys have suggested in various ways. jd
farmerjohn
Gold $$ Contributor
Welcome to the site from south central arkansas, John
farmerjohn
Gold $$ Contributor
AND, +1 on what he just said, John
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
I'll also say that there's probably been at least a half dozen guys who've read your first post, and would probably GIVE you everything you need to get started if you lived across the street from them.
Most of us idiots have extra EVERYTHING, much of which hasn't seen the light of day for years.
jd
Most of us idiots have extra EVERYTHING, much of which hasn't seen the light of day for years.
jd
farmerjohn
Gold $$ Contributor
Again, +1 on what he said, PM me your number, Friendship ain't that far from you... JohnI'll also say that there's probably been at least a half dozen guys who've read your first post, and would probably GIVE you everything you need to get started if you lived across the street from them.
Most of us idiots have extra EVERYTHING, much of which hasn't seen the light of day for years.
Now till Xmas, all the main on line retailers, i.e. RCBS, Lee, Hornady and others have specials on complete kits, and at very good prices for someone wanting to get into reloading. Check them out, find one that fits your budget and start enjoying the sport of reloading and shooting more. I would suggest going with one of the major name brands for good overall quality and years or support.
PDS
Gold $$ Contributor
Welcome to the site PawPaw.
As a few of the other members have suggested the first thing to get is a good reloading manual. Get one ( the Lyman is a good one) and read the how to do section.
Before you start driving down this highway its best to know where you're going and what all the knobs and buttons are for.
If you can find somebody who is reloading and get a look at what they are using it would help also.
Stick with published loading data and as always start low and work up. There is a thread in the reloading section on common sense reloading.
The component shortages will also be a problem to deal with.
Welcome and good luck.
As a few of the other members have suggested the first thing to get is a good reloading manual. Get one ( the Lyman is a good one) and read the how to do section.
Before you start driving down this highway its best to know where you're going and what all the knobs and buttons are for.
If you can find somebody who is reloading and get a look at what they are using it would help also.
Stick with published loading data and as always start low and work up. There is a thread in the reloading section on common sense reloading.
The component shortages will also be a problem to deal with.
Welcome and good luck.
hpshooter
Gold $$ Contributor
As others have said, welcome to the rabbit hole! Start with the Lyman or Lee reloading manual. IMO they are the two that cover the basics very well. Your focus on the '06 and .243 leads me to believe that you are interested at this point in loading accurate hunting ammunition which can be done with the basic loading kits with single stage presses. I would recommend sticking with a cast iron single stage press of the "O" frame design for long term durability. The major manufactures offer great kits with iron presses and mechanical scales and powder measures although there is no problem starting out with the Lee powder scoops and mechanical scales. With basic cleaning and light lubrication the equipment will last for generations. If you have a relative or acquaintance who reloads see if they would be willing to mentor you.
Start with the basics. Like every hobby once you get the basics down there are endless fine tuning tweaks, techniques and laboratory grade equipment to experiment with to get that last elusive bit of accuracy out of your firearm. At that point you are entering the rabbit hole!
The very first thing you should do is upgrade your membership so you can take advantage of good used tools, parts, and supplies, and PM members with questions offline.
The second most important thing to buy is a borescope camera such as the very popular Teslong. This will allow you to confirm barrel and chamber condition so you're not blaming your loading capability when you should be looking at something else. Trust, but verify!
ckaberna
Gold $$ Contributor
welcome pawpaw, I went through this about 4 years ago. First thing is you found the right sight with tons of help and a lot of very upstanding folks.
I agree with above posts in this order
Get a reloading manual and study it
Upgrade membership here for above reasons
Try and find someone in driving distance that is willing to mentor you
Slowly start acquiring what you “need”
Ask questions on here
Search for topics you need help with
Continue to acquire what you “need”
Start reloading
Aquire more stuff you “want”
Get a second job to pay for those “wants”...LoL
I agree with above posts in this order
Get a reloading manual and study it
Upgrade membership here for above reasons
Try and find someone in driving distance that is willing to mentor you
Slowly start acquiring what you “need”
Ask questions on here
Search for topics you need help with
Continue to acquire what you “need”
Start reloading
Aquire more stuff you “want”
Get a second job to pay for those “wants”...LoL
Oh, primers and powder too
farmerjohn
Gold $$ Contributor
Hey guys, can he not PM me till he's a paying member? Been so long I didn't know that, John
I've gone this many years without a headspace gauge, or bullet comparator.And it’s a deep hole!
Besides the kit you will also need calipers, headspace and bullet comparators, and a case trimmer.
How many threads have been posted about issues with these things?
boltman13
Gold $$ Contributor
I will quote my gunsmith once more, "accuracy cost money, how accurate can you afford to be." That is true with rifles and reloading. If you want to load ammunition that will provide you with acceptable hunting and plinking amo and allow you to load premium bullets for hunting you can get by with any reputable manufactures kit and a few addons over time. Most of the members of this Forum have long since "fallen down the rabbit hole" and have major coin invested in reloading equipment. I am certainly no exception, I started in 1975 with a Lee Load All and thousands of dollars later there are things I lust for. Welcome to the madness, have fun, be safe.
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