Best Way to Learn Reloading

[Phil3]

Hi,

I am trying to learn all I can to venture into benchrest shooting, and one of the things I know nothing about is reloading. Never done it, and never even seen it done. I would like some recommendations on the best way for me learn as much as possible about reloading for benchrest shooting. Book, someone show me,don't really know anyone), or...?

I will be shooting 6mmBR or 6PPC,have not decided of 200 yard or 600), and obviously need to develop my own loads.

Thanks for your assistance.

- Phil

 

[billmo]

Phil, The best way to learn the basics is to purchase one of the popular reloading manuals such as Nosler, Hornady, Hodgdon, etc. Then I would reccomend a book called Precision Shooting Reloading Guide sold by Sinclair International. Make notes as you read and study of things you don't understand. Bring those questions to the web-site and these guys will help you get answers. This is the best group of guys on the net bar none. Bill

 

[Phil3]

Bill,

I have a Lyman reloading book that is several years old, and have read it. There are still many questions I have, and it rather appears it is one of those things you have to watch and see being done. I checked the Sinclair site, and they have a few books. It seems these are mostly designed for people who already have knowledge of reloading. I have none. I found one book on Amaxon that may be helpful, called the ABCs of Reloading. You can find it here.

http://www.amazon.com/review/product/0896896099/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

The first review you come across describes my situation perfectly. I am optimistic about the book and have ordered it.

- Phil

 

[Forum Boss]

Phil,

I think it's very important to have a teacher/mentor at first. There are many things about reloading that are subtle, yet important. With a mentor by your side he/she can hammer on these fine points that must not be overlooked.

I don't know if you shoot pistol, but I think it's valuable to start your reloading with a low-pressure pistol cartridge. You can learn the basics, and load very good ammo with inexpensive tools. I think the .45 acp is the ideal cartridge for the beginner reloader. Cases are big so you can eyeball your charge. Bullet are nice and fat--easy to pick up. With a low-pressure cartridge, seating depth and neck tension are not so critical. With a powder like AA #5 you can't double charge without overflowing the case.

Reloading for the 6BR is relatively easy if you have good dies and a good scale etc. PPC reloading gets more complex if you're going to be loading a PPC at the range and tuning your loads as you shoot. Personally, I think it is important, when starting out, to weigh your charges, rather than relying on a powder measure. I've seen a Harrell's vary 0.8 grains from one throw to another--and I've got that on video with witnesses.

Once you develop an appreciation for safety, consistency and loading to high standards of uniformity, then you can carry that into your precision rifle reloading.

 

[billmo]

Phil, you are correct in that it would be better to be able to watch the process and ask questions as it progressed. Back in 1996 when I began reloading I had doubts about it too. It is not near as complicated to perform regular reloading task as it seems. Extreme accuracy handloading does require quite a few more steps and can be very time consuming. However, I think if you bring your questions to the board you will find these guys will help all they possibly can. They have a wealth of knowledge and most of them don't mind sharing it. I would be happy to help with what I know which is not much as opposed to these guys. Bill

 

[Phil3]

Yes, I get that distinct impression that a mentor is very advisable, but finding one is another matter.

I have a 9mm pistol and intend on picking up a 45 ACP,and others), and do want to reload at least the 45. But, I would probably be getting a progressive loader to crank out lots of ammo. Can I still learn what I need to know, even if I move to other equipment for precision rifle reloading?

While my reloading knowledge is next to nil, I immediately felt I would want to weigh the powder charge. I have an uncertain level of confidence in powder measure devices, at least with rifle ammo.

- Phil

 

[Winchester69]

There's a new CD available from Wolfe Publishing, "Advanced Handloading: Beyond the Basics" at:

www.riflemagazine.com/catalog/detail.cfm?ProductID=1366

or

1-800-899-7810.

It's not all that advanced.
.

 

[billmo]

Phil, I have always used a single stage press but I think you would be fine to go with a progressive style press if that is what you feel you need to do. I always weigh every charge no matter what I am handloading for so I can relate to that concept. Bill

 

[Forum Boss]

Phil,

I have an RCBS progressive and appreciate the volume it can crank out. But I think it's best to start with a simple single stage set up. You'll always need a good single stage press, so it's not money down the drain.

For BR-level accuracy one learns to sweat the small details, and measure things very precisely. You can learn some of these processes with your .45 acp loadings.

But then there will be other things about precision rifle reloading that are "above and beyond" what you'll do with pistol reloading. I just like the idea of starting with a pistol charge because that's a good way to learn the basics and acquire confidence and good safety habits.

In terms of finding a mentor, often if you join a local shooting club,there are some good ones in the Bay Area) you can find a retired or "semi-retired" fellow who is more than willing to help.

 

[Winchester69]

I have a 9mm pistol and intend on picking up a 45 ACP,and others), and do want to reload at least the 45. But, I would probably be getting a progressive loader to crank out lots of ammo.

...I immediately felt I would want to weigh the powder charge. I have an uncertain level of confidence in powder measure devices, at least with rifle ammo.l

There's not that much advantage to a progressive if you will be weighing charges. And you're right in that rifle powders don't always meter well. You will learn more faster and have fewer bad experiences starting with a simple process. That doesn't mean that you can't start on a progressive, but it will lend a degree of complication. If you start out on a single-stage, though, you will have it later for precision rifle rounds.
.

 

[ozzz169]

Just to add my 2 cents... I would start off with a lee press they have a really good deal on them and a good selection, also he has a really good book out. there dies are not bad, and very well priced.

you can always upgrade later but there probably wont be a need to unless your shooting some wildcats, then you will need some other dies but the press will still work well, until you get to real presicion seating then you will need an arbor press most likely.

but from my experience lee will make accurate ammo without a problem. Thats what I got started with a few years ago. I got the torrent press they make with a set of dies for a little over 100 bucks and was off and running..

dont let the price fool you though its well made. and I have never had a desire for a different press, the only thing I did not like was the auto index but I just took off the index rod and index it by hand.


But, they also have a nice standard press "the anniversary kit" that you can get for under 100 bucks, its a very good deal. If your a little nervous about getting started its probably easier to start with this set, as its much easier to set up and you dont have to buy a lot of other items.

It has most of what you need to get started. and even if you by non lee dies most of the items in the set you can use without any problems.

http://www.leeprecision.com/
search the web can find them cheaper then the lee website but is good place to check them out.



also, would recommend a:
1.caliber of some kind.. digital or analog,
2. neck sizer die,the lee collet neck sizer are well respected)
3.lee hand primer,is as good as any out there),
4.some lee dippers,or for a little more they have a powder thrower that is not bad and well priced, but I think this comes with the kit),

5.some case lube for sizing cases.
6.primer pocket cleaner
7.case champfer tool,would recommend spending the extra on hornady one.)

after a few loadings probably want to clean the cases and a case tumbler is good for that, I use a Lyman and corncob media with some fritz recharge works well

If you want this system email your order before and I can check to see if I can see that you are missing anything.

Hope this helps,


Eli

I forgot the agi,american gunsmithing institution) has a really good video on Handloading for the Long Range Shooter,its really a presision loading guide, as the weight sort, neck turn, so on....)

http://www.americangunsmith.com/ then click reloading. I have watched it and its very indepth and easy to follow. but be warned to get set up for that it will be alot of cash up front... probably 1000+ dollars and I would recomment starting out to keep it simple and start off just making shootable ammo, and dont confuse your self with all the extra steps until you get the hang of the basics... got to learn to walk before ya run

 

[Twud]

Read, Read, Read and follow the boards.
Oh, If you have any plans on being competitive plan on buying the best of everything. Your Rifle, Optics and assorted reloading gear is gonna' set you back about $5,000, for a first rate rig from a good gunsmith. I've been to 3 shoots just to watch and the lengths those guys go to even place is way to mush for me.
It's a game that's not to be trifled with.