New to reloading and need some help!
- Thread starter NWARvet
- Start date
NWARvet
Gold $$ Contributor
I wish, haven't been able to find anyone who still does.
It's always a good idea to resize your new brass. Occasionally, the mouth of the case or the neck area will be slightly off. If nothing else run it thru a neck size first then load.
A lot of good advice and guidance posted but also a lot to absorb.
My best advice is to get a Lyman Reloading Handbook, read it thoroughly to understand each step. Also, if available, a Reloading book published by the manufacturer of the bullets. Anything that is not clear, post a focused question on here so you get a focused answer.
There are no stupid questions so if you are not sure about something, post a question. Your concern about safety is a positive sign that you respect the process. Follow published reloading data preferably from the manufacturer of the bullets you are using and learn to read pressure signs. An explanation with pictures of pressure signs is included in most reloading manuals.
My best advice is to get a Lyman Reloading Handbook, read it thoroughly to understand each step. Also, if available, a Reloading book published by the manufacturer of the bullets. Anything that is not clear, post a focused question on here so you get a focused answer.
There are no stupid questions so if you are not sure about something, post a question. Your concern about safety is a positive sign that you respect the process. Follow published reloading data preferably from the manufacturer of the bullets you are using and learn to read pressure signs. An explanation with pictures of pressure signs is included in most reloading manuals.
Read read read on this forum. Just become active and read threads and post that interest you. You will learn A TON!
Everyone starts out small with basic stuff. I used to trickle out every load when I started on a cheap rcbs scale.
With new brass. Full length resize them all, you will find some brass gets dings in it. Sometimes the necks are tight from the get go. Always run new brass through your sizer die. Consistently is key...
As you grow in reloading you will find you can upgrade your equipment here and there one thing at a time.
Its not that complicated. Its as complicated as you want to make it. Those of us that have dove into it a long way have custom guns, custom chambers, and we measure EVERYTHING. Its a worm hole. One day you will wanna test different seating depths, primer depths, uniform primer pockets, get a better trimmer because cheap ones done cut perfectly. You will measure neck thicknesses and find they vary and want to neck trim to skim material to make all the necks the same thicknesses.
Its as easy or complicated as you make it. Depends what you want out of it all.
Everyone starts out small with basic stuff. I used to trickle out every load when I started on a cheap rcbs scale.
With new brass. Full length resize them all, you will find some brass gets dings in it. Sometimes the necks are tight from the get go. Always run new brass through your sizer die. Consistently is key...
As you grow in reloading you will find you can upgrade your equipment here and there one thing at a time.
Its not that complicated. Its as complicated as you want to make it. Those of us that have dove into it a long way have custom guns, custom chambers, and we measure EVERYTHING. Its a worm hole. One day you will wanna test different seating depths, primer depths, uniform primer pockets, get a better trimmer because cheap ones done cut perfectly. You will measure neck thicknesses and find they vary and want to neck trim to skim material to make all the necks the same thicknesses.
Its as easy or complicated as you make it. Depends what you want out of it all.
bozo699
Gold $$ Contributor
NWARvet,
I’m not going to comment on your process as you have been given a lot of good advice already. What I want to do is welcome you to the forum…. Welcome!… and thank you for becoming a Gold member right out the gate!… that says volumes to me and I’m sure Forumboss really appreciates it as it’s a huge job and costly to keep it up and running. This is the best forum on the web by a large volume and I’m certainly looking forward to seeing more threads and posts from you!
Wayne
dellet
Gold $$ Contributor
Something that will come around and bite you sooner or later is trusting factory ammo and loading manuals to work in your rifle. It’s really no different than trusting someone else’s load data and duplicating it with different components. Even the same components from a different lot. Compare overall case length as well as base to shoulder, then overall cartridge length and base to bullet ogive. Compare those to your chamber, which can also be out of spec.
Ammo recalls are not that uncommon, but are widely publicized. Doesn’t mean they send out personal messages tho. You have to watch for them, no one really does until they have a problem.
Mistakes in manuals are more common, happens every edition. But again until there is a problem, no one looks for the corrections.
A search for for “Hornady 11th edition errata” produces this.
Updates for electronic editions are also available, trust but verify has a lot of meaning when loading
Ammo recalls are not that uncommon, but are widely publicized. Doesn’t mean they send out personal messages tho. You have to watch for them, no one really does until they have a problem.
Mistakes in manuals are more common, happens every edition. But again until there is a problem, no one looks for the corrections.
A search for for “Hornady 11th edition errata” produces this.
Updates for electronic editions are also available, trust but verify has a lot of meaning when loading
Ccrider
Gold $$ Contributor
Welcome to the forum. I started off like you with no one close by to “mentor” me. Everyone is different, but anyone that can read and follow simple instructions can mentor themselves and master the basic reloading process.
First, be safe, work up your load starting with the minimum recommended. Have one powder out in the bench at a time.
I started by purchasing and reading a couple of reloading manuals. I then purchased a Lee Anniversary Reloading kit. It had everything in it needed to reload.
Like you, I followed the basic steps and that’s enough to get you to loading safe shootable ammo. As you increase the powder charge towards the maximum recommended charge, look for any signs of pressure. If you see any signs, stop.
Use the search function on this site if you have any questions. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions that you are not sure about.
Best,
Charles
First, be safe, work up your load starting with the minimum recommended. Have one powder out in the bench at a time.
I started by purchasing and reading a couple of reloading manuals. I then purchased a Lee Anniversary Reloading kit. It had everything in it needed to reload.
Like you, I followed the basic steps and that’s enough to get you to loading safe shootable ammo. As you increase the powder charge towards the maximum recommended charge, look for any signs of pressure. If you see any signs, stop.
Use the search function on this site if you have any questions. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions that you are not sure about.
Best,
Charles
bozo699
Gold $$ Contributor
This is one of the best pieces of advice you will ever get!… ask me how I know lol.
Wayne
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.