Just getting into reloading. Had a buddy do it for me for a long time. Where should I go to find all the basic information like ogiving, etc?
New to Reloading-Anywher to get How to Start Info?
- Thread starter musselvalley
- Start date
The Lyman Reloading Manual is very well written for the beginner. The front section is filled with information with excellent photos included, and chapters devoted to Powder, cases, bullets, primers, basic tools required, procedures, etc.
I also find the cartridge data to be some of the best. Since Lyman does not make powder, or bullets, they provide info for all brands of powders & bullets, whereas bullet & powder specific manufacturers use their name brands only.
Been reloading since 1960. What I started out with & still continue to use , (updated, of course) today. Cost is a very reasonable $20.
I also find the cartridge data to be some of the best. Since Lyman does not make powder, or bullets, they provide info for all brands of powders & bullets, whereas bullet & powder specific manufacturers use their name brands only.
Been reloading since 1960. What I started out with & still continue to use , (updated, of course) today. Cost is a very reasonable $20.
Public Library, it is a good idea to actually read a few books on this topic.
I'm pretty sure Lee Equipment still has their videos up, RCBS has an on-line how to
http://www.rcbs.com/guide/step_by_step_reloading.aspx#
Check a few other, Hodgdons, Hornady,,,,
The big deal is really the Safety Protocol, it shouldn't be taken lightly. It's a good idea to just pretend you know nothing and read through it all step by step.
Even long time loaders can make mistakes (knock on wood) that can wreck guns, equipment and bodily injury.
Read a bunch, I spent two months reading before I bought a press. Don't be afraid to come back here and ask even what you think might be dumb questions,, We all started someplace and many of us can still easily remember our stumbling blocks and silly mistakes.
Good luck Man, it's fun stuff, not too hard to learn at all, but do keep it safe,,
p.s. Ya know that Lyman manual is/has got to be THE most recommended book out there, and Yes it has all the info, but it's actually my least looked at book
I'm pretty sure Lee Equipment still has their videos up, RCBS has an on-line how to
http://www.rcbs.com/guide/step_by_step_reloading.aspx#
Check a few other, Hodgdons, Hornady,,,,
The big deal is really the Safety Protocol, it shouldn't be taken lightly. It's a good idea to just pretend you know nothing and read through it all step by step.
Even long time loaders can make mistakes (knock on wood) that can wreck guns, equipment and bodily injury.
Read a bunch, I spent two months reading before I bought a press. Don't be afraid to come back here and ask even what you think might be dumb questions,, We all started someplace and many of us can still easily remember our stumbling blocks and silly mistakes.
Good luck Man, it's fun stuff, not too hard to learn at all, but do keep it safe,,
p.s. Ya know that Lyman manual is/has got to be THE most recommended book out there, and Yes it has all the info, but it's actually my least looked at book
Thanks guys, appreciate the offers. Us men hate to ask for help, but you can tell this forum has a lot of knowledge in it. Thanks again.
Sierra's loading manual also does a good job of teaching you how to load plus it list accuracy and hunting loads for every bullet weight and I have found over the years that most of these loads are spot on except for the over all length measurement which you need to determine by doing a seating depth ladder to see which depth shoots best in your weapon.
BoydAllen
Gold $$ Contributor
One little tip on terminology:
The ogive of a bullet is the curved portion that starts at what I call the shank, where the bullets sides are parallel and extends to the tip. The little flat on the tip is called the meplat. For the last number of years there have been tools, mostly attachments for dial or digital calipers, that are designed so that they make contact somewhere along this curve. These are used because tips of bullets tend to be somewhat irregular. Manuals are stuck with measuring from the tip of the bullet for the overall length of loaded rounds, because these tools may not measure off of the same exact places on bullets ogives, and because not all shooters have, or are at a stage where they are aware of the need to have one. In the evolution of terminology the length of loaded rounds, measured from the ogive, with one of these tools, to the head of the case, has come to be referred to as ogive length, and these lengths are particular to an individual shooters notes, since his tool may not be the same as another shooters. Unfortunately, and somewhat amusingly, some new reloaders seem to have taken the words "ogive length" too literally thinking that it refers to the actual length of the ogive, rather than that of a loaded round from that point. Others, who have mistakenly come to the conclusion that the ogive is the point where the bullet make contact with the rifling when seated long enough to do so. The point of contact is on the ogive, but that point alone is not the ogive. It is as described above. One thing that is useful about reloading manuals is that they usually have a glossary. When you get yours, look it over. It will help you understand what you read in the rest of the manual.
The ogive of a bullet is the curved portion that starts at what I call the shank, where the bullets sides are parallel and extends to the tip. The little flat on the tip is called the meplat. For the last number of years there have been tools, mostly attachments for dial or digital calipers, that are designed so that they make contact somewhere along this curve. These are used because tips of bullets tend to be somewhat irregular. Manuals are stuck with measuring from the tip of the bullet for the overall length of loaded rounds, because these tools may not measure off of the same exact places on bullets ogives, and because not all shooters have, or are at a stage where they are aware of the need to have one. In the evolution of terminology the length of loaded rounds, measured from the ogive, with one of these tools, to the head of the case, has come to be referred to as ogive length, and these lengths are particular to an individual shooters notes, since his tool may not be the same as another shooters. Unfortunately, and somewhat amusingly, some new reloaders seem to have taken the words "ogive length" too literally thinking that it refers to the actual length of the ogive, rather than that of a loaded round from that point. Others, who have mistakenly come to the conclusion that the ogive is the point where the bullet make contact with the rifling when seated long enough to do so. The point of contact is on the ogive, but that point alone is not the ogive. It is as described above. One thing that is useful about reloading manuals is that they usually have a glossary. When you get yours, look it over. It will help you understand what you read in the rest of the manual.
necchi said:
+2 on that! I have been reloading a long time and got a case stuck in a die last year and had to run out and get a stuck case remover. Look away or let your mind wonder for just a second and you can get yourself in trouble.
Reloading has many rewards and can save you big bucks too. I agree that you should read, read, read before purchasing equiptment as you may change your direction on what you want soon after you make a quick first purchase.
DennisH
Life Time NRA member
I learned a lot watching video's on YouTube. The manufactures and many good individuals have posted videos from A to Z. Just do a search on reloading and you will find just about all the info you need.
I just put "reloading ammo" in the youtube search and ton's of video's came up.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=reloading+ammo&oq=reloading&aq=0&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=9719l14422l0l21985l8l8l0l3l3l0l593l1281l0.1.1.1.0.1l4l0
Then the list goes on ane on, Dennis
I just put "reloading ammo" in the youtube search and ton's of video's came up.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=reloading+ammo&oq=reloading&aq=0&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=9719l14422l0l21985l8l8l0l3l3l0l593l1281l0.1.1.1.0.1l4l0
Then the list goes on ane on, Dennis
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7D85822FD9E41FF2
Shynloco
You can lead a horse to water, but ........
musselvalley said:
musselvalley,
Might I suggest you go to your local bookstore or seek out, "The ABC's of Reloading", 8th Edition, written and edited by Bill Chevalier. This is a truly wonderful book that teaches the basic and even advanced reloader, how to reloaded. It has lots of pictures (I like those) and teaches you step by step. Reloading manuals are great once you start actually reloading, but push a particualr product where as Chevalier's book teaches the art of reloading. It goes goes around $25 in softback edition but is on my reloading bench alongside various reloading manuals I use by various manufacturers. I STRONGLY suggest you buy and read this book so you don't go out all jazzed and start buying all sorts of reloading equipment that you might not be happy with in the long run. Trust me, I did that and it cost me a bunch. Take your time, ask question and go to a store that has various brands to compare. I know its tough when you are first starting out, but you could also end up like me with a closet full of reloading stuff I don't use. Ended up giving stuiff away to some local youngsters just starting out. And read, read and then read some more because this stuff isn't all that difficult to do, but can get tricky at times,
Good luck, have fun and welcome aboard. BTW, this stuff is addicting as heck, but loads of fun!
DennisH
Life Time NRA member
RCBS even has a basic intro guide on their website! They also have IMO one of the best starter kits. All depends on the $$$$ you have to get started!
RCBS site: http://www.rcbs.com/guide/step_by_step_reloading.aspx#
IMO again, there is nothing like see pictures or a movie explaining the processes. I watch many of them, then asked questions here if necessary!
RCBS site: http://www.rcbs.com/guide/step_by_step_reloading.aspx#
IMO again, there is nothing like see pictures or a movie explaining the processes. I watch many of them, then asked questions here if necessary!
musselvalley said:
Is the buddy able to help you out? I bought components and reloaded at a friends a few times before I bought my own equipment... He could spot you your first few times... that way if you decide its not for you, you don't have hundereds of dollars in equip. to sell on ebay.... good luck...
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