New to reloading

[Pulpit]

Well, I just wanted to say thank you to the many contributors in this forum as I have learned a great deal getting started in this path of reloading my own ammunition from many of your posts and threads.

So far I have not accomplished anything as my first batch is still on my bench-a batch of .243 brass that is just ready for powder and a seated bullet.

Though I am extremely wet behind the ears, I am excited to continue and learn and learn and learn. I do not shoot in competitions, except with myself on my home range, but I enjoy the specifics of these disciplines along with the challenges.

Again, thanks. If you have any pointers for a new reloader, I am all ears!

 

[nosualc]

Again, thanks. If you have any pointers for a new reloader, I am all ears!

Walk before you try to run.

At first, stick to the books and concentrate on making safe ammunition that always goes bang.

Once you've got that mastered, worry about the fancy stuff often argued ad-naseum around here.

In our local league I often see folks getting way ahead of themselves in their reloading. Be patient, it will come.

-nosualc

 

[ShootDots]

Again, thanks. If you have any pointers for a new reloader, I am all ears!

Walk before you try to run.

At first, stick to the books and concentrate on making safe ammunition that always goes bang.

Once you've got that mastered, worry about the fancy stuff often argued ad-naseum around here.

In our local league I often see folks getting way ahead of themselves in their reloading. Be patient, it will come.

-nosualc

I think what nosualc states has a lot of wisdom in it... About the only thing I can add is to find someone you can have confidence in that KNOWS what they are talking about and get "under their wing" so to speak and listen to them... It will pay huge dividends in time..

 

[jonbearman]

I want to add something.A common mistake is not leveling your scale and having an overcharge which is dangerous.If you are using an electronic scale disregard,but if it is a beam scale ,make sure you level the scale and it zero's out with everything on zernce it is leveled then you can weigh powder charge's that will be accurate.The most important thing to remember is safety first and while reloading,do not walk away or talk while concentrating on what you are doing.Ask me how I know.LOL If you are unsure about anything you are doing,stop and ask us and we will guide you through anything you may have trouble with including what you might think is a dumb question.The only dumb question is a question you didn't ask.I personally, like all the posters want this to be a positive experience with what will be a life long hobby with great rewards.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

The advice above is sound. I am glad that you are able to learn from our ramblings.

For safety sake, always work with one thing at a time - one kind of powder, one kind of primer, and one bullet. Take copious notes. Put a card or label with the loaded ammo identifying it. I have had to take an awful lot of ammo apart because I didn't know what I had done.

Safety is the only goal. Have fun!

 

[Webster]

Safety Tip: When your moving the powder pan on and off a beam scale make sure you don't bump or disturb the slide weights on the beam. Check the weight positions often, especially if you bump the beam or pan hanger. I put the cases in a loading block that holds 50 cases as I fill them with powder. When all of the cases are filled and in the loading block I look into each case with a flash light to check for an empty case or one that looks like it is over or under filled compared to the others.

Most of all be safe. Don't try to push the velocity to max levels.

 

[Pulpit]

Thank y'all so much. Your wisdom and caution speaks volumes to me as a beginner.

I have two trusted gentlemen who have been reloading for decades that are helping me. They have given me the same advice found here.

Your suggestions are invaluable and I truly am grateful.

Currently, I am starting with .243 brass with Winchester primers, 31 grains of 4064, and 100 grain btsp Hornady bullets. This is the lowest charge load in my Hornady manual.

Thanks again helping me walk! I feel like I'm crawling now, and I am ok with that for now.

 

[Witchhunter]

Number 1 rule: only have one powder on your bench at once. When you are done, put it away and empty your measure. Never leave it in the measure for the next time. If you load in batches like a lot of us, always look at all the cases after you powder them to make sure they all have the same amount of powder or any powder at all before you add the bullets. Don't try to make the hottest loads, a medium load that is accurate is way better, easier on the barrel and the brass. If you want a hotter cartridge, get a 240 Weatherby. Adjust your dies to size your brass to your rifle, no more, this will make accurate ammo and be easier on our brass to boot. Enjoy the addiction, there is no turning back now.

 

[Road_Clam]

Well, I just wanted to say thank you to the many contributors in this forum as I have learned a great deal getting started in this path of reloading my own ammunition from many of your posts and threads.

So far I have not accomplished anything as my first batch is still on my bench-a batch of .243 brass that is just ready for powder and a seated bullet.

Though I am extremely wet behind the ears, I am excited to continue and learn and learn and learn. I do not shoot in competitions, except with myself on my home range, but I enjoy the specifics of these disciplines along with the challenges.

Again, thanks. If you have any pointers for a new reloader, I am all ears!

I recently also got into handloading. Frustrating at first, but extremely gratifying at the end results. Best advice I can offer is DO NOT RUSH. As new handloaders rushing WILL cause mistakes. I actually got too complacent and forgot to prime a few casings out of a 50 batch of .308 was wondering why I was getting powder bits all over my bench and scale. Having 2 loading blocks to keep accurate track of your steps is very helpfull. The two upgrades that helped me the most was a second loading block and a good digital scale. The beam scale is SO time consuming and frustrating to operate espacially for new loaders. I use a RCBS uniflow and a digital scale to keep things simple for now while I learn.
Where i'm currently working with many different powders, charges and bullet weights in smaller 10 round batches for ladder testing, I tape some masking tape to the powder thrower's cap to easily identify what powder i'm currently loading. I also place my finished round batches in a small zip-loc bag with all the load data marked on the bags.

 

[M14AMU]

Read!!

 

[WEL]

If your using a digital scale be sure and use some check weights to verify it's accurate and re zero it often. The cheaper ones tend to drift quite a bit. The other thing I would recomend is to get a chronograph. You don't need a super fancy model. I have a chrony that has been very reliable. The chrono will let you know when you are getting to max published velocities for a given combo. Often before you start seeing pressure signs. Also, keep detailed records of your load data and load performance. One cheap tool i have found very helpful is a hornady headspace gauge. If your using full length dies it lets you know how much your setting the shoulders back.

 

[Steve Ladino]

You are on the road of a life long pleasurable and rewarding pastime! Keep rifle powder for rifle cartridges and pistol powders for pistols, they are very different ! Wear safety glasses when reloading, especially in the priming stage. Weather conditions can greatly affect your downrange results. The lowest listed loading charges are seldom where you need to be. You can load rifle ammo a little long but never load to short for pistol !