New to reloading
- Thread starter NWARvet
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jxb
Gold $$ Contributor
Get a reloading manual or better yet several, read them (Speer, Sierra, Hornady, Lyman, and Nosler are some). RCBS, Lyman and others have full starter kits so you can see what's needed or missing from your current equipment. The books all have sections on this but more importantly the process, safety, etc. and of course reloading data. Many have video series you can watch as well to support visually what you're reading. Then there's plenty of specialized info out there once you've learned the basics.
When it comes down to actual reloading of ammunition, I recommend the Lyman Reloading Manual. Granted Lyman sells reloading equipment, but their manual seems to be the most comprehensive one available.
Speer (RCBS) is also a good choice.
Most reloading manuals are proprietary in nature, Lyman for reloading equipment, Speer for Speer bullets and RCBS reloading equipment, Hornady same, Sierra Sierra bullets, etc.
Speer (RCBS) is also a good choice.
Most reloading manuals are proprietary in nature, Lyman for reloading equipment, Speer for Speer bullets and RCBS reloading equipment, Hornady same, Sierra Sierra bullets, etc.
It'd help some to know just what kind of shooting you'll be reloading for (e.g. plinking, hunting, precision, handgun, bolt rifles, semi-autos) and how many rounds you think you'll be reloading at a time.
prone.life
Silver $$ Contributor
This page from Lyman will give you a good overview of products, not process, click here.
Hornady's getting started overview is here.
RCBS reloading 101 is here. imo their guide is the best overall as they show an example process on the bottom of the page.
You don't have to buy all RCBS or all Hornady or all Lyman, you can mix/match.
Hornady's getting started overview is here.
RCBS reloading 101 is here. imo their guide is the best overall as they show an example process on the bottom of the page.
You don't have to buy all RCBS or all Hornady or all Lyman, you can mix/match.
kelbro
Silver $$ Contributor
The Lyman manual along with the Lee manual will get you going in the right direction. Finding a local mentor would be good too.
It is 2026 and the online manuals linked above from RCBS and Hornady both look pretty good. That Rosie is easy on the eyes.
I would caution you about some of the stuff that I've seen on YouTube.
It is 2026 and the online manuals linked above from RCBS and Hornady both look pretty good. That Rosie is easy on the eyes.
I would caution you about some of the stuff that I've seen on YouTube.
hoz53
Gold $$ Contributor
yep— there is no way to tell you exactly what is needed because that can vary alot. the other posters have given you good info. A .search here would also get you some good info.
bozo699
Gold $$ Contributor
You have already given good info so I’m going to just welcome you to the forum… the best forum on the web by far and I would also like to thank you for becoming a GOLD member right outta the gate!… Forumboss can use all the help he can get. Do as others have said and read, YouTube and ask on here what you have questions on. Your basic set will get you some ammo loaded. I don’t know what you’re loading but I suggest staying away from pistol ammo for your first few batches as you can get in trouble fast. I suggest if you have a .308 or similar rifle cartridge you start there with some slower powder for that cartridge, carefully load a few not a lot and see how they do if after all your research and you feel it’s safe quality ammunition. Looking forward to seeing a lot more of ya.
Wayne
Read, study and ask questions. There are no stupid questions.
bozo699
Gold $$ Contributor
^^^^^^^
Wayne
This is the correct answer
if you buy a new manual, I'd recommend the Berger manual. Very descriptive guide for reloading ammo properly - and with an emphasis on accuracy - if that is of concern to you.
You might start by explaining what calibers you shoot or intend to shoot, what you will do with those guns (target shoot, at what distance, hunt, etc.). Whether your rifles are bolt guns or semi-autos is good to know before giving advice too. And how many rounds per month/year you intend to load or shoot. The more of that info you can provide, the better your advice might be. Some of us just load a lot of "plinking" ammo and some of us want the best accuracy attainable. What you want will have an influence on the gear recommended. Welcome.
You might start by explaining what calibers you shoot or intend to shoot, what you will do with those guns (target shoot, at what distance, hunt, etc.). Whether your rifles are bolt guns or semi-autos is good to know before giving advice too. And how many rounds per month/year you intend to load or shoot. The more of that info you can provide, the better your advice might be. Some of us just load a lot of "plinking" ammo and some of us want the best accuracy attainable. What you want will have an influence on the gear recommended. Welcome.
If you have a Kindle, or put the Kindle app on your computer, you can get a number of good books somewhat less expensively. Here's a couple that aren't bad. Also, the Lyman manual already mentioned. Also the Lee second edition has a good "front section", the articles and educational portion prior to the actual recipes. Hornady XI is good and now updated to Hornady XII which is most likely equally good. Good luck in your researching.
lgwatson
Silver $$ Contributor
This forum has many members who will help you and they are a wealth of information. I started loading rifle cartridges about 12 years ago and learned a lot from the guys on here. Look on Amazon for The ABCs Of Reloading and The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition. Depending on what brands of bullets you intend to use, get a manual from that company.
Tell you what, please spend a night on Youtube watching Reloading for Beginners vids. Many good sources there. I like Ultimate Reloader.
The key I see is making sure you have a good scale or accurate powder dispenser. Make sure that charge is at least 10% below any max load published in a manual for that case, bullet, powder and primer you are using. Wear glasses when priming please and pay attention to the manuals OAL for the cartridge. For automatics, please ensure a crimp or good tension so the bullet doesn’t seat deep into the case when the gun cycles.
The key I see is making sure you have a good scale or accurate powder dispenser. Make sure that charge is at least 10% below any max load published in a manual for that case, bullet, powder and primer you are using. Wear glasses when priming please and pay attention to the manuals OAL for the cartridge. For automatics, please ensure a crimp or good tension so the bullet doesn’t seat deep into the case when the gun cycles.
Steve Donlon
Gold $$ Contributor
Besides a good mentor, get a good scale and check weights and double check everything.
DShortt
Gold $$ Contributor
Two best pieces of advice I think I've ever received were :
1 - NEVER have more than one powder out at one time. Keep your powder a few steps away from the bench and EMPTY YOUR POWDER MEASURE after every reloading session. Including cycling the measure several times to make sure it's completely empty.
2 - take a bright light and VISUALLY INSPECT EVERY SINGLE CASE to make sure the level of powder in the case is consistent.
Those 2 steps will save your bacon sooner or later. Or fry your bacon if you ignore it.
I'd also add be very careful about having more than one box of bullets out at once. Running a 7mm bullet down a 30 caliber barrel will just make you wonder why it's keyholing. Run a 30 caliber down a 7mm barrel and you *might* be visiting the ER.
1 - NEVER have more than one powder out at one time. Keep your powder a few steps away from the bench and EMPTY YOUR POWDER MEASURE after every reloading session. Including cycling the measure several times to make sure it's completely empty.
2 - take a bright light and VISUALLY INSPECT EVERY SINGLE CASE to make sure the level of powder in the case is consistent.
Those 2 steps will save your bacon sooner or later. Or fry your bacon if you ignore it.
I'd also add be very careful about having more than one box of bullets out at once. Running a 7mm bullet down a 30 caliber barrel will just make you wonder why it's keyholing. Run a 30 caliber down a 7mm barrel and you *might* be visiting the ER.
I would recommend starting with rifle cartridges you can’t double charge them pistols can be double charged
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