Reloading "Newbie"

[PaperPuncher59]

Hi.

I have decided that I am going to give reloading a try. I will start with the .308 and we will see where we go from there.

I am being honest when I say that my entire experience with ammunition has been opening the box that I found on sale someplace...but I like precision, "doing it myself" and I have a fair aptitude for "beginner ballistics."

Question: If you had to recommend one instruction manual for me to start reading, which one would is the most worthwhile in your opinion?

Thank you for your input!!

 

[Keith Glasscock]

I learned a great deal of the basics from a Speer reloading manual many, many moons ago.

Get a reloading manual from your favorite bullet manufacturer and read the front matter. The old Speer manual was quite detailed about all parts of the reloading process *except* load development for precision.

 

[Hntndad]

My first handloading book was a Lyman 45th edition from 1970. I remember enjoying the simple step by step explanation. Having a father and grandfather as mentors was irreplaceable. Don't be afraid to ask questions no matter how silly you feel they are. Pm if you don't want to put it out there. But someone else that is also just learning can gain from your post.

 

[slm9s]

There are literally hundreds of 'how to reload' series you can watch for free over and over on youtube. Sinclair and many others have them. A picture is worth a thousand words.

 

[Egg]

+1 for the Lyman reloading manual

 

[DennisH]

There are literally hundreds of 'how to reload' series you can watch for free over and over on youtube. Sinclair and many others have them. A picture is worth a thousand words.

I also like Lyman's Manual

There are almost hundreds of video's on YouTube. Most are pretty informative. If you watch one and if your in question about it, post the URL here and we will tell you if it's a good one. As stated above, Sinclair and I believe Midway have several reloading clips you can watch.

I watched many of them several years ago. Reading, then looking at the video's really help me out in the beginning.

Any questions, just let us know.

Dennis

 

[Sniper338]

This website has been the best manuel that ive ever read... read read read, ask questions, read more,

If you get on snipershife forum under their reloading thread they have sticky threads that are worth reading...


Years of reading and experience will move you along. Never stop learning..

 

[deepwater]

First, the Lyman Manual and then YouTube.
Find someone local to watch and get a little hands-on experience before purchasing any equipment.

deepwater

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Dont be afraid to ask questions here- no matter how simple you think it is we've all had the same issue at one time. Dont fret over anything very long at all and dont complicate it. Have fun!

 

[RockyMtnMan]

I would recommend purchasing a basic RCBS reloading kit with the Speer manual and add on the purchase of of an RCBS Chargemaster as soon as you get the chance. Very good starting point and if you take care of the RockChucker press, it may very well outlive you

For reloading dies, Redding and Forster dies are a good place to start. Great quality for the money.

 

[dkhunt14]

Most of the reloading manuals have a good bit of information in it. It is nice if you have somebody close by that can take you under their wing. Sometimes being shown and explained is the best way. Matt

 

[RockyMtnMan]

Most of the reloading manuals have a good bit of information in it. It is nice if you have somebody close by that can take you under their wing. Sometimes being shown and explained is the best way. Matt

100% agree. An experienced mentor is the best way to go. There are so many tips and tricks that are not listed in any manual. Having someone explain the processes and proper terminology in conjunction with assisting you with hands on experience will advance your knowledge at a much faster pace.

 

[dkhunt14]

It will also maybe help keep your budget down by not buying things that are not needed. Most good reloaders know what works and what doesn't. They also know what is needed. Matt

 

[joshb]

Welcome, PP59. Reloading can be a fun, rewarding and frustrating hobby. Challenges will pop up along the way but that's just part of the learning curve. You have found a great support system here. Use it! We all started sometime. I have my original press from the 70's. Same old scale, powder throwers, etc. that came with a Kit from RCBS. it's what I still use today. I would fight the urge to go out and buy lot's of equipment to get started. Read and learn some first. There are some essentials you will need and if you listen to the "learned members", you will save a ton of money in the long run. I'll start the list. Get a plain set of dies to learn the basics and a better set to grow into. Those with bushings and micrometer bullet seaters. I have two die sets for every caliber I shoot a lot. I have several reloading manuals that explain the basics. You will need measuring tools, even to start. I have a Mitutoyo digital caliper and the Hornady "Lock and load" system. A guy named Tony Boyer wrote a book. The Book of Rifle Accuracy. I read it over and over. During the learning curve, it starts out like reading Greek but as I learned more it makes more sense to me every time I pick it up. Worth the investment. Good luck! We'll stay tuned and be here to answer questions.

 

[swamp]

I would suggest that you get a manual for the bullets you intend to shoot. Berger has a good one as does Serria and Hornady. There is a ton of information at this site as well as others. If you have a range close by join it and talk to the guys that reload. I was fortunate enough to do that and it really helped. There is a reason why Whidden, 21st Century, K & M and others are out there. Since getting into this game I have a new understanding of " buy once,cry once". Good luck and read old threads at this site and take notes..

 

[Shynloco]

Hi.

I have decided that I am going to give reloading a try. I will start with the .308 and we will see where we go from there.

I am being honest when I say that my entire experience with ammunition has been opening the box that I found on sale someplace...but I like precision, "doing it myself" and I have a fair aptitude for "beginner ballistics."

Question: If you had to recommend one instruction manual for me to start reading, which one would is the most worthwhile in your opinion?

Thank you for your input!!

Welcome to the world of reloading and the website. There are literally tons of literature on the market that gives you instruction on "how to reload." But for beginners, might I suggest you lay your hands on a copy of a book entitled, "The ABC's of Reloading," (8th Edition) written by Bill Chevalier, It is a book filled with written dialogue, pictures and explains in simple terms (if that's possible) and instruction on basic reloading. You'll also see various pieces of basic reloading equipment that will give you directions on what to buy. And there is a saying in reloading, "Buy Once, Cry Once." And I'm an expert at having cried many times, having bought stuff that was JUNK or that I didn't really need. So unless you have an endless bank account and are married to a very wealthy fine lookin lady, think before buying, because the impulse to buy can turn your checkbook into an zero balanced worthless piece of paper. But do have fun because reloading is so self satisfying and remember to give it time. Because many things are trial and error and the idea is to learn. Many of us (though we have been reloading for years) still bounce ideas off each other so feel free to ask. No one thing anyone tells will necessarily work the way you want it to. But ya just gotta ask and keep at it. Good luck and have fun.

Alex

 

[joshb]

I have a question. What 308 do you own? What is your barrel twist rate? I guess that's 2.

 

[Paddyd]

If you've never reloaded before I think it might be easier to cut your teeth in trying to reload for a pistol first to get the basics down. Then graduate to a bottlenecked rifle cartridge. Rifles are a little more complex. Having said that, as long as you're willing to read and pay attention to what you're reading you can lean to do both at the same time. There's two manuals I can recommend. 1st is the Speer manual. I taught myself how to reload out of the Speer #11 manual many years ago. Everything you need to know is in there. Also, the Hornady manual is pretty good.

 

[boltgunluvr]

Keep in mind, one does NOT need to spend big bucks to produce accurate cartridges. It's reloading, not rocket science. Lee, Lyman, RCBS, Hornady, etc.....all great stuff. Have fun and...... safety first.

 

[wapiti25]

The Berger has a lot of good info in the front of the book. Burger bullets are my go to bullet for accuracy.