Starter Kit for Reloading

[Dave Armento]

I want to see if I can get the advice of the Reloading Forum on how to get started with reloading my own shells. The only thing I have ever reloaded is my own shotgun shells back in the day. I own a 22-.250 and I have been using Hornaday 50 gr. shells and some Noslers also. I want to re-load my own so that over time I can improve on the ammo I am using in the gun.

So if someone was starting from scratch, and not wanting to spend thousands upon thousands to get started, what would be the things they have to buy? If you can recommend manufacturers and models that would be great. Then I will know specifically what I should go get. I am guessing I will need primers, brass, bullets, powder, and maybe other items as well.

I appreciate the help and expertise of the forum!!!! Thanks in advance...

 

[savagedasher]

I want to see if I can get the advice of the Reloading Forum on how to get started with reloading my own shells. The only thing I have ever reloaded is my own shotgun shells back in the day. I own a 22-.250 and I have been using Hornaday 50 gr. shells and some Noslers also. I want to re-load my own so that over time I can improve on the ammo I am using in the gun.

So if someone was starting from scratch, and not wanting to spend thousands upon thousands to get started, what would be the things they have to buy? If you can recommend manufacturers and models that would be great. Then I will know specifically what I should go get. I am guessing I will need primers, brass, bullets, powder, and maybe other items as well.

I appreciate the help and expertise of the forum!!!! Thanks in advance...

Lee makes good products their classic cast press is as good you can buy . Larry

 

[JRS]

Unless you plan to hand load for larger cases, Natchez has the Reloader Special-5 kit on sale for less than $200.00. The RS-5 is a very nice press.

 

[L1986]

My advice...buy a starter kit, buy a few good load books(nosler hornady ect), read them, and if you want to save money never visit this site again! Haha bust seriously the rcbs set is how I started and it works great! Read as much as possible and learn from the great folks here! Most times for me it is like drinking from a fire hose! Just expect to upgrade equipment as time goes. There is always another took to make the job easier or better that you will want!

 

[Dave Armento]

My advise is to start with a RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Kit

View attachment 976277

Midway currently has them for $279.99. Link: Click Here
Donovan

Thanks for the excellent advice. If I get this product, what else do I need to purchase, if I am reloading for 22-.250 shells? A bunch of primer, bullets, powder, and anything else? Thanks again!!!!

 

[Twoboxer]

Second the Rock Chucker kit. The press is as good a single stage press as most ever need. The powder measure is very good. Everyone should have a beam scale, and RCBS scales have long been among the most frequently suggested. I have no experience with the Nosler book, but it too should be quite useful.

The lube and hand tools will get you started, though be warned it's here that folks often begin the slide down the ramp toward "$thousands" lol.

You will need a way to clean your cases. Home brew methods of wipe/wash and dry work. Up from there is dry tumbling using (eg) lizard bedding (crushed walnut from Petsmart/Amazon/etc). A media separator is the least expensive and least troublesome way to start, but shaking media out of the cases also works.

You will need calipers (~$30 digital), RCBS checkweights (~$25) to make sure your scale(s) are set consistently, and some method of trimming cases as/if necessary. For trimming, I don't know if any of the Lee case length gauge and trimmers will work for your caliber(s) but I would start there if at all possible.

Then read . . . and watch videos . . . GLHF and stay safe.

 

[Rpbump]

I like Lee products as do a lot people on this forum. Lee collet dies are a bargain and the cast iron Classic press strong enough for me to swage 45-90 brass flash holes with ease.

Rpbump

 

[joshb]

Thanks for the excellent advice. If I get this product, what else do I need to purchase, if I am reloading for 22-.250 shells? A bunch of primer, bullets, powder, and anything else? Thanks again!!!!

Imperial sizing wax!! And the RCBS kit. I still use mine. 40 years and it still works great. That said, you're taking the first step onto a slippery slope. Remember this: you could buy a nice set of clubs , join a country club and wind up spending less in the next ten years. If you get "hooked" like I did.

 

[hoz53]

I want to see if I can get the advice of the Reloading Forum on how to get started with reloading my own shells. The only thing I have ever reloaded is my own shotgun shells back in the day. I own a 22-.250 and I have been using Hornaday 50 gr. shells and some Noslers also. I want to re-load my own so that over time I can improve on the ammo I am using in the gun.

So if someone was starting from scratch, and not wanting to spend thousands upon thousands to get started, what would be the things they have to buy? If you can recommend manufacturers and models that would be great. Then I will know specifically what I should go get. I am guessing I will need primers, brass, bullets, powder, and maybe other items as well.

I appreciate the help and expertise of the forum!!!! Thanks in advance...

Hi Dave I'd say another 2nd for the rockchucker kit. Equipment that will last your whole loading career.
The rest of the stuff these guys have recommended is good to

calipers--dont get plastic get stainless digital

Trimmer--Get a Wilson or if you dont want to spend the $ right away get some of the lee hand held ones.

Case cleaning-- You can do that with steel wool at first There are several ways to clean brass you can investigate as you go.

Powder Trickler I dont see one in that set - get one of those

Primer cleaning tool --They are cheap and good to have.

Loading manuals you have to buy are kind of a thing of the past. Plenty of load info online and free pamphlets from the power manufacturers If you want an instructional book buy that.
This stuff will get you started and enable you to make good ammunition but the skys the limit after that. Hoz