reloading for noobs

[Al Capone]

for someone getting into reloading what would be EVERYTHING needed to start. I have the patience and quiet work place already lol. i am interested in reloading 38sp, 357mag and 9mm to start. any info would be great. also what is total cost of setup? thanks alot.

 

[AR556]

Most loading books have a section in there to give an idea of whats needed and how to but if your buying new equipment look at kits already put together. A lot of them have most of the items you'll need.

 

[NGIB]

Press, dies, scale, calipers, tumbler, polishing media, bullet puller, priming tool (may be on press), bullets, powder, primers, and books. Prices can range from $200 to a LOT more. I use a Lee Classic Turret press, I load for .38/.357 & .45 ACP, and I probably have $350 or so in all the equipment...

 

[Chuckdog]

See RamRod's sticky ^ above. Lot's of good info.

 

[DaveTheMinion]

I'm starting off with a tumbler and some brass for right now, everytime I go to the range I police my brass and grab some out the bucket,a s well as if someone in a neighboring stall looks to be discarding theirs I'll sweep it for them and keep it. Figure that's the easiest way to start is to get a brass collection lol. Eventually I'll buy a press kit, some dies, powder, primers, etc.

 

[Flashover16]

Everything??
depends on what everything menas as well as what calibers and types of cartridges that you will be reloading?
type of dies? how meticulous do you want to be/ what type of accuracy do you want? do you want progressive press, single station, turret?
lots of variables. generally if one is not to picky about brand and such you can get into the reloading hobby with a 225-250 dollar investment.
best thing to do is get a good manual and read up on the process, talk to a few people that reload and see how you like their setups. theres a wide range of how much money can be spent.

 

[Al Capone]

I've ordered me a book to get educated. Thanks guys for all your input.

 

[Clarke123]

I've ordered me a book to get educated. Thanks guys for all your input.

You seem to already have taken the very best first step that you can make!
I like The Lyman Reloading Handbook 49th Edition. The ABC of Reloading is also good.

Reading through RamRods Sticky is excellent, this may also help (and is also a great website for all things about Reloading):

http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=33

 

[Three44s]

When you start with reading you are off on the right track!! Way to go!!

Now, we are not trying to put off folks new to handloading by telling them to get a book, we are really trying to steer you new folks right and you have gotten that!!

The thing is that you could post here or anyother or everyother forum for that matter and NOT get the VITAL information to 1) keep you safe and 2) make your handloading experience fruitful!!

All to often, a newbie gathers up a bunch of cash and wants to throw it at a bunch of equipment.

The fact is that most handloaders started out on the basic side and built up of years!

I would rather see a newbie read lots and buy equipment slow.

This way, if handloading does not suit you ......... you don't have bunch of money invested in something sitting around "dusting and rusting" and also with the knowledge you gain by reading you will be safe along the way!!


Good on you Alcapone .......... read and ease into this endeavor!!

Three 44s

 

[Al Capone]

Thanks guys for all the info!!!!!
Would anyone care to show me and a fellow ODT'r their reloading setup? We're looking to go in half on some reloading equipment and would love to sit in and watch/learn some things. Thanks again.