How to begin reloading?

Mapes

Mapes

New member
Ok, so Ive made up my mind. Im not going to buy an AR with my taxes,so instead im going to buy some stuff to begin reloading.
I need to know what everybody recommends.I will probobly be getting the single reloader, hand press thing..Im going to be reloading for my .243. SO, I need advice on best reloading equiptment, what all I will need to buy, I mean EVERYTHING I will need. Best fur friendly bullets, books, primers, I have plenty of brass for now, powder..Tell me what you all think. Also, what kind of price am I going to be looking at?
Thanks everybody
 
I say buy the AR first then buy an entry level press kit from Lee.Its not the best stuff but I figured why buy all the best $$$ stuff if you may not really get into reloading?
I did get into reloading more than I ever thought possible and will upgrade some stuff eventually.For around $250.00
you could get everything you need to get started.Fur friendly bullets...I cant really help you there so far I only called 3 yotes and only shot one w/ factory Remington 45gr HP it was fur friendly. I hear a bunch of conflicting stories about bullets on the net.If you get that starter kit I suggest the one that comes with a hand primer, also you need a powder trickler and a small Frankford Arsenal scale will speed things up for you. Remington Large Rifle 9 & 1/2 primers and IMR 4064 for Powder, Hornady 58gr V-Max would be a place to start. If you got more $$$ than you know what to do with I guess buy all Hornady or RCBS reloading equipment and be sure to pick up a Lyman DPS1200 (my sis bought me one and it awesome).Its all just my opinion and I`m sure youll get many more.
 
Almost forgot to mention buy the reloading manual of the bullets you want to use or the Lyman book has a good variety of load data and if possible find someone with some experience in your area and ask for help. I had a mentor with 30+ years experience show me his method then kind of tweaked it a little.
 
Why not just get both?

For myself I would get the RCBS Rocker Chucker Supreme loading kit if I was goig to start reloading. It is not THE very best and by no way the worst. Just good and solid.

Not sure what all the kit comes with so can not give you a list of stuff to get.
As far as a fur friendly bullet in 6mm I don't have a clue as I do not keep the fur so I use a Nosler 80 Gr Ballistic Tip in my .243 and I will tell you IT AINT FUR FRIENDLY.
crazy.gif



DAB

PS
I do reload and have for over 40 years and do use RCBS equipment.
 
It's almost a given that if you buy an AR, you will need to reload unless you have lot of spendable cash,,,,so go for the reloading outfit first, so you can get your learning curve up.

As a beginner, find a couple of good reloading manuals first (before buying a lot of equipment), I would personally suggest the Lee 2nd Edition since it goes into detail about the 'whys'' as well as the 'hows' and you will have a good knowledge foundation...

Another would be from any of the major bullet/ammunition manufacturers....Hornady, Speer, Sierra, etc...but try to get the most current one available as they continually update the critical information.

For a beginning reloading kit, I'm not sure I would spend a bunch and Lee puts out a good basic set up for the least amount of money...Then RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, etc, (not necessarily in that order for expense)..You might consider checking some pawn shops if there are any local...I've found some good deals on specific items for my loading bench there..

You are looking at a press, scale, powder dippers or dispenser, hand primer (safer than the tube feed), dies and shell holder, case lube pad, case neck chamfer and deburring tool, and a mid priced caliper (electronic or dial)...There is a lot more items than can be had to go along with your reloading process, but that list will get you started..

Once you get started, a solid routine and attention to detail will keep you safer than anything else... distractions can be dangerous..Also, a notebook to keep track of what you do as to loads and measurements...Your records will be important as you go along..
 
If you're on a budget, get the Lee Anniversary reloading Kit. If you can spring for it, get the RockChucker kit. I'm still using my Lee kit and it works well, but I would have the Rockchucker kit if I had it to do over again.

Either way, buy the Lee Deluxe Rifle Die Set and a Factory Crimp Die. The collet design Lee uses in his dies is sweet.

For case trimming, I recommend the Lee Zip Trim ($15) and a Lee case length gage and lock stud, trimmer, primer pocket reamer, and chamfer tool. A primer pocket deburring tool is also a good investment, especially if driving tacks is in your future. If you get some case cleaning solution you can economically clean your cases with a rag and the cleaner on the Zip Trim. I have a tumbler, but that may be a big expense for a beginner. If you full-length size (I full-length size all my hunting rounds so they chamber easily), you DEFINITELY want clean brass so you don't scratch your dies.

Case Lube - I use the Lee case-lube because you can wipe it off easily with a rag. Other lubes may change the combustion performance of the powder and you have to make sure to remove 100% of the lube before priming and charging.

For starting loads, I took my favorite factory round and measured the overall length. I then looked at the powder to see if it was a ball-type or extruded powder, and used the same or closest available projectile. Use your reloading manual data to select the charges. Start with lighter loads and watch for pressure. A good reloading manual will tell you how to recognize symptoms of high pressure.

Definitely get a complete reloading manual (I second the Lee recommendation) so you can learn the entire reloading process. I also bought a book of caliber-specific load data for my .22-250 that contains ballistic data from all the major bullet and powder manufacturers.
 
well im not buying the AR because I owe my parents some money, so I will pay them off instead of buying another gun..That why I just want to start reloading. One of the main reasons I wanted an AR in .223 is because my .243 ammo is 20 bucks a box..so if I can reload for cheaper it wont be so bad..Ill eventually have an AR.
 
You can always barrow your brothers AR, isnt he getting one of the sporticals...

Get the reloading tools and books...
One day you will fall into the AR, and all will be good...
 
Go buy a copy of the book, The ABC's of Reloading, 8th Edition. If you just start buying equipment other people recommend, you may not be happy with it for one reason or another and would have to rebuy later. Its great and wise listening to others who've been down the road before. But beware of the pitfalls of some items that work for other, but may not fit your needs. Read,read and listen AND THEN BUY.

Good luck reloading and have lots of fun like the rest of us.
 
The Lee kit will work fine for a lot less money than anyone else. When you get the dies, make sure you get an FL die and a crimp neck sizer. Have two of the Lee neck sizers and love them! Spend the money you save on the Lee kit for componet's and shoot a lot!
 
Yeah my brother is getting one.He has way less bills than I do!
Do i need a tumbler?I know some guys that never use them..some that never even trim the brass.
 
ok..so pretty much look for splits or cracks..if there are none it doesnt need to be trimmed?Or am i wrong again. What is the point of the tumbler?Just for cleaning?
 
Just looking, Lee Anniversary edition is no longer made apparently..Rock Chucker is way too expensive for me..Im really just looking at getting one of the and presses that looks like a big stapler.Hahah..someone knows what Im talking about.
 
Midway product #121-744 press kit $104.99 Lee.You also would need the 3 die set #408-863 for .243 Winchester $27.99 Crimp die#274-166 $ 9.69 case length gage#321-592 $ 4.49 plus a tumbler and media about $70
I forgot Dial calipers are a must have also about $ 20 I think you`ll find it will all pay for itself rather quickly.
You also will need a sturdy bench and an area to dedicate to reloading.
 
Did you check ebay for the Lee Anniversary kit? I saw some NIB on there.

My buddy has "The Stapler" reloading press, haha. You can load some decent hunting rounds with it. It's a lot of work compared to a bench-mounted press because you don't have as much leverage.

You might find somebody to let you use his stuff. Then you only have to buy the caliber-specific stuff like dies and trim gages, and you might even get some hand-me-downs. Then you can build your toolbox as you get the cash.
 
I will have enough cash with my tax rebate, so i just want to buy it all. I really dont have anywhere to mount a bench style press(I live in a trailor with 2 other people) thats why I just figured a hand press would work. I wouldnt mind only being able to load 20-50 rounds at a time. I dont shoot everyday.Mainly due to ammo prices though haha
 
The tumbler is for cleaning only. the trimmer is what you get the length of brass back to. when you shot and resize the case will get longer and you need to trim it back or it will not chamber. I would get the abc's reloading book before you buy anything and it will give you a much better idea of what to buy and what to skimp on.
I have never used the type of press you are talking about but I would steer clear of it and get the bench mounted one instead. I have seen lot's of guys build folding benches that they mount them to and actually take them to the range with them so it still might work even living in a trailer.
Mike
 


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