Keep watch, help needed soon

[Gene R]

I hope everyone will keep watch for future questions. I just made a major investment for reloading equipment, supplies and manuals. I have been shooting and hunting regularly for over 25 years, but have never reloaded.
Here is a list of my first purchase, if you see something that is necessary or have any pointers please let me know.
Hornady lock-n-load classic kit, 3 die-die sets for 45LC-357mag-44mag, shell holders for each, 500 Rem 158gr jsp, 500 laser cast 250gr rpfn, 500 win 240gr jsp, 500 brass for each, calipers, tumbler with wal-nut shell and corn husk,
Manuals for each caliber.

I purchased all from Midway USA for $1050.00 with shipping. Good or Bad???

I did not buy powder or primers yet, as I have not received the manuals NOR DO I HAVE ANY CLUE as what to do or use.

Thanks
Gene

[Gene R]

I forgot to ask, anyone in Charleston SC that may be interested in helping? or even by phone for questions

Gene

[stimpylu32]

Gene R

When you jump into something you do it with both feet  , look at the top of the Handloading forum for the post ( links for the old and new loader )

Start with the very first one and work your way down , when you see something you don't understand - just ask , you are not the first to start this hobby and you will not be the last .

Also the search will help you find answers to some of the ??s that have been asked before .

stimpy

[NE Hunter]

Looks pretty complete to me. 

[beemanbeme]

 We're from the government. We're here to help you. Trust us.

[LaOtto222]

You really did get into it big time. I started with a Lee loader (I still have them for 22 Hornet and 222 Rem) and then bought my stuff one piece at a time, some of it was used. Until your manuals arrive, there should be instructions with your things you bought. Die sets will tell you how to set them for instance. As pointed out, read the top of this section and review this forum for some other things. Once you get your manual or manuals read them through and reread them so you get a full understanding of what they are talking about. Do not be bashful about asking for help, everyone had to start some where. Be conservative and follow recipes to the letter. Start low and work your way up slowly. I suggest to pick one cartridge and work with that one for a little while until you get familiar with it. I see you have picked all straight wall cartridges to start with. That is good. Handgun cartridges are a little easier to get going with. The most difficult thing about a straight walled case is belling the mouth and getting the crimp correct, so pay attention to that. You will soon learn that if you over bell the mouth, your cases will split prematurely ( you only need to bell the mouth for cast bullets). After you get your first one loaded check it in a chamber to ensure you did not over crimp (causes a bulge right at the crimp)and the cylinder will rotate freely (bullet seated out too far). Remember do not over charge a case, Hand guns are not built as strong as rifles and can blow up easier. Start low, but not below recommended levels and work your way up slowly. Pay attention to the details and pay attention, do not be distracted while at the bench. After you start reloading you will find that there a few more things you will want, like a Lee Factory Crimp Die, for instance. Good Luck to you.