new to reloading

[les hemby]

have never reloaded anything but shot shells but wanna start reloading for 44mag or spec. where should i start. i dont want to spend more than necessary but i definately want to load top notch ammo. thanks in advance. also will probably load other cals later but wanna start with 44

[skb2706]

You will get tons of advise on this one. Looks like you'll get mine first. I would first and foremost obtain all the literature you can on the subject....many loading manuals and reference books are written on the subject. The more of these you have the better not only for actual loading data but for cross reference with each other and "how to" info.
There is what I would call my basic list of things I would start with if I were to do it again. Keep in mind these can sometimes be purchased as a kit or seperately. Others may have different items but the basics we could all agree on.
single stage press
set of appropriate dies
bench or stand to mount press on
powder measure
powder scale (either beam or electronic...I prefer electronic)
set of decent venier calipers
inside outside neck chamfering tool
case trimmer
case trays
priming system (this may be a function of your press)
safety glasses
system for lubing the cases
loading manuals put out by the various bullet, powder manufacturors

This would make it possible for you to load ammo....you will however in time find that you will want things that can make the process a little quicker and smoother. There is a whole spectrum of pricing of these things and for the most part I feel you get what you pay for...your mileage may vary.
Once you are in possession of these items and have read all the "how tos" you can start very simple with your basic starting level 44 spl. loads using the components just like are described for you in the manual and work from there.

[bigdaddytacp]

have never reloaded anything but shot shells but wanna start reloading for 44mag or spec. where should i start. i dont want to spend more than necessary but i definately want to load top notch ammo. thanks in advance. also will probably load other cals later but wanna start with 44

...........It would just about be impossible for you to regret buying a good single stage press to start...the RCBS Rockchucker is a very good press and their quality and customer support is top notch for the money.....look at the "kits" with scales and powder dispensers for some savings over single item purchase.....BE SURE TO GET CARBIDE dies for the pistol cartridges and some kits don't come with a case trimmer..you will need one to keep the brass the same length to get good consistant crimps.......you won't outgrow the use of the single stage press and it will handle all pistol or rifle cartridges below the 50BMG.......the kit comes with a manual....get a second one and/or go to powder sites and get free downloads and try bullet sites.......be sure to add some cartridge case blocks to hold the cases durring the process of loading they are almost required for keeping the stages of loading seperate with a bunch of pistol brass and you can batch charge them with powder and then check for any doubles or missing charges visually........get a notebook or "log" book to write down your test loads and what they did and your keeper loads and similar data so you can track the advantage of a new load or case prep step.........come back to the board for ANY questions when you get started loading.......start low and work up.....the straight revolver cases are some of the easiest to load and get good results....HTH...good luck and good shooting/loading!!!

[JBMauser]

I would ask you a few questions.  First is quantity of ammo you wish to load.  Are you shooting competitively where you will be building a few hundred or more rounds a month or target shooting with a few boxes per month?  If you are going to load for small quantites the single stage makes sense.  You can never go wrong starting with a single stage.  If larger quantites, you can build good ammo with a progressive or turret press.  Lee is the opening price point and It will serve you well.  I would get a plain old balance beam scale and carbide dies which do not need any lube on the case.  Lee dies come with a dipper and powder recomendatins for it's dipper included. I would get a $20. vernier caliper from midway and start loading.  You will need a priming system (hand) if you get a single stage, the turret and progressive will have one included.  Best of luck.  JB

[les hemby]

quantity wont be a problem. probably 4-5 boxes a month just wanting to get buffalo bore ballistics without the price. also i wanna be able to download. also i have a 3'' smith 44spec on layaway and i want some ammo a little hotter than factory. can i reach low end magnum in the spec safely. i need to study alot of data. thanks for all info. the mag ammo would be for SBH,SRH,1894P,and contender

[Jose Grande]

A single-stage is best to learn how to reload on. Less chance of a mistake. I still use a Rockchucker. (over 25 years old)

Do not start out overloading your cases. If you want 44mag., buy a 44 mag. You can get into serious pressure problems, overloading a given case,ie. 44 spec up to 44mag.

There are plenty magnums around, if that's what you want, get one. Don't take a chance on injury or worse for more horsepower in your handgun.

[Red Neck64]

The best advice I can give you is,go out and purches reloading manuals.Read them cover to cover several times.Then start reloading.

[les hemby]

not intending on overloading at all. just think i may be able to get a little more than factory in mag and special. the 44spec i was wanting to use some hotter loads in is actually on a N frame i believe. it is 624 3''. i will definately start studying some books. would a 624 handle the heaviest spec. loads.(but still in spec)i guess i am looking for the spec. what buffalo bore is to the mag.not wanting to get dangerous just want all i can get   it is also my understanding the cylinder is tempered the same way as model 29 so elmer keith 44spec loads should be fine.can anyone recommend a kit with most everything in it

[Jose Grande]

RCBS has a Master Kit that has all the stuff you need to reload except dies. Don't worry about getting fancy case cleaning equipment. You can clean up your cases by hand. Just wipe them off good.I been reloading over 20 years & have never used a tumbler. One of my best shooting pards, has loaded since 57 & has yet to vibrate or tumble a case. He's got a wall covered in Brass & Wood,that he won whupping folks with a rifle.

[les hemby]

thanks for help.there seems like so much more you can do for cheaper rolling your own. thanks for advice Jose. the 624 will be the only special i have so i wont have to worry about ammo getting put in a charter arms or something. my mags shoot very few light loads and the special will shoot very few heavy. dont want it to shoot loose

[bigjeepman]

Les ...

I just checked Cabela's for you and they still have the RCBS RC Supreme Master Reloading Kit on sale for $219.99. This has been at this great price since mid - December. This item is in their Bargain Cave (under "hunting" .. then under "reloading.") RCBS has an awesome customer service to back up their outstanding products.  

All you'll need after the kit are your dies, bullets, primers, and powder. This kit includes Speers 13th Edition Reloading manual. I also bought Nosler's 5th Edition manual, Sierra's 5th Edition, an RCBS case trimmer, powder trickler, a reloading logbook for each caliber, ammo boxes, Hornady's One Shot Case Lube, a bullet puller, and a tumbler from Midway USA (because I like my reloads to look good.) I also built myself a nice reloading bench.

Hope this info is of benefit to you.

[les hemby]

hey thanks bigjeepman. this sounds like a good deal to me