I would like to get into reloading,,,,uh any advice welcome!

[Mc85]

Hey well I would like to get into reloading for my 9x18,and my Nagant ,uh right now money is an issuse so as cheap as possible is prefered.Uh anyway just wondering what all I need,and what brand o stuff to buy.Thanx for any info....


  Lates
    & God bless,

    Shawn Mc.

[Cheyenne Ranger]

Reloading is the way to go to save money, but there are several IF's:
Do you shoot enough to make it worthwhile?  There is start-up costs associated with this and it will take you a number of rounds to be money ahead.
Do you have the time as this does take more than just putting your $$ down and having them hand you a box of ammo.
That said it's a lot of fun for me and I get great satisfaction in reloading.  
Check the other posts in this forum and read them.  They should give you an idea as to what you need to start.
Get a reloading manuel and read it carefully--they are filled with info for the new reloader.  Pretty much shows you how to do it from start to finish.
Where are you located as you might be able to go see the reloading operation first hand.  Most reloaders are pleseant people and love to help the new reloader.
I'm using a Dillon progressive and that's not the best way to go if $$ is an issue.  The Dillon SDB is approching $300 and for that you can get a bunch of stuff using the single stage press method.  It takes longer but it's much cheaper.  I shoot USPSA and CAS and load for fellow shooters so I need many rounds in a short period of time.

[Mc85]

yeah I think I deff. shoot enough to make it worth while.The only thing that limits my shooting is running out of ammo...lol.I have a friends dad who has been reloading for years...I am planning on going over to talk to him once I get a few dollars saved up.Also I figured it would help out me out some.See I am 18,and so buying handgun ammo isn't  easy for me..I always have to drag my parents along...I figure this way,even if they would have to buy the supplys I can still reload several rounds before having to drag them somewhere to get me ammo,or more supplys..lol.I still think thaT law is messed up,but what can I do...I just don't underdstand why the gov will give me a permit to carry a handgun,but not the abilty to buy ammo for it...,but alwell.Anywayz now that I have rambled on..thanx for the info.Any certian brands u recomend,or seen any good deals anywhere?

    Thanx

   Lates&
       God bless,

    Shawn Mc.

[Hud]

Shawn,
I started reloading when I was 12 years old.  I started loading with a Lee Loader and a plastic mechanics hammer. I don't think you will still spend over a $20 for the equipment. It has every thing you need to start including a powder dipper and some load data.  Add your primers, powder, and bullets and your set to go. Using the Lee Loader also gives you a real understanding of how a cartridge all goes together, as you are doing each step by hand.

I had a Marlin 336 in 32 Special and the cartridges were quite a bit more costly than the 30-30s. Back then a halfdozen muskrat pelts got me started with the Lee Loader, primers, bullets, powder and everything.

You do have to buy a seperate Loader for each caliber. (Some double up, as the 38Spec / 357mag or the 30-30 / 30 Rem).

Hud

[Cheyenne Ranger]

As to where to find the presses and stuff check out www.midwayusa.com  They have pretty good prices and ship within a day.  I would also take a look at www.dillonprecision.com  They have the progressives but also have reloading components.  You can do a search on the web, too.
I use whichever primers I can find cheapest.  I stay away from CCI's as they seem to be harder and therefore can result in not going off if you don't have them fully seated.  Others like them :roll:
There are literally 100's of powers out there.  We are having good luck with Univeral Clays (not just Clays--they make several with similar names).  It's clean burning and does a good job.  This for the pistol cartridges.  Not sure about other applications.
There is a hazmat shipping charge for primers and powder (and they can't be sent in same package so they nick you for two shipping charges).  For this reason I would find out where you can buy them locally.  The bullets are heavy so that, too, adds to their cost.
Checking with a local reloader is the way to go.  He can show you all the details and give you a "heads-up" on where to find the components.  Hopefully you have been saving your cases--this is a good way to have empty brass for reloading.  I hate to have to buy it (did just that with my .45LC brass and in two finishes no less!)
Be sure to take your time when you start and don't have any distractions.  You need to fully concentrate on what you're doing.  Reloading isn't rocket science but it does require your complete attention.
Keep us posted on how it goes.
p.s. If you get into reloading in a serious way check out the progressives--that can be down the road aways.
CR

[Dand]

I started with Lee Loaders too and they are fine for rifles, revolvers, and shotguns.

For an auto pistol I would highly recommend a press kit and absolutely recommend a good powder scale.  Lee makes some pretty economical kits with a press if you are short on $$.  Check out Ebay though, there are often presses and other equipment and components on there at modest prices- but be careful some of the presses are ancient and may need special shell holders or dies - or may be worn out.  I'd buy my powder scale New. Going up in price, RCBS, Hornady and Lyman offer some pretty good kits to get you started.

One thing, reloading little shells like the 9x18 can drive you nuts they are so small - that's where the progressive Dillons are nice - you don't have to handle the cases as much.

Check the prices out carefully  tho - some calibers like your pistol and the 7.62x39 it might be very hard to save $ over buying low cost ammo.  I do sympathize for your age issue - been there.  That's partly why I got into reloading too - but the rules weren't near as tough in 1974.

[Dand]

BTW the guys answering before me all offer good advice. Keep an eye on these pages and you can pick up a lot of good info.  Watch the classified forum and you might find some good deals - I have.

Also, check out the Lee Precision web site for info on their kits etc. They have a surplus equipment page and you may be able to pick up some good deals there.  

Now before folks flame me for suggesting Lee - they are budget equipment and some folks don't like it - others use it for years and love it.  I use some of their stuff and like it - autoprime especially is a good tool.  I have mised feelings about the one set of 7.62x39 dies I have but their stuff usually works well enough.  If you think you want to reload long term consider one of the sturdier presses by RCBS, Hornady, Lyman.

Buy several manuals and read them thoroughly. Have fun!

[The Shrink]

Shawn

Only a couple of observations - I don't load for my 9x18 - was able to buy a case of Wolf ammo cheaper than I could load it!  Yeah, I will probably have to replace the extractor in my Mackarov after I fire all those steel cases.  Besides, the smaller the case the more problems my fingers seem to have handling them.  

I concur with the idea of using the Lee Loader, I started with a couple of them too.  The big problem with them is that they are S L O W !  Even a single stage press will be faster, and a turrent press will be even faster, and you can get a turrent for close to the price of a single stage, or less if you shot e-bay.  I buy primers and powder locally, a case of 1000 primers won't break you, and will last a while.  A can or two of powder will last quite a while in the cases you are loading.  Bullets are where you find them, on-line, at gun shows, from manufacturers if one is close, from gun shops.  

Get a manual or two, choose your powder from the data offered, and stick with that powder until you use it up.  Then you can experiment with another, or stick with the same.  Always start with a less then extreme load, and pay particular attention to how much powder is needed to increase velocity and pressures.  You will find that a small amount makes a big differences in small cases.  This argues for the purchase of a good powder scale and it's regular use.

Get to know your friend's dad real well, see if you can buy dies that will fit his equipment and use it under his supervision to start, until you can buy your own.  He should be able to get you started well.

[Dand]

There are a lot of used loading presses on Ebay. Some look good and are priced well, some are over priced.  Search for RCBS press and a lot will come up.  I saw quite a few RCBS Jr presses for fair to crazy prices.  The RCBS JR is a pretty  good press but it lacks the mechanical advantage of newer presses - some loaders prefer them for that reason. But I wouldn't pay more than $30 for the RCBS Jr - that's what they used to cost new.  Avoid any rusty ones.  I also saw some older Lyman turret presses, a Ponsness Warren multistage press and more.  Check Midway and Midsouth Shooter's prices for new, then watch the market so you know what a good deal is. Lots of dies and components on ebay too.  Often though, I think you can get components from some of the GBO advertisers at as good or better prices than ebay unless you're going for large quantities.  

Oh yea - the suggestion to use carbide dies for pistol loading is a GREAT idea.  Saves a lot of time and hassle for a minor additional cost.

[Crayfish]

You've gotten some good advice above.  Here are a couple of places that I've found have some of the best prices around :

www.grafs.com
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Check e-bay and the classified section here for used equipment.

Good luck, be safe and HAVE FUN!! ... Crayfish

[Grumpy]

:grin: I took a NRA reloading course at the local gun club before I bought any new gear. They had all kinds of reloaders to try and lots of help for new and experienced reloaders. It was well worth the money invested. Good Luck

[tanukibob]

:grin: Check out the website: www.reload-nrma.com.  Go to NRA Instructors and click on your Zip Code.  A list will appear with your state and the cities near you.  I did this (Washington) and it was just 20 minutes from my house.  Go to the Gun Clubs near you, they know people who do this.  Some Gun shops set up loading presses to sell and they can help.  Videos are out there, Sierra, Hornady, RCBS, Lyman who sell their products.

[Jack Crevalle]

This is a correction to tanukibob's link:

http://www.reload-nrma.com/