Hand Loading advise needed

[kenbev]

I have recently bought two Handi Rifle barrels that I cannot buy factory ammo for. I am thinking about getting some equipment and loading my own. I would only be loading a few rounds at a time. What would be a good and economic set up for this....

[Old Syko]

Kenbev at the top of the handloadomg page you will find a sticky http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,99824.0.html  I'm sure most of the answers you are looking for are covered.  Just be advised, handloading is as addictive as many of our other hobbies.

[yooper77]

What are the cartridges that you cannot find factory ammo?

yooper77

[stimpylu32]

kenbev

For a low cost set-up look at one of the Lee starter kits , they come with just about everything you will need except dies , powder , primers and bullets .

Most everyones kits come with a press , scale and the other little items that are needed , the Lee stuff will get you loading for around the cost of a new Handi barrel and a whole lot less than having custom ammo loaded .

Take a look through the Stickies at the top of this forum , it will give you some info as to what is needed and what to expect . If you run into any problems or don't understand something . just ask . 

stimpy

PS --- Thanks Old Syko 

[LaOtto222]

I do not know what cartridges you are going to be loading for, but if you are going to be resizing brass to fit your chambers, I recommend a good cast iron press. Heck, I recommend a good cast iron press to any one starting out reloading. Get a starter kit, like Stimpylu32 said they have just about every thing you need to get started and they are cheaper than buying the pieces individually. They come with a single stage press, pick your color. Good Luck and Good Shooting

[nodlenor]

The first step in reloading is to buy a good reloading manual or two or three. Most manuals will discuss the equipment needed to start and other equipment that is helpful once you have the learned the basics.

[teddy12b]

RCBS rock chucker kit.

[jasonprox700]

RCBS rock chucker kit.

+1

[Steve P]

EBAY and the classifieds here on Gray Beard's are good places to start.  Place a WANT AD in the classifieds.  Say you are a new shooter and see what happens.  Many of us are watching for deals and grab them as they pop up.  I recently helped a new shooter with an RCBS Jr press, 5-0-5 scale, 38/357 dies, and powder measure for $50.  Someone may have some spares or some recent "deals" they can help you with.  Also try the "Little Nickel" or "Penny Ads" newspapers in your area.  Sometimes reloading gear gets by on "craigslist.com".  Very few Handi's require handloading.  I would surmise you have picked up an Ackley Improved chambering or an "antique" chambering where ammo is scarce.  Be sure and ask questions so we can help you when it comes time to load these.

Good luck.  I will keep my eyes open for some equipment.

Steve 

[gypsyman]

Might want to check out a local gun show, if you have one close by. Lots of used equipment popping up here and there. Some shooters are upgrading to progressive press's, and selling their old single stage's, or some just thought they would get into reloading, and after a couple years, never even set the press up. I've bumped into ''brand new'' stuff, that was 5 years old, and never used. gypsyman

[Bart Solo]

The Rock Chucker Kit is about 3 times as expensive as the Lee Kit.  I have always thought that Lee's prices are a little low and RCBS 's prices are a little high.  The Rock Chucker Kit is better, but not that much better for the beginner.  Lee has some really good educational videos on its website.

[cwlongshot]

I will mirror some of the previous comments, get a good manual. I suggest the LYMAN.

 I cannot suggest any of the LEE stuff, I have had far too many problems in the past. But will suggest USED loading stuff!! Its cheap and as long as you buy quality, name brand stuff you will be fine. You'll also get it at a fraction of the cost of new. Then later on you can upgrade as necessary.

 Good luck,
 CW

[nodlenor]

I would recomend the Rock Chucker press. If treated with respect it will last you a lifetime. I also recomend the Lyman manual. It has a lot of good info and it is easy to read and understand.

[bilmac]

Thing is if you can't buy ammo, you probably won't be able to buy a Lee loader in that caliber either. That means you will need a press, and probably some of RCBS's expensive dies. Reloading for exotic calibers can't be done real cheaply, but what are you gonna do set the gun in a closet and let it gather dust, that ain't my character so I know what you are facing, Ive been there.

[qajaq59]

I'm still curious as to what the calibers are. And I assume dies can be custom made, but I'll bet they are expensive.