Beginner Reloader Recommendations

[Ken424]

I have been shooting since I was 14 (I am 30 now), but I have never hand loaded for any of my rifles.  I simply used off the shelf ammo.  I am currently interested in better accuracy that I can achieve from hand loads, but I do not know where to start.  My question is what items would you recommend for a beginner reloader; product, brand, etc.  Thank you in advance for all your great advice.

[Questor]

I don't think you'll get significantly better accuracy from handloads. If accuracy is a real problem for you, consider investing in a better gun instead.  Even a relatively inexpensive 30 caliber bolt action rifle today can be expected to shoot around 1"groups at 100 yards.

The only benefits are that you can shoot more for the same money and shoot ammo that is otherwise unavailable or prohibitively expensive if bought commercially.  The exception is fine accuracy for such things as benchrest competition and a few related specialties.  You may be better off just buying a couple of hundred dollars worth of good factory ammo every once in awhile.  If money were no object, I wouldn't waste my time reloading. It's just another chore.  If I want to shoot as much as I do, I have to reload.

[John Traveler1]

Welcome to handloading, Ken!

A great place to start handloading would be to browse through any of the bullet and loading equipment manufacturer's reloading manuals.  Lyman, Sierra, Hornaday, Speer, Nosler, etc would be good ones to start with.  Make this your first purchase.  The few dollars that a good reference manual costs is the best money spent.  Study the manual to understand the basics of handloading.  Ask around with your shooting friends or join a shooting club.  Surely there are experienced handloaders in your neighborhood or community.  A guiding hand from an experienced shooter/reloader can be invaluable.

As for equipment, if you shop carefully, you can save money with the bundled "starter packages" of reloading equipment.  RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, and Lee make good ones.  I would study the manual carefully, and then select the starter kit that offers the most value for the rifle caliber that you want to reload.  You can also find good bargains in used reloading equipment at yard sales, flea markets, and gun shops.

Many reloaders started very modestly (myself included) with very basic equipment such as the Lee Loader, or the Lyman 310 "Tong Tool".  They are economical, and will make very serviceable ammo if used correctly.  On the other hand, a single station press is the most sensible way to go if you have only a couple rifle and handgun calibers to load.  A progessive machine (Dillon, RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, etc)  would be of real use to high-volume ammo users such as competition shooters and clubs.

As for making more accurate ammunition, please remember that factory ammunition can be pretty good!  Your handloads can be expected to give you benchrest group sizes of about 1/2 to 1/3 of typical factory ammo at hunting distances.  An exceptionally accurate rifle/ammo combination can do even better.  Competition benchrest shooters make their own ammunition exclusively.  Competition rifle shooters handload for the same reasons:  they can control every aspect of rifle/ammunition accuracy potential.

Soon you will be like most of us reloaders.  We initially started handloading to be able to afford to shoot more, and it developed into a rewarding hobby by itself in the search for better and more accurate ammunition.

Don't hesitate to ask questions and for help if you need it!  Plenty of more experienced reloaders here to help you discover that thrill of making and firing your very first handloaded ammunition!

HTH
John

[Graybeard]

I would tend to agree with Rudy. If accuracy is your reason for beginning to reload you're looking in the wrong direction. Today's factory ammo is certain as capable of fine accuracy as is hand loaded ammo. This is really no longer a reason to reload in my opinion. Some of the best groups I've gotten with many guns I own came from factory ammo not from hand loads.

In particular Hornady Custom and Light Magnum loads and Federal Premium. They've been so accurate in many of my guns I use it rather than reloads for hunting. I use reloads only for practice.

Just because your guns don't shoot the loads you're not using accurately doesn't mean there isn't a factory load out there that will give super accuracy. It might not be the ammo but the gun/scope/mounts that needs fixing. Bedding problems and loosely mounted optics are the most common accuracy robbers.

[Questor]

I feel like I must be Mr. Grumpy today, but I always like to suggest that people look at the bigger picture before jumping into a potentially expensive set of purchases.  Heaven knows I've wasted enough money on such larks.

[5Redman8]

I have to STRONGLY disagree with Questtor and Graybeard....

Accuracy is ONLY reason I reload.  With premium bullets, custom dies, etc...I assure you I save NO money   :eek:

By reloading, you can find the optimal vibration node for your rifle.  By finding this node or nodes, you are able to taylor ammo for a WIDE range of temperatures and conditions.

Buy an RCBS reloading kit to get started, and upgrade from there.  Stay away from anything Lee.  If you realize reloading is not for you, you can always sell and go back to factory FODDER.

If you decide it is for you, the add a piece of equipment here and there.

JMO,
Kyle

[Lloyd Smale]

ill stay in the middle on this. Factory ammo has come a long way in the last few years. If you try enough of it you will find something that will shoot great in most guns if there going to shoot good at all. But for what it would cost to buy 10 boxes of shells you can get a complete set up from lee to start reloading and if you want the absolute best accuracy you can get from your gun handloading is the only way to get there.

[quickdtoo]

I've avoided getting into handloading until just last year, started with a Lee Loader, liked it so much I have lots of new toys now. If you don't feel you want to stick with factory ammo, which has a lot of merit with the loads available now, start with the basics to see if you want to continue, then build your equipment inventory to match your desire and budget.... :wink:

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/51

[AZ223]

I agree most of the factory ammunition has come a long way; so too has the price. I started with the Lee Loaders and found I enjoy it more than I thought I would. If you want to look at the Lee Loaders, I'd suggest not using them for straight-walled cases; I found that when I get into heavier brass it can be real difficult to get them into the die. The .223 and .30-06, however, are relatively easy; they only size the neck. I'll be getting dies for them to do on the press before long, but still like to use the loaders when I want to resize or prep a bunch of brass in front of the TV.

One thing I've found with hand loading, you can make some nice custom loads for most any rifle; some people use cast bullets for .30-06 and pistol powder, and you can shoot all day for next to nothing, and it's about as loud as a .22Mag. There is also a Web site talking about similar loads for the .223; 35-25gr jacketed bullets using Blue Dot powder; 3000fps and very low noise. For most, handloading becomes as addicting as shooting...  :shock:

[Barstooler]

If you really want to get into reloading, research and read, but also find someone that already reloads to help you out the first time.  You must know someone who reloads, or join a local gun club and find someone.

As to equipment.  Starter kits are OK, but don't feel constrained to them. Get a good multi-stage press from the git go.   Stick with one company's dies so you have consistent shell holder-die combinations.  I used a balance beam (still do) powder scale for years before buying a powder throw.  You will need a case trimmer at some point.

Pretty much everything else is fluff, great to have, but not 100% essential.  As your hobby, skill, and desire grows you can add other items but learn the basics before jumping in with your check book.

Barstooler

[Ken424]

Questor & Graybeard:

I am not getting bad accuracy.  I'm getting about 1.5 MOA with all of my rifles.  I'm happy with this out to about 300 yards, but I would like to start practicing beyond 300 yards.  I've been told by others that reload that I can fine tune my loads to get my average down to 1 MOA.

John Traveler:

Thank you for the ideas for on the best books to read to get started.  I will be taking your advice and buying one of the books your suggested later today.

Quickdtoo:

Thank you for the link to the basic reloading article.  There is a lot of helpful information.

Thanks to all others for your responses.  I always find this site very helpful.

[Questor]

You might be able to shrink your groups. If you want to give it a try, the Lee Anniversary kit is probably the best place to start. If the results don't meet your goal, then you're not out too much money.  If it does work out, then you can upgrade to get good equipment, like the RCBS kit.  You may also want to try Federal factory ammo too. It is typically the most accurate in my guns.

[koli]

Both my .243 and 30-06 do really well with Federal ammo.  But paying around $20.00 a box gets to be expensive when you practice with what you are going to use.  You've heard of practice how you play and play how you practice.

I am looking into the Lee Anniversary Kit right now.  Still in the reading phase.  Going to order the Nosler book (maybe tonight).  Have picked up some of the powders books and am reading The ABC's of Reloading right now.

Is the RCBS really 2 to 4 times better than Lee as the price would indicate?

[Slamfire]

You are on the right track reading books from both bullet and powder makers. I'd also suggest one by an equipment maker, Lee or Lyman come to mind. I have an issue with one of Lyman's loads, but the book is chock full of good information.  

[SuperstitionCoues]

Questor & Graybeard:

I am not getting bad accuracy.  I'm getting about 1.5 MOA with all of my rifles.  I'm happy with this out to about 300 yards, but I would like to start practicing beyond 300 yards.  I've been told by others that reload that I can fine tune my loads to get my average down to 1 MOA.

John Traveler:

Thank you for the ideas for on the best books to read to get started.  I will be taking your advice and buying one of the books your suggested later today.

Quickdtoo:

Thank you for the link to the basic reloading article.  There is a lot of helpful information.

Thanks to all others for your responses.  I always find this site very helpful.

Looking at the first of your post, I would suggest this.

Work on your shooting skills first.  If you want to go farther than 300 yards, then your skills are where to start - not loading your own ammo.  

Its time to get the .22 out, and practice, practice, practice your stance, hold, squeeze, and patience until you can put that .22 anywhere you want to at 100 yds.  This way you will be able to afford ammunition for your centerfire.

Reloading will help with your accuracy, because you can fine tune a load to find the sweet spot in your rifle.  That optimal point of barrel vibration and velocity that allows you to nail anything you want.  But it ain't cheap, and you will inevitably spend more on the equipment and supplies than you expect, and over a course of a lifetime you will probably just about break even.

I started out with a Lyman Orange Crusher press kit, and I'm still using it.  I've added RCBS dies (they work better than Lymans), a RCBS electronic scale, and Lee crimp dies.  I load not to save $ anymore, but for the satisfaction of knowing that I did it, and that the bullet that I loaded killed the game that I am going to eat.  I reload for my .25-06 and 7mm WSM because where I live, cartridges aren't that readily available in the bullet weights that I want.  It is easier to do it myself.

For your 300+ shots, be careful and don't load HOT just to load hot.  Pushing the envelope of your load data is asking for trouble - like an exploded barrel or injury to you.  That is where the practice with the .22 comes it.  Find a load that works for your gun (using normal load data) out to three hundred yards.  Work on your shooting skills with that .22 until you aren't bragging, because you can back up what you are saying with a target of nice, tight holes.  Then go back and try your 300+ yard shots with the centerfire.  I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised. :grin:

BTW - what caliber are you loading/shooting for?

[Ken424]

SuperstitionCoues,

currently, I am shooting a Ruger .243 and a Handi .223.  I'm not interested in reloading for the .223 because it shoots very well with Winchester White box ammo and I use it mostly for plinking.  I would like to reload for the .243 once I have the equipment, but I am also interested in the 7mm Rem. Mag.  I have an Encore and I am planning on buying a custom barrel from Bullberry.  Bullberry will guarantee their barrels will shoot 1 MOA or less with proper handloaded ammo.  

I have been doing some research on this site and several others and it sounds like the Lee Anniversary Kit would be a good place to start.

[Steve P]

Lee makes a great priming tool.  Last for years and 10s of thousands of primers.  They also have a quick and easy way to trim brass.  They also last forever.

I have had a lee press.  Unfortunately it was too light to help as a boat anchor, so I sold it.....should have busted it up.  I have wasted hundreds of dollars on reloading equipment that didn't work.  I would prefer you spend a few more $$s now and be happy with reloading, then save a few bucks, have problems, and hate it.


PRESS:
If you are going to buy a press, look on EBay or search local sporting good shops and get an RCBS Rockchucker.  It should be about $80 and will last several life times.  You will  also need to get shell holders that will fit this press and your brass.  

POWDER MEASURE - SCALE
If you are going to load pistol ammo, buy a Lyman or RCBS powder measure that has the bushings.  You can pick a load by volume for most pistol calibers.  If going to load rifles, get the RCBS powder measure and a good scale.  RCBS 5-0-5 or 10-0-10 scales are good and can be found on EBay also.

PRIMING TOOL
The RCBS Rockchucker press can put in primers for you, but it can be a pain in the arse.  Spend the $15 for the Lee Ram Prime and get the set of shell holders for about $11.  They will do most ordinary calibers.

RELOADING TRAY
Any of the reloading trays will work and can be picked up for a couple of bucks at the sporting good store.

CASE LUBE
Find a local dealer and get Emperial Sizing wax or Dillon Case Lube.  Both are easy to use and you don't have to buy extra stuff to use them.

AMMO BOXES
Get some ammo boxes so you can keep your reloads in a box and label them.  You can also use factory boxes, but get some sticky labels so you can keep track of what is in the box and your recipe.

Hope this helps you get started.  If shopping EBay or even Graybeards for sale area, you can find some good deals.   Don't save money and buy frustrations.  It will cost you more in the long run.

Have fun, load safe, shoot safe.

Steve  

[Slamfire]

With handloading you can vary the bullet seating depth, this may improve your accuracy.