Author Topic: Hey Everybody, Newbie Here!! (Read 791 times)

w00kie98 · « **on:** March 04, 2003, 09:21:52 AM »

Cant get anymore newbie than me.

I'm thinking about getting into reloading. I just got a T/C Contender and will be shooting compitition with it. Need your advice on where and how to get started: books, tools, equipment?

Consider me a clean slate. I want to get started right, no bad habits. I havent started buying anything yet, but I am looking to put it all together at low cost. By that I mean used equipment, not cheap quality.

Looking forward to the pearls of wisdom from the mighty Greybeards Gods!!!!

:wink: :wink:

Thanks everyone.

Dand · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2003, 10:27:09 AM »

For reloading get a couple manuals and read all the stuff in the front of the books. I like the Speer and Lymans for all the good reloading info. I haven't looded at the new Hornady manual but it may have good stuff too. For serious reloading you may want to acquire as many manuals as possible - I think I have 8 or 9.

Stay tuned to this site for load advice - and the Contender page too.

I'd suggest you try to find a reloading clinic for a demonstration - or find an enthusiast who will show you the ropes. Start simple - nothing fancy.

I think there are some special considerations for loading Contenders and similar depending on the cartridge - but since I don't shoot them, maybe some one else can offer suggestions. Its nothing hard but a few details that assure good loads and accuracy..

For the shooting part get a .22 rimfire barrel and shoot a lot. Cheaper, quieter, and less likely to build bad habits from recoil and noise. Maybe get some instruction early on. Do you have a public range? You might find instructors and classes there. Might learn a lot by watching - you can see a lot of bad and good at some ranges.

Good luck and welcome.

Hcliff · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2003, 10:51:45 AM »

Well we need to get you some info. The Hornady manual or Speer manual are good place to start. We need to read it. If you have a local reloading shop in a mom and pop sporting good or gun shop is a good source (these people will usually do what they are selling as opposed to the sporting good chains that just hire people). This is where lots of knowledge can be obtained. It is nice to get some equip from them to start as they can answer questions you have. Now we are going to read the section about reloading (yes again). Look at the pics, etc. If you know someone who reloads even better yet. They can show you some thing like setting dies and crimping.

As for a press a single stage is a great place to start. The RCBS or Redding Boss are good ones. As for dies I like RCBS but the Hornady die for my 480 I really like. If you think you are going to need volume a good place to start is the Dillion 550 or it turret brother The AT (It can be converted it to a turret later) With this machine you can go to just one station at a time. I started out with the RCBS master reloading kit. Get lots of stuff for you money, press, scale, trimmer, manual (That is why I got the Hornady seperately you get a Speere with the kit) etc.

When you start loading the key is consistancy and accuracy. We want you to learn how with light to medium loads first.
When you get some rounds under your belt then you can go to hooter loads. Why you ask? Until you feel constistant in your loading technique we want a "margin or error" available and have you learn how to read pressure signs. Some of this is experience that you can read in a book but won't under stand well until it is in front of you. I also have people start with one powder and bullet. It works best if the bullet has a crimping groove. This eliminates some of the overall lenght seating questions.

It will be fun

Sorry for being long winded. Post any questions you have for us. :grin:

HCliff

w00kie98 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2003, 12:22:40 PM »

Thanks guys. I just picked up "The ABC's of Reloading" at the book store. Will go to my local gun shop and get a manual tommarrow. I had read that the RCBS Rockchukker was a good press to start with. I have found a couple used ones and I'm considering them. The Master kit looks a little overwhelming and expensive. I'm hopeing to ease into this a little at a time. The first caliber I will reload is for the .223 barrel on my Contender.

Thanks for the advice and suggestions. If anyone else has comments please feel free.

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #4 on:** March 04, 2003, 01:00:52 PM »

I'm in the same boat as you wookie and have been trying to find some reloading instruction in my area. Check:

www.nra.org

They list NRA instruction by state. Unfortunately in my state the next course offered is September, in neighboring states, June. Maybe you'll have better luck. I did have the good fortune to get in touch with an instructor who was going to hold a course in March but he couldn't get enough interest. I was fortunate because he did give me some pointers on equipment and loads for my particular caliber.

Also try:

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

They have a list of NRA instructors by zip code. They also have "virtual" reloading demos.

savageT · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2003, 07:38:45 AM »

Quote from: w00kie98

Thanks guys. I just picked up "The ABC's of Reloading" at the book store. Will go to my local gun shop and get a manual tommarrow. I had read that the RCBS Rockchukker was a good press to start with. I have found a couple used ones and I'm considering them. The Master kit looks a little overwhelming and expensive. I'm hopeing to ease into this a little at a time. The first caliber I will reload is for the .223 barrel on my Contender.

Thanks for the advice and suggestions. If anyone else has comments please feel free.

Hey wookie,
I'm also just getting into reloading, and have already picked up a Lyman 47th Handbook on e-Bay, as well as digital calipers, and Loadmaster Single Caliber Handbooks for various calibers. I would really recommend getting the Master Kit from RCBS through Cabela's or Midway. They recently changed presses from a RockChucker to the RC Supreme. Don't know what the difference is but still worth the initial outlay rather than buying everything piecemeal! It's gonna bite you in the wallet big-time, so get used to the initial shock!

Jim

jpuke · « **Reply #6 on:** March 09, 2003, 10:54:27 AM »

Welcome Newbie! I too consider myself new to reloading though I've been doing it for two years now. I wish I'd found this site back then instead of having to deal with the unwelcoming jerks at my local stores. Unfortunately, a lot of gun guys aren't too nice to new guys. Anyway, I'm a college student and an apartment dweller so I'm low on money and space. I started with and still use a Lee hand press. I got a set of RCBS 45 ACP dies and they work fine. My favorite dies are Lee dies however. I find the adjustments are easier, the lock rings work better (no allen wrench to mess with) and the price is the best part. I've been using my 45 Colt dies for over a year now, probably put 2000 pieces of brass through them and they're still great. For your 223 single shot I'd recommend the Lee Deluxe dies because they come with a full-length and a neck-sizing die. I like to neck size my 308 because there's no lube involved and the cases last forever. (And they fit the chamber better) Lee is the equipment for me. MidwayUSA.com has the best prices, service and delivery times of any company you'll find if you're in the market for new stuff. Good luck - it's a great hobby.

coltfan · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2003, 05:43:31 AM »

My brother-in-law got me started in reloading about 25 years ago. The best advise he gave me was to stick with RCBS equipment. I am still using the same press, dies and other accessories from my original purchase. I agree with savageT, spend the money on the kit. In the long run you will save, and from what I recall from the Midway ad, it contains everything you will need to get started. The kit also includes the Speer reloading manual. I like this manual a lot, especially for the instructions. Plus RCBS has a lifetime warranty on everything except their electronic equipment. As you read through the posts on this sight you will find quite a few posts where guys broke RCBS equipment through their own fault and RCBS still replaced the items.

Since you own a Contender, I would suggest starting your reloading efforts on a straight walled pistol cartridge, provided you have a barrel chambered for one. My next choice would be a rimmed rifle cartridge, like the 30-30, again only if you have this particular barrel. The rimless cartridges introduce a few reloading issues not found in the other two cartridges.

The Shrink · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2003, 10:57:55 AM »

jpuke

You really ought to lube the necks when you neck form. Not only will this prevent undue stretching, it also does a final clean on the neck exterior itself, ensuring that grit does not get into your die to scratch your die and your cases. I have used wax successfully for this.

You're right, you are unlikely to get a case stuck in a neck sizing die, but there are other reasons to lube.