Newbe has a Question

[GameHauler]

I bought a loading setup from the guy who lives across the street form my shop
since he can not see anymore to reload and he knew I wanted to get into it.
 Most of the loading he did was 38's so in with what I got was:
3# of Bullseye
1# of HP-38
8OZ of 700-X
Maybe 1000 brass
About 50 Speer 110HP
About 50 Speer 158 Semi-Wadcutters
About 50 Hornady 158 HP/XTP
And a mystery box of I think 500 Sure Fire 38 158 SWC, I say mystery because a Net search for Sure Fire came up Empty
 I went to hodgdon and Alliant and pulled up the load data.
I am not sure where to start with these bullets as I am a complete newbe without a mentor.

 I have a 357 revolver and plenty of 357 brass and would like start loading up them with what I have on hand to get my feet wet.

 Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks,
Mike

[Lone Star]

First off, get two reloading manuals; I suggest Lyman and Speer.  Read the first 1/4 of each book before you even look at the reloading data....

The powders you have are fast to very fast, so you'll only be able to load to moderate velocity levels.  That's probably a good thing.  The Fail Safe bullets were available, look here: http://www.handloadersbench.com/forum17/1928-1.html

After reading the manuals, get back to us for questions.  Having a common language (which you will learn in the manuals) will make it much easier to help you - and we'll be glad to help.  Good luck!


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[GameHauler]

Thank you Lonestar.
I have been reading and the New lymann manual
is to be out next month so I am waiting for it.
I am not ready to pull the handle yet and I know that
except for the decaper that I just got done doing.
I think I will be safe putting the brass into the tumbler also
Heck, I might get real brave and clean the primer pockets
and debur the flash hole.

I was not really asking for a recipe but I see how it looks that way.
but more of a yes you can work ups some loads with what you have.

I'll work on the language more, It's easier to retain when your talking it not just reading.

I respect what you said and thank you again
Mike

[stimpylu32]

GH

Looks like you have a decent assortment of powders and bullets to work with , first you need to understand the basic concept of loading and the manuals will teach you that . I too like the Lyman for just starting out , it covers the basics very well . till you get it you may want to read through this  . And yes you have most of what you will need to do some starting loads .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handloading

As Lone Star said when you get to something you don't understand , just ask .

One thing that I saw missing on your list is small pistol primers , CCI or Federal would be my first choices .

stimpy

[GameHauler]

Thanks Stimpy
I have read the first 4  threads in this forum and most of the links you have in them.

 I have had this equipment for about 4 months now and have been reading every chance I get.
I am not jumping into this blind and will continue my education until ready.

Primers:
Small pistol only:
1000 CCI #500
200 CCI #550
1200 Fed #100
400 Fed #200
200 Win #WSP

I have read the ABC of reloading
and allot on the net.
I live in hicksville and stuff is hard to come by here.
I did not want to order books until I knew which ones to get.
Sorry I got of to a bad start here.

Mike

[Lone Star]

Mike you did not get off to a bad start at all.  Now that we better understand were you are in the process, we can be of more help.  You are a valued member of this site!


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[GameHauler]

   
Mike

[warrior1]

newbie,good choice to read your lyman book. for another source use the imr/win./hogdgon
loader online. it will give you a different look for loads for two of the powders you listed. you can go to ALLIANT POWDER FOR LOADS WITH BULLSEYE.  the only powder i've used with any regularity is 700x. try 5.2 grs of it in a 357 with a small pistol primer,and a 158 gr lswc.

if you are planning on shooting 38 specials out of your 357 mag be sure to scrub the cylinder good
before switching to 357s.

good luck. have fun ,be safe good shootin. dan