Author Topic: w m I Gng To Lern T R (Read 1098 times)

teddy12b · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2008, 06:15:52 AM »

First things first, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Reloading is a great way to relax, and save money at the same time. It's an addictive hobby that gets better with time.

Regarding books, I like my sierra book & computer software the most. It seems to be more thorough. You can also buy caliber specific books, for instance if you're going to reload 223 buy the 223 book for $10 and you'll have reloading data from both bullet and powder makers. About all the books go into detail on the how to part of reloading and what to look for, but some are better than others.

Two things I recommend: 1.) Go online to google video and lookup videos on setting up the equipment and reloading prep & process. There are great sources online in free videos. 2.) Whatever press you're getting probably has a specific video on how it's supposed to be setup, buy it. I have videos for a RCBS rock chucker and a Dillon 550B and I find myself going back to them over time to check them out.

If you haven't already bought the equipment I would suggest you look on Ebay. There are great deals on ebay and if you have questions we are all here to answer questions.

I've been reloading since 2002 and it's been a great hobby and a great way to save money making quality ammo.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2008, 06:16:39 AM »

Well two quick ?'s
1 what do you want to reload? Rifle, pistol, shotgun?
2 what reloader did you get. I have Mec shotgun and Dillion metal case. If you have either of those I can help. If your equipment is different then.... depends on your question.

Kurt L · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2008, 06:20:43 AM »

this would be a great start for you.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=415173

burntmuch · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2008, 06:30:05 AM »

My first book was Lee Modern reloading. It seemed to read a little easier for me on the" How to" parts. then I bought the Lyman 48th. Lee reloading has videos on the How to as well. Ive been reloading for almost 2 yrs now. Ive learned alot here. Congrats Advise READ READ READ. Then put all your equipment together & read some more.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** November 10, 2008, 07:15:12 AM »

I recommend you read the stickys posted at the top of this forum, particularly The Definitive "New to Reloading" Thread that already has all of the info offered in this thread and a LOT more.

Tim

Old Syko · « **Reply #6 on:** November 10, 2008, 09:18:04 AM »

Once you've read The Definitive "New to Reloading" Thread as directed by quickdtoo and allowed yourself to digest all you've read you'll be more prepared to ask further questions.

Keep in mind that finding someone local to help you may be a good way to get started but you take the chance of picking up his bad habits. Just something to think about.

corbanzo · « **Reply #7 on:** November 10, 2008, 09:19:48 AM »

As for the book aspect.... buy a bunch. The information never goes bad. And if some new gotta have it bullet comes out that isn't in your book, you can always look that up online, and compare in your books with similar bullets.

Pretty much all of the reloading manuals (sans caliber specific manuals) have a how to section in them. And their information differs a little bit, you may find a good tip in one that is missing from another.

Most manuals are made by a certain manufacturer so they have specific information on their products, manuals such as lee and lyman will have more variety than the bullet and powder makers information.

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #8 on:** November 10, 2008, 09:22:29 AM »

The best book on reloading is Lyman's 49th additon. I have both the 48th and 49th. The 49th has the Barnes TSX loadings. I've made some mistakes. If you do just ask questions here. Lots of good people to answer your questions.

qajaq59 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 10, 2008, 10:17:10 AM »

Read the manuals, the stickys, and look at the videos.

Also send an e-mail to the NRA asking if there is a certified reloading instructor in your area. There isn't as many of them as we need, but you might get lucky and have one nearby. Ask around at your local range as well. Quite a few of the guys will help you get started if you ask.

Troyboy · « **Reply #10 on:** November 10, 2008, 11:41:08 AM »

Saving money is a catch phrase. Ammo is cheaper to make but you will shoot more of it so you can make more rounds. Then there is all the equipment you end up buying. It is a hobby and as such you will have to allow for that aspect. It is cheaper than racing. Good luck and listen to what the poeple that know have to say(not myself as i'm new)

Tax the middle class to feed those that can't get out of bed

Cheesehead · « **Reply #11 on:** November 10, 2008, 02:56:49 PM »

Here is how I started.

I bought a Nosler book.

Then a bought a new Dillion 550. It was a bit of a struggle but I had some expert help. Most important thing, start slow and be patient.

Cheese

teddy12b · « **Reply #12 on:** November 10, 2008, 03:32:44 PM »

I didn't have anyone who could teach me, so I started slow with a rcbs rock chucker single stage. I can't even imagine trying to figure out a Dillon 550B without some bigtime assistance. I was a sissy and bought all the videos I could and ...... even read the directions.

XD9 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 10, 2008, 03:49:02 PM »

I'm just getting into reloading as well so I can't really offer any veteran advice. However, check out www.ammosmith.com. He has posted over 70 videos on reloading, casting, etc. They cover all different aspects of setting up equipment, cleaning and prepping brass, bullet seating, etc. It doesn't explain individual presses in detail but it gives a great overview of the process of reloading. Highly recommended for a newbie such as myself!

EDIT: All of his videos are on YouTube too...

buck460XVR · « **Reply #14 on:** November 10, 2008, 04:21:37 PM »

If I can do it...anyone can. Many of the powder and bullet web sites have info on reloading and setup. I bought a green kit and read the Speer book that came with it twice. I bought a Hornady book and read it once. Realized I needed a tumbler and a caliper.Then I took the kit out and set it up, loaded ten shells with starting loads, took them out and they all went bang.

At first, I stuck with powders that made it hard to double charge and I still look in every case before I cap it. Keep a journal of everything you make and don't make a bunch till you shoot a few first.

Graybeard · « **Reply #15 on:** November 10, 2008, 10:28:36 PM »

The sticky started by Butlerford45 has a bunch of excellent info. READ IT.

Buy a Lyman Reloading Manual. Read and learn the info part up front before you ever try to load your first round. Ask questions here as needed.

Buy current reloading manuals from any and all bullet makers you will be using bullets from. Get the free manuals from the powder manufacturers and the ones that cost also from those who's powders you will use. To me that's the absolute minimum requirement for load data to have on hand.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #16 on:** November 11, 2008, 02:41:02 AM »

like was said any of the loading maunals from the bullet manufactures are good and all have info on how to start loading for a beginner. Stick to the manual that matches the brand of bullet your buying at least to start with. "Handloader" magazine is about the last of the good gun magazines left. I quit buying most of the others because there nothing but catalogs for the gun manufacures anymore but handloader still has lots of good info and is well worth the subscription price.

Sweetwater · « **Reply #17 on:** November 11, 2008, 09:02:43 AM »

Handloading is somewhat like climbing a ladder.
You gotta start at the bottom and work your way up - slowly! You can't get to the roof without putting your foot on each rung, BUT you can leave the roof without touching the ladder! Not a good choice!

Stay safe, go slow, keep careful, meaningfull records (like a journal), read, listen, observe, and analyze everything you do, and everytime you shoot. Your weapon will talk to you if you listen, and your targets will, also. It's a fun ride, and doesn't have to be tedious or frustrating, though sometimes it seems to be.

You may discover something different from the experiences of others - that's ok. All barrels are different and respond to ammunition differently. The various load charts may seem overwhelming as the data is somewhat different from chart to chart. That's ok, too. It's merely a reflection of the fact that all barrels are different and will give different results from the same ammunition. Don't sweat it. Get on the ladder. Hit that first rung and get comfortable with it before climbing to the second rung and so on. It is not a race to get to the top of the ladder. We are all on the ladder somewhere. Some higher than others, but I don't believe anyone ever gets to the top.

I have found over the last 40 years that there is always something new to discover or some new theory that warrants checking into. You will also find that everyone does not share the same experience or the same opinion of particular calibers or bullets. It's like Fords and Chevrolets. Crap to some is treasure to others. Welcome aboard and fire away! The more you learn, the more you will find you want to learn.

Regards,
Sweetwater

the great orator · « **Reply #18 on:** November 12, 2008, 03:05:35 AM »

When I started, I bought a book called "The ABC's of Reloading". Had a lot of good info in the book, I felt. Speer, Hornady, and Lyman are all great books that the first half of the book deal with a lot of tips and what to look for when reloading. So does Lee's book, but I like the explanation of each round to be loaded, what works and what doesn't work so well. Lee's book doesn't have this, it only has powder charges, OAL's, trim to lengths and max lengths. The Speer, Lyman, and Hornady all have these write ups at the beginning of each round's loading information. Hornady and Lyman's also suggest powders that work well for their load data.

jlchucker · « **Reply #19 on:** November 12, 2008, 12:57:07 PM »

I agree with Burntmuch, Lloyd Smale, Graybeard, and the rest. When I first started loading, I bought an RCBS Junior kit that included a Speer manual. Later, I acquired other manuals. The current Lee book and the Lyman book are both excellent, with lots of information, and loads that pretty much favor no particular brand of jacketed bullets or other components. Everyone in this thread says to read. That's the best of advice. Read current stuff, published by those who make bullets and loading equipment. Try and ignore opinions expressed by individuals on some websites, where home-grown experts conjure up unpublished data based upon their own experimentation. Some of these guys are lucky to still have all of their own fingers and eyes. Those who manufacture loading equipment and components have the latest testing equipment available to them--and they have no interest in causing hazard to their customers. New loaders, and experienced ones as well, would do well to stick to data developed by the manufacturers. Safety first--and you'll enjoy your new hobby for the rest of your life.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #20 on:** November 13, 2008, 06:38:30 AM »

The only think i learned from a friend of mine who riuned a SAA clone that you want to use a powder in revolver rounds that allow you to see the powder.
My friend who will remain nameless, picked a 45 colt load that used the smallest amount of powder thinking it would be cheaper to load. Well the load George picked had such a small amount of powder in it that he double charged one and still could not see the powder when he moved it on his 550 press. Long story short, the round took apart his SAA. With that I load my 44 mag and 45 colt rounds with the largest charge of powder available for a given speed with the same weight bullet. With the auto loading rounds I use smaller amounts as the case is short and powder will fill the cavity.
Also with the small powder charges in big revolver you run the risk of not getting the primer to spark the load only pop it like a squib when aiming down. I know it's hard to believe but a guy we shoot steel with made up some "mouse fart" loads and when we shot on an even plain the rounds went off or at an angle up, but when we shot at a down angle the rounds would squib out of his 38 specials.

qajaq59 · « **Reply #21 on:** November 14, 2008, 12:08:56 AM »

Another good way to avoid double charges, especially with a single stage press, is to always keep your cases neck down in the tray until they have powder in them. And shine a flashlight in them to check the powder levels before loading. Every loading manual tells you not to watch TV or have other distractions around, and that's great advice. If you're going to load then JUST load. Multitasking can get you hurt.
It's a safe hobby if you pay attention to what you are doing.