Author Topic: Reloading? (Read 1452 times)

DPHunter · « **on:** August 17, 2006, 03:27:27 PM »

I've had a few people reply to my posts regarding hunting with the .480 Ruger. Everyone seems to have the same advice, reloading. This sounds interesting, but I'm totally clueless about reloading. I know it is a big thing with hunters and shooters, but I've never really considered doing it myself. As dumb as this sounds, if someone could tell me what I need to buy to reload my .480 I would appreciate it. Most everyone on these discussion boards seem to be familiar with it and could probably help me out a lot. The only web site I've visited to shop around on reloading is www.midsouthshooterssupply.com. I'm open to suggestions. Thanks.

Troggy · « **Reply #1 on:** August 17, 2006, 03:36:29 PM »

Im in the same boat as you........hay.......this is my boat, whatcha doin here? Just kidding. The advice that has been given to me is get a reloading manual and read it, then read it again.The buy a single stage press starter kit, some brass,bullets primers powder AND another reloaders manual and read that then get started in loading your own. Maybe I should let someone with experiance reply but hay I just had elbow surgery and Im off another 4 weeks at least so Im bored. Right now Im in thw "reading" stage and shopping for the press starter kit. Maybe someone here can advise us both on what good manuals to get. I just got Lee's Loaders digest thinking it was a full loading manual but it seems I was wrong.

waynemorgan · « **Reply #2 on:** August 17, 2006, 04:11:09 PM »

you might find a video that will help alot,but the best thing is to find someone around there and watch them .you allmost have to see it done to really get the best out of it .you can save alot in most cases like your 480 .but in 9mm or 38 it would be cheeper to buy it .

rickyp · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2006, 04:21:52 PM »

The best thing to do is to find a friend that is is willing to teach you how to reload.
If you do not know anyone then as stated get as many reloading manuals as you can also look for a book called ABC's of reloading it is an older book but has a lot of good information.
The very basic tools you will need to start out with
brass (you should already be saving your spent brass)
primers
powder(s)
bullets
The rest you can get used at good prices
single stage press
reloading scale
dies with shell holder

once you get started you will want to get more tools like
case trimmer (cases will grow over time)
powder thrower (makes putting powder in a case fast and easy)
hand primer (better feel at seating primers and faster then the press mounted primer)
tumbler ( clean the brass and helps save the dies from being scratched)
stuck case remover (mistakes happen)
bullet puller (mistakes happen or if you get someone elses reloads you can pull them and save the brass and bullets)
calipers ( you you can measure the case and such)
lube pad and lube ( mostly for bottle neck rounds and steel dies)
You can go on and on keep it as simple as you need or get as complex as you want the choice is yours.

A lot of people do not care for lee, but they are a very good way to get started with little money. you can buy an entire reloading set from lee for about the same price as some charge for a single stage press. look for used equipment first.

When I started out I didn't even have a table to mount my press on I used two C clamps and clamped it to a dining room table

mid south is a good place to buy things few others are
midwayusa.com
cabalas has a reloading catalog

EdK · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2006, 05:26:48 PM »

I have fired only very few factory rounds since beginning to reload. Sure, if you shoot 38special and 9mm get the cheap stuff and have at it. But you're asking about 480 Ruger - there isn't any cheap stuff!

I won't argue Lee has some good reloading stuff but it is spotty. For example theer single stage presses are OK for the money but the Lee 1000 progressive is junk IMHO. also the basic scale is so innacurate as to be downright scary. On the other hand their casting equipment can be a good value... Whoaa we're not going that far with this!

I like the RCBS Rockchucker starter kit: Quality basic gear at a reasonable price (even includes your first manual). Should be able to find it for $200-250. It won't take that long to make your money back loading Ruger 480.

have fun

MS Hitman · « **Reply #5 on:** August 17, 2006, 05:38:10 PM »

All good advice. You may even want to post a notice at the range requesting help. Most shooters are very willing to help another get started. I also second the Rockchucker kit suggestion.

Questor · « **Reply #6 on:** August 17, 2006, 05:52:19 PM »

Financially, it only makes sense if you do it for the long term, and in volume. If you do get into it, buy only good equipment or you will pay in frustration, and pay again for the equipment you should have bought in the first place.

sgtt · « **Reply #7 on:** August 17, 2006, 07:11:24 PM »

Call around to some of your local gun shops. They sometimes offer seminars on the subject.

7br · « **Reply #8 on:** August 18, 2006, 02:13:39 AM »

I started with the rockchucker kit about 15 years ago. Still using it and have not regretted it one bit. If you go with the kit, you will also need to buy a shell holder and a set of dies. I would buy carbide dies (don't require you to lube the cases) and also a lee handprimer.

The steps for a straight wall cartidge are pretty simple.
Knock out the primer
bell the case mouth
seat another primer
charge the case with powder
seat the bullet

Start at the minimum loads and work up.

I also cast my own bullets so I can load a box of 50 .41mag for about $5.00

Mikey · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2006, 04:38:08 AM »

DPHunter and Troggy - you have gotten some excellent advice from these responses and you both should 'have at it'.

I've been reloading for just about 40 years and if you are shooting calibers that are not sold in bulk quanities like mil-surp or target (38 spl, 9mm, 45acp, etc.) you will need to think about reloading for both the economy of scale and the incredible amount of satisfaction you get when you have properly taken game with your own handloads.

The advice is accurate - check with your local gunshops for reloading manuals, equipment and supplies. Purchase a good reloading manual that carries reloading data on your preferred cartridges and check out the Reloading Forum further on down the list of forums here at Graybeards. When you feel you are about ready to 'get into it' check with some of the other members on your load preferences and see what those with experience with those calibers suggest. Then you can have fun.

Rules of thumb - do not allow distractions while you are reloading - this includes wife, girlfriend, telephone, pets, children, smoking, etc., as distractions are a known basis for reloading errors and the possibility of very serious problems for both the shooter and the firearms involved. Pay very serious attention to what you are doing - if you handload for dangerous game you are wading in dangerous waters and you need to be attentive to your reloading activities.

Start with the basics - a good single stage press like an old RCBS Rock Chucker or an older Lyman single stange press is the best place to start.

There are many good manuals out there but I like the Lyman Pistol and Revolver Handbook, it is pretty comprehensive. There are others that are also well written and have good reloading data. In each you may find some differences betwixt powder charges and velocities, etc.,etc., but don't let that sway you. Stay within the prarameters of the load data provided and you should be safe.

You won't need to load for max velocity with some of these calibers and milder loads have and will continue to work just as well as heftier loads do. Accurate shooting is a lot of fun and quite satisfying. Good luck. HTH. Mikey.

Troggy · « **Reply #10 on:** August 18, 2006, 06:58:49 AM »

First off thank you all for helping the two of us out, alotta good info here. I agree with Mikey you dont need Max power alot of the time. Last year I took my Marlin .35rem out for some hogs and before I went I tested some factory loads at 100yrds, Fed, Rem coudnt find Win and last, Buffalo Bore heavy .35rem 220gr, after all I NEEDED some power for those big hogs. Rems grouped at about 2 1/2", Federal at under an inch and BB at about 5-6" + it coppered up my Bbl in a bad way. My gun just didnt like BB. I went with less power and used the federal(not that it doesnt have power). I shoot under and inch every time I take it out. I will not reload for this as I cant ask for more and its only $13/box. I also took 2 hogs on the trip.

Reason I am getting into reloading is I got a good deal on a SSK Bbl for my Contender. It is a .358JDJ whitch is a necked down 4444Marlin. I was told it was pretty easy to load. I have RCBS dies for it and thats all.

Tom W. · « **Reply #11 on:** August 19, 2006, 04:09:44 PM »

The advice on getting good stuff to start with is spot on. I started , many moons ago, with Lee stuff, because that is what I thought I could afford. I've since replaced almost all of my Lee stuff with RCBS, Redding, and Hornady. I can't tell you how much I've spent at Midway .

I have some rifles and handguns that have never fired a factory loaded round.

I've also been casting bullets for more than 30 years, but that's a whole 'nother can of worms, and a pasttime all to itself.

Uncle Ji · « **Reply #12 on:** August 20, 2006, 02:19:51 PM »

B
For a beginning reloader I always reccomend the best bang for the buck in a reloading kit the LEE Anniversary Kit & Carbide Die set:
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1156118810.2931=/html/catalog/anivers.html
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1156118810.2931=/html/catalog/dies-pistol.html
These are available from:
http://www.midwayusa.com/
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/
http://www.bosesguns.com/

I personally use a RCBS Rockchucker Press, and a LEE Handpress having accumilated reloading tools over the last 25 years.

mikedb · « **Reply #13 on:** August 23, 2006, 03:05:30 AM »

Has anyone recommended the ABCs of Reloading? That got me started. I like Lee stuff.

DPHunter · « **Reply #14 on:** August 23, 2006, 06:23:50 PM »

I will look into the ABC's of reloading. Thanks.

D.C. · « **Reply #15 on:** August 23, 2006, 07:53:50 PM »

I like my RCBS single stage press. I have had it for 32 years it still works fine. They stand behind there product. If it breaks they will fix it. Dont think you will have to take them up on that though there equipment lasts well. Any one suggest the spray lube, put your cases in a zip lock bag spray a little it, roll them around, works well, with less chance of deformed brass from to much greese. I second the carbide dies they are the way to go. I too am going to recomend trying to find someone to watch, it will save you a lot of greef. Reloading is not hard, it just requires your full attention. good luck and have fun at it. D.C. Don

Old Griz · « **Reply #16 on:** August 26, 2006, 09:04:09 AM »

I don't reload yet either, but I have heard a lot of good stuff about Dillon. What do yawl think about them. I was thinking about getting a Square Deal B.

Questor · « **Reply #17 on:** August 27, 2006, 04:38:03 AM »

Old Griz:

The Dillon presses are the universal favorite of people who shoot lots of ammo. No other manufacturer even comes close as a favorite among serious volume reloaders. They own that market. That should give you some indication of how good they are. Their customer service is excellent, and parts are readily available. Some parts are meant to wear and be replaced occasionally, like little plastic pieces and a leaf spring or two.

I use a Dillon 550, which is one step above the Square Deal. I have had it for several years and it has been a very useful tool for loading 45ACP. I only load one load for one cartridge with it: large amounts of 45ACP for bullseye shooting.

For everything else, I use a RCBS Rockchucker. I see no reason to use a progressive press unless there's a need to load hundreds of cartridges at a time. If I'm just loading 50 or 100 for something I don't shoot a lot (like rifle or 38 special), I prefer the Rockchucker. It's well suited to batches of 50 to 100, so long as you're not doing that much weekly of the same cartridge.

I got the progressive press because I got tired of loading 100 rounds of 45acp per week on the Rockchucker.

If you've got any other questions about usage, setup, or maintenance, feel free to PM me. I can discuss the 550 in detail, but am not familiar with the Square Deal. After following the forums for years, I've seen a lot of posts from people who started with the Square Deal and later wanted more versatility and got a 550 or 650. In my case, the Square Deal would probably have been fine. I like the larger size of the 550 because it's a comfortable size to work with.

Savage · « **Reply #18 on:** August 27, 2006, 10:30:23 AM »

Griz,
If you are going to reload pistol calibers only, I think the SD is the way to go in the Dillon line! The price is right, and it is easier and safer to use than the 550 due to the auto indexing feature. For a single stage, RCBS is hard to beat. The one I bought back in the late 60s still works like new. Another good choice in single stage, is the Lee Classic Press, which is a large cast "O" frame with compound linkage like the Rock Chucker. Lots of good stuff out there these days!
Savage

Nashcat · « **Reply #19 on:** August 30, 2006, 06:43:39 AM »

Here is a link from the National Reloading Manufacturers Association. It's a simple explanation of the reloading process with pictures and suggested equipment. Good reading for someone starting out.

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

Nashcat

huntersmurf · « **Reply #20 on:** August 30, 2006, 07:06:20 AM »

Buy yourself a new reloading manual from Speer, Hornady, Nosler etc. All have detailed chapters on how to reload. That is how I started 30 years ago.

mikedb · « **Reply #21 on:** August 30, 2006, 08:08:13 AM »

Quote from: DPHunter on August 17, 2006, 03:27:27 PM

I've had a few people reply to my posts regarding hunting with the .480 Ruger. Everyone seems to have the same advice, reloading. This sounds interesting, but I'm totally clueless about reloading. I know it is a big thing with hunters and shooters, but I've never really considered doing it myself. As dumb as this sounds, if someone could tell me what I need to buy to reload my .480 I would appreciate it. Most everyone on these discussion boards seem to be familiar with it and could probably help me out a lot. The only web site I've visited to shop around on reloading is www.midsouthshooterssupply.com. I'm open to suggestions. Thanks.

I was in the same boat last year. I got the book ABCs of Reloading. Then talked to some guys at Cabelas and gander Mt. Even without their help the book would have been enough. I just would not have learned some shortcuts