Author Topic: The Definitive "New to Reloading" Thread (Read 50121 times)

BRL · « **Reply #30 on:** November 26, 2006, 03:38:06 PM »

Thanks for the tips guys. I would rather use a permanent bench in the garage. I think I'll try that and see how it works. I was just concerned with the humidity. But, I'll keep the components inside. It sounds like I shouldn't have a problem there.

Thanks again.

ggeilman · « **Reply #31 on:** November 30, 2006, 10:52:45 AM »

I am new to reloading myself and getting some help on another forum. I have bought a Lee Classic Turret because I liked how it was set up. The single station press looked like too much switching around to me. After looking at a number of manuals I decided to get Lee's Modern reloading as it was written for the equipment I was using, but will probably add to it. I am reloading 45/70 and have picked up 405gr lasercast bullets. I am rather confused on the load information though and seemed to have picked a load for trap doors using H-Varget. Well, I have the bullets and the powder but am not confident in the load data now.

LAH · « **Reply #32 on:** November 30, 2006, 01:52:22 PM »

ggeilman there's no reason to be Un-Confident. If the powder is listed in your manual for the bullet you've chosen begin with the starting load and put 5 or 10 together.

Start slow. Size your cases, prime them, open the case mouth if needed, add the powder, seat your bullet to the crimp groove, check to see if you're in the OAL range, crimp the case and go to the range.

Remember if you do as the loading manual says..........You'll be fine...........Creeker

Graybeard · « **Reply #33 on:** November 30, 2006, 06:10:55 PM »

The .45-70 is a real easy one to get confused about as there are multiple loading levels for it depending on the rifle you are loading for. So you must first tell us the rifle and then we can discuss loads. There is the trap door or old BP pressure level, the Marlin level and the Ruger level loads. You absolutely MUST be certain which level you are loading for and use the data ONLY for that level in your loading. I do not think there is any trapdoor level loads using Varget but that's from memory not from looking before typing in a load manual.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #34 on:** November 30, 2006, 08:26:12 PM »

Quote from: ggeilman on November 30, 2006, 10:52:45 AM

I am new to reloading myself and getting some help on another forum. I have bought a Lee Classic Turret because I liked how it was set up. The single station press looked like too much switching around to me. After looking at a number of manuals I decided to get Lee's Modern reloading as it was written for the equipment I was using, but will probably add to it. I am reloading 45/70 and have picked up 405gr lasercast bullets. I am rather confused on the load information though and seemed to have picked a load for trap doors using H-Varget. Well, I have the bullets and the powder but am not confident in the load data now.

Hodgdon shows 50gr of Varget as max for a 405gr cast bullet in their trapdoor loads, levergun loads go to 55gr for a 400gr jacketed bullet in the 2006 Annual.

Steve shows 44gr to 56gr of Varget with 385gr to 405gr bullets.

Tim

http://www.hodgdon.com/data/rifle/4570gov.php

http://www.stevespages.com/458_1_385.html

ggeilman · « **Reply #35 on:** December 01, 2006, 03:58:08 AM »

I have a Marlin 1895CB. That is the problem. Hogden only shows trap door loads for Varget for 405gr cast. Yes, I saw the jacketed. Was not sure that was relavent. Lee shows the start and max at 40gr, but again that is not for modern rifles. I did not have a scale until last night so I have been using the Lee dippers. The load shows for the 2.8 dipper in the book, but the slide looks more like 3.1. The 2.8 is around 38gr and the 3.1 around 42. From everything I am reading I am not real concerned that this is too high, but might be too light, especially the 2.8 although I was looking for a load around the 1400fps listed to start. quickdtoo has been one of the one's helping me on the marlinowners forum with much thanks, but still looking for information on this Varget powder.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #36 on:** December 01, 2006, 05:57:07 AM »

The Hodgdon Annual shows trapdoor Varget loads starting at 40gr @1392fps with a 405gr cast LFP, in a 24" barrel, CCI200 primer and Win brass. Max is 50gr @1718fps. Get yourself a scale, you can get a good one for less than $50 new, an even better one for less used on ebay.

Tim

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0004490400

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000690681

ggeilman · « **Reply #37 on:** December 01, 2006, 07:55:19 AM »

I did get the Lee scale for a number of reasons. First of all I got the Pro Auto disk with it that I intended to use, but I now find out that it is designed for pistol loads. Second, I looked at the Lyman 500 scale and I wasn't impressed enough with it to pay 3 times the price and third, Lee uses volume and not weight to measure power. The scale is only to check the loads when they are near maximum or their is doubt. I intend to use it regardless to check the loads. I will check your links when I get home as they are blocked from work.

However, it really appears to me that if I am going to use the dippers, I should use the 3.1CC as it gives around a 42gr load vs the 2.8 which is under 40.

Edit: I picked up a copy of Lyman. It does list Varget for 405gr cast. 49.5 gr 1591fps 18,400 CUP starting and 55.0+ 1772fps 26,300 CUP Max.

williamlayton · « **Reply #38 on:** December 15, 2006, 02:15:37 PM »

Reloading space.
I have a shed that is barn shaped--10ft X12 ft.
I took 9 ft of it for the reloading.
built me a home made square---didn't figger it made no difference as there wern't not a single square thing in the shed.
put me in some wiring for plugs and lights.
put some insulation in the walls.
put some 3/4 CD plywood on tha walls and ceiling.
Put some drywall mud over the plywood.
built a stand up bench--asd a sit down bench, as an after thought.
put in an a/c.
Hung 4 two lamp lights.
got me a new ash tray for tha cigs---don't do tha cigs and tha powder at the same time.
Now I can sit or stand---had to lay down in it a couple of times when I was tossed out of the house--that's another story for another time.
It has worked for me---there is always a way to find the room.
For those who build battleships (as I do) for benches, I have a friend who has his Dillon on a game table in a spare room (thanks for finally moving out kids) where he is allowed leisure and he reloads thousands of rounds monthly from it.
Blessings

ggeilman · « **Reply #39 on:** December 18, 2006, 07:31:42 AM »

I took part of my study and part of my old computer desk in there.
Have been loading Varget up to 44gr and H4198 at 29.4. The H4198 seemed rather light and didn't group as well. Will increase both for next trip to the range around the 1st.

snuffer#1 · « **Reply #40 on:** December 23, 2006, 09:56:31 PM »

I have my reloading stuff down in the shed. Hopefully, I'll try to rig up something that I can get a window AC unit to fit in the window. I also when I'm not reloading cover the press, my Lee powder measure( which I haven't used yet and the zip trimmer) with the little terry cloth towels I get from wally world. With a spray of wd-40 and covering the stuff, you'll never have to worry so much about rust setting in. As far as manuals and stuff, like GB said get at the minimum 2 manuals, and yes read and understand what you're doing before you touch one piece of reloading equip. I got 4 manuals. I started at the first of this year. I also got the loadbooks for the calibers I have. They cost about 7.00 dollars apiece. I like them because they have about every powder and bullet selection you can think of. Theloadbooks I ordered from midway! When it comes to reloading, it's what you know and how to get the knowledge, which is important, not so much the equipment. Jus tmy 2 cents worth!

snuffer

dmills · « **Reply #41 on:** January 01, 2007, 06:56:46 AM »

At the risk of a new reloader presuming to give a tip, here goes. The most useful sources I have found so far for hands-on how-to advice are the free video clips at the Lee Precision site.

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/video.html

Since I don't have any reloading friends, it helps to watch the short, to the point, videos.

ronangelia7 · « **Reply #42 on:** March 12, 2007, 05:56:08 AM »

I started reloading in 1981 with a Lee handloading kit. I dont think they make them any more. I would sat at the Kitchen table and seat bullets with a hammer. Safety first, I would never do that again. I have 3 presses,a rock chucker, Lyman turret and Lee hand press. They all serve there functions on the reloading bench. I would recommend the rock chucker myself. I agree with Lyman reloading manual and I like the speer also. Also a new reloader should read the front of the lyman reloader book as it has a lot of good info. I would not bash any manufactures products. I have used RCBS,Lyman,lee,hornady and redding. For the money most of the time, I like RCBS,but that is just my preferance. There is always something new to learn,but if ya love it,you will stay with it.

Ron

quickdtoo · « **Reply #43 on:** March 12, 2007, 07:19:51 AM »

The Lee Loader is still made and very popular, many of us cut our handloading teeth using one!

Tim

http://leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1173719857.254=/html/catalog/cleeloader.html

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

ronangelia7 · « **Reply #44 on:** March 18, 2007, 04:58:53 PM »

Oh, for the good ol days.That is cool that they still make those after all those years.. Basics are still the same,maybe we complicate things as we go.Thanks

Ron

burntmuch · « **Reply #45 on:** April 04, 2007, 04:38:11 PM »

Im new at this. Am using the lee loader for my 45/70. Hard to beat for $15. Got a set of dippers ,gunna try some different loads & bullets. shooting 300 gr rem jhp at 1700fps . ragged hole at 50yrds 2 inch group at 100. Next purchase is gunna be a scale. For someone new at this I think the Lee loader is a good place to start. As far as manuals , I liked modern reloading by Lee. It was easier to read than the lyman 48th.

84jeepj10 · « **Reply #46 on:** May 04, 2007, 08:17:53 PM »

Just got my first reloading set in the mail today, a Lee Loader in 30-06sprg. Don't have powder/primer/bullets yet but am working on it, have already de-capped and chamfered some once-fired Rem brass of mine. I think I'm gonna like this hobby.

BTW: With the Lee Loader how do I use my dial calipers to accurately measure and set my bullet seating depth? Which surfaces do I use to measuse on the loader with the calipers depth gauge and what depth should I start at with a 165grn round?

burntmuch · « **Reply #47 on:** May 05, 2007, 02:16:47 AM »

Get a factory round & use it to set the length on your lee loader

84jeepj10 · « **Reply #48 on:** May 05, 2007, 07:45:31 AM »

Simple enough, thanks. But how do I measure what the seating depth is so I can make sure it's consistant?

sundog · « **Reply #49 on:** May 08, 2007, 04:43:31 AM »

There are three publications that should be placed in front of the first loading manual, ABCs of Reloading OR NRA Guide to Reloading (or both), AND the NRMA web site - http://www.reload-nrma.com/ . All three are "How to" and should be used as teaching and learning tools. Any discussion of load data and associated equipment should come after a complete understanding of the ENTIRE PROCESS. The nice thing about doing it this way is that often times the new reloaders will discover on their own the type of equipment needed for their particular type of reloading rather than committing alot of resources ($$$s) for stuff they do not need early on. That's part of the learning curve. Extended discussions of anything other than the process adds little to getting the new reloader starter. In fact, often times it is confuses. So, IMO, do the "hot to" stuff first before the first load manual. I'll agree that the Lyman is pretty good, but it's not the only one. btw, on the NRMA site is a list of NRA Certified Instructors - pretty good resource.

DDelle338 · « **Reply #50 on:** June 05, 2007, 02:12:43 AM »

I wish that the Internet were around when I started. wow... When I started thinking about reloading I was told by a friend that I needed to look at all his manuals read some, and buy my own copies of the ones that made the most Then he suggested the LEE Hand Loader Press Kit to start out, if I liked it I could always upgrade. He told me then that if I did upgrade, I'd still like that hand press. He was right, I still use it allot. I have my decapping die in it. Sometimes I'll take a coffee can full of brass upstairs and de-prime them while I watch TV with the wife and daughter. I bought the kit in .357 and also dies for my rifle cals. I have upgraded since then. A piece or two at a time over the years. Starting with the tings that I needed most, loading block, scale, de-burring tool, etc. etc. I still use the converted ice cream freezer for my brass tumbling needs. I saw how nice brass looked after tumbling! But then saw how much they wanted for a tumbler!!! So I lined the inside with rubber and added a little paddle in the side to make the brass tumble. Works great for the 4 bucks invested. Some day I'll upgrade. But that's how I go about it. Get what you need, make what you'd like (if ya can). Upgrade as often as you like. I started with that Lee press because it was cheap and I was not sure if I'd keep with the reloading. 24 years later, I still use that LEE Press and other LEE presses and dies because they work well.
If you have friends that reload, ask questions, ask to see their setup. Get the Basics, and upgrade as you need/want. But you'll always be glad you have that Lee Hand Press

joshco84 · « **Reply #51 on:** July 10, 2007, 05:34:18 PM »

the lyman 48th and hodgdon's website have handled everything for me so far!!

The best thing about the lyman books is all of the how to in them. I bought the lyman shotgun manual and borrowed my grandpa's shotshell reloader and I am killing turkeys with those shells!!!! no questions asked, the lyman books are essential.

josh

mdi · « **Reply #52 on:** July 16, 2007, 10:42:08 AM »

I am getting back into reloading after life happenings forced the sale of all my equipment several years ago. I found my Speer Manual #11, and my reloading notebook in some boxes I packed away 15 years ago. I kept pretty good records of brass, powder, bullets and results (with targets) for every load I rolled up. Getting the itch!

Since I already have a Reloading Manual, my first purchase on this go around is "The Handloader's Digest", 18th Edition. From this I can find out what is offered for handloading equipment and approximate prices, along with any new "new and improved" stuff.

My very first reloading (in the mid 60s) was done with a Lee Loader in .38/.357. One evenings work resulted in a box if reloaded .38 Specials. I think the load was around 4 gr. of Bullseye topped with a 158 gr. SWC. Most fun I can remember, shooting my first handloads! From there I went to a Lee Challenger press and then a Redding "Boss", with assorted Lee and RCBS dies and the other "necessary" stuff like powder scale, tumbler, case trimmers, and anything else I thought I "needed", when ever I could afford it.

Buckman · « **Reply #53 on:** July 18, 2007, 03:14:07 PM »

If I was you I would go with an up to date manual, as powders and such have changed over the years since you last reloaded. Just my two cents worth.

Heavy C · « **Reply #54 on:** August 09, 2007, 06:55:26 AM »

This is perfect. I'm just about to order my setup to get started. I'm leaning toward RCBS only because that's what I learned on and my Dad used while we competed in silhouette shooting - plus they seem to last forever. I'm considering a turret or progressive because I do shoot a lot of 45 ACP and .223. Everything else would be in lower numbers. Lots of good information - thanks guys!

sooperdooty · « **Reply #55 on:** January 04, 2008, 02:46:22 PM »

I started off when a buddy and I went in halfsies on an rcbs. Both of us had a 7mm rem mag so we split primers powder and everything. This is a great way to start reloading, because one of you can read the directions to the other while working and two heads are safer than one! There are also monetary benefits of the kit costing half as much. Recently I have purchased a Lee Classic Loader in .223, and i absolutely love it, in fact I asked my wife for the classic in 7mm rem mag for my birthday.

Freezer · « **Reply #56 on:** May 15, 2008, 04:53:39 AM »

This is my first step into this reloading forum. I started after Christmas 10 years ago. My family lives in Pa and I in Ca. After sitting at my mother-in-law's house watching them open their presents my wife finally said, "Here's one for you to open". With joy in my heart and the thought I hadn't been forgotten I opened a box. It had a new set of Correl Bowls

With the firm belief that every boy deserves a toy at Christmas the next day I got out my G&A magazine and ordered the Lee Anniversary Kit. I read their manual three times, got a 2x12x 7ft shelf from a junk store and started to work on a bench. I started by loading 38s and progressed from there.
That's was ten years ago and the only complaint I have with Lee was I wish they had included veneers with their kit. Since then I've loaded ten of thousands of rounds thru that press in at least 15 calibers and taught my son to reload using it. He has progressed well beyond me in both reloading and shooting. The only mistake I've made was not charging a case and jamming a bullet in the barrel twice. Fortunately Mr. Lee warned about things like this so the weren't any ill effects. My son learned from my mistake and hasn't had done it.
Though the Lee kit paid for itself in the first 500 rounds I haven't saved any money hand loading, I just shoot more

I have worked up loads for all my and my brothers rifles that hold not more than 1" at 100yards. To me accuracy and bulllet selection is more important than velocity.
I do agree with the idea of owning more than one manual but for a broke butt just starting the Lee Manual came with the kit. It was very informative, well written and good enough to start with. I was able to get pamphlet reloading info free printed by powder and bullet companies from the local gun shop.
BTW, My brothers wife bought him an anniversary Kit for Christmas! Thanks Dmills, I'll talk to him tonight about the Lee web site.
Jack19512, my son has the same problem but I figured out an answer. I'm designing a bench that looks like a piece of furniture using Maple plywood. The press will be behind two doors until they're opened. The press is on a piano hinge and folds down.
GB Thanks for a wounder forum.
Oh heck maybe that was 15 years ago

Time flies when your having fun reloading and shooting

SharonAnne · « **Reply #57 on:** May 22, 2008, 09:17:09 AM »

as much as I love my Dillon RL1050, for a beginner I recommend the Lee Turret Press with the 4 hole turret. You can set all of your dies for one caliber and not have to keep changing them. It is still a single stage press in that it has one shell holder. I started with the 3 hole turret. 4s were not available back then. When I felt ready for a progressive I moved up to a Pro 1000. I loaded 10s of thousands of .45acp on that press.

Cheesehead · « **Reply #58 on:** July 04, 2008, 06:33:24 PM »

My first "system" was and is the Dilliion 550. That was about 1990. It was a struggle starting out. I am still using it. I can do it with my eyes closed now.

Cheese

HappyHunter · « **Reply #59 on:** December 24, 2008, 04:08:30 AM »

I think that two books should be the minimum requirement. What one book did not make clear, the other one will. Also a mentor is huge, some one to help you get started, or to check the equipment of an experienced re loader.

My first press was a Rockchucker, I used it for 5 different handgun calibers and 3 different rifle calibers. I still use this press for 5 different rifle calibers and for trimming brass with a power trimmer. As well it is useful for various processing applications.

My second press was a Dillon 550. This currently loads, 32 S&W long thru 454 casull in pistol cartridges, and also sees a fair amount of 223 rem. This press has loaded many, many, many rounds and still is going strong.

My most recent press is a Dillon 650. This is a new item and I have not loaded with it yet, I got it when a deal presented itself. When I add the casefeeder and enough caliber conversions, I will likely get rid of the 550 and may even get a second 650 (one set up for small primers, and another set up for large primers.

When I started reloading, I started shooting more. When I started shooting more, I started buying in bulk. This is where the "savings" is.

Powder on hand: over 50 lbs
Primers: over 30K
Bullets on hand: 15K (running low, need to reorder soon)

I say "savings" because, I still can't show my wife the money I "saved".