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Posted: 11/16/2008 6:46:22 PM EDT
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ammo is getting too expensive and i wanted to start reloading for some time now. how much should everything that i need to get started? i want to reload .223/5.56, 7.62x39mm, .303brit, .45acp, .40 s&w, .44mag. i plan on reloading alot of rounds so di i need a progressive press?
i know i need the brass, bullets, powder, primers, some kind of press and a something to measure the powder? Is there diffrences for the powder? i know the questions are pretty broad, im new to reloading thanks |
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Pick up a Reloading manual. Or a few. Hodgdon Powders publishes one that looks like a magazine, it's eight bucks. I have that, Hornady, and Lyman. There are LOTS off differences in powders. You can use many of the same powders for the rifle calibres you listed. You will need different powders for the pistols. There are powders you can use for both 40 and the magnum, but some powders are more ideal for the 44 mag i think. I haven't loaded it.
The reloading manuals give you tons of recipes using different bullets and powders. The better ones also give you step by steps on the process and safety. Your press will probably have procedure instructions too. There is a Reloading forum in the Armory. There are even load data published here on arfcom for all the cartridges you listed with the possible exception of 303. Given the political situation, it might be tough to jump in with all the dies (about 30 to 40 dollars per set) plus a press and loading accessories all at the same time. You might want to pick what you shoot the most of. "Need" is not relevant. If you reload a lot, a progressive press will make it much faster. they're more money, too, and if you decide you'd rather take a second job to pay for ammy rather than reload, that extra money might turn into a dust-gatherer. I have a cheap Lee single stage press, and there are guys here with two Dillon progressives. And lots of ppl in between. I would recommend you start slow and gather additional goodies as you find used items or great buys. Yes you need more than a press. You need a scale and a powder scoop and a blah blah blah. I'd say buy a kit from someone local or a mail order outfit to at least have a base. ETA....midwayusa.com and wideners.com are good sources for components, tools, and manuals. Probably buy primers and powder locally because of high shipping (hazmat) |
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Want some advice from a guy who started reloading just a few months ago?
Hold off on the progressive for now. Get a good single stage starter kit like the RCBS Rock Chucker and work your way through the basics loading one or two calibers –– maybe your .303 Enfield and one of your lower use pistol calibers. There's just a lot to learn about and understand. You'll always have a use for a good single stage press and the other pieces that come with the kit. Once you have a handle on reloading one step at a time, then you can go for the progressive. I'm sure lots of guys have started with a progressive and did just fine. But my experience is that going slow is a good thing when you;re starting out. |
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