Posted: 2/23/2005 12:22:02 AM EDT
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I've never reloaded any ammunition and have never seen it done. However, I've been thinking about getting equipment to start reloading my own ammunition. I'm looking at loading .308 155 AMAX ammo, .223 75 grain, and .223 68 grain ammo. First off, is reloading that difficult? I have as much patience as the next guy, but don't want to get in over my head. Second, what brand/type of reloading equipment do you guys recommend? What components do you need, ie dies, stuff to crimp the casing?? |
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Ive only loaded handgun ammo. From what ive heard, rifle ammo is a bit trickier. As far as what I do know, reloading is fun, relaxing, not difficult at all, and rewarding. As long as you take your time, learn as much as you can, and be patient and attentive, you will do just fine. As far as equipment, I can't recommend Dillon Precision highly enough. |
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Patience & practace is the key. I have a RCBS rockchucker single stage and a Dillon RL650 progressive. The rockchucker is a great press to learn on with a minimal investment. Good reloading manuals are a MUST. Before you invest in equipment, you may wish to purchase the NRA Guide to Reloading. This will provide a wealth of info for new reloaders and will answer many questions you may have. |
If you are really interested do what Pheonix said and get a manual to read up on it, I have a Lyman manual that gives info from beginner to advanced. It will give you the knowledge base you need to get started. Things do happen. I have seen guns blow up from double charging (accidentally putting two loads of powder in a cartridge) and improper seating depth but these accidents would have been prevented if the loader were more attentive. With some progressive presses, it is almost impossible to make these mistakes. In the end though, it all falls on how careful you are. I wouldn't worry about harming your rifle. |
| Its not hard as it looks.You do have to respect it though.Dilion is great equipment ,but kinda high end to start with.Lee is cheap to start with and it works. i still have evry piece i bought and it still works. The best bet would be to find somone who knows the ropes and is willing to show you.I enjoy reloading almost as much as shooting itself.Between pistol and rifle I bet I've loaded over a 1,000,000 rounds. For those that scoff at that I used to shhot at least 4 times a week and then maybe 250-500 plus rounds at a time. i did this for several years before the family came along. One way to be a good shot is to buy 3 8lb kegs of W231 or Bullseye by that third one you are good or you never will be. To give you a clue something around 3 grain load in .38 special-4 or so in 45 auto, and 7000 grains in a pound. |
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A good rule to ALWAYS follow, is while reloading make sure you have NO distractions. Learning on a single stage press is a great idea, because if you think you threw a double charge or believe you made another mistake, it is easier to catch it, because you are going slower than with a progressive machine. Everyone makes mistakes. Thats why God invented bullet pullers! 
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+1 on the "no distractions" comment. <==RCBS Rockchucker, loading .308 exclusively I avoid the double-charge problem by prepping all my cases all the way until the powder step. Then I charge each case with powder and seat the bullet all in one step. Eyes never leave the case until the bullet is seated. No double charges, no squib loads..... |
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In reloading rifle cartriges, it's damn near impossible to double charge. As long as you are using rifle powder, the charge will very nearly fill the case. In some instances, you may even have a compressed load. If you double charged it, the powder would spill all over the place. Pistol powder is another story as 3-5 grains is all you use as referenced above. +1 on the Lee products as a starting point. Lee has an aniversary kit that has everything but the dies for under a hundred bucks. Then move up later to RCBS, Dillon or whatever you like. |
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Yeah, I'm planning on getting into reloading this year - and have been gathering stuff here and there... I still need to get a hand primer, a case trimmer, a tumbler, and some case prep tools - besides my dies... I picked up 1k of once fired .40S&W brass, and am planning on loading it for practice ammo - also going to load .45acp, .454Casull, .243, and .300WM - I figure those cartridges will cover alot of ground, and I can still buy 9mm, .308, and .223 pretty reasonably - for now... I've never reloaded, but have watched it being done a few times - and one of my buds, who is an experienced reloader, has volunteered to walk me through it - should be no sweat.... Good luck, - georgestrings |
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www.midwayusa.com and www.wideners.com are two great places to buy your reloading equiptment and componets. I reload 10mm .45 9mm .308 .300 RUM and .50BMG. Buy yourself a good press, scale and electronic powder despensor. It is easy once you load a couple thousand rounds. |
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Do start reloading. If you can program a vcr you are almost over qualified. I think one of the best reloading manuals is Lees Modern Reloading. It not only gives detailed how to info but has many chapters about the why and what for of reloading, things like calculateing reduced loads and explanations of why pressure doesn't increase in a staight linear fashion. But of course the book is prejudiced toward Lee products. I like most Lee products, they really are a bargin for the dies, hand primeing tool etc. but would advise staying away from the progressive presses. Don't be afraid to start off with a Dillon set up. the 550b will pay for itself in a very short time. If your new to reloading buy the video to go with the press. One of the best places for reloading equipment including Lee and Dillon is Grafs and Sons. Just google them. No shipping charge and most things only a 3.75 handling charge(and no sales tax) and their Dillon prices are lower than Dillons catalog price. Another good way to save on cost is shop around for a good sale on powder and primers and order the max that can be shipped in one package, this averages out the hazmat charge. One good saftey rule is to try and pick aload where the powder fills the case 50% or more that way if you do double charge a case it will be overflowing and no way you can seat a bullet. Also a case almost full of powder is usally more consistant and accurate. Just for your info of what you can do, last night I loaded about 500 rounds of 40 S&W in about 2 hours for about $25 not counting tools or brass. Thats also with bullets I cast with free lead |
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I reload everything for accuracy purposes and the savings are just icing on the cake. I have a RCBS rock chucker and a progressive unit from the same company. For safety: things to remember are ..... always look at the powder level in the case before the bullet goes in .... and never have more than one can of power on the reloading bench at one time .... and always wear safety glasses in case a primer pops! which is rare, I havent had that happen in 20 years. As mentioned above, having reloading manuals from all the major bullet manufactururs is very helpfull. A few from the powder manufacturers doesnt hurt either. |