Info on Reloading

I’m thinking about getting into reloading rifle cartridges and need help of where to start and what all supplies I may need. Can anyone point me in the direction of where to find info out of where to start. Thanks in advance for all the help. Not really looking to spend a ton of money but would like a setup that’s worth the money. And I have not a clue where to start.

Get one of the Lee, Hornady or RCBS starter sets and a how to book, along with a loading manual. I bought everything piecemeal as I went along. Some of those kits have good presses like the rock chucker. I mainly use the Hornady loading manual and Nosler has load info on their website.

You can upgrade your press later. I started on a Lee Classic Cast, but moved to a Forster Co Ax years ago. Other nice upgrades are digital scales/powder trickler combos and nice hand priming tools. You will need a quality set of digital calipers as well. A lot of folks use tumblers to clean their brass. Main thing is to verify loads in actual load books or on official bullet manufacturer websites and don’t just use a recipe you found online that Joe Blow recommends. Do your research when it comes to loads. Start low and work your way up. I highly recommend Wilson case gages too. I individually check all cases in them after sizing. They allow you to check length and check uniformity for the chamber.

Lee stuff is very consumer friendly and designed for ease of use. I have a lot of their die sets, and they are great. RCBS stuff is great and they have never asked me to pay for any replacement parts I have ever needed. You really can’t go wrong with any of the major manufacturers.

Be safe. Reloading is a lot of fun and well worth the time. I get great satisfaction out of my reloads.

I would start with a RCBS rock chucker kit. IMO, the Sierra loading manual is a great guide to start with.

Be safe. Be wary of advice online. If you're new you won't be able to discern the good from the dangerous advice about safe loading practices. Don't take unnecessary risks and don't be afraid to come back here and ask questions. You WILL have questions.

Which cartridges are you going to be loading?

6.5CM and 308win. And I appreciate all the info you all have responded with

Couple of easy ones to load, although the optimal powder choices are different for each. H4350, R17 will give top velocities in the creed. Varget, R15, Imr4064 are always good for the 308.

Some things I would suggest buying which are not included in the kits.

A Hornady OAL gauge and bullet comparator. Easiest tool to use to steer one chamber length and determine optimal cartridge OAL.

You will need a case trimmer. Some kits may include this.

I also use my RCBS primer pocket uniformer tools quite a bit, especially on military brass. A good chamfer/de-burr tool is a must as well. A kit might come with one. I like Wilson chamfer/de- burr tools. I use Lee case trimmers. You buy the trimmer, then buy the cartridge-specific pilot gage and shellholder. It is easy enough.

I like my RCBS universal hand primer for priming cases.

I had an RCBS hand primer, but threw it in the garbage when I got the Frankford Arsenal hand priming tool. It is WAY better.

Look around for someone selling out. You will be able to get a lot more for your money. Lee is good basic stuff, that you may never find a need for more. I have a little of every brand, and they all make some good stuff. Be ready, its addictive and you can invest more than you can ever recoup quickly. SImmons in Bessemer has an EXCELLENT reloading section with about every powder, primer, and die set you can imagine in stock as well as books, accessories ETC. Several of the guys that work there reload themselves and are usually willing to help. It will definately help you to find a buddy close by who loads you can trade tools and knowledge with them. I don't think I have ever met a loader who was shy about talking about it..

Jason

I like my RCBS universal hand primer for priming cases. [/quote]
I had an RCBS hand primer, but threw it in the garbage when I got the Frankford Arsenal hand priming tool. It is WAY better. [/quote]

Yeah, I have both and like the RCBS better.

Buy as many manuals as you can afford and read at least twice before buying equipment. Hornady Rcbs Dillon all quality stuff. Yes I recommend a Dillon to a newbie because it flat works.

Go to this site and scroll down to the selling and swapping section, someone is always selling items perfect for getting started and sometimes a complete setup of dies, brass, presses, ect.

http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com/

Get a couple manuals, read them at least twice THEN buy a starter kit. I like RCBS but all of the brands will work well. As said before, get a Hornady overall length gauge and a set of comparators. Also you'll need a caliper to measure seating seating depth and overall length.

Reloading isn't difficult but can seem overwhelming with all of the internet experts giving their input. Just follow the manuals and always start low and work up your loads from there.

Other good options mentioned. I started with an RCBS Rockchucker kit. Really good start for me.