Reloading Advice

[NikatKimber]

I am considering reloading in the hopefully not so distant future. Any recomendations on a starter setup? Anything not to get? Tips? Also, what kind of time does it take to run off 250 or so? I will be reloading for 38 Special and 45 acp, any tips regarding those calibers in particular? Any thing to watch for? Thanks!
Brent

[ok_patriot]

powders that fill most of the case up will work best. Winchester 231 is pretty clean burning. I also like hogdon powders like Universal Clays. It is also a clean powder. Red Dot is another powder I usa a lot. It is very dirty, but gives very good results even with cast bullets.

I like lee equipment IMHO. I don't think a person should have to spend grest deals of money to reload. Lee is very good products for the dollar spent. A single stage press can produce a little ammo in a lot of time. The easiest step is reload in batches and steps.
1. Clean cases when you get home from Work(assuming you are using a tumbler and used brass). That way by the time you eat dinner 1 1/2 hours later you should have shiny brass.

2. Deprime and size and cut to length if needed.

3. PRime brass. These first three steps could easily run you 3-4 hours on a single stage press. I find it very stress releaving.

4. Select powder load, don't start at max charges. And weigh each charge and then after you have charged 50 cases or so double check by looking over the top of them and eyeball that they are all at the same level.

5. Seat bullets and crimp. The last two steps can take 1-2 hours. As your technique gets better, your speed will improve, but don't get in such a rush that you over charge a case.

If your loads exhibut no over pressure signs, then bump up your load if desired by 1/2 grain. You will quickly learn if you over pressure. Brass may not want to extract. Flattened primers.

Also if a round just doesn't sound right after firing, to weak, no recoil, then by al means check your barrell after unloading. Under charges are just as hazardous as over charges, sometimes more.:thumb:

[Buzzdraw]

Reloaders should always work from established suggested loadings in the manuals, using the specs as provided in the respective manual. Experimenting outside of the manuals can result in a KABLOOEY of property and/or personal injury.

Get a decent set of dial or DRO 6" calipers and a good reloading scale when you buy your press. You cannot safely reload metallic cartridges without.

Check everything to verify you are loading what you think you are loading. Always check to make sure you have the normal powder charge in each case.

Avoid distractions. I will reload with the radio/CD on but no TV and no visitors in reloading space.

A single stage metallic cartridge press is a way to start, but most everyone who shoots in volume ends up with a progressive, almost invariably a Dillon.

Have fun making ammo that shoots very well.

[NikatKimber]

Thanks a lot! Now what I need is a list of equipment that I will need.
Press? (does this include a crimper?)
Calipers? (I assume this is to measure OAL of cartridge after loading)
Scale? (any particular brand/model?)
Book on charges?
I am a complete newb to this, so assume I know absolutely nothing!!
Thanks again!

[ok_patriot]

NK- Try the manuals from Nosler or Hornady. I use both of there bullets with great results. Although there are many good refrences. 1 set of manuals will last for years, and make notes of your results.
A standard anniversary pack from lee can have most things you need to start with, add dies, manuals, Brass, Powder, primers and of course bullets and you are off and running. Midway has a set of calipers for about 20 bucks that are dependable for reloading. I have set that is nearly 10 years old, and they still work fine. www.leeprecision.com
Look here and see what might fit the budget, and style of reloading.
Good luck

[Buzzdraw]

Many of the powder mfgs offer free manuals. Keep what you acquire for posterity as powders come and go. Lyman manuals are useful, especially for lead bullet loads.

I have a load logbook that lists COL, taper crimp, powder charge, primer brand, case specs and chrono data. When I chrono, I note air temp, light condtions along with chrono data and accuracy testing.

A suitable pair of SS dial calipers can be had for as little as $25. You'll use to measure overall length, diameter, taper crimp, etc. Measuring tools most be handled gently and used carefully. They are not pry bars or letter openers.

Auto-pistols work best with a taper crimp; revolvers work best with a roll crimp. Remember you want pistol dies with a carbide re-sizer. My older dies are RCBS and newer are all Dillon. Redding makes good dies.

[olyeller]

Richard Lee's book, Modern Reloading is a good thing to read. Id suggest getting that first. It should answer all your equipment questions.
mike

[Wingman26]

A lot of us old reloaders have thrown out a lot of Lee junk over the years, best advice is to buy quality equipment up front, it's far cheaper in the long run to buy quality instead of price.

That comes under the category "Lessons learned the hard way!"

[7point82]

Several power and/or bullet manufacturers post their reloading data online these days so look around. I own a couple of reloading manuals but I always check the web out as well.

[ok_patriot]

hey wingman,
I will buy any of your so called lee junk. I have never had a problem with lee products. Their service is what has made me a loyal customer. I will put any of my Lee reloads up against anyones made with other equipment, or dies. This can go for pistol, Rifle, Shotgun. I am not old, but I have been reloading since I was 12, and that is 21 years worth. I have never thrown out a a piece of Lee equipment. I only own one other set of dies that aren't lee. I was going to custon order them, when Midway closed out some RCBS dies at 50.00. To good to pass up.

[olyeller]

ok patriot, I think you been hitting the red kool-aid too hard.
Lee's not bad, if moneys an option,

but, with respect, youd be crazy not to get a better setup, if given a chance, like if it was free.

[ok_patriot]

Red Kool-aid is goooood!

No you are right if something was free. I would be enticed to try it, but if I am spending my own hard earned green backs, then I am looking for the best bang for my buck. Lee products fill that gap for me. Like I said before, their customer service is what makes me loyal.

[olyeller]

I had Lee for a while, and I made it work alright, so if it aint broke.....