I've read through the FAQ's and most threads I could find that were relevant to what I need to do to start reloading.
First off, I do have a couple books headed my way for Christmas, the Lyman's book and the ABC's of Reloading, so those will be my main reference material. I just had a Dillon 550B delivered with 9mm dies for reloading, but still in the box - Merry Christmas to me. It may be a bit of overkill right now but I just might grow into it with four or five folks in the family that like to shoot. I'm not worried about starting with a progressive, I can learn that just as well as anything else as I'm not in a hurry.
I do have more questions, keep in mind they are prior to reading either of the books I'll be getting. I'm just looking for input to get some more knowledge/suggestions on a few things.
- Suggested local shops to buy powder in the OKC area? In the Tulsa/BA area?
- It looks like around $25-$35/pound on powder, regardless of brand, from what I've seen online, is this more or less typical? Are local prices similar?
- As I'm a beginner, I've read ball powders are easier to meter, should I work with one of those first? I'm starting with 9mm as I have the dies, but down the road will be doing .380, .38 Sp, .45 ACP and .223.
- I know it's a wide open question, but any powder recommendations? Regardless of caliber, pistol or rifle, I'm reloading for range shooting, nothing for distance (100+ yds) as of yet.
- CCI Primers? Cabela's has them 'on sale' per 1,000, are these really sale prices? http://www.cabelas.com/product/CCI-Primers-Per-1000/731748.uts?avad=48247_d7a7cd56&WT.mc_id=al35987&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF
- At some point I need to get a decent scale, calipers and most likely a tumbler, a case trimmer as well. Lots of choices out there and not a clue (yet) on which direction to go. I don't want to spend money unnecessarily but I also want gear that is useable, good and will last. I know everyone has an opinion for one over the other when it comes to anything, but opinions get me a starting point.
I think that's it for now, any other input that is relevant info is appreciated.
Thanks guys!
First off, I do have a couple books headed my way for Christmas, the Lyman's book and the ABC's of Reloading, so those will be my main reference material. I just had a Dillon 550B delivered with 9mm dies for reloading, but still in the box - Merry Christmas to me. It may be a bit of overkill right now but I just might grow into it with four or five folks in the family that like to shoot. I'm not worried about starting with a progressive, I can learn that just as well as anything else as I'm not in a hurry.
I do have more questions, keep in mind they are prior to reading either of the books I'll be getting. I'm just looking for input to get some more knowledge/suggestions on a few things.
- Suggested local shops to buy powder in the OKC area? In the Tulsa/BA area?
- It looks like around $25-$35/pound on powder, regardless of brand, from what I've seen online, is this more or less typical? Are local prices similar?
- As I'm a beginner, I've read ball powders are easier to meter, should I work with one of those first? I'm starting with 9mm as I have the dies, but down the road will be doing .380, .38 Sp, .45 ACP and .223.
- I know it's a wide open question, but any powder recommendations? Regardless of caliber, pistol or rifle, I'm reloading for range shooting, nothing for distance (100+ yds) as of yet.
- CCI Primers? Cabela's has them 'on sale' per 1,000, are these really sale prices? http://www.cabelas.com/product/CCI-Primers-Per-1000/731748.uts?avad=48247_d7a7cd56&WT.mc_id=al35987&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF
- At some point I need to get a decent scale, calipers and most likely a tumbler, a case trimmer as well. Lots of choices out there and not a clue (yet) on which direction to go. I don't want to spend money unnecessarily but I also want gear that is useable, good and will last. I know everyone has an opinion for one over the other when it comes to anything, but opinions get me a starting point.
I think that's it for now, any other input that is relevant info is appreciated.
Thanks guys!