Reloading Info.

Joined
Mar 6, 2008
Messages
136
Hello All,

I want to start reloading. I have been thinking how this could save money on my pocket book. I dont know much about reloading my own ammo. Whats the easiest machine to use for .45 ACP , .223 , .30-06 . and .308. ? And how much would the start up cost be?

Are there any good websites or books for good reading.

Thanks for any info that you may have.
 
IMO, if you are serious about reloading, and want to reload in larger numbers, not, say, 10 rds at a time, get a quality progressive.

Dillon is the leading name in progressive reloaders these days. Do a google on Dillon Precision, should pull up lots of info.

Andy
 
Cool, thanks for the info.. I would probably be reloading .45 and .223 mostly. At least 100 to 200 twice a month.
 
Before you do anything about buying gear, buy at least
one good reloading manual. There will be a wealth of good instruction,
as well as SAFETY info.
 
Doing those two rounds I would recommend a Dillon 550B. I will easily handle both rifle and pistol and is a rock solid piece of gear. I do like Dillon machines and use the 550B more than any of my other loaders, it is the easiest to change calibers on. I would advise buying your components in as large a bulk as you can...prices are climbing on both ammo and reloading components.

http://www.dillonprecision.com/

I do a good bit of reloading as you can tell by my reloading room...lol...and there are two more presses out of the pic to the right!

reloadingbenchsmall.jpg
 
You might also like to consider going down to the local gun club and speaking to the members for some practical advice and lessons. It has been my experience that in virtually every club there are a few genuine experts who load for benchrest or other competition.Talk to the president of the club and ask if he/she can put you in touch with some of the local "guru's"
Actually seeing the process from start to finish and have someone explain all the little tricks and does and don'ts is invaluable. Then you can make an informed decision about press choice, dies, etc.....
It is an easy process but bad information or ignorance can result in a very steep and expensive learning curve.....
Good luck.....Steven;)
 
The two big questions, when it comes to reloading, are whether you enjoy the actual reloading process and whether it is worth your time. For some people, working a few hours of overtime each week can earn them more than they would save if they spent those same hours reloading. If you enjoy reloading more than you do working, then that's okay.

At the rate you shoot, you're probably not going to save much money by reloading. A decent progressive reloading setup is going to cost you at least $600 or $700, when you add up all the accesories you're going to want. That could buy you a year's worth of ammo, at least. Many people say that reloading doesn't save you any money, it just lets you shoot more for the same money.

You also have to consider your home situation. Reloading involves toxic and potentially hazardous materials. If you have kids, you need a place to set up your press that you can keep locked up, so they are not exposed to lead and explosives.
 
Lee makes some very good reloading equipment especially for low volume loading. one thing to remember always is that reloading is part dark art, and all precision, if a manufacturer says something that makes no sense, follow it anyway. I think its the only industry left that hasn't been totally over run by lawyers and when they say something, they mean it. And by all means, find someone who is well learned to teach you. I recommend "Modern Reloading" by Richard Lee. Lots of good info, and good recipes. have fun!
 
Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading is good.
Quickload(a computer program) is alright too.
 
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