what do you need to start reloading

[R.Walters]

first let me start off saying that i know nothing about reloading. my and my brother just bought two custom .308s and we want to start reloading but we dont know anyone that reloads so we thought SH would be a good start. we want to know everything you need to start reloading 308 match grade ammo. please help us out. thanks in advance, knab

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: what do you need to start reloading

Check this out first
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=96660#Post96660

 

[R.Walters]

Re: what do you need to start reloading

wow thanks. i just saw that thread as soon as i posted.

 

[5R Milspec]

Re: what do you need to start reloading

a lot of money.no really its just what kind of reloading you want to do.if you are going to reload for hunt'n you can get by with a simple start up kit.lee makes a good start up kit.the lee anniversary kit is what I started out with and I still use the scale and press.but if you are looking into benchrest shooting then you will need to put a lot of time and money into place.there are all kinds of small tools you will need.but you will have to work up to that because of the type of case you will be loading for.some cases need more tools that others.and with the prices these days it can run up a bill with just a few tols or components.bullets went up all so.and powder/primers are like gold in my area,if you have them you don't want to use them all up.but hey this is just MHO.the gents here are good people and when you have a question just ask and you may get the answer you are looking for. John

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: what do you need to start reloading

this is a good bit of info http://www.rcbs.com/guide/default.aspx

 

[Winchester 69]

Re: what do you need to start reloading

Ignore any positive comments regarding Lee equipment. It's cheaply made.

www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1466718#Post1466718

You'll want to consider Redding bushing and micrometer dies.

The RCBS ChargeMaster Combo is a practical alternative to manually weighing powder charges. A few, those who can afford it, use the Prometheus.

 

[CalmlyDeMented]

Re: what do you need to start reloading

The Lee Classic Cast is a good press. Lee powder dippers work well. Also the Lee autoprime performs like it should. Using any of these three Lee products will not hinder your ability to produce accurate ammunition. The first thing you should buy is a reloading manual, I recommend the Lyman. Read it a few times and you should have an idea of what equipment you need.

 

[jerseymike]

Re: what do you need to start reloading

I use a lee press and few lee dies for my 308 and all the ammo ive made through it shoots in the .300 range or less obviously once i have my load dialed in for whatever stick im using.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: what do you need to start reloading

Before you buy any hardware, buy a copy of the LYMAN's Centerfire Handloading Manual. Read every bit of the stuff between the data chapters. There will be plenty of time to look up loading data. Each of you read the safety chapters at least twice before buying anything else.

I may be wrong, but when two people both try to learn something technical, one will usually understand it better. If that happens, help your brother. Or let him help you. I tried for ten years to teach my brother. I finally gave up and just let him buy his components and I loaded his ammo.

Don't get in a hurry. Do it right. Be thorough. Be SAFE.

 

[raptorfendercash]

Re: what do you need to start reloading

sierra has a dvd called "Highpower Rifle Reloading" hosted by David Tubb.everything you need to know to get a good start is on it and makes it very easy for the beginer to get going in the right direction without getting any bad advice.i belive you can get it at GunVideo.com.

 

[chris112]

Re: what do you need to start reloading

Since two of you are doing it I would suggest that you get 2 different reloading manuals. Lyman is a good one and Lee also makes a good one. Each of you read one and then swap and read the others.

Decide for yourself about a given brand of equipment. I've seen people complain about every thing under the sun even if when you read the complaint they were just blowing hot air and in other cases had no idea what they were even talking about.

Make sure that you pay attention to the lead letters on any given powder load. There are several numbers that are used by more than one powder maker and the powders are not interchangable.

Check out YouTube. There are a number of reloading video's on there. At least one demonstrates the use of the Lee Loader.

BTW, in case you were wondering I started reloading roughly 39 years ago with a Lee Loader. Cost me $20.00 to get started which bought a Lee Loader, 1 box of bullets, 1 box of primers and 1 can of powder. The components alone would run 45 to 50 bucks currently. I understand inflation but still don't like it.

 

[Winchester 69]

Re: what do you need to start reloading

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CalmlyDeMented</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lee powder dippers work well. </div></div>
I use the product and agree. The primer pocket cleaner is another Lee success. Neither have any moving parts. The Lee AutoPrime II has a design deficiency.

www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1484484#Post1484484

Ignore any further positive comments regarding Lee equipment.