Just getting started
- Thread starter oneshot-1
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Re: Just getting started
Buy a Lyman's Reloading Manual and read it from cover to cover - the text part, not all the data portions. That will explain each step in the process, how and why you do it, and what tools you need. Once you get going, it will also be a good source for loading data.
Buy a Lyman's Reloading Manual and read it from cover to cover - the text part, not all the data portions. That will explain each step in the process, how and why you do it, and what tools you need. Once you get going, it will also be a good source for loading data.
Re: Just getting started
This is a very common question.
Start by reading; several reloading manuals (to get at the common info). I keep the Sierra and Nosler ones onhand.
Begin with basic equipment, dies, press, priming/depriming implements, and some means of basic handloaders' fired cartridge case cleaning. Specialized tools and techniques (like neck turning, runout management, etc.) are best left for after mastering the basic clean, deprime, resize, prime, powder charge, and bullet seating tasks. A powder scale and dial caliper will likely serve you a lifetime.
It helps to find an experienced individual who can mentor you in person, and yes, the NRA does certify folks as handloading instructors. Most of these tools and people can be located where handloading supplies are sold. TresMon is a poster here who has put together some very lucid articles on the subject; just bear in mind that his work covers <span style="font-style: italic">all</span> the bases, and some of that stuff you might want to ease into gradually.
If you haven't read all the articles/posts that are stickied to the start of this forum, you should.
Greg
This is a very common question.
Start by reading; several reloading manuals (to get at the common info). I keep the Sierra and Nosler ones onhand.
Begin with basic equipment, dies, press, priming/depriming implements, and some means of basic handloaders' fired cartridge case cleaning. Specialized tools and techniques (like neck turning, runout management, etc.) are best left for after mastering the basic clean, deprime, resize, prime, powder charge, and bullet seating tasks. A powder scale and dial caliper will likely serve you a lifetime.
It helps to find an experienced individual who can mentor you in person, and yes, the NRA does certify folks as handloading instructors. Most of these tools and people can be located where handloading supplies are sold. TresMon is a poster here who has put together some very lucid articles on the subject; just bear in mind that his work covers <span style="font-style: italic">all</span> the bases, and some of that stuff you might want to ease into gradually.
If you haven't read all the articles/posts that are stickied to the start of this forum, you should.
Greg
Re: Just getting started
Like everyone else said..read, read and read some more. There's a lot of good reading on here as well. But also consider what it is you want to do and how much you have to spend. Reloading for precision is a whole different thing from reloading quantity. With no experience, it's not a bad idea to get a starter kit. I started with a Lee 50th anniversary kit and for the money, it wasn't bad to start learning with. I'm moving on to bigger and better equipment, but the $100 was a good investment for the learning aspect of it until I found what I need.
Like everyone else said..read, read and read some more. There's a lot of good reading on here as well. But also consider what it is you want to do and how much you have to spend. Reloading for precision is a whole different thing from reloading quantity. With no experience, it's not a bad idea to get a starter kit. I started with a Lee 50th anniversary kit and for the money, it wasn't bad to start learning with. I'm moving on to bigger and better equipment, but the $100 was a good investment for the learning aspect of it until I found what I need.
