Thread: Reloading begginer info needed

Righto, could anyone enlighten me on what reloading equipment I would need to start out reloading?
Have allways used shop bought ammo without any issues, but with old lock down I thought I would have been a good time to do some research on what to purchase, I hunt with 223 and 7mm08, any info would be greatly appreciated! All the best stay safe, be good and if you can't be good then be careful!!

I have just been gathering a bit of reloading gear together myself and $4000 later Im getting close.

In the current climate probably not a good time to start as its a sellers market and there is a shortage of everything but enough $ will buy anything.

Only advice would be to buy good quality but others on here will be able to help you better.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by 7mm Rem Mag

I have just been gathering a bit of reloading gear together myself and $4000 later Im getting close.

In the current climate probably not a good time to start as its a sellers market and there is a shortage of everything but enough $ will buy anything.

Only advice would be to buy good quality but others on here will be able to help you better.

Good luck.

Shit I got cracking for about $250

Originally Posted by Kelton

Shit I got cracking for about $250

That didn't even amount to 10% of my scales alone

Sorry 20%

Originally Posted by Kelton

Shit I got cracking for about $250

me to...and i actually LIKE the gear made by LEE...

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

me to...and i actually LIKE the gear made by LEE...

Lee make some good gear. Their single stage presses are awesome value for money and are right up there in quality. I spent a lot of time because I'm bloody minded getting an old Pro 1000 working properly after someone gave it to me in bits in a box but I would not wish one of those on a beginner. The Dillon 550 is twice the price but a superb bit of kit for volume. All my rifle loading I do on a combination of an old Lee 3 hole Turret, a Lee Challenger single stage cast aluminum press and a Lee heavy cast iron classic single stage. Only really need one but hey.... The old 3 hole turret is amazing for what it can put out for a cheap old press.

Greetings @Countryside,
I did a thread a while back on equipment for handloading and will try to dig it up for you later today. The first bit of advice on first steps is to try and find a mentor. This would be an older handloader who can take you through the steps so you understand the reasons behind them. They will also help you set up the equipment once you purchase your own. They will also have made mistakes in their early handloading years and can save you repeating them.
Regards Grandpamac.

Stuck case remover.

The advice I offered (just a couple of days ago):

Find a reloader locally who'll take you under his (or her) wing and mentor you.

Find & join a club & range, target shooting or hunting, locally where you can shoot and test your loads.

Listen carefully, think about it, use what works for you and your setup.


When you do buy stuff, buy quality. It pays off in the long run.

Think about your desired, required, accuracy. How much do you really need to do, especially in case preparation?

Online videos can be helpful, but again you need to filter out what will work for you and what won't.


If everything else fails ask here.
You'll get some useful answers, some less useful answers and some rubbish. You'll have to filter (again).

Be patient, no isn't a good time to be purchasing.
Keep a lookout for quality second hand gear.

Originally Posted by jakewire

Stuck case remover.

LOLLLL

Originally Posted by keneff

LOLLLL

Lee and Dillon dies have published methods for using the die itself to remove a stuck case. just read the directions BEFORE you commence operations. otherwise you're back to drill 'n tap...

what kind of budget do you have? I would probably look at the hornady classic reloading kit ($899), dies for each caliber ( $50-119) case trimming gear, probaly something bench mounted over the lee stuff ($150-300 ) decent set of calipers ($80+ ) then if you can find components thats probaly gonna be at least $300 for primers maybe 2 different powders and a range of projectiles, probably something else ive forgoten, but if your in no rush like I was I spent probably about 2 years buying used stuff at good prices at gun shows, this form, trade me etc and i got it alot cheaper...

I don't like buy once cry once. How can you buy once if you don't know what you want. Better to start off cheap (try someone else's gear, secondhand etc.) and then invest in quality once you have a good idea on what you want. Also don't be afraid of Lee.

As for minimal kit:

Chronograph or access to one (I consider this a must)
Reloading handbook or online data (from a reputable source)
Beam scales
Powder dippers
Press
Priming tool (if not included with the press)
Calipers (vernier or dial)
Case trimmer
Chamfer and de-bur tool, primer pocket cleaner (usually bought as a set)
Two die set (full length and seating)
Shell holder
Case lube

Extras:
Case neck brush
Bullet comparator
Headspace comparator (to setup your sizing die for maximum brass life)

Greetings @Countryside,
The thread I mentioned was called "Keeping it Simple for New Handloaders" and the last post was on 13/01/21. I suggest you have a look at it and (I can't stress this too much) find a mentor. Join one of the shooting clubs, NZDA or similar which should get you on the right track. I loaded my first cartridge about 1970 and I still learn things damn near every time I sit down at the bench. It is hard to provide the level of detail you need in posts or even threads and U tube can be good, bad or indifferent all in the same one. Getting a manual, mentioned above, is a good start especially one of the older ones. Most mentors, including me, just do it for the joy of seeing someone learn what can be an extremely rewarding pastime. In 1980 I subscribed to Handloader mag and still do. This has advanced my learning no end. You may not need much of what you may be told by some is absolutely essential kit. I am a very low tech handloader, originally out of necessity and more recently by choice. Please ask me any questions you have.
Regards Grandpamac