DaemonAssassin
Why should we Free BSD?
If you would like, I'd be willing to teach you how to reload, when you are ready to take the plunge and start reloading.
Single Stage Reloading Startup Items
- Thread starter DaemonAssassin
- Start date
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If you would like, I'd be willing to teach you how to reload, when you are ready to take the plunge and start reloading.
DaemonAssassin
Why should we Free BSD?
I learned how to reload on an RCBS RockChucker that is about 30-35 years old. My dad bought it way back then from The Gun Shack in Mt. Airy for 50-75 bucks back then. He then picked up the bolt on (?) priming system for 20-25 bucks more. My dad has reloaded thousands of rounds on his press, and I have reloaded thousands more on his press since he taught me how to reload.
Price is part of the equation, but never equate price with quality. A RockChucker will do the same thing as a Lee, Hornady, or a Lyman. Once you start getting up to the Forster presses, you are using them because you can't get _____ out of the RCBS/Lyman/Lee/Hornady. It is easier to start/learn on a run of the mill single stage press (that doesn't cost a small fortune) that will last you for many years, than something that you will never recoup your investment until you reach 20k+ rounds created.
DaemonAssassin
Why should we Free BSD?
I am adding this in the OP, so that you guys will know why I won't be around much during the time frame listed in this section. When I return I will edit most of that section from the OP.
TEMPORARY ADDITION: As a note to those who post up with things that I have missed/not added. I am not ignoring, nor rejecting your idea out of hand by not placing it in this post. I am updating/maintaining it in my free time around work, sleep, and family. I'm doing my best to stay on top of all suggestions, but sometimes I may let something slip through the cracks, and for that I apologize. Furthermore, I am giving 3 week notice to all members who wish for me to update/add anything, that I will be using just my phone to do minor updates/responses from 11/27/13-12/8/13. I will not be adding links, nor do any serious editing. It will just be simple stuff during deer season. All serious submissions need to be in by 11/24/13, so they can be completed before 11/27/13, or they will be taken care of after I return.
TEMPORARY ADDITION: As a note to those who post up with things that I have missed/not added. I am not ignoring, nor rejecting your idea out of hand by not placing it in this post. I am updating/maintaining it in my free time around work, sleep, and family. I'm doing my best to stay on top of all suggestions, but sometimes I may let something slip through the cracks, and for that I apologize. Furthermore, I am giving 3 week notice to all members who wish for me to update/add anything, that I will be using just my phone to do minor updates/responses from 11/27/13-12/8/13. I will not be adding links, nor do any serious editing. It will just be simple stuff during deer season. All serious submissions need to be in by 11/24/13, so they can be completed before 11/27/13, or they will be taken care of after I return.
- Feb 4, 2013
- 28,175
DaemonAssassin
Why should we Free BSD?
Added and credited. Thanks for granting permission to add it to the mega-post.
Thank you DA for taking the considerable amount of your time to elaborate on the initial steps of beginning to hand load. I know that most of whom are hand loading already grasp the reality, and necessity of the subject. In today's fragile world it is foolish to count on the convenience of purchasing ammunition anymore. Carry on.
Roadhawg
Bee Farmer
I bought my setup piece meal. Some of the kits have basic items. I opted for a better hand primer and digital scale.
Major03
Ultimate Member
I recommend linking up with someone to show you their process and then buying equipment piece meal. If you go with a kit, you'll likely buy some extras anyway to replace stuff & add to what you get in the kit, and in the end I don't think it's any cheaper.
One of the extras that you may want to consider is the Lee Universal 3 Jaw Chuck. You can put it in your cordless drill and it makes case prep a LOT easier and it's a lot cheaper than getting one of the case prep centers.
One of the extras that you may want to consider is the Lee Universal 3 Jaw Chuck. You can put it in your cordless drill and it makes case prep a LOT easier and it's a lot cheaper than getting one of the case prep centers.
Roadhawg
Bee Farmer
When I do case prep on smaller cases, I put my half inch drill in the large bench vise. Then install the small case cutter with case length gauge. Set it to low speed and trim cases.
DaemonAssassin
Why should we Free BSD?
I am willing to teach how to reload.
- Feb 4, 2013
- 28,175
Kit is nice to get enough stuff to reload at one time.
I started with a kit, and while some parts are not used, the cost savings was enough to make it work for me.
Piece meal may net you a better setup to start, but you are more likely to find you forgot something and can't continue.
I started with a kit, and while some parts are not used, the cost savings was enough to make it work for me.
Piece meal may net you a better setup to start, but you are more likely to find you forgot something and can't continue.
DA - Thanks for the info (and thread) - this is very helpful as I have ZERO experience with reloading and was looking for some direction. Looking to just do .308 for hunting with a Savage bolt so don't need a high volume setup.
Was eyeballing the Lee 4 turret press or should I just stick with a single stage press?
Was eyeballing the Lee 4 turret press or should I just stick with a single stage press?
DaemonAssassin
Why should we Free BSD?
Start off with a single stage and see if you want to go further. If you want to go further, them comes the discussion about turret or progressive presses.
Drop me a PM if you have any questions.
Thank you
Nice write up and thx for taking the time to help ppl who are interested in this obsession. The only thing that I would strongly disagree with is tumbling cases after you load them. The loaded rounds wont detonate in the vibe tumbler or anything but what does happen is the grains of powder will break down smaller and after a while turn to dust. That is not good at all. The pressures will not be consistent. The recipe for the load you are using calls for certain powders with certain grains. If you break down the grains then you throw off the whole thing.
L. Bottoms
L. Bottoms
DaemonAssassin
Why should we Free BSD?
You tumble after you fire the rounds, to clean the spent/fired brass, to prevent scratching your dies and the chamber of the gun. Also it makes the brass look good.
Can you explain where in my post that I said to tumble live ammo or even alluded to tumbling live ammo?
- Jul 29, 2014
- 50,067
