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loading your own ammo

ginger49023ginger49023 Member Posts: 655 ✭✭✭✭
edited May 2010 in Ask the Experts
I am going to begin loading ammo for the first time and need some help.
I am brand new at this and will be loading slowly as speed is not important.

I will begin with 45LC, 45 ACP, 9mm .357sig and maybe a few rifle loads.

What brand or brands do I consider?

Do dies for various calibers from various manufactures fit all the brand loaders [are the universal so to speak]?

I need to be able to deprime the brass, prime the brass, measure the powder, etc. Cleaning the brass is not important at this point but, obviously, proper sizing the brass is important.
What it boils down to is a unit that is fairly simple, methodical that can accept a number of dies for various hand gun and rifle loads. I have no need for shotgun ammo just as a side note.

I am totally new, as noted, to hand loading so I need all the help I can get to be sure my first loaded ammo goes bang like it should.

thanks
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Comments

  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well, there is a separate reloading forum, but we certainly can handle general questions on this one.

    The first thing you need to do is buy a reloading manual. That will give you the basics of reloading, & "recipes" for specific loads that you must follow.

    MOST dies will work with MOST loaders. You may want to check with us before you make a purchase. While generally interchangeable, some dies have design features that make them work better in loaders made by the same manufacturer. I played "mix & match" for several years, then bought all new dies that match my loader & am much happier.

    Most of the equipment out there is good quality, so it's hard to go wrong. I eventually switched to Dillon, as they have some really helpful engineering tweaks; &, they have a nice video & give advice on the phone. Plus, they have a lifetime warranty, even if you are not the original owner; phone them, describe your problem, & they usually just ship the needed parts to you will question.

    Neal
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  • bingeebobbingeebob Member Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I started with a single stage press from Lee.

    If speed is not important, I would recommend starting with a quality single stage press. I am partial to Lee products, but my next press will be an RCBS, as they are built very strong and solid.

    A good scale is vital for safety!

    I would start by getting a copy of the Lee reloading manual, it covers every step in sufficient detail and contains a good wealth of load data.
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  • ruger41ruger41 Member Posts: 14,665 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    +1 on the Lee--I've been using a single state press from them(they also have a kit as do the other manuf. that has everything except the dies). RCBS & Hornady also make nice units. As neal said a manual is essential--Lee give you one with their kit. A current manual from Speer is also very good. Also most of the powder manufacturers have load data available. Just my personal preference on the Lee because I use their powder dippers which are a preset amount of powder(can't double charge with a dipper so long as after you put powder in the case, you put that case in a loading block and pick up an empty from say a bag, load it with powder, put on the block repeat. It makes it easy until you are ready to move up to a powder measure & use a scale.

    Most current pistol dies are carbide and don't require you to lube the cases although you can-especially if they are dirty. Rifle dies generally require you to lube the cases and you can do that in several ways, just make sure to do it or you will have a stuck case. Good luck & have fun!
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  • USN_AirdaleUSN_Airdale Member Posts: 2,987 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by ginger49023
    I am going to begin loading ammo for the first time and need some help.
    I am brand new at this and will be loading slowly as speed is not important.

    I will begin with 45LC, 45 ACP, 9mm .357sig and maybe a few rifle loads.

    What brand or brands do I consider?

    Do dies for various calibers from various manufactures fit all the brand loaders [are the universal so to speak]?

    I need to be able to deprime the brass, prime the brass, measure the powder, etc. Cleaning the brass is not important at this point but, obviously, proper sizing the brass is important.
    What it boils down to is a unit that is fairly simple, methodical that can accept a number of dies for various hand gun and rifle loads. I have no need for shotgun ammo just as a side note.

    I am totally new, as noted, to hand loading so I need all the help I can get to be sure my first loaded ammo goes bang like it should.

    thanks


    START HERE:

    http://jeffersonian.therealgunguys.com/reload/reload.html

    http://jeffersonian.therealgunguys.com/reload/reload-r.html

    http://jeffersonian.therealgunguys.com/reload/reload-h.html

    check out these suggested sites read them thoroughly and you will get the info needed, i also suggest you follow his advice given here:
    quote: I strongly advise carefully studying either or both of these books (or different editions thereof, or similar books) before starting to reload ammunition. You'll also need some load data books. Powder makers generally offer theirs free; many can be downloaded as .PDFs. The bullet makers sell the big expensive books, like the Sierra 5th edition (2003) shown here, but one of these at $30-odd will serve for many years. Older manuals, like the Speer 10th edition (1979) below the Sierra, can be found cheap at shows. You can't have too much load data.

    let us know if this has helped you OK ?
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  • beantownshootahbeantownshootah Member Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    There is a lot to describe here, but to make it simple, there are a number of good videos on "you tube" that walk you through the process, and its a lot easier to understand when you see it done, rather than just described.

    I'd suggest, when starting, to begin with ONE straight-walled pistol case to begin with to learn the ropes. Those are the easiest to reload. From your list, .45LC or .45ACP would probably be the top two choices (in that order). Once you've got a bit of experience with one, you can move on to others. Bottleneck rifle cartridges require a little more work than pistol ones.

    Nmyers has it right about dies and loaders. Years ago the various companies all went to a standard die size. For ordinary calibers, pretty much any die will work on any loader. Carbide dies are preferable, as they run smoother.

    Dillon and RCBS are probably the two highest-regarded brands for presses in terms of overall quality and durability, though Lee and the others will certainly work fine.

    If you REALLY want to start simple (and cheap), you can get a lee handpress kit for somewhere around $40:

    http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=624416

    Its a sparse kit, and pretty slow, but it will do what you need it to do, and it will quickly pay for itself with only a few boxes loaded.
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  • sandwarriorsandwarrior Member Posts: 5,453 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by ginger49023
    I am going to begin loading ammo for the first time and need some help.
    I am brand new at this and will be loading slowly as speed is not important.

    I will begin with 45LC, 45 ACP, 9mm .357sig and maybe a few rifle loads.

    What brand or brands do I consider?

    Do dies for various calibers from various manufactures fit all the brand loaders [are the universal so to speak]?

    I need to be able to deprime the brass, prime the brass, measure the powder, etc. Cleaning the brass is not important at this point but, obviously, proper sizing the brass is important.
    What it boils down to is a unit that is fairly simple, methodical that can accept a number of dies for various hand gun and rifle loads. I have no need for shotgun ammo just as a side note.

    I am totally new, as noted, to hand loading so I need all the help I can get to be sure my first loaded ammo goes bang like it should.

    thanks


    First, let me reiterate what nmyers said and that is to get a good reloading manual and read it first that way you have an idea what you are looking at.

    Then, most dies fit most presses nowdays. 7/8" diameter and 14 threads per inch. But there are still dies made today that are different from that. When you buy get a press that has that and dies that have that and you won't go wrong. Brands I would consider for a starter, RCBS, LEE, Redding, Lyman (but they do have odd sized older dies, buy only new), and Hornady. If you want to step up a bit in quality Forster and Dillon are good. I believe Dillon uses dies that have a different size. You would have to check that out. I do know their progressives are considered to be about the best.

    My personal best recommendation is the RCBS Rockchucker starter kit. They run a couple hundred but well worth it. Very durable. Or you could go a little extra and get the master kit and you won't have to buy much after that.
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  • Mort4570Mort4570 Member Posts: 472 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Here's how I'd start you out;
    Lyman's manual, my go-to book
    Lee manual for more info,and cross checking loads
    Rock crusher press,lasts forever,even a used on is ok.
    Hornady dies,easy to adjust seating depth. Lee for saving money
    seperate crimp die,makes die adjustmetns MUCH easier
    roll crimp die for long colt IF using lead bullets,especially in a carbine.
    scale,I like beam scales myself
    the most expensive powder measure you can afford..Hornady,rcbs..for better accuracy in drops
    dial caliper for measuring over all length oal
    loading blocks for standint the brass in when powder is added..home made is fine.

    buy a Lee cast iron press if RC is too much money,great press.
    The better the press and powder measure,the happier the loading experience.The mass of a cast iron press makes sizing operation flow like hot knife thru butter.it's worth the extra $$

    I"d start you with 45 longcolt,length variations seldom maatter..much..in that caliber.
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  • ginger49023ginger49023 Member Posts: 655 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks to all of you. Good info and i have lots to look over this summer before get ready to do this over another boring cold winter.
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  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'd start with 9mm and 45acp first because they are simpler to load.
    A lee starter set wouldn't be a bad idea.
    You will probably find after a while a single stage press is too slow if you do a lot of autopistol shooting.
    If you can afford a turret press at the outset, loading will go a lot faster.
    Dillon ($$) makes high quality high volume production presses.
    You will need a press, scale, powder measure, dial indicating caliper, dies, Inertia bullet puller, hand priming tool, Loading blocks, case trimmer, plastic ammo boxes and later a tumbler and separator for cleaning range brass.
    If you are going to make bullets, you will need a furnace and lubricator/sizer.
    If you buy lead bullets, those with tapered bases load easier and faster.
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  • melkormelkor Member Posts: 191 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    DO NOT RELOAD ANYTHING U ARE USING FOR SELF DEFENSE ! [xx(]

    USE quality tested FACTORY ammo in anything important. If U are just plinking or practicing using rounds and loads make sure thay are balisticaly the same as your factory REAL choice. Otherwise U will practice shooting incorrectly.

    Get the Lee Single Stage Aniversery Kit , and if U load autoloaders expect issues. I reload maybe 25 calibers 45 Colt , 44-40, 38-40. 32-20 348 Win 375 Win 38-55 47-70 308 30-06 45 Auto Rim 454 44 mag 357 mag 44 special 38 special 41 Colt 32 S&W etc etc .

    ALL SINGLE STAGE 1 double load , and U will KNOW WHY ! Get a real scale ELECTRONIC, Use the dippers to start with. DO NOT USE FEDERAL Primers Use Winchester or CCI NO real need for magnum primers.

    USE TITEGROUP whenever possible (DO NOT OVER CHARGE ) Get a tray for 50 and do 50 at a time, double or triple check the powder level. GET FACTORY CRIMP DIES !

    HAVE FUN ! [:)]

    DO NOT SMOKE WHILE LOADING BLACK POWDER ! WEAR SAFTEY GLASSES WHILE PRIMEING !
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